A showroom specification Mini Cooper Sport has won the 2000 Prix des Alpes rally outright, at the hands of novice driver against more powerful competition, writes David Duffy.
The last time a Mini won an Alpine rally was 33 years ago. Dawn-Marie Turner drove the tortuous 1,500-mile event over five days, with partner Stephen Cox, to record an emphatic win scoring minimum penalties in an event that attracts competitors in road and rally-specification vehicles.
Despite appalling weather in the French Alps, the Mini led from the first day and never lost the lead.
Dawn-Marie's Almond Green Mini Cooper Sport was officially the last registered Mini of the 20th century, hence the registration number V31 DEC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article