Below are the details released in the official MINI Press Release. The key things to highlight in this, is that there will be a Music Festival along with the 50th celebrations, there'll be activites for the kids, and most importantly as it's the 50th anniversary for the classic Mini, there'll be a race at the Silverstone track with 50 classic Minis going head to head.
You'll also be able to take your own car out on the track - always good fun
MINI United 2009 to Take Place in Silverstone, United Kingdom, in May
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 5, 2008... After Misano, Italy, and Zandvoort, Netherlands, MINI is moving the celebration for its third MINI United Festival to the land of its birth. Silverstone, United Kingdom, with its legendary racetrack, will play host to the largest MINI fan event ever from May 22-24, 2009, marking the brand’s 50th birthday in grand style.
MINI enthusiasts, many of whom will be driving their own cars from countries all over the world, can look forward to a weekend full of MINI’s on display, motorsport action and musical performances. Other festival highlights will include stunt driving demonstrations, go-karting, a lounge area with DJs, and an exhibition of key products and milestones of MINI’s storied history.
The International Race Series, MINI CHALLENGE, will also be part of the festival, racing its third and fourth heats before an international audience. Additionally, the Mini Seven Racing Club will present a race with 50 classic Mini race cars, and festival goers will have an opportunity to take to the track in their MINI’s either alone or with a MINI CHALLENGE driver.
MINI United will feature food, drink and fun for MINI lovers of all ages, including a special Kids’ Area with activities ranging from Bobby-Car racing to climbing to face-painting.
The MINI Club of Ireland will indeed be attending this event, and we have block booked accomodation only a stone's throw from Silverstone. We are looking into the possibility of having a hospitality marquee setup for all members, and guests from the Internation clubs to kick back and relax in. If we get the go-ahead to setup the Marquee, we may also be putting WiFi access in place for those who are just addicted to miniclub.ie
Here are some photos from MINI United 2005 to give you a feel for what's there.
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/04entrance.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/05marqueeinterior.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/10raunoaaltonen.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/13paulsmithclassic.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/15jcwshowcar.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/16limo.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/17carpark.jpg[/img]
[img:200:300]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/18pitlane.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/23castagnapickup.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/24thefirstlittleclassicagain.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/25lambodoors.jpg[/img]
[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/27soniqueatminiunited.jpg[/img]