Martin triumphs at Brands Mini Festival

| 24 Jun 2013

Celebrity chef James Martin was one of the winners during an action-packed Mini Festival at Brands Hatch on 22-23 June.

Martin scooped top honours in the Champion of 2013 Mini Festival race, having also taken part in the Sanwa Trophy Mini Endurance and the Mini Allcomers competition.

Speaking of his victory, Martin said: "I had no idea I was in the lead to be honest. All I could see was this pink Mini swarming all over me, but somehow I managed to pull away.

"I got through early, but then I didn't know who was behind me so I just tried to keep ahead. They had me on the corners and I couldn't have done it any quicker around Paddock Hill, that's a scary place, but it was so much fun."

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson was also racing, coming 18th and fifth in the two Mini Anglo French Battle races for pre-’66 cars.

The meeting featured two Mini Car Club Parades and attracted a huge number of Mini enthusiasts who packed both the South Bank and Grassy Knolls with a variety of rare and modified cars.

Away from the track action, activities included a Show and Shine competition, a funfair, trade stalls and numerous owners' club displays.

The next event at Brands for classics will be the Aston Martin Centenary Meeting on 6-7 July.

Pictures: Eric Sawyer