Zandvoort, Netherlands (4:00 PM, Sunday, 24th June) – Yes, Brits love to talk about the weather and we are keen to support the stereotype because it is today’s main worry. Although the conditions continued to be anything but ideal for auto racing, the MINI Challenge went ahead as planned, although slightly later than scheduled.
This is the main event here at MINI United and the crowds have proven their loyalty by sticking it out despite the downpours. Thankfully, the storms broke long enough for a a full 30-minutes of exciting and action-packed racing. Although a few cars were damaged in the spirit of the event, the commentators praised the drivers for their gentlemanly conduct on the track.
Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen proved his consistency as a competitor. After winning yesterday’s practise and first race, he handily managed to do it again today. For reward he won the trophy an more importantly, as he powered his red MINI to victory, was greeted by colossal cheers by the excited crowd.
MINI CHALLENGE -- TOP 20 FINISHERS
|
NAME (COUNTRY) |
LAPS |
TotalTIme |
Best time |
TOP speed (mph) |
1 | Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands) | 15 | 30:52.839 | 2:01.713 | 127.391 |
2 | Alexander Burgstaller (GDR) | 15 | 30:53.245 | 2:02.379 | 126.698 |
3 | Maximilian Werndl (GDR) | 15 | 30:56.447 | 2:02.356 | 126.722 |
4 | Johannes Stuck (GDR) | 15 | 30:58.206 | 2:02.126 | 126.961 |
5 | Hari Proczyk (Austria) | 15 | 31:01.511 | 2:02.420 | 126.656 |
6 | Ben Spouse (UK) | 15 | 31:02.262 | 2:02.527 | 126.545 |
7 | Carlo Bermes (GDR) | 15 | 31:05.487 | 2:02.786 | 126.278 |
8 | Stefan Neuberger (GDR) | 15 | 31:11.478 | 2:03.237 | 125.816 |
9 | Michael Seifert (GDR) | 15 | 31:17.304 | 2:02.997 | 126.062 |
10 | Remo Friberg (Switzerland) | 15 | 31:18.217 | 2:03.080 | 125.977 |
11 | Roland Hertner (GDR) | 15 | 31:25.389 | 2:03.590 | 125.457 |
12 | Oliver Götz (GDR) | 15 | 31:25.972 | 2:03.809 | 125.235 |
13 | Katharina König (GDR) | 15 | 31:26.090 | 2:02.861 | 126.201 |
14 | Joakim Mangs (Sweden) | 15 | 31:26.189 | 2:02.586 | 126.484 |
15 | Thomas Neumann (GDR) | 15 | 31:26.581 | 2:03.770 | 125.274 |
16 | Jürgen Schmarl (Austria) | 15 | 31:27.133 | 2:03.108 | 125.948 |
17 | Alexander Janssen (GDR) | 15 | 31:41.265 | 2:04.939 | 124.102 |
18 | Stephan Jilka | 15 | 31:48.534 | 2:04.613 | 124.427 |
19 | Thomas Fürst | 15 | 31:51.080 | 2:05.139 | 123.904 |
20 | Peter Nikolaus Enders | 15 | 31:51.102 | 2:05.262 | 123.782 |
So, it is now 4:00 (PM) and time for the MC2 team to pack up the pavilion. Neil, MINI and I have a long journey back to the UK.
With the storm clouds brewing and the MINI Challenge over, some people decided to venture back to their own MINIs and start the journey home. However, many fans hung around for the official awards ceremony, held in the main tent, so the competitors received warm rounds of cheers and applause. With the ceremonies finished, Circuit Park here at Zandvoort is now emptying quickly.
This didn’t mean that the MC2’s pavilion has been deserted. Not only did we meet many new faces, but we had many repeated visits, especially from our American friends, but it was our red-shirted Russian friends, who returned to be photographed with MC2, that reminded us that the love for MINI really is global.
We also were honoured with a visit from a very special Mini, a classic model “Grand Prix” special edition that is one of only thirty-five built. In addition, we photographed many exiting cars, so look out for these in the next edition (issue #10) of MC2 magazine.
But we aren’t heading back tonight. We have had such an exciting time at MINI United but we are staying over in Amsterdam for one more night – just long enough to recover for our journey home to England's West Midlands.
But, fear not faithful readers! This is not your last update. As we drive through Holland, Belgium and into the UK on Monday (25 June), we will reflect on our experiences of MINI United and the great friends we have made.
Ciao!
Submitted by:
Rob Marshall and Neil Jefferies
Your MC2 team at Zandvoort