Junior Minirod Formula Rules

1. General Regulations

• Competitors must be at least 13 years of age.
• Competitors under 18 must provide written consent from a parent or guardian.
• Applications for registration must be completed via the Membership Form.
• By signing up as a KOOR member, competitors confirm they have read, understood, and will abide by all KOOR rules.
• Competitors must be medically fit and declare any medical conditions or allergies during sign-on or if conditions change.
• Alcohol and drugs (prescribed or otherwise) that impair ability are strictly prohibited.

2. Safety Equipment

• Competitors must wear the correct safety clothing as outlined in KOOR guidelines, including:
  • Suitable helmet
  • Fire-retardant race suit, gloves, and balaclava
  • Eye protection if the windscreen is removed
  • Neck supports (strongly recommended)
• Corrective eyewear must be worn if required for driving.
• All drivers must have a working race receiver.

3. Age Eligibility

• Formula open to 14–17-year-olds.
• 13-year-olds may be permitted with proven race experience or for practice sessions only.

4. General Philosophy

This is a budget formula.

• If a modification improves safety, it’s likely allowed.
• If a modification seeks performance advantage, it’s probably not allowed.

Do not twist the rules: If it doesn’t say you can do it — presume you can’t.

5. Vehicle Eligibility

Only the R50 Mini Cooper may be used.

6. Bodywork

• Bodywork must remain standard and securely fastened (minimum two additional clips or pins on bonnet and boot).
• Must be in good condition with no sharp edges or dangerous projections.
• Bumpers must be securely fitted.
• Paintwork should be tidy.
• Dashboard must remain; interior may be removed.
• Cooper S bonnet is allowed (for cooling).
• Rear spoilers permitted (no performance advantage).
• No lightening or skinning of panels.

7. Engine & Gearbox

• Only the standard 1.6cc Mini Cooper engine may be used.
• The following must remain standard:
  • Air filter
  • Camshaft
  • Injectors
  • Exhaust
• Air conditioning may be removed.
• No internal modifications including competition cams, clutches, or lightened flywheels.
• Only the standard 5-speed gearbox may be used (no LSD).
• ECU:
  • Only standard ECU allowed
  • No remapping or aftermarket/race ECU
  • May be remapped to allow maximum 90bhp (to be confirmed)

8. Brakes

• Must remain standard and functional on all four wheels.
• No Cooper S parts permitted.

9. Suspension

• All components must remain standard and unmodified.
• Standard shocks only.
• Springs are free, but must be original diameter.
• Poly bushes permitted.
• Strengthening of top strut by bolt-on plate permitted but must not move mounting points.

10. Wheels & Tyres

• Only standard 15" Mini wheels permitted.
• No aftermarket or race wheels.
• Wheels must match in width and ET per axle.
• Drivers are responsible for correct wheel fitment and torque.
• No wheel spacers allowed.

Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato P1 195/50 × 15 (control tyre).

11. Lights, Windscreen & Glass

• All lights must remain unmodified and fully functional.
• Windscreen and glass must remain as standard.

12. Numbers

Racing numbers must be displayed clearly on both sides and the front of the car.
Junior race numbers will start with a “J”.

13. Seats & Harnesses

• Must have a certified race seat securely bolted to the floor.
• Must use a minimum 5-point, 3-inch harness.
• Seat and harness should be no more than 3 years old.
• New mounting points must be reinforced with steel counter plates.
• Refer to Motorsport UK Yearbook 2023 (K2.1–K2.1.11) for guidance.
• Perform regular checks and maintenance on seat and harness.
• Cars must be fitted with:
  • Front and rear towing straps
  • Driver-side window net
• Tow straps must be rated for the vehicle’s weight.
• Removable steering wheels permitted.

14. Battery

• Batteries cannot be relocated.
• Must have an external battery isolator switch, clearly marked.

15. Fuel System

• Fuel system, pump, and tank must remain standard.
• No more than ¼ tank at race start.
• No relocation of fuel tank.
• Maximum 25L of fuel may be stored in suitable containers.

16. Roll Cage

• Minimum requirement: 6-point round tube cage with:
  • Two door bars per side
  • Centre roof bar
  • Seat support bar
• Welding must be of high quality with full penetration (preferably gas-shielded arc).
• Minimum tubing: 1.5” x 10swg.
• Follow Motorsport UK Yearbook 2023 (K1–K1.8) for installation guidance.

17. Noise Regulations

• Noise limit: 100dB static (tested at steady 5000 RPM).
• A functional, accurate rev counter is required — vehicles without one will fail noise testing.
• Cars must pass static noise test before racing.
• Noise is monitored throughout the event via “drive-by” and perimeter systems.
• Any excessively noisy car will be black flagged until corrected.