The championship :-
Consists of 10 races of which your best
8 results count towards your championship total. In theory if you did the
first 8 races and won them all, you could have a rest at the end of the season !!
This scoring system helps if you have a couple of bad races. Still keeping you up there
nearing the end of the season, as dropped scores start to come into the
equation.
The system has the effect of closing up the championship near the end, and can
often lead to the title going down to the last race , sometimes even the
last corner of the last race.
All cars entered for the race must first pass "scrutineering", for many this can be the most nerve racking part of the day. The driver has to "Sign On" showing they have the correct grade of racing license and registered for the appropriate championship. At scrutineering , which is like a mini MOT (if you pardon the pun) the car is checked for safety, lights , seat , seat belts , drivers overalls and helmet , roll cage, wheels tyres and basically making sure nothing is about to fall off the car! You are then issued with a ticket. From then on its all downhill, just qualifying and the race to go.
Qualifying:-
Each race is given an allotted time to qualify , usually 20
minutes. In which the driver tries to set their fastest time to determine grid
positions.
Unlike oval racing, the fastest drivers start from the front. A drivers single
fastest lap is counted. Adjustments to the car can also be made in the pit lane.
Most cars have onboard lap timing, so the driver is aware how he is performing.
This accounts for why you might see a top
driver trundling round slowly for a couple of laps. Saving wear on the car and
keeping an eye on the opposition's times.
Race:-
The format for all races follow the same basic rules. For
Minis
the races are normally about 15 laps and last around 20 minutes.
On leaving the pit lane the drivers form in their grid positions . Countdown
boards from 3 minutes are then shown. They are then flagged off onto a final
warming up lap, returning to their original grid positions . When every car is
back and stationary the red lights come on, changing to green to signify the
start of the race. Its then a bit of a free for all as the race is under way and
a mad scrabble for the first corner. The chequered flag signifies the end of the
race, a slowing down lap is then completed before returning to the
pits. The first three drivers normally go to the podium for a bit of jollification
and champers.
Want to come along ?
To introduce yourself to the world of mini racing have a look at
the calendar
and see which meeting you can get along to.
You can follow the circuit web link to get details about the event. The
programme of events can also be found on the
motor sports timing web page.
Detailed information is also available from this web site regarding qualification,
race results etc. One word of warning, the programme timings can and often do
change which the Mini Se7en Racing Club have little control over.
The Mini racing fraternity has the reputation for being one of the most helpful and
friendly clubs around. Often drivers helping fellow competitors to make
sure they all race.
Most drivers are more than happy to answers questions and in some cases
you might not be able get away from them !
So come along and join in the fun, watching one of the closest and most exciting
forms of saloon car racing.