Minis return to Hay for long weekend

The June long weekend has been the celebration of the Queen’s birthday since 1953.

But for Mini owners it has evolved into the Australian Hay Mini Nationals weekend since 1968. Now the King’s birthday weekend has taken over, but the Minis will still be coming.

This year will be the 55th running of this iconic event in what is shaping up to be perfect conditions.

“It is really exciting to put this event together,” Executive Director Declan Dwyer said.

“For our people this is a massive highlight to the annual calendar, people wouldn’t miss it for the world”.

The Hay Mini Nationals includes a number of events within the event such as a huge street parade, show and shine, and two separate motorsport events to cater for the more than 100 Minis and Mokes, and the many hundreds of fans.

A relatively new addition to the Hay Mini Nationals line up is the exciting Hay Heroes motorsport event.

Held under lights on the Saturday evening, this side-by-side competition pits drivers against one another in an edge of your seat elimination event.

Working down from around 70 competitors, ultimately the outright Hay Hero will take his or her place on the top step just before a massive celebratory fireworks show.

“We will also be running Hay Heroes Junior for our fledgling drivers and future champions aged between 12 and 16 years, as well as the ladies only Hay Heroines.,” Mr Dwyer added.

“This is not because women need a special class, but because our ladies often give up their chance to compete so that a husband, son or father can drive the car instead.

“This way everyone gets a chance to taste the adrenaline.”

Entry for spectators is free and food and drinks are available from 6pm.

Competition starts at 7pm and is due to finish around 8.30pm followed by the fireworks.

The following day is the Australian Hay Mini Nationals Motorkhana, an event which has attracted upwards of 150 competitors.

Competitors will vie for hundredths of a second, just for a spot in the prestigious top 10.

Former Winner Gary Kotzur (Qld) will again be competing with no fewer than six previous outright winners for top step glory.

“It is a wonderful event to be a part of because at one end you have some unbelievable drivers bringing everything they have to the table, but at the other end we have the rookies and juniors as young as 12 all developing their skill and competing amongst their friends,” Gary said.

This will all be followed by a presentation party for participants to recognise the winners and catch up with friends and to dance the night away.

The event gets underway on Friday, June 9 and continues through until Sunday June 11. More details at www.haymininationals.com.au

The Australian Hay Mini Nationals is proudly supported by the Hay Shire Council, The Bidgee Motor Inn, Graham Russell Engineering, The New Crown Hotel (Hay), Mini Works Australia, MiniSport Adelaide, Minis Plus (Vic) .