If only it didn't clash with Goodwood Revival...

Very fond memories of The Glen in '02 - aside from the fun of meeting up with so many likeminded nutters and trundling round the track, it was the weekend I proposed to Suzy...

Hoping to make it, but can't commit just yet, too much other stuff going on at the moment.  Does anyone know of any Minis that will be for sale there?

Campsite booked. The usual suspects are ready to go. I can't wait. This is my favorite weekend of the year!

I just purchased my VIP Mini Festival Enthusiast ticket. This one sounds like it will be bigger and better than the last time we Minis were there as the Featured Marque back in '02, and that one was pretty darn good. Looking forward to seeing bunches of you there.

We are proud to announce that "The Legend" Paddy Hopkirk is coming to the vintage Mini races at Watkins Glen International Sept 7,8,9, 2018 as our Grand Marshall. This should turnout to be a great event for racers and fans.  Here is more information on the event. For fans please use  VIP Mini Festival Enthusiast Ticket package to buy tickets and register. For racers, please use the SVRA website: SVRA website

Watkins Glen Mini Festival announces official Grand Marshal!

The “Mini Legend” Paddy Hopkirk, one of the most successful rally drivers of all time, has been confirmed as Grand Marshal for the Watkins Glen Mini Festival!

Paddy began winning rally events in 1955, becoming synonymous with the Mini Cooper after winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally with co-driver Henry Liddon in a Mini Cooper S, registered as “33 EJB”. That Monte Carlo win was but one event in his illustrious motorsports career, which included fifteen competitive seasons as a Works driver for Standard-Triumph, Rootes, and BMC. Paddy’s incredible driving talent resulted in a series of outright victories in major rallies and races around the world. He was inducted into the Rally Hall of Fame in 2010, and continues to be very involved in motorsports today, both as a brand ambassador for MINI and Mini Sport Ltd, as well as promoting his line of specialty automotive products, regalia, and memorabilia. Visit Paddy’s website for more information.

Paddy will be attending the Watkins Glen Mini Festival from Friday, September 7^th to Sunday, September 9^th. He will present trophies during the podium celebration awards to the winners of the all-Mini feature race held on Sunday, and will host a VIP autograph session in the exclusive Tower Suites on Saturday. “It is an immense honor to have Paddy Hopkirk officiating as our GM. His iconic status as a Mini race and rally driver is truly legendary. We are thrilled to have a man responsible for so much of the Mini’s history serving as Grand Marshal. He has meant so much to the motorsports community and to Mini/MINI owners and enthusiasts around the world through the years.” comments Rachel Nelson, Event Chair.

There are two ways to access Paddy Hopkirk at Watkins Glen:
Mini Racers: visit the SVRA website to register your race entry. You cannot afford to miss competing in this premier all-Mini race, and have an opportunity to compete to win a trophy presented by the “The Mini Legend” himself, Paddy Hopkirk! If you only do one race in 2018, make this your bucket list event!

MINI/Mini Enthusiasts: purchase the VIP Mini Festival Enthusiast Ticket package, and enjoy a thrilling weekend of racing action, including an ultimate fan experience with Paddy Hopkirk in the comfort of the trackside Tower Suites at Watkins Glen on Saturday, September 8th! Tickets are very limited, so reserve your experience today!

About the Watkins Glen Mini Festival – with SVRA:
Mini has been designated the official featured Marque of the SVRA Vintage Grand Prix event! Please join us September 7th – 9th 2018, at the historic Watkins Glen circuit in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State for this premier Motorsports event.

Professionally sanctioned by SVRA, the US Vintage Grand Prix offers competitors an outstanding organizational racing experience at one of the most celebrated and historically significant race circuits, one of only two original F1 race courses in North America. The track is ideal for Minis, challenging racers with twelve turns, at least six degrees of banking in all corners, an average of thirty-four feet of track width, significant elevation changes, and 3.4 miles in length. The track has recently been paved; certainly a “bucket list” circuit for any racer. Trophies will be awarded by the legendary Paddy Hopkirk to the top three finishers within each class: D-Sedan (engines up to 1100cc); C-Sedan (engines up to 1380cc); and SCCA GT4/5/Lite (current and past GT4/5/Lite cars, or any engine exceeding 1380cc).  Please note: no forced induction, non-A series engines allowed.

Enthusiasts will enjoy three days of viewing the most exciting Vintage racing action imaginable from vintage Formula 1 to Can-Am, Trans-Am, sedans, and sports cars. The US Vintage Grand Prix attracts some of the most historically significant and impressive Vintage race cars in the US and Canada, guaranteeing motorsports variety in every form on track and in the paddock. There will be dedicated Minis-only races on the schedule; a tribute celebration of the Mini’s impressive fifty-nine years in motorsport, encompassing all eras of competition from mild to wild. The action on track and off is sure to be thrilling to watch!

About SVRA:
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) is the largest and one of the oldest Vintage racing organizations in the United States. Originally called the Southeast Vintage Racing Association, the organization was founded in 1981 by Ford Heacock III following the success of the Kendall Vintage Grand Prix held as part of the annual 12 Hours of Sebring. With an initial membership of approximately 25 drivers and supporters, the organization has become the premier vintage racing organization in the United States with over 2,500 licensed competitors. Currently SVRA conducts Vintage events at legendary race tracks throughout the country, including Road America, Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Auto Club Speedway, and Virginia International Raceway. In its first year, the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway immediately became the largest Vintage race in the United States, drawing over 700 entries. Additionally, The U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship has become a premier event in American Vintage racing, drawing over 450 participants to the Circuit of the Americas track each fall, with racers seeking one of the 30 plus National Championships. At the heart of SVRA are the core values that our events will provide; Safe, Fair and Fun competition for the enjoyment of our competitors, their crews, and our fans.

Questions regarding race entry, please contact: 

Rachel Nelson
Event Chair
Watkins Glen Mini Festival - with SVRA
Facebook: @WGMiniFestival
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-520-7167 (EST)

Question regarding Fan attendance, please contact:
Norman Nelson
Watkins Glen Mini Festival - with SVRA
[email protected]
530-246-9943

Media inquiries, contact:
Ian Rae
Editor
Motorwerks Magazine
Watkins Glen Mini Festival
[email protected]
905-467-5148