MINI MANIA

Track day fun as MINI Malaysia lays out a fun-filled experience driven by the world’s most iconic automobile

- RICHARD AUGUSTIN

WHEN SIR ALEC ISSIGONIS designed the Mini for the British Motor Corporation back in 1959, little did he know he would be creating one of the world’s most iconic automobiles. But that’s what the vehicle has become, starting humbly as an automobile that was intended to be an affordable, economical runabout and eventually charting its own path as a symbol of pop culture.

But the Mini’s story is a two-part tale that also involved the input of racer and race-car designer John Cooper, who, with his own talents and skills, elevated the automobile into a certifiable motorsport legend. Cooper singlehandedly turned the Mini into a contender in the realm of auto racing, culminating in three historic wins at the Monte Carlo Rally in the mid-1960s.

That indomitable spirit of the Mini today continues with the current crop of cars manufactured under the BMW Group. It still retains its position as a fashion and trendsetter in the realm of automobiles. It has also retained its position as a vehicle that boasts impeccable driving characteristics, predominantly its legendary go-kart-like handling. As such it is not surprising to find the Mini continuing to lead the pack in the compact premium car category, a feat it has managed for the past two decades.

THE MINI EXPERIENCE

In order to showcase the capabilities of the iconic model, BMW Group Malaysia organised its Mini Track Day 2020 at the Sepang International Circuit. The event brought together fans of the brand and driving enthusiasts for an afternoon of passion-driven fun on track, driven exclusively by a range of flagship Mini models.