7.8.25

The Brands Hatch Mini Festival returned in 2025 with a bang, as Swiftune presented not one but two Pre-66 Mini races, boasting packed grids and exhilarating wheel-to-wheel action.

The weekend kicked off with the Sanwa Trophy, featuring two flat-out 20-minute sprint races open to Pre-66 FIA Minis built to Appendix K specification. The spectacle of 32 Minis charging into Paddock Hill Bend set the tone, with former British Rallycross champion Nathan Heathcote and Phil Bullen-Brown breaking away from the pack. Behind them, Nick Padmore, Declan Edgecombe, Jimmy Broadbent, and Sam Summerhayes battled fiercely for the final podium spot. Unfortunately, a safety car paused the racing after three cars ended up in the gravel. When the action resumed, it was a two-lap dash to the chequered flag, with Heathcote, Bullen-Brown, and Padmore securing the podium places.

Race two delivered even closer competition, with the top four bunched tightly in a thrilling fight for the lead. Heathcote eventually broke free to claim his second victory of the weekend, chased closely by Padmore in second. Summerhayes narrowly missed out on third as Bullen-Brown clinched the final podium position.

New for 2025 was the inaugural Mini Spares 50th Anniversary Trophy, adding a strategic twist to the racing. A 20-minute qualifying session set the grid for a 30-minute race featuring compulsory pit stops and an optional driver change, celebrating the golden jubilee of Mini Spares. Fans enjoyed a pre-race grid walk, offering the perfect chance to see the cars up close before the start.

Once the lights went out, Bullen-Brown and Heathcote resumed their fierce rivalry at the front, while the battle for fourth between Dan Lewis, Tom Westley, Stephen Woodrow, and Kieren Edgecombe kept the crowd on edge. Unfortunately, Giles Page suffered a dramatic off into the gravel, triggering the safety car. When racing resumed and the pit lane opened, it was the pairing of Phil Bullen-Brown and Scott Kendall who seized the lead, unfortunately a mistake by Heathcote during the pit-stop lost him the race. Father-and-son duo Stephen and Alfie Woodrow claimed second position, with Matthew Page rounding out the podium.

The 2025 Brands Hatch Mini Festival proved to be a true celebration of classic racing, blending flat-out sprints with tactical endurance challenges. From nail-biting wheel-to-wheel battles to strategic pit-stop duels, the Minis once again delivered on their promise of pure motorsport entertainment. With standout performances from seasoned champions and rising talents alike, the event not only honoured the rich heritage of these iconic machines but also showcased the vibrant spirit that keeps the Mini racing scene thriving.