Maxi fun for Mini owners on way to Dunedin

Mini enthusiasts sped around racing circuits and were ferried across a river yesterday as part of a pilgrimage to the New Zealand Mini Nationals in Dunedin this weekend.

More than 90 Minis will participate in the event, hosted by the Otago Mini Owners Club.

Yesterday, 32 drivers bolted around the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell  before heading to Dunedin.

On their way, 11 crossed the Clutha River on the Tuapeka Mouth Ferry.

Otago Mini Owners Club president Natalie McElhinney said traversing the river was "unreal" and "there was a real buzz among the members at being able to do it."

Tuapeka Mouth Ferry operators Niel Sowry (left)  and Terry Stride guide a precious load of Minis...
Tuapeka Mouth Ferry operators Niel Sowry (left) and Terry Stride guide a precious load of Minis across the Clutha River yesterday afternoon. Photo: Gerard O'Brien.
She owns a classic 1981 Mini and a 2007 BMW Mini, but opted for the latter when reaching a top speed of 137kmh at the Cromwell track yesterday.

"Minis are just cool. They have a real character of their own," she said.

"Everybody has a Mini owner somewhere in their family."

This morning,  the cars will be displayed in the Octagon and be judged on everything from paintwork to engine wiring.

They will then compete in a speed course around cones in a paddock on the Taieri.

Tomorrow,  drivers will explore Otago on a navigation and sightseeing trail before a prizegiving that night.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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