Motor racing fans have just two weeks to wait until the opening round of the Dunlop Great and British Motorsport Festival at Rockingham over the weekend of April 18/19.

The Northamptonshire circuit is planning to turn the festival into a weekend of celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the Mini and is organising a special tribute to the British motoring icon.

There will be a feast of racing for Mini lovers over the two days as well as other attractions for the whole family to enjoy including 50 years of Mini display, a dedicated parking area for all Mini owners and a track parade.

The classic Mini Se7ens and Miglias will be racing on Saturday, while the newer model takes to the track on both days in the MINI Challenge Championship.

Spectators can save up to 20 per cent on adult admission prices by booking in advance 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, they can also be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.

Adult tickets will be available on the gate and will cost £15 on Sunday, £20 for the weekend and £10 on Saturday. Fans will have the opportunity to get close to the action as general admission includes access to an open paddock and a grandstand seat.

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, the fantastic Westfields, thrilling TVRs, production saloons and Radicals.

To round off the meeting there will be 150mph paint-swapping action from the 2009 Pickup Truck Championship on Europe’s fastest racing circuit - the Rockingham oval.

If you own a mini then Rockingham is looking for six special Minis to be put on display in the Welcome Centre. The circuit needs cars to represent 1959 and the 60s, 70s and 80s.

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.