Timothy Bradshaw has been throwing his 18-year-old Mini Cooper S R53 around the forests of the UK long enough. Now, he wants to see if it can survive the African desert.

Bradshaw plans to enter the Mini, which he has been racing in the Mini Cooper Challenge, in the 2027 Africa Eco Race Historic. The AER also announced on Wednesday that he will serve as the organizers’ liaison in the United Kingdom and Ireland, meaning he will lead the AER’s promotional events in the British Isles such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“Acting as a key link between competitors in these countries and the organization, he will be there to support, advise and assist them every step of the way,” explained the organizers. “Present on the rally, he will also be alongside them throughout the adventure, from the bivouac all the way to Dakar.

“Tim will also play an important role in developing the Africa Eco Race in the UK and Ireland, sharing his passion and helping future participants bring their projects to life.”

A graduate of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Bradshaw was a cover human intelligence officer for the British Army who later became a public speaker on leadership. He is the head of Sandstone Communications, which provides first aid training and other related programs, and the Sandstone Foundation to encourage younger generations to be adventurous.

He considers himself an adventurer as well, enjoying activities like mountaineering. Naturally, this extends to motorsports too like sidecar racing. Rally raids like the Paris–Dakar also piqued his interest.

After dabbling in cross-country rally events back home, he finished 17th overall for bikes in the 2021 Rallye du Maroc on a KTM 500. He took 2022 off to focus on donating supplies and training Ukrainian troops in first aid, then made his Africa Eco Race debut in 2024. Racing a Husqvarna FR 450 as a Motul Xtreme Rider, he suffered a nasty crash that resulted in a broken neck and spinal cord damage.

Although the injuries ended his bike career, Bradshaw shifted to rallying instead with the Mini Challenge. His co-driver Steve Harris will also accompany him for the 2027 AER Historic.

“I’m really excited to be able to share this amazing adventure,” Bradshaw stated. “A challenge shared is a challenge halved and that is especially true when it comes to racing to Dakar in the Africa Eco Race.”

Featured image credit: Eastern Mini