Sudath Mahanama from Sri Lanka

We heard from one of our great customers, Sudath from Sri Lanka recently. Sudath is a true Mini fan and has owned one for the last 25 years.

You might think it would be hard to source parts and accessories for the Mini over in Sri Lanka, but thanks to the great export team at Mini Sport makes this possible.

Anyway, enough of the chit-chat, let's look at Sudaths Mini;

I had my first Classic Mini in the year 1986.

 

In 2001, I rebuilt an Austin Moke and awardedas the "Best Moke" for two consecutive years in the Srilankan "Mighty Mini Club" annual show contest. (I will send you a picture of this Moke as well in a seperate mail)

 

In the year 2003, I bought my second Classic Mini and rebuilt again (after dimentalling all the parts totally), replacing most of the parts and accessories from "Minisport".  Ultimately the Mini became the most elegant butterfly on the Srilankan roads. (Color - Tahity Blue with Silver top)

This Mini won the "Best looking Mini" award in Srilanka in the year 2005 and 2007.

 

In 2002 - 2005 I participated in racing events held in Srilanka in my Moke and in another Mini made for racing only. I am very proud to say that I have won a couple of awards in racing in different tracks (Road and off road as well) in Srilanka. Even my wife won the ladies event once driving my Mini. Due to the busy working pattern nowadays, I had to quit from racing and keeping my hobby as it is, maintaing the Mini up to the toppest condition.

 

Two months back, I gave my dream car a full check up, removing all the parts in pieces for a perfect rebuilt. Color was changed to BMW Mini - Chilly Red with off white top and the new set of decals. (As you see in the pics)

 

This Mini specs as below,

 

1. Engine                - 1293 cc with fast road cam + Single SU 1.75 Carb

2. Suspension         - Adjusta Ride

3. Wheels               - 6 X 13  polished Superlight Alloy wheels

4. Tyres                  - Yokohama A539 175/50/13

5. Exterior               - Fitted the parts and accessories from Minisport

6. Interior                - Same as above

7. Extras                 - Air conditioned,  Sun roof fixed

8. Audio                 - Blaupunkt with JBL surround speakers

Mini Miglia Castle Combe - Round 6

Another installment from our top racing driver, Dave Drew in the Mini Miglia Championship from Castle Combe last weekend;

We have just completed Round 6 of the championship at Castle Combe, which was a very good weekend..! A very large spectator turnout and many visitors to the Paddock taking photographs, some little leagues getting autographs which made there day and to be honest mine too…! and we also run out of catalogues which can only be good news. 

Our qualifying session started with a wet setup and very soon in to it I found the sweet spot and recorded 2nd fastest and only 3 tenths of a second of Pole position. So well happy with that and for the first time this season we are on the front row of the grid and raring to go..!  The race got under way and was first off the line but couldn’t take track position by the infamous Quarry turn at the end of the straight, however managed to get a productive tow from race leader and take the lead on lap 2, which I held for the next 3 laps, lots of drafting and tactics going on but all clean and in order but eventually lost the lead and continued the chase, the crowd reacted to what was a superb display and we eventually finished the race with 3rd and a climb on to the rostrum. Commentator interviews were done and Mini Sport got a big mention of grateful thanks etc.

I have some great in car footage which I shall send to you, along with the weekends pictures and podium celebrations.

We're getting there and at the halfway point in the championship were lying 4th place, and in a strong position to win overall. 9 points separate the 1st 5 drivers..!

Best Regards

Dave 

Mini Miglia Pembrey - Round 4/5

The latest installment from our top racing driver Dave Drew from the Mini Miglia Challange at Pembrey;


Pembrey meeting went reasonably well, but lady luck still wasn’t helping Me.!  Qualified 8th from 19 starters, and started climbing the order in the race until lap 7 whilst running 5th, got a tap in the rear at the hairpin, that sadly broke the rear exhaust mountings, which allowed the exhaust to drag, with the eventuality of the Black & Orange flag being waved at me by officials to report to pits, as car in dangerous condition. Very annoying as we were in very good position, and would have finished higher than my championship rivals, which would have put me leading the championship..!

The Sunday race was great for the first 6 laps until the tyres went off due to excessive track temperature and couldn’t make any progress so maintained track position and finished 6th from 19 starters.

Currently lying 5th in Championship, but only 9 points off leader, but taking into account the compulsory drop scores tally, we are in 2nd overall at the halfway stage.  I’ve just had the car completely refreshed, re-corner weighted and new caster/camber settings applied as we were noticing abnormal tyre wear and heat cycles were all over the place, and I am testing this Thursday at Castle Combe ready for the next round, just to make sure that we are getting the best from the new setting adjustments.

As regards to the shirts, they were all perfect and we wore with pride in the Paddock and Club house. The magazines and stickers were going well and have had a few club members ask if there is any discount for Mini7 club members, of which I couldn’t answer but asked them to give your team a call to discuss etc.

Lots of interest with regards to the Mini Sport Vented Discs and 4 Pot Caliper’s that I am running on my Miglia, and questioned several times on the quality of the steering rack, which I highly rate. 


I will be in touch soon, all the best


Dave