Austin’s MINI Homage Receives Rally Legend’s Personal Seal of Approval

A Lancashire MINI enthusiast’s homage to a rally driving legend has received the ultimate seal of approval.

Bowker MINI (www.bowkermini.com) customer Austin Mortimer from Chorley has dedicated his MINI Cooper to Paddy Hopkirk – winner of the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. Austin’s authentic red paint work features race logos and a chequered-flag roof.

And now, it is the only MINI in the UK to feature Paddy Hopkirk’s name with the racing legend’s personal and exclusive blessing.

Austin said,

“I love MINIs. But Paddy is the guy who really put MINIs on the map. Everyone wanted a Mini Cooper after his victory. I recently requested his permission to add his name to the car. And he graciously granted it. So it makes it very unique. I sent him photos of the car and he said: ‘that MINI can carry my name only – no others!’ I’m very honoured.

“It’s a great story. I’ve got the Cooper name on there too. John Cooper persuaded them to let him improve the Mini engines. I don’t think they were convinced they could take the big boys in the rally circuit. But they proved them wrong. I think it’s fitting that I’ve celebrated their achievements together in the right place – on a MINI!”

Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally alongside Henry Liddon in a Mini Cooper S – car number 37. They remain the most recent all-British crew to have won the event. Hopkirk also travelled to Australia during his career to drive for the BMC Works Team in the annual Bathurst 500 race for standard production cars at the Mount Panorama Circuit. He drove at Bathurst in a Morris Cooper S from 1965-1967.

Paddy was elected as a life member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club in 1967, and is also president of the Historic Rally Car Register. He is now patron of disability charity WheelPower.

Austin adds,

“I’ve been driving MINIs since 1966. I’ve owned classics through the years. And now I’ve moved on to the next generation. I love the fun look of them. The really put a smile on your face there’s no other car that gives you that fun feel. Because everything got so high tech. It all looks the same. The fun’s gone out of it. You might as well ride a bus or a train. If you want to enjoy what our driving get a MINI. And you can put your own personal stamp on it too.”

ENDS
August 2010

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Bowker BMW Swaps Four Wheels for Two with Cycling Sponsorship Deal

Preston and Blackburn-based car dealership Bowker BMW has secured the vehicle sponsorship of North West-based cycling team Herbalife Wheelbase. They’ll be supplying a 5-Series Touring and a BMW X1 for use as support vehicles.

Team captain Stuart Reid led by example last season, with victories at the Leazes Criterium and in Otley, and a second place in the Bob Swailes Memorial road race. This season Stuart leads an expanded line-up in the Premier Calendar and Elite Criterium series races. The five-man junior squad includes current North West junior champion Johnny Knox.

Team Herbalife Wheelbase team director said Geoff Newcombe said,

“We can have anything up to 14 riders. And that can mean a lot of kit. We’re putting as many bikes, bags and bodies as possible in the BMW 5-series estate which will remain the main vehicle. The convoy lines up behind the riders and we’re there as back up to help with spare wheels and any race issues that may arise.

“Team Herbalife Wheelbase started as a development team. Fellow director Neil Taylor and I saw a lot of local lads who needed some support but hadn’t come from racing backgrounds. And it was basically a case of starting from the beginning – giving them some guidance where we could.

“Last year we looked after a few riders with their equipment and had a good year. We ended up 22nd nationally and 4th in the North West. The season has already started strongly. Our national ranking has improved and we hope to break in the top 3 in the North West.”

For Bowker BMW managing director Tom Fox said,

“Sports sponsorships play an important role in the dealerships in Preston and Blackburn. We seek out local teams and individuals that demonstrate skill and an ability to make a real impact in their chosen field. Team Herbalife Wheelbase ticks all the boxes. We’re happy to help and hope our support will help them achieve their ambitious targets for the season.”

ENDS

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