The lifetime of an automotive journalist is filled with adventures. Whereas it could not boast the very best wage, it’s undeniably ample in experiences. All through the years, I’ve been privileged to expertise extraordinary moments: navigating by way of Cartel territories flanked by technicals in a convoy, exhilarating sand laps on the Dakar Rally, tearing up F1 tracks, and even venturing to the North Pole as the primary outsider to check drive BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen automotive. It’s a dream job, one that usually leaves me feeling like I’m residing in a pinch-me second. And each time I believe it will possibly’t get higher, life surprises me.
Only some weeks again, an e-mail from MINI popped into my inbox with an irresistible proposition: “We’ve bought a final minute slot for a non-posh journey in Sweden, the place we’ll be driving basic Minis on ice,” it learn. “Are you recreation?” Earlier than absolutely processing the query, I used to be already packed and able to depart. Whereas posh adventures definitely have their attract, there’s an unparalleled rawness to impromptu journeys that primarily say: “Come over, and we’ll determine it out as we go.”
Anttila Certain
After a “fast” 16-hour journey (fast by my flying requirements), by way of Munich, I contact down in Stockholm, the place I hyperlink up with a gaggle of MINI lovers, led by none aside from Stefanie Wurst, the pinnacle honcho, and Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper. Sure, that John Cooper. A lineup of brand-new MINI Countryman John Cooper Works awaits us for an additional “fast” 5-hour jaunt to the west of Stockholm, an space often known as Anttila.
As night time descends, we arrive at Anttilaberget, an journey park brimming with cottages and camaraderie. Amidst the snowy labyrinth of lodges, we encounter a seasoned gentleman signaling us to halt. Rolling down the window of our JCW, there he stands: the legendary Rauno Aaltonen. Now, if that title doesn’t instantly ring a bell, enable me to jog your reminiscence. At 86 years younger, Rauno Aaltonen isn’t simply any rally driver; he’s a residing legend. Revered because the “Rally Professor” worldwide, Aaltonen has not solely left an indelible mark on motorsport by way of his rally racing prowess but in addition by way of his fervor for teaching. Because it seems, that was the Easter egg hid inside that e-mail: Aaltonen himself can be our driving teacher.
The Rally Professor
A fast, very non-vegan dinner serves as my introduction to the group. People from numerous corners of Europe have journeyed to Anttila, searching for each studying and pleasure on the frozen lakes. Refreshingly, this group includes not simply a few seasoned journalists who could have grown accustomed to all of it, however slightly, on a regular basis lovers. Their palpable pleasure contrasts starkly with the jaded demeanor usually discovered amongst us journalists after years on the beat. Partaking in conversations with this distinctive group, predominantly comprised of die-hard Mini aficionados, proves to be a breath of recent air. Every member shares a definite reference to Mini, whether or not by way of possession of a basic or trendy mannequin, membership in a Mini membership, or involvement within the restoration of basic Mini Coopers—a shared ardour uniting us all.
The morning kicks off with a half-hour briefing led by Aaltonen who goes over the fundamentals of driving a automotive, earlier than leaping into extra superior driving strategies on snow and ice. With a formidable roster of over 20,000 college students personally instructed by him, Aaltonen’s experience is unparalleled. And on the Anttila Ice Driving Faculty in Sweden, members had the privilege of studying from the grasp himself by way of anecdotes and life tales.
“In any case,” Aaltonen advises, discussing the implications of drifting off a rally observe, “in case you should collide with a tree, goal for a youthful one.” He additionally dispels some misconceptions, asserting, “If you’re barreling right into a nook too swiftly with a front-wheel-drive automotive, easing off the accelerator is preferable to accelerating additional.” Subsequently, he delves into the intricacies of left-foot braking, a way he pioneered again in 1957. Lastly, he introduces us to the “Scandinavian flick.” It is a method primarily employed in ice racing and rallying. It includes inducing oversteer by shifting weight to information a automobile by way of a flip whereas concurrently lowering pace. However now it’s time to hit the slopes.
In distinction to my earlier expedition to Arjeplog, BMW’s winter testing hub together with different automakers, Anttila feels comparatively hotter. I vividly bear in mind my journey to the North Pole, the place I navigated icy drifts within the iX5 Hydrogen amidst a bone-chilling -40°C (-40°F)—a temperature that aligns exactly for us People. Anttila, by comparability, greeted us with a brisk -10°C (14°F) within the morning, rising to a comparatively balmy 5 levels Celsius greater later within the day.
