MiniWorld July 2019 83
Words: Bill Bell. Photos: Ian Sims.
MK1 Performance
Conversions Action Day
Great display
of Minis from
non track day
participants.
T
he Mk1 Performance
Conversions Action Day has
become a must-attend event
over its six years. It is unlike
any other classic Mini date on the
calendar with its informal, motorsport-
focused, friendly atmosphere. It
is reminiscent of paddocks in the
Mini’s heyday. Running, as usual,
over the bank holiday weekend at
the start of May, this year’s event
took place over two days.
There were static displays of Minis
and derivatives and an open pit lane
track day, all at the same venue of
Blyton Park Circuit in Lincolnshire.
There were guest speakers from the
world of Mini motorsport from years
gone by and busy traders selling
lots of parts all weekend long.
This year saw a real international
fl avour with attendees from
Portugal, Holland, France,
Germany and Isle of Man.
A sunny and dry Saturday morning
saw 52 cars booked in for track action
on the technically challenging, tight
and twisty Eastern Circuit. Early
morning sign-on was followed by
sighting laps in two groups to see
the layout of the day’s track.
An open pit lane ran from 9.50am
until 12.30pm, with a one-hour break
for lunch fi lled with a parade lap for
visiting Minis, followed by prizes
being presented by two Mini rallycross
stars ‘Jumping’ Geo Williamson
and George Jackson. Track action
resumed at 1.30pm until a 5.30 close.
The legendary Christabel Carlisle
was guest speaker for the evening,
giving a wonderfully witty, fascinating
and inspiring insight into her Mini
racing career and what it took
regularly beat the established male
drivers of the day regularly.
Day two started dry and saw 32 cars
on the Outer Circuit with the forecast
rain arriving mid-afternoon. Some
very brave souls stayed out on track in
very challenging conditions to fi nish
a wonderful weekend of classic Mini
action which raised a staggering £2565
for support of Cancer Research UK.
Find out more at: http://mk1-
performance-conversions.co.uk
John Fisher's recently discovered yellow barn
find Peel Viking on the Mini derivatives stand
It was great fun on track, with
a diverse selection of Minis.
Guest speaker Christabel Carlisle flanked by
organisers Pete Flanagan (left) and Mark Forster.
The Gray
brothers take
a rest from the
track action.