London To Brighton Mini Run 18 May 2008
If I ever suggest that people meet at 0630 to go to a show, please will somebody slap me very very hard? It’s too damned early!
I am told that 2,100 cars were scheduled to attend the event, some 1,900 at Crystal Palace to do the run to Brighton on Sunday and a couple of hundred (including 6 cars from P&S MOC) went straight to Brighton to set up club stands on Madeira Drive.
The first cars were released from Crystal Palace at 0830 and I am sure that they must have broken speed limits as we saw the first runners appear at Brighton about an hour later!
The usual awesome organisation from London & Surrey Mini Owners’ Club saw the whole event run with only the minor hiccup, not even worth mentioning. During the day there were auto testing displays, dog control, a charity auction (from which I believe there was just over £3,000 raised) and of course, the soap box derby.
Ten teams entered, one came out victorious. 4 gokarts broke wheels or body work. The event was won by Modified Mini Owners’ Club, beating P&S MOC by just three tenths of a second over three heats. Damn that was close! We had a great giggle and although there was lots of puffing and panting for two smokers and an old bloke we were (and are!) pleased that we gave the nippers a run for their trophy. A few photos from the day:
P&S and the Mini Heroes tractor. The heaviest go-kart at the event and we still got second place!
If anyone can identify the paint code for the purple Mini in the last picture it would be much appreciated!
I had to put this one in! Me and my unmistakeable trousers sat in Wayne’s hot rod. I just love the suicide doors and the the original seats and their cracked leather just suit it perfectly. I am hearing rumours that the car might get a mag feature. Keep my fingers crossed for you buddy!
Bring on next year - we’ll beat the MMOC!
More piccies are available from the flickr set for the event.
Collin is A former chairman of Portsmouth and Southampton Mini Owners' Club, certified Mini Loon, and not all that knowledgeable. He writes these articles purely for enjoyment and currently gets no recompense for all his sterling work. Maybe one day his efforts will be rewarded either financially or sexually. If you see anything wrong in any post, please leave a comment on the post or use the contact form link below.
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August 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
What a brilliant weekend that was, as usual. Even had great weather this year too! Had my best run time ever, got to Madiera Drive at 10:30am which is unheard of as i don’t usually get there until after lunch…and i was keeping to the speed limits and not pushing Meanie as he has been known to get a little bit hot and bothered on the run. Didn’t even get stuck in any traffic!
As for the soap box challenge…well done guys! I have it all on camera, so close!