Category Archives: Racing

Miniology Radio Special Edition: Paddy Hopkirk

Miniologist Jessica Nelson presents this intimate and personal interview with Mini rally legend Paddy Hopkirk. Paddy tells us about his life in Buckinghamshire UK, his first date, his favorite charity SKIDZ, among other more MINI related topics.

This is a don’t miss episode of Miniology Radio! Paddy is such a charming and interesting fellow. Here’s to Number 37!

Mini Thunder IV bonus reel – interviews, pics, and video snippets

Miniology staff Jessie Nelson takes to Thuderhill Raceway to interview some of the sponsoring participants of Stormin’ Normans Mini Thunder IV.

We interview Mark from Big-O Tires in Healdsburg, Lyle Beckwith from Vinyl Styles, Eric Diamond and a first time driver who came all the way down from Toronto, Canada for the event.

Throughout the little video we have b-roll pictures and snippets from our day at the track, and end with a parade lap at 4x speed to give you a feel of what driving this great venue is like!

Big thanks to everyone who attended and made this video possible. A cameo of Mini Mania’s classic cooper and new coupe on display (which I got to ride a hot lap in, woo!) and other Mini goodness. Sorry for the wind in the audio, I was using my Samsung Galaxy SII to do all the video and there was no windscreen :P

MiniThunder Is Still Taking Reservations… and Niello MINI Joins In!

MINI Thunder IV registration is still open, but time is running out. If you plan to attend as a participant, please register now. Here is the link.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/49B7C819-C4FE-5848-30DEDFEB6E373235

If you are planning on attending as a spectator please consider joining the Niello MINI Caravan. MINI/Mini spectators are welcome free.

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Miniology Radio 011813 David Vodden

Stormin’ Norman interviews David Vodden, CEO of ThunderHill Speedway, in preparation for the upcoming MINITHUNDER IV.

Mini Thunder Registration Now Open!!

Join us for this all day track event of HPDI (High Performance Driving Instruction) at the SCCA track at Willows California.

This track was designed and built by the members of the San Francisco SCCA. It’s a wonderful track with great facilities.

We are limiting the number to 120 MINI/MInis. If we exceed the 120 we may make this a 2-Day event. We will have groups ranging from first timers to advanced.

The cost is $199 per entrant or $275 those that want to share a Mini. This includes loads of track time, turn workers, tow-trucks, flaggers, instructors, lunch, & T-shirts. For shared entries the 1st T-Shirt is included for the primary driver and the second to be purchased @ $20.00 in sizes of S,M,L, XL, 2XL.

For Shared Entries, each attendee must register themselves, even if you are sharing a car. On the registration form, the first entrant should select the Shared Mini option and pay the total fees of $275. The co-driver, or second entrant should select the Co-Driver option ($0).

T-Shirts will be available in sizes small, medium, large, XL, and 2XL, larger shirts (3XL, 4XL, etc) must be purchased in advanced and will be at $25 ea.

This event is for MINI/Mini Coopers only, any model or variation. You will see other makes and models entered. These are coaches and will be running in the coaches/race-prep group, NOT with Beg, Int., or Adv.

Registration Website: http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/49B7C819-C4FE-5848-30DEDFEB6E373235

Information Website: www.minithunderhill.com

Jacques Andres Revs Up Super R53!

Race the R53 in the US may not be completely over. Check out the twin engine R53, 500 HP, 4 WD MINI that Jacques Andres is building for competition in the unlimited class for the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Get the whole story with an interview with Jacque in Miniology’s December Radio Show
This MINI will compete with the big bore Corvettes and BMW’s in the grueling 25 Hour Enduro Race at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Although this Mini won’t be finished for this years race coming up on Dec 8-9, look for it to be competing shortly. We need to rally the Mini enthusiasts to support this effort. How much fun will it be to see a MINI blow past a Corvette going down the straight.

Story and photos will appear in Motorwerks Magazine.