A Mini with History, Heart, and a Winning Legacy
In vintage racing, many cars have stories—but a few carry true legacy. For us, that car is Snoopy, our CVAR Mini.
Snoopy came to us through one of the most respected names in Mini racing, Phil Wicks, bringing decades of documented history. It is an original Mini Cooper S, powered by a race-prepared A-series engine and running period-style suspension. Built around the Mini’s signature front-wheel-drive layout, short wheelbase, and low center of gravity, the car rewards precision and momentum—qualities that have defined its performance since its earliest races.
Its log book dates to 1972, with its first recorded outing at Mid-Ohio that June. After only about five years as a street car, it was converted to a dedicated race car—a role it continues to fulfill today.
A Connection Through Minis
We met Phil through our very first Mini, “The Frog.” Like many entering vintage racing, we were learning as we went, and Phil was generous with his knowledge—helping us get the engine sorted and the car running right.
The Frog and Snoopy at Circuit of the Americas.
Phil isn’t just a Mini racer—he’s a motorsports legend. Many recognize him as the stunt driver behind the red Mini Cooper in the 1969 film The Italian Job, part of one of the most iconic chase scenes in film history.
Phil Wicks Racing — photo from http://www.minidriving.com/.
His career spans more than six decades across cars, motorcycles, and powerboats. In the late 1960s, during Lamborghini’s Miura era, he also worked as a test driver and engineer for Lamborghini UK.
Snoopy is part of that legacy. It competed in the 1970s at tracks like Mid-Ohio and Grattan, establishing its early pedigree in SCCA-era competition.
Snoopy’s log book photos, 1972 and 2010.
Phil acquired the car beginning in 2010, where he added some of his knowledge and mechanical craftsmanship to quickly getting the car running at the front of the pack under his guidance.
That competitiveness has defined the car across every era.
Proven on Track
With Phil back behind the wheel in 2010, Snoopy quickly returned to form, delivering multiple class wins and weekend sweeps at Road Atlanta and Roebling Road.
On track, the car’s strength lies in its ability to carry speed through corners and brake later than higher-horsepower competitors. Its lightweight chassis and predictable handling allow it to stay competitive against significantly more powerful cars, particularly on technical circuits.
It continued to excel at major events like The Mitty and the VIR Gold Cup, consistently leading its class and achieving standout overall finishes — including multiple overall wins.
Phil Wicks on track —- photos from http://www.minidriving.com/.
More recently, Snoopy has remained competitive, earning two podium finishes in 2020 and another in 2025, in addition to CVAR C Sedan points champion in 2024 and 2025 – continuing a legacy of performance that spans decades.
Colby racing to a 2020 podium finishes at Circuit of the Americas — photos by Brandall Binion.
Competition History Highlights
Early log book entries.
Period History
- First competition entry: June 1972 – Mid-Ohio
- Active in the 1970s at Mid-Ohio, Grattan, and regional circuits
- Converted to race car after ~5 years of street use; continuous history documented
Phil Wicks Campaign (2010–2015)
- 2010 – Multiple class wins; weekend sweeps at Road Atlanta and Roebling Road
- 2011–2012 – Continued weekend sweeps at Road Atlanta and Roebling Road
- Multiple class wins at The Mitty (2011–2013)
- VIR Gold Cup: multiple class wins including 1st Overall (2014, 2015)
- 2013 – VIR Gold Cup – 1st in Class, 3rd Overall
- 2013 – VRG Turkey Bowl, Summit Point – 2nd Overall
- 2014 – Road Atlanta – 1st in Class, 2nd Overall
- 2014 – Mid-Ohio Can-Am Mini Challenge – 15th Overall (55-car field)
Recent Results
- 2020 – SVRA – Two podium finishes
- 2024 – CVAR – C Sedan class champion
- 2025 – SVRA – Podium finish (wet conditions)
- 2025 – CVAR – C Sedan class champion
A New Chapter
Our chapter with Snoopy began during a race weekend in Atlanta, where a favorite photo captures Colby and Phil side-by-side, preparing the car — a true passing of the torch.
The Handoff at Road Atlanta, 2018.
Weekend sweep of class wins at Road Atlanta, 2018.
Once Snoopy was ours, we made it our own, repainting it in its now-familiar blue and continuing its story on track.
That legacy has continued into our time with the car, including recent podium finishes that show Snoopy remains as competitive as ever.
One of the most memorable moments came during a 2020 race at MSR Houston, where Snoopy battled a Porsche and traded positions eleven times in a single race. Those who witnessed it still talk about it today.
Snoopy is especially strong in the rain, where balance and precision behind the wheel outweigh horsepower. In those conditions, the car’s light weight and front-wheel-drive traction become a distinct advantage.
Colby racing Snoopy at MSRH, 2019 — photo by Brandall Binion.
Learning at the Track
Like most vintage race cars, Snoopy has been as much a teacher as it has been a competitor.
We’ve learned what it takes to keep a Mini competitive the hands-on way—engine changes at the track, quick turnarounds between sessions, and constant problem-solving under pressure. From drivetrain quirks to setup adjustments, the car demands attention and rewards it in equal measure.
More Than Just a Car
Snoopy represents more than results. It connects us to the history of Mini racing, to mentors like Phil Wicks, and to the CVAR community.
It’s a car with documented history, proven performance—and a story still being written, one race weekend at a time.
Joanne on track with Snoopy at Circuit of the Americas, 2025 — photo by Brandall Binion.
Submitted by Colby and Joanne Lemmons
Return to The Cars Are The Stars