The Mini is 50 this year and the party starts at the opening round of the Dunlop Great & British Festival at Rockingham over the weekend of April 18/19.

In honour of the British icon the Northamptonshire circuit is organising a special tribute to the Mini and has lined-up a fantastic weekend of celebrations to mark the golden anniversary of the car.

One of the attractions planned is an indoor display of Mini cars from across the decades and Rockingham is looking for six special Minis to be put on display in the Welcome Centre under the main Grandstand.

The circuit is looking for one classic Mini from each of the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties and one new Mini to represent the current decade, with pride of place being given to a 1959 Mini.

If you wish to take part please send your name, contact number and a photo of your car, with some background information including date of manufacture, to mini@rockingham.co.uk

The six owners of the cars selected will each receive a free pair of weekend passes to the event.

In addition to the display, there will be a special lunchtime parade on track plus a designated club parking area for Mini owners.

There will be plenty of nostalgia for racing fans provided by the Mini Se7en Championship, the modified 1300 Mini Migla Championship and MINI Cooper Challenge.

Rockingham director Charlotte Orton, said: “It is unbelievable that the Mini has been around for 50 years and it’s still a true British icon with universal appeal. It is a fantastic achievement that we wanted to celebrate.

“We would like all Mini owners to come along and take part in the golden celebrations – whether as a spectator watching the feast of Mini races or a participant in the lunchtime track parade or static displays.”

Also on the weekend race card is the BARC Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup, exciting racing which provides a stepping stone to the British Touring Car Championship, plus the fantastic Westfields, TVRs, production saloons and Radicals.

There will be plenty of family entertainment off-track with face painting, children’s entertainers and trade stands. Fans will also have the opportunity to get close to the action as general admission includes access to an open paddock.

Tickets are on sale now from www.rockingham.co.uk/events.

Advance prices are £18 for the weekend, £12 for Sunday or £8 for Saturday. Children aged 15 or under get in free. If you’re not online, advance tickets can also be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.