I jumped in the beast and zoomed off towards Oulton Park only to get within earshot and become confused by some rather random signage?? Apparently not the only one as I passed a Ferrari and a Cobra driving a similar direction. A quick glimpse of the race track and I managed to find the elusive entrance.
I reached the gates and realised that Kit cars got in for £5 cheaper entrance. The Marshall asked if my car was a kit car, I innocently replied “Does it count as a kit car if you re-shelled the car?” (not that I had, but worth a shot). Apparently not! I then asked if I got a discount for driving such a cool car, another “No”, the guy was paying hard ball! Ah well, £10 lighter and I was in.
I met up with Mini Mad Me and Mini Sprocket in the pit lane and immediately notice 2 rather impressive minis on the circuit, one VTEC and one bike engined beast.
The amazing engineering that s Z-cars:
As my official role on the forum I felt it only proper that I have a go in both minis and let you, the members, know my impressions of both minis.
Me and the top chap Chris, discussing technical mini things (maybe
well looking professional at least):
Z-Cars – VTEC mini
Who's been sitting in my seat:
Well after discovering that the person who used the harness before me thought the lap belt went under their armpits!!, I was ready to rock and roll. Off we set and immediately all my senses told me that this was a serious bit of kit car. The sheer acceleration pushes you back as corners approach you a little faster than in my 998 (Only a bit mind). Speeds of 70 are reached within seconds and reduced by the phenomenal brakes just as quickly.
Just looks so good!!:
With a rather strange looking smart kit car in our sights it was time to take on the track. Not a problem in this machine as it gobbled huge section of the track with ease. We were soon trailing the smart kit car like an Exocet missile and only backed off due to oil on the track (who put that there?!?!). We approached the main straight that ran along the pit lane doing a sedate 70-80 mph when as Chris was about to change to 5th the gear stick slipped and he put it in 3rd!!! Well that was a new one for my and as the mini started to shake violently from side to side I became less comfortable with my new found profession! but Chris case on the case and quickly realised what had happened and managed to find the right gear, phew!!.
Another fast lap was then completed with my admiration for this fantastic car at maximum. Then it was time to head back to the pits and try another Z-Cars creation......
Z-Cars – R1 mini
Posing?, who me??:
After the long anticipation I finally sat in the monstrous mini. We set of on a slightly damp track so Chris was taking it easy!! I spent the first few seconds of the ride trying to work out why the only dial on the dash went from 9000 to 15000?? I’m sure some of you more quick witted folk have worked out it was indeed the tacho!!! Yikes!
Me and Chris who can build a superb car, and isn’t to shabby at driving them very fast!:
Well after a brief wait for the marshal’s to clear some road kill (r.i.p. little pheasant) we were off! My first reaction as we launched at the track and the engine let out a ferocious war cry that leaves you with no illusion that you’re in a normal mini. I thought the VTEC was fast.....well it just went to the next level.
This mini was meant to race and even in the rain you could just sense the cars potential. Its stuck to the track even when it was thrown into very challenging twisties at Oulton Park. The acceleration was immense, braking superb, but for me, it was all about the noise!!! (Very technical I know) no need for a stereo with that soundtrack!
I can now see why Ade wanders about with that silly grin on his face now!
General Impression:
The mini are a superb examples of British engineering and speed. If it’s a super fast daily drive you want then id be tempted by the VTEC mini and if you desire a track day warrior then it has just got the be a bike engined beast!
For more information go to Zcars Minis
Many thanks to Chris and Simon of Z-Cars for making this possible and Mini Sprocket for the photos.
The beast and MiniSprockets mini at Oulton Park:
