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A very warm welcome to totalkitcar online … I’m greatly looking forward to this year’s International Mini Meeting, which is being held in East Sussex, quite coincidentally. Not sure if you have ever been to an IMM.
If you have even the remotest interest in Classic Minis, you will be in heaven. Not to mention all the Mini-based kitcars that regularly attend this brilliant event. They sent me their latest press release this week so see below:
The countdown has officially begun for IMM 2025, the International Mini Meeting, set to take over Laughton Showground in East Sussex from August 22-25. With just weeks to go, organisers are urging anyone with an appreciation of cars and bikes to help Mini fans the world over celebrate this much-loved British icon.
Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, IMM 2025 is a four-day celebration of Minis of all ages, from the iconic classics of the 1960s to today’s modern models. However, it’s not just for Mini owners, this family-friendly festival promises something for everyone, with a packed programme of entertainment, live music, competitions and a buzzing international community.
Festival-goers can expect hotly contested competitions including loudest horn and loudest exhaust, alongside judging for the best classic and modern Minis on site. For younger visitors, highlights include circus skills sessions, balloon modelling, family-friendly performers and free craft workshops.
Under-16s camp free, making it an ideal weekend stay for families.
IMM 2025 also welcomes a host of special guests, including automotive journalist and historian Jon Pressnell, author of ‘Mini – The Definitive History’, who will give a talk at the event.
Friday night’s music will be headlined by Rick Parfitt Jnr and his band, appearing just before their performance at CarFest, while Saturday night will see popular tribute act Shoasis bring a Gallagher-style swagger to Sussex. Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening by dressing as Mods or Rockers.
One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend is the informal drive-out on Saturday, giving participants the chance to explore the beautiful Sussex countryside at their own pace, following a scenic guided route.
Visitors are travelling from far and wide, with ticket holders from Australia, Canada, Japan and all across Europe. One group of dedicated Mini fans from Hong Kong began their journey to the event on July 9, travelling via road and ferry to reach East Sussex in time.
More than eighty Mini clubs from the UK and overseas will be represented, many competing in light-hearted club contests over the weekend.
For those unable to bring their own cars, classic Mini hire is now available thanks to Small Car Big City, who will be bringing a fleet of their beautifully maintained vehicles to the site.
Very rare albeit Scamp-based Blackwatch Special. I’m not saying you will see this at IMM but there’ll surely be lots of Mini-based kitcars and specials
Visitors will also have the opportunity to buy spares and browse trade stands or pick up an exclusive piece of Mini art created especially for the event by CGI artist Sam Howson, who has cerebral palsy and is supported by The King’s Trust. Sam will be awarding a framed print to an attendee who embodies the ‘spirit of IMM 2025’, whether that’s someone who’s travelled to IMM against the odds or simply helped a fellow camper in need.
Laughton Showground offers high-quality camping facilities and glamping options through Honeybells, with the site’s Sussex barn providing a hub for music, the bar and socialising.
Organiser Roger Agate said: “We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make IMM 2025 a truly unforgettable event. It only comes to the UK once every five years and we’re proud to be hosting it here in East Sussex. Everyone is welcome – and even if you’ve never sat in a Mini before, we guarantee you’ll leave with a new appreciation for these iconic cars.”
Tickets are currently still available so don’t miss out. For full details and to book, visit www.imm2025.org.
TKC MAG –JULY/AUGUST issue is AVAILABLE NOW mail order, digital or in shops.
SUMMERTIME SUN – Latest issue of TKC MAG – JULY/AUGUST 2025 is HERE. This time we have some more belters for you to hopefully enthral, inform and entertain.
Here are some of the main features:
Westfield Chesil – we tested a pair of brand new Chesil Speedsters, one with a petrol engine and the other full electric.
Westfield FW400 – The greatest Lotus Seven-inspired sportscar ever? We also have an interview with the car’s designer, the legendary Martin Ogilvie
Industry Greats – Coventry Climax – We tell the story of a legendary engine company and also look at their fire-pumps and fork-lift businesses
Hawk 289 – An outstanding first time build by a chap from East Sussex
Classics – A little early sixties cmpany that you almost definitely haven’t heard of – REJO
A little plug (well, it’s my website and I have good things to make you aware of!) for the digital version of TKC MAG. If not having a hard, paper copy of the mag in your mitts doesn’t bother you then may I recommend the digi edition.
DON’T WANT PAPER? TRY OUR DIGITAL EDITION
An EXACT replica of the paper version it currently costs just £23.99 for a TWELVE MONTHS DIGITAL subscription to TKC MAG ANYWHERE in the world. Visit Pocketmags.com and type in ‘TKC MAG’ and all will be revealed. Alternatively, you can download our APP on your mobile and download single issues or a subscription on your phone or tablet.
We are getting a lot of new subscribers on the totalkitcar YouTube channel. If you like this website, you are sure to find something you like on the ‘totalkitcar YouTube channel’? In addition to our usual monthly video upload, we now have a weekly series called the ‘totalkitcar History Files Series. The latter isn’t rocket science. We verbally look at old kitcars with photos added, but we seem to be capturing peoples’ imaginations.
As the name suggests we look at some of the classic marques, great cars, not so great cars, plus the personalities, events and designers who have graced this wonderful industry over the last 75 years.
If you don’t already subscribe to our channel (just search ‘totalkitcar YouTube Channel’ on YouTube) please do, as it’s free and if you click ‘all’ you’ll be notified every time a new video drops. Finally, may I ask you to hit the thumbs up button please as that helps the channel greatly. THANK YOU, dear reader.
totalkitcar History File Series (in association with the Enwin Motors channel). Don’t miss out, subscribe for FREE now.
Search YouTube for the ‘totalkitcar YouTube Channel’ or follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/@tkcmag.
Our popular TRACKDAY CALENDAR is where you can find out where, when and how much by CLICKING HERE. Now updated to cover JULY, AUGUST and SEPTEMBER 2025.
IF YOU LIKE CLASSIC KIT CARS & SPECIALS you are in luck. Clicking that button will take you back in time with features on old kitcars, personalities and generally interesting companies who worked within the specialist car and sixties motorsport movements. I really hope you are enjoying them. Not all of them are kitcar-related per se but they all celebrate the underdog and often feature the wonderful world of sixties motorsport.
Classic Kit Cars & Specials has a new home at totalkitcar.com
A lot of classic clubman motorsport features highlight underdog artisans that we hope will appeal to you dear reader, the sort of companies that we’ve often all heard of but on whom detailed information is often hard to find. Shorrock, Wade Turbochargers, Jack Knight Developments, Cannon Cars, Tom Killeen, David Ogle the list goes on and on. The sort of companies and individuals that our specialist and kitcar forebears from the sixties would have been very familiar with. You’ll find these subjects contained in CLASSIC KIT CARS & SPECIALS.
This week in CLASSIC KITCARS & SPECIALS it’s the turn of a genuine icon of the kitcar industry to take the spotlight – The Cox/GTM Coupé. CLICK HERE to go there.
SNIPPETS 1 ……. With millions of families preparing to hit the roads for the start of the UK school summer holidays, Bridgestone is issuing a renewed safety rallying call, with many motorists still neglecting their tyres.
Bridgestone’s plea follows the company’s latest survey of 2000 UK motorists, revealing that 63 per cent delay buying new tyres until their car fails its MOT, with 23 per cent never considering the risks of dangerous tyres. Meanwhile, 11 per cent wait until their tyres are completely bald before replacing them (gulp – ed).
This general lack of awareness is raising concerns just as vehicle use is set to spike with school holidays, road trips, and increased mileage across the country.
Bridgestone’s UK Senior Marketing Manager Helen Roe said: “As millions of people prepare to travel for summer holidays, we’re urging everyone to carry out some simple tyre checks before setting off.
“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and worn or underinflated tyres can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Regular checks can literally save lives.”
Government data reinforces the message, with over 2.15 million MOT failures annually linked to tyre defects and tyre-related incidents contributing to an estimated £416 million economic cost in the past five years. In addition to the safety risks, the survey also found that 35 per cent of motorists delay replacing tyres due to cost, highlighting how the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is influencing safety-related decisions on the road.
Bridgestone is addressing these issues head-on through its ‘Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero’ campaign, which has already delivered more than 4500 free tyre inspections at events across the UK, raising awareness and helping drivers make informed decisions about tyre care.
Helen added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to stay safe, particularly during the summer months when families are driving further and more frequently. Through our Be a Road Safety Hero campaign, we’re working closely with drivers to make tyre safety simple, accessible, and a routine part of journey planning.”
