Why Liam Doran’s Autograss Mini Pickup is the Talk of Racing Town?
Autograss takes the checkered flag for its unique charm and grassroots appeal. The Autograss tracks in the United Kingdom, shorter than a quarter-mile and covered in grass or dirt, provide the backdrop for a racing spectacle like no other. Amidst this frenzy is Liam Doran’s custom Austin Mini Pick-Up, a machine designed for the thrill of Autograss racing, showcasing the wild spirit of both the sport and its owner.
A Glimpse into Autograss Racing
While oval tracks dominate short-track racing in the U.S., the UK has its own gem — Autograss racing. Picture this: cars tearing through tracks, no longer than a quarter-mile, covered in grass or dirt. It’s a spectacle where stock cars and purpose-built machines converge to do one thing exceptionally well — go fast on dirt, making sharp turns in a thrilling display of racing prowess.
Liam Doran’s Mini Pickup Marvel
In the world of Autograss, the term “unlimited” takes on a whole new meaning. Liam Doran, renowned for his exploits in rallycross and hill climb racing, decided to dive into the low-buck racing world of Autograss. The result? A jaw-dropping Austin Mini Pickup that defies convention. Built on a tubular steel chassis from X C Worx Chassis Developments, this Mini Monster boasts Ohlin’s dampers, X C Worx lightweight suspension components, and a visually striking body crafted by R&M Motorsport.
Dual Suzuki Hayabusa Engines
Beneath the surface of this Autograss marvel lies its beating heart — or hearts, to be precise. Positioned just behind Liam’s carbon Tillett seat are not one but two Suzuki Hayabusa engines, each a 1,340-cc powerhouse tuned by Dan McKenzie of DM Racing. Linked together through an X C Worx twin-drive box, these engines deliver an exhilarating experience. Weighing in at a mere 1,323 pounds, this Class 7 Mini Pickup is a pocket rocket ready to storm the Autograss tracks.
Artistry in Motion
Liam’s Mini Pickup is not just a racing machine; it’s a canvas that tells a story. Adorned with vinyl wraps showcasing sponsors and personalized tributes to fellow racing icon Ken Block, this Mini Monster is a rolling work of art. Moreover, it symbolizes a transition in Liam’s racing journey. Stepping back from professional racing, he’s embracing a new venture — building a diverse fleet of cars to disrupt traditional racing disciplines and explore the unexpected.
Racing Comfort and Control
Within the spartan interior designed for speed and agility, Liam finds comfort in a Tillett Racing C1 carbon racing seat with an integrated FIA Halo for head protection. Positioned at the heart of the car thanks to the X C Worx chassis, Liam steers the Mini Monster with an OMP Corsica Superleggero wheel, and a Stack gauge keeps him informed about the powerplant’s performance.
As the checkered flag waves on Liam Doran’s Autograss Austin Mini Truck, it signals not just the end of a race but the beginning of a new chapter. Autograss racing, with its unbridled energy, has found a worthy companion in the form of this Mini Monster. Liam’s venture into a diverse car fleet promises disruption and innovation. The Autograss tracks await, and with each turn, the Mini Pickup leaves a trail of excitement, embodying the spirit of racing’s relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.