Absolutely coated in winter gear, tools prepared and charged, and a MINI Countryman JCW at my disposable, I set for fast drive to the closest frozen lake. A lineup of 4 Mini Coopers was ready for us, every one among them distinctive in their very own approach:
A Pink and White Monte Carlo Automobile: 1968 Mk2 Morris Mini Cooper S
This magnificence boasts a 1293cc Grp 2 tuned by Annings Race and Restoration, delivering 119 horsepower in a light-weight bundle weighing simply 640 kg. With options like strengthened chassis, rally shock absorbers, and a security cage, it’s a tribute to Rauno Aaltonen’s 1967 Monte-winning Mini, making it a real icon on the ice. The automotive was constructed to commemorate Rauno’s 1967 Monte Carlo-winning Mini with assist from Robert Younger, former chairman on the Mini Cooper register. The automotive was pushed by Rauno in Rally Sweden in 2019 and in Monte Carlo Historique in 2020. This was Aaltonen’s final aggressive occasion he took half in. The automotive additionally ran within the 2019 Midnattssolsrallyt, a 4 day gravel rally in Sweden through which it achieved a category victory. Söderqvist Engineering is proprietor of the automotive.
1965 Mk1 Austin Cooper S
Owned by Hans Åke Söderqvist, this 1965 Austin Cooper S is a veteran of over 50 gravel rallies, showcasing its sturdiness and efficiency pedigree. With a 1293 Gr 2 tuned engine and rally-ready options, it’s a formidable contender on any terrain. Regardless that it has solely 110 horsepower, it makes up for it with a low weight – 630 kg.
1965 Mk1 Morris Cooper S
Constructed for circuit racing, this Mini Cooper S boasts a formidable racing heritage, having been pushed by Swedish racing legend Picko Troberg himself. Picko received 9 championships with the Mini Cooper. He ran with this automotive within the European Championships in the course of the finish of the Nineties. Additionally, Stig Blomqvist drove the automotive to victory at Manufacturers Hatch Mini Pageant within the UK in 2016. It has 130 hp and a regulation minimal 620 kg weight.
1965 Mk1 Austin Cooper S
Freshly restored to its unique glory with just a few sports activities upgrades, this Austin Cooper S provides a stability of basic attraction and trendy efficiency. With a evenly tuned engine – 90 hp – and sporty enhancements – Restall sport seats, sports activities shock absorbers – it’s a pleasure to drive on each street and observe.
1962 Mk1 Morris Mini Van
Just lately restored and upgraded, this Mini van combines classic attraction with practicality. With a mildly tuned 1275 engine and trendy enhancements, it’s able to deal with any journey, whether or not on or off the street. Regardless that it makes solely 80 hp (weighing 400 kilograms), this van will put a smile in your face.
Novices Course First
The ice driving faculty begins on a compact course, permitting members to acquaint themselves with the distinctive traits of the Minis. These modified rally autos differ not solely from modern automobiles but in addition from these of their period. Partaking in a short slalom train, I achieve perception into the tactile suggestions of the old-school mechanical steering system. The slim, broad-rimmed wheel delivers a direct connection between the entrance tires and the icy floor, whereas navigating corners calls for a full exercise.
After finishing a reconnaissance lap, I start to know the nuances of ice driving and regularly push my Austin Cooper S. Dealing with the slim pedals proves difficult with my measurement 47 boots (US 13), but I swiftly adapt, realizing that fixed shifting is pointless. Driving on ice prioritizes sustaining a managed drift by way of corners over holding the wheels aligned with the curve. The Minis provide a uncooked and charming driving expertise, surpassing something I’ve encountered just lately when it comes to sheer enjoyment. Although they could not boast distinctive pace, their dynamic nature ensures a enjoyable journey not like another.
The Large Boys Course
Now, as a gaggle, we’re able to advance to the principle observe—the massive leagues. This 2-3 mile-long loop boasts sharp, high-speed corners, punctuated by a short straight stretch. Not like standard racetracks, this icy circuit prioritizes the mastery of correct rally strategies. Choosing the Monte Carlo duplicate, with its 120 horsepower, I’m drawn to its standing because the fleet’s quickest and comparatively extra modern mannequin. Its spacious inside provides a welcome aid, particularly with fastened seats—one thing that proves significantly useful for somebody like me, standing tall at 1.9 meters (6’2″).
