Television chef and self proclaimed petrol head James Martin will get behind the wheel of a vintage Mini at this weekend’s Brands Hatch Mini Festival.
The star of BBC’s ‘Saturday Kitchen’ and former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ semi finalist will head to the famous Kent circuit to compete in two of the 12 dedicated Mini races at the inaugural Brands Hatch Mini Festival this weekend.
Martin, who is the proud owner of two original Mini John Cooper works rally cars from the 1960s, will share Andy Harrison’s 1963 Austin Mini Cooper S in the Sanwa Trophy 40 minute endurance race and will also line up on the grid for the Mini All-Comers battle, both of which are held on Sunday.
Martin said: “I’m really looking forward to the Mini Festival. The Mini is iconic and I think everyone has a place in their heart for the car. I will be dropping my pans at the Saturday Kitchen and coming straight down to Brands Hatch for qualifying on Saturday.
“Andy Harrison, a friend of mine who helps me prep my Minis, told me about the event and I’m particularly looking forward to taking part in the Sanwa Trophy Endurance race. It’s the first time I have raced this car so it’s going to be interesting, it will certainly handle differently to the rally Mini I drive. I’ve driven a few laps around the circuit but nothing like this, but I’ve been looking at the racing lines on YouTube. Brands Hatch is a great circuit for the spectator and an ideal place to race a Mini.”
Martin will join a stellar line up of entertainment at the Mini Festival which will see more than 30 Mini car clubs from across the UK and Europe show off their vehicles at the venue. World renowned stunt driver Russ Swift will be performing a Mini stunt show whilst ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star John Evans plans to balance a genuine Mini on his head and attempt a new world record.
An air show, rally demonstrations, live music, show and shine competitions and a fun fair are just some of the other activities taking place aside from the 12 Mini races on the circuit throughout the event.
Look out for car number 72 to follow James’ progress throughout the weekend.
Discounted tickets are available direct from the circuit until midday on Wednesday by visitingwww.brandshatch.co.uk or by calling 0843 453 9000. Two-day admission is just £21 online, whilst children 12 and under are admitted free. Mini owners will be entitled to privileged parking inside the venue free of charge.
For more information visit the Brands Hatch Mini Festival’s dedicated website www.mini-festival.co.uk.