Burlen to promote historic Mini race at Brand Hatch

carburettors, is gearing up to promote the flagship race of the Brands Hatch Mini Festival at the iconic race track in Kent.

The Salisbury-based company is promoting the Historic Mini Races at the event, which will be named ‘The SU Carburettors Cup for Pre-66 Minis’ in the eagerly anticipated 2017 edition.

The annual Brands Hatch Mini Festival celebrates one of the greatest creations in British automotive history, with demonstrations, races and stunts throughout – and nothing is more looked forward to than when the historic Minis do battle.

Burlen has split this year’s Pre-66 race into three separate 15 minute legs, adding up to a 45 minute competition for the teams to tackle and fight for the coveted trophies – which will be made out of parts of a carburettor. Prizes will be awarded to the podium placers in each of the leg, together with the overall champions.

This new race format is expected to ensure the racing is kept close throughout each leg and provide some truly ‘edge of seat’ moments as drivers battle for the lead within a shortened timeframe.

Minis have played a substantial role in the success of the SU carburettor and the classic Brit currently represents around 15-20% of Burlen’s yearly SU carburettor and spares sales. Plus, all cars on the Pre-66 grid will be fitted with a pair of H4 SU carbs to comply with the FIA Appendix K rules, putting the SU carburettor right at the heart of the action.

As the highlight of the Brands Hatch Mini Festival, the Historic Mini Races have been known to draw some big names over the years, including TV chef James Martin, former AC/DC front man Brian Johnson, the real ‘Stig’ – ex-World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist – and more noted stars from the racing world.

Burlen recently celebrated a record-breaking 2016 by recording a hugely impressive annual turnover of £5.2 million, and it kicked off 2017 in style with another successful display at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

“We are very, very excited to promote The SU Caburettors Cup for Pre-66 Minis at the Brands Hatch Mini Festival and can’t wait to give the drivers, teams and, of course, the crowds something to enjoy,” said Mark Burnett, Managing Director of Burlen. “There have been some very exciting entries into these races over the years and July’s event promises to be no different. Minis are of the utmost importance to Burlen, and seeing the best of the earliest period of Mini racing lock horns and Brands Hatch will be a real spectacle.”