Ourcars

*UK's leading tuning specialist for "A" series engines*
Bill Richards Racing is sponsored by various top companies - please visit our 'Sponsors' page to find out more about these companies and how they contribute to the team's efforts

Bill is currently campaigning this 1460cc eight-port steel shelled Mini. The car has been re-shelled since it was involved in a multi-car incident at Lydden. The 'Clubman' style flip-front was added to accommodate the carburettors and air box of the eight port engine. The addition of a new aero package has allowed this giant killer to substitute for the team's space framed Metro (see below) *Photograph courtesy Steve Goodwin.*

This the car above in a previous guise. As a 1425cc Mini it was originally built for the 2000 season. It has a steel shell and competed in the 'modified saloons' category. On its first outing it won the 1500cc class. The car still exists but is mainly used as a promotional vehicle at events such as the MiniWorld track-day or as an occasional loan car for Bill's racing customers. On one famous occasion at Lydden it took to the track in the hands of Allan Rawlings accompanied by Bill's newer Mini and Ron Watson's similar car causing much confusion amongst spectators and race officials as every part of the track seemed be occupied by a pale blue Mini. *Photograph courtesy Steve Goodwin.*

It doesn't always go right ! - Bill's adventures in the 2001 Winter series were curtailed briefly by this little run-in with various other competitors and some scenery during the Brand Hatch round of the series. The shell was straightened out OK and the car competed very successfully in the 2002 season until further damage to the shell required a more extensive rebuilt with a new body-shell. It has to be said that Bill is normally pretty good at avoiding trouble whilst racing but the car inevitably picks up a certain amount of damage during the cut and thrust of competitive racing

'Bessie' is a veteran 1298cc Cosworth Metro and competes in the silhouette class. This car has won numerous championships in it's twenty years of existence ! Despite its advancing years, the car has always made a big impression on spectators. Despite a recent engine failure at Silverstone she will live to fight again with an alternative to her Cosworth BDA powerplant. Various engine options are being considered from both Ford and Vauxhall and we hope to be able to give you update as soon as the team reaches a decision. In the mean time the teams eight port Mini is proving to be a worthy understudy. *Photograph courtesy Steve Goodwin.*

Lee has a history of building very fine cars and his original eight-port project certainly got his work noticed. After originally becoming involved in circuit racing with the sprint car (see below), Lee decided to build a Miglia spec Mini in order to try his hand at circuit racing. Unsurprisingly the car is beautifully finished and Lee's lap times are coming down as he gains more experience with this very distinctive machine. *Photograph courtesy Steve Goodwin.*

Originally built as a fund raiser for Leukaemia charities this 1310cc five port Mini was built by Lee McNair, Philip Anning and Lee's father, Dave. The car until recently was campaigned in sprints and hillclimbs with considerable success by Lee and Dave. Lee has moved to a new car in order to compete in circuit racing but the the sprint car will definitely be competing again, an update will be posted here when we find out what what 2005 has in store for the sprint car. Please see the 'Sprinting' page for more information about their exploits.