Comments by "Mike Hipperson" (@mikehipperson) on "Number 27" channel.

  1. The first all Mini race was held at Brands Hatch shortly after the car was first shown at the London Motor Show in 59. Top saloon drivers were invited along with a sprinkling of F1 drivers to take part. The cars were the basic 750 unit as John Cooper had yet to get his hands on one and they were on standard road tyres. The grid was decided on numbers being picked out of a hat so no one had the advantage of getting around the circuit for a practice session although I think some of the F1 drivers managed to entice dealers into giving them a test drive on normal roads. The cars were lined up for the start and Graham Hill was seen out of his car and talking to each driver in turn through the grid much to the consternation of the starter and the BBC TV commentator. He finally returned to his car and started up, the starter raised the Union Flag (no lights in those days!), the engines revved and the flag dropped. Immediately every car REVERSED about 5 yards! They all stopped, selected 1st and the race was on! Needless to say no quarter was given, bodywork was bashed, a few wheels fell off and I believe one was rolled onto its roof. I hate to think how much this promotional race cost Austin/Morris but the world fell on love with the little rollerskate!
    1