Tag Archives: mini drivers

MINI United 2012. A genuinely fan-tastic event. 30,000 enthusiasts answer the call to party at the MINI Community’s biggest catch-up yet in France.

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For the worldwide MINI Community there was only one place to be from 11 – 13 May: MINI United 2012 in Le Castellet, France. Last weekend’s event once again pulled in MINI fans from around the world, and the MINI faithful from almost 50 countries were greeted by a unique combination of live music and car-fuelled action at the Circuit Paul Ricard. The erstwhile host of Formula One grands prix proved to be the ideal venue for races in the MINI Trophy and MINI Rushour race series, and the assembled masses were also treated to a high-class line-up of live music acts and an array of fun sporting activities. Indeed, the MINI brand was there to be experienced in all its glory with a programme that also included stunt shows, test drives with the latest MINI models and Track Drives, which allowed MINI drivers to hustle their own cars around the legendary circuit in the tyre tracks of a professional racing driver. A particular highlight of the weekend was an exclusive preview of the new MINI John Cooper Works GP.

Iggy Pop and Gossip rocked the stage.
Motor sport buffs and design aficionados were joined at the largest get-together of the MINI Community by enthusiastic followers of the international music scene. Which was no surprise given that some of the world’s hottest stars were on the bill. On Friday, for example, rock legend Iggy Pop had the stage buzzing to the sounds of his band Iggy and the Stooges, before Paris-based house DJ Martin Solveig whipped the crowd into a dancing throng with his infectious club repertoire. That was followed on Saturday by a line-up including the punchy punk-pop of Grammy award-nominated duo The Ting Tings. And a sensational set from Gossip reminded us why front woman-cum-fashion icon Beth Ditto has been anointed the “Coolest Woman on the Planet”.

Record numbers set up a feast of the spectacular.
Records were being broken as well as played in Le Castellet, as the number of enthusiasts from around the world attending the previous MINI United at Silverstone, Great Britain (25,000) was bettered once again this year. 30,000 fans took over the Circuit Paul Ricard during the three days. The majority did the honourable thing by turning up in their own MINI, some even driving 6,490 km (4,032 miles) from the outer reaches of Russia to France. There, they mingled with fellow MINI devotees from the USA, Japan and Canada, who had also etched the event into their calendars. This unique gathering of MINI models ensured that the MINI Club Area, in which 24 MINI clubs from around the world were represented, the already legendary stage for ultra-spectacularly styled cars a.k.a. Beauty Parking, and a line-up of the full MINI product family were an even greater attraction than ever for the MINI fans.

In the UK and age 11 or older? MINI UK just donated Mini One track day cars for you!

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MINI TAKES YOUNGSTERS OUT ON THE TRACK WITH MOTORSPORT VISION’S YOUNGDRIVE

MINI is delighted to team up with MotorSport Vision to supply a fleet of MINI One models for its YoungDrive programme. The scheme offers children as young as 11 years old (and a minimum of 4’ 8” tall) the chance to have their first taste of motoring.

The dual controlled MINI Ones are available at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Bedford Autodrome and each car features a DSA-approved instructor who will teach young drivers essential skills in a traffic-free environment to prepare them for hitting the roads for real when they’re old enough.

“The MINI One is the perfect car to give young people their first driving experience and is very popular amongst new drivers; it’s small, nippy and fantastic fun. I’m sure it will leave them counting the days to their 17th birthday!” says Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK.

Jonathan Palmer, owner of Motorsport Vision says “Our renowned YoungDrive programme is a fun and informative course that’s designed to give a positive first experience for new drivers and its popularity has grown significantly over the past few years. I’m delighted we’ve joined forces with the iconic MINI brand – it really is the perfect car for young people to sample driving for the first time.”

This collaboration further highlights MINI’s dedication to investing in young drivers; the company already supplies a fleet of MINI Ones to the MINI Drivers @ Goodwood programme.

For more information on availability and restrictions contact MSV on 0843 453 1000 or www.motorsportvision.co.uk.

MINI Cooper Hardtop to Enter B-Spec Race Series for 2012!

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Heya MINI fans! Nope, it’s not another stuffy press release from Munich or Oxford. Finally, we got some news local to the USA!

MINI USA and MINI of Charleston to build and sell turn-key MINI race cars

MINI USA has partnered with MINI of Charleston (South Carolina) to announce that the MINI Cooper Hardtop will begin racing in the B-Spec series for the 2012 race season. B-Spec vehicles are production-based cars that are equalized on power and weight to make the racing as competitive as possible and all four of the major racing sanctioning bodies (SCCA, Grand Am, NASA and World Challenge) will host B-Spec races in 2012.

Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA (who was interviewed by Miniology earlier) said, “B-Spec racing is a great fit for MINI because the car is developed with racing heritage in mind and the races are run with vehicles very similar to those already sitting in the driveway…Getting involved with B-Spec racing offers a fun and competitive race environment without requiring MINI drivers to make a large financial investment to make their car a serious competitor.”

Yeah, like we have always said, MINIs (even stock ones!) are track-ready right off the dealership floor. How many brands can say they offer that kind of performance right off the factory line?

MINI of Charleston, a Hendrick Automotive Group company, will build and sell turn-key MINI Hardtop racing vehicles by the start of the 2012 season. It will also offer class-legal conversion kits so the owner of any 2007 – 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop can easily be ready to race in B-Spec. All safety equipment will meet or exceed requirements set forth by the sanctioning body.

During the LA Auto Show, the first MINI’s B-Spec prototype will be on display. This vehicle will be driven by Brad Davis, Executive General Manager of MINI of Charleston and team driver Robbie Davis.

MINI USA’s existing contingency program for all four racing series will be extended to sanctioned B-Spec race teams, with financial compensation for an eligible podium finish. For more information about MINI USA’s contingency program, please visit http://www.miniusa.com/#/miniRacing

Vinnie Kung, MINI USA Product Manager added, “MINI entering B-Spec racing is full of benefits. Drivers can enter the racing arena for a fairly low investment in a car developed from the ground up with performance and handling at its core. In addition, MINI USA’s contingency program is to compelling, it could even pay off the car itself in about a year.”

Final contingency payout information, as well as detailed pricing for the MINI Hardtop adapted by MINI of Charleston and the conversion kits, will be announced as the start of the 2012 season draws closer.

Now here are the vehicle specs:

2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop B-Spec Racer
HP: 121 @ 6,000, factory rated
TQ: 114 @ 4,250, factory rated
Steering: Electric power-assisted rack and pinion, 14.1:1 ratio
Weight: 2,535 pounds, 60.4%/39.6% F/R, factory rated
Length / Wheelbase / Height: 146.6”/ 97.1” / 55.4”
Suspension: KW V1 Coilover Struts and Shocks/ Vorshlag front camber plates
Brakes: Standard MINI Brake system with Carbotech Brake Pads and Way Motorworks Stainless Steel Braided hoses.
Safety Equipment: Kirk Racing Roll Cage with Kirkey Intermediate Road Racing Seat and Schroth Hybrid III Harnesses, Cage Nets and Window Net.
Wheel / Tire: 15 x 7 Kosei K1 aluminum alloy / Hoosier SM6 205-50-15
Performance-enhancing electronics standard on all MINIs:
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Brake Force Distribution (BFD)

[Source: BMW Group PressClub USA - Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 16, 2011]

Mini United Cancelled… Citizens Plan Home Grown Version

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Mini has cancelled plans to host Mini United this Summer in the South of France.

Many disgruntled Mini drivers who have invested thousands of dollars in non-refundable airline tickets, hotel rooms, etc. have decided to organize their own gathering tentatively titled “We Are United”. A FaceBook page has been set up to facilitate this idea.

You can go HERE to find out more.

Mini Thunder II Adds Free Option For Non-Drivers

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For those of you that have never taken your MINI/Mini our on the track, we welcome you to MINI Thunder II. Admission is FREE for those that want come out and watch, take some demo rides with instructors, and time permitting we will offer parade laps at lunch. Get a chance to visit with some of the top named Mini drivers, chat with the coaches/instructors, stroll through the pit & paddock areas visiting with other Mini owners and vendors. Explore the track from several vantage points and bring a camera. MINI Thunder II proves to be more than just a track day, we hope you will enjoy the social and festive atmosphere, while learning what a track day is all about. Walk the course, where permitted, and see how the turn workers keep an eye on thing and control and advise drivers of hazards ahead, note the two trucks and emergency crews that are there “just in case”, sit in on a classroom session and see how the instructors teach the techniques and critique performance. Track Day events are a “team” effort, with registration, communication, emergency, medical, food and beverage, on track workers, pre-grid organization, and much more.

We would all love to see you come out for the day and even for Saturday night’s dinner and casino night. The vendors will enjoy having a crowd of Mini enthusiasts, the coaches and staff will be happy to answer questions, other drivers will enjoy the attention, and you will see how much fun, safe, and educational this can be. The Thunderhill Grill will be open for food and beverages and we welcome you to join us for our meals. You can buy breakfast, lunch, or diner tickets at the track.

Best of all is to see the smiles on the faces of the drivers as they climb out of their Minis after a track session. As Jo Wattle put it last year “It’s going to take plastic surgery to wipe this smile off my face”.

Remember its FREE admission, FREE parking, so climb in your Minis and take a drive to Thunderhill Raceway Park, near Willows California. Feb 19-20, 2011