The Issigonis and Cooper relationship began on Maderia Drive, Brighton during the 1946 Speed Trials.  When Alec's Lightweight Special met another homemade special a "Twini" Fiat 500 Special with John getting the better time.  Over the years their friendship grew and in the late 1950s John recognised the sporting potential of Issigonis' Mini and it did not take long for a sporting Mini to be available to the public in 1961.  The original Mini shape remained in production until October 2001.  BMW acquired the Mini brand and 60 years later they are still very popular.  From 1963 until 1967, Minis prepared by the Competition department were very succesful in both Professional and Amateur motoring events.  In 2021 the MINI brand is still competitive on track and rallies including Dakar rallies.