SOL Mates: I stole this from a local BBS and thought I would cross-post it
here:
For anyone wondering what is happening with the Mini Coopers
entered into this year's Monte Carlo Rally, here is what I've been able to
pick up from r.a.s and C$.
One Mini was stolen 2 days before the event, but Rover was able to build
up another car in time for the start. The stolen car was found a couple
of days later, stripped. (THEFT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR MINI'S IN BRITAIN
NOW, ESPECIALLY THE NEW COOPERS)
The cars didn't need to go through scrutineering.
Timo Makinen retired after only 50 miles with a blocked fuel injector.
This was the hastily built up car. Four cars were entered, but only two
were classified, driven by Paddy Hopkirk and Philippe Camandona. Hopkirk
had got up to 50th overall and was within sight of the finish when he had
electrical troubles. (HAH, THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS STRIKES!!)
I don't know who was driving the fourth car. I hope it was Louise
Aitken-Walker.
A quote from Paddy Hopkirk "It was the first time I had ever used slick
tires. They are fantastic. You can corner on two wheels whenever you
wish!" I hope I feel that frisky when I'm sixty<g>.
Stephanie from Nepean Ontario
This is an unsubstantiated report, and I'll try to confirm details
with my contacts in Britain.
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