A bit of private background: Whereas I’m no rally driver, my driving journey started with a four-speed stick shift, front-wheel-drive automobile missing anti-lock brakes—a trusty 1310 Dacia. Furthermore, for a few years, I navigated by way of treacherous snowstorms for hours on finish within the Land of Dracula, Transylvania. So, whereas I will not be unfamiliar with stick shifts and difficult climate situations, that was a quarter-century in the past.
I’ve by no means harbored a need to relive these previous occasions, and my preliminary method to driving in harsh climate situations is one among carefulness. Nonetheless, after a single lap on the snow observe on this rally Mini Cooper, I’m feeling prepared for the subsequent push. With every acceleration and cornering maneuver, this basic Mini feels balanced with the entrance tires gripping onto the ice whereas tail does its factor. What I be taught rapidly is that countersteering is your finest buddy and rally driving will not be about being clean with the steering wheel. Pull laborious left and proper till you get the correct drift angle, after which management the lateral forces with the gasoline pedal.
In fact, it’s straightforward to take care of a drift on ice, but it surely’s one factor to have the ability to go quick whereas drifting. And I didn’t notice how sluggish I used to be till I hopped for a sizzling lap with Stig Blomqvist. Now the legend says that High Gear named their driver after him (regardless that there are conflicting reviews on this), however that doesn’t take away from the profitable racing profession of Blomqvist. Driving an Audi Quattro, Blomqvist received the World Championship drivers’ title in 1984 and completed runner-up in 1985. Enjoyable truth: he’s additionally the daddy of Tom Blomqvist, former BMW Manufacturing unit Driver and winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona. I interviewed Tom when he was racing for the BMW System E workforce.
Now, Blomqvist senior demonstrates the prowess of a WRC champion on ice, demonstrating the essence of the Scandinavian Flick. His unconventional 1 and 11 hand positioning on the steering wheel is a definite attribute, though one other seasoned driver dismisses its significance, asserting that Blomqvist primarily makes use of his ft for steering. True to this commentary, Blomqvist navigates corners with breathtaking pace, skillfully testing the bounds of the entrance tires’ grip. As we hurtle by way of the icy terrain, with snow and ice swirling round us, it feels as if we’re driving a 500+ horsepower beast.
Everyone seems to be there that will help you be taught
Naturally, not everybody feels instantly relaxed on a frozen lake, and that’s completely comprehensible. That is exactly why Aaltonen and Blomqvist are current. They’ll sit alongside you, providing one-on-one driving directions. Their steerage proves invaluable, even for somebody like myself who has some observe expertise below their belt. So, in case you’re apprehensive about missing the requisite abilities, fret not. This faculty caters to freshmen and intermediates alike, offering a possibility to both be taught the ropes of ice driving or refine current abilities. And all of that is facilitated with the trademark dry wit and heat of Scandinavian humor.
Because the day attracts to an in depth, I’ve the pleasure of teaming up with Charlie Cooper. It’s an absolute delight spending time with the Brit, not solely as a result of he shares with me quite a few Cooper anecdotes but in addition due to his sharp wit and nice charisma. And to prime it off, he’s fairly the expert driver. Charlie is gearing up for an additional shot on the 24 Hours of Nurburgring with the Bulldog Racing MINI Cooper JCW, following their spectacular second-place end in 2023.
We embark on just a few extra laps in a basic Mini Cooper S, regularly mastering the nuances of ice driving with every flip. Each of us concur that it’s an entire completely different ball recreation in comparison with standard observe racing, demanding a definite set of abilities. It’s moments like these that deepen our admiration for rally drivers and their distinctive skills.
Definitely, there was one more reason why the MINI workforce was keen to go to. With the latest launch of the brand new MINI Countryman JCW, it was cool to witness the crossover gliding throughout the frozen lake. Moreover, they aimed to focus on the Mini heritage in relation to the upcoming debut of the brand new Cooper S (F66), anticipated within the coming months. Sadly, the driving occasion was nonetheless a good distance off, and I wasn’t allowed to drive the automotive on the ice. Nonetheless, I did have the chance to watch it from a distance.
This must be in your Bucket Checklist
And so the day involves an finish. Because the Mini Coopers revved their engines and glided off the frozen lake, all of us felt a connection to the wealthy historical past of Mini rallying. On the market on the frozen terrain, we weren’t merely driving automobiles. We have been persevering with a convention, impressed by the teachings of the Rally Professor. The following class may not be till late this yr, however if in case you have a Bucket Checklist, then this could go close to the highest.
