World’s biggest grid of racing Minis set for Silverstone Classic

A host of special races to celebrate the Minis Diamond Jubilee will be held at this year’s Silverstone Classic. Two record-breaking races will see huge grids or racing Minis compete for The Mini Celebration Trophy over the weekend of 26-28 July.

The Mini double-header action will star on all three days at the Classic with qualifying on Friday and 20-minute showdowns on both Saturday and Sunday.

First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever but also became a classless British style icon in the Swinging Sixties. Designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by the Sir Alec Issigonis, the car quickly became a hot favourite with racers thanks to nimble-handling.

Three famous Monte Carlo Rally wins plus numerous giant-killing successes on the race track didn’t hurt the Mini’s reputation, either.

Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO, said, ‘With so many evocative examples in existence, we are expecting to create what will be the world’s biggest-ever field of racing Minis.’

This summer’s duo of Diamond Jubilee duels are being organised by Masters Historic Racing and will feature competition cars dating back to the pioneering Mini’s original pre-1966 era.

A raft of evergreen Minis will also feature in special track parades and in dedicated in-field displays organised by members of prominent motor clubs representing all generations of the revered marque through the ages. 

Visitors keen to join in the festivities at the festival must buy their tickets in advance and can take advantage of the Early Bird offer on tickets when purchasing before the end of March.

All tickets grant access to trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, both racing paddocks, plus the vast majority of the fun-fuelled family entertainment on offer at the ‘rocking and racing’ classic.