Hundreds of Minis. Side-by-side racing under lights. Rocker cover race cars. Fancy dress parties. Welcome to the Australian Hay Mini Nationals.

Held each June Long Weekend, this iconic event brings together Mini enthusiasts from across Australia for four days of competition, community and good old’ country fun.

The weekend kicks off with a Friday night welcome party before hundreds of Minis cruise through town in the annual street parade. From there, the action continues with one of Australia's most impressive Show & Shine displays, showcasing everything from pristine restorations to highly customised builds.

Saturday night belongs to Hay Heroes, an adrenaline-fuelled crowd favourite where drivers race head-to-head through identical slalom courses under stadium lights. With packed spectator areas, cheering crowds and elimination-style racing, it's one of the highlights of the weekend.

Then there's Rocker Cover Racing — arguably one of the event's most entertaining traditions. Competitors transform Mini engine rocker covers into gravity-powered race cars before sending them down the track in pursuit of glory, bragging rights and plenty of laughs.

Sunday sees the country's largest and most competitive Mini motorkhana take over the field. Featuring six tests, including a mystery challenge revealed on the day, drivers compete for fractions of a second while juniors, first-timers and seasoned competitors all battle it out for their own victories.

The weekend concludes with the famous fancy-dress presentation party, where clubs arrive in themed costumes to celebrate the competition, camaraderie and another successful Hay Mini Nationals.

Whether you're a lifelong Mini enthusiast or simply curious to see hundreds of classic Minis descend on a Riverina town, the Australian Hay Mini Nationals is one of regional Australia's most unique and entertaining long weekend events.

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