1. Inspect regularly: Check tyre pressures and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys.
2. Know the law: The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but Bridgestone recommends replacing tyres well before they reach this limit.
3. Ask the experts: If in doubt, seek advice or a free check from a qualified technician.
The campaign forms part of Bridgestone’s global E8 Commitment, which focuses on delivering social and customer value across eight key areas including Ease, by bringing peace of mind to everyday journeys, and Extension, by supporting safe and seamless mobility for all.
For more information on tyre safety and how to become a Road Safety Hero, visit: https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
SNIPPETS 2 ……The life and career of one of Britain’s greatest touring car racers will be celebrated at this summer’s Silverstone Festival, taking place over the end-of-summer Bank Holiday weekend (August 22-24).
Tin-top legend Andy Rouse claimed the coveted British Touring Car Championship title an unsurpassed four times between 1975 and 1985 – a remarkable feat that remains unbeaten.
Even more impressively, he secured each championship in a different car. His first title came 50 years ago in a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, followed by victories in an Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1983), a Rover Vitesse (1984), and finally, 40 years ago, in a Ford Sierra XR4 in 1985. The latter two titles were won in cars prepared by his own Andy Rouse Engineering firm.
This golden era of touring car racing will be spectacularly revived at the Festival in the dramatic Adrian Flux Trophy for the MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge, organised by Motor Racing Legends. Not only will this evocative Sunday morning race be dedicated to Rouse, but the four-time champion himself will be on hand at Silverstone to present the trophies on the podium.
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of his final championship-winning season, Rouse will also present a special, one-off trophy to the first Ford Sierra RS500 to cross the finish line.
“There are so many wonderful memories of those great times and it’s always great to see so many of those cars still racing today,” said Rouse. “I’m honoured that Motor Racing Legends has invited me to this year’s Silverstone Festival and really looking forward to being back at the circuit where I enjoyed so much success all those years ago. I raced a lot of really standout cars but the RS500 will always be very special. It was a beast to drive and gave me – and I think the fans – a lot of pleasure.”
Rouse’s sixty outright BTCC race wins stood as a record for many years, only surpassed in 2011 by Jason Plato – at a time when the annual calendar featured thirty races instead of the twelve that Rouse faced during his era.
A true pioneer of the sport, Rouse was also a founding member of TOCA, the influential organisation behind the immensely popular Super Touring formula of the 1990s, which captivated both live and TV audiences. Fittingly, his final race win came at Silverstone in 1992 with Toyota during this celebrated era.
“We’re honoured to be dedicating an award to Andy Rouse,” says Pierre-Antoine Lecoutour, Motor Racing Legends CEO. “He’s a true hero of British motorsport. The opportunity to celebrate both the man, and the car he’s best associated with, is unmissable. The Sierra and, in particularly the RS500 Cosworth, is an icon of motor racing around the world and many of us had posters of those cars on our walls. Gathering an extra-special entry of them for Silverstone Festival is going to be a highlight of our year and a true spectacle.”
Adding further excitement to the weekend, a unique piece of Andy Rouse’s legacy will go under the hammer at the festival. Iconic Auctioneers will offer Rouse’s final Sierra RS Cosworth for sale – presented in ‘time warp’ condition, having not raced since the 1990 season finale at Silverstone. That season saw Rouse take four wins and six additional podiums. The car is expected to fetch between £250,000 and £300,000.
The Adrian Flux Trophy for MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge is one of twenty crowd-pleasing retro races on the Silverstone Festival line-up – all staged on the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. Fans can look forward to a full bill of historic F1, GT, Sports, and Touring Car championships, evoking motorsport’s most revered eras.
Beyond the racing, the Festival offers a packed programme of fun for all ages. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult. All tickets include access to family-friendly entertainment, including live music from Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5, and Ministry of Sound Classical, plus traditional funfair rides, stunt shows, and more.
It’s set to be an unforgettable weekend, with a wide range of ticket options available—including camping and hospitality packages. Book early for the best prices.
For more information on Silverstone Festival and to secure your tickets, visit the official Silverstone Festival website.
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So, that’s about it from me for this week, so I’ll bid you a great seven days, with plenty of enjoyable driving and I look forward to welcoming you once again next Friday – August 1.
Best regards
Steve