Tag Archives: mini enthusiasts

imm2012

IMM 2012: world’s largest gathering of classic Mini enthusiasts is about to kick off

It was in 1959 that the Mini broke out onto the scene as a classless car, quickly took the world by storm and soon became a motoring icon admired by one generation after the next. Nowhere is the close bond between the classic Mini and its followers more apparent than at the International Mini Meeting (IMM).

The 36th edition of this traditional event is about to get under way, and still the classic Mini continues to transcend boundaries: this year marks the first time that the IMM is being held in Hungary. From 24 – 28 May 2012, fans of this compact British classic will descend on the resort of Balatonfüred on the northern shore of Lake Balaton.

The event’s hosts from MINI Club Hungary have put together a wide-ranging programme packed with thoughtful details, all organised with help and support from various quarters, including the MINI Clubs International Office. Two floating pedal-powered MINIs will be launched out onto Lake Balaton, for instance, while MINI wicker beach chairs will invite visitors to soak up the sun, and professionally restored classic Minis from the BMW Group Classic collection will be on show on the lakeshore alongside the brand’s current models.

Fans and drivers of today’s MINI have been equally welcome at the IMM events for years now.

The inaugural IMM took place in 1978 and has since evolved into the world’s largest gathering of classic Mini owners and friends. Some 4,000 of the brand’s fans, including representatives from over 200 MINI Clubs in countless countries, have registered for the IMM 2012. Enthusiasts from Portugal, Finland and Ireland are planning to drive there in their own Mini, and registrations have even been received from as far afield as Seattle in the US. For the day when everyone arrives, MINI Club Hungary has prepared a highly entertaining rally where the objective is not to be the fastest but to master the final stage before the journey’s end along a particularly picturesque stretch of road.

Bungalows and caravans provide accommodation for anyone attending the IMM, while the extensive campsite in Balatonfüred offers enough room for visitors to park their classic Mini and pitch their tent right next to it. The campsite grounds, furthermore, are the venue for numerous spectacular activities revolving around the classic Mini where the name of the game is sporting competition and having fun together. Plans include setting up a parts and accessories market, staging slalom races in the classic Mini, as well as a competition for the most stunning specimens from all model series, the classic Mini that is truest to the original, the oldest driver and the oldest car. Wedding bells will also be ringing amid the ranks of MINI enthusiasts when two members of the host MINI Club take their vows at the event arena before starting their new life together in true style at the wheel of a classic Mini – followed by a celebratory convoy of some 200 further examples of this British classic, whose drivers have registered in advance for the occasion.

Kat and Norm Are On Site At Mini United

Norm checks in from France: Miniology is on site at MINI United 2012 in Le Castellet Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France as Mini enthusiasts arrive by Mini, plane, train, and ferry. Its a beautiful setting in a georgeous little coastal town on the “French Rivera”. The sun has just risen with clear blue skies. I will unpack the cameras and microphones and get to work!

Miniology TV March 2012

In this episode, we run along with the Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts as they navigate the high waters of Sonoma and Napa Counties and find a winery.

Also, we take a run down to Mini of Marin for a special media event to mark the opening of this new dealership as well as the tenth anniversary of Mini in America.

Also, we’ll take a high energy look at the new Mini Coupe and Roadster.

Watch here, or subscribe through the iTunes Store!

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MINI United 2012. Major acts confirmed. International stars of the music and DJ scene get ready to make a noise at the quintessential MINI Community get-together.

MINI United time is here again.
The international Community growing up around the British premium small car brand is set to come together for the fourth running of a very special open-air festival from 11 – 13 May 2012. Lying in wait for the MINI United 2012 crowd at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France – which played host to Formula One races over several decades – alongside the popular Community activities will be a top-class line-up featuring live music acts, motor sport and lifestyle action.

For MINI enthusiasts the world over MINI United has always been the festival of choice. And this year it will also be the first date in the diary for those of us powered by the music vibe. Indeed, with the official unveiling of the MINI United line-up it’s clear MINI aficionados won’t be the only ones to have their appetites fully satisfied; festival-goers from around the world will also be purring at the prospect of seeing their national and international music heroes perform live.

Confirmed line-up for MINI United 2012:

Friday, 11 May:
Iggy and the Stooges, Martin Solveig, Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine, The Rifles, Naive New Beaters

Saturday, 12 May:
Gossip, The Ting Tings, Ben Mazué, SOMA, Charlie Winston, Birdy Nam Nam

Some 25,000 fans from more than 40 nations flocked to Silverstone in England for the MINI United festival in 2009 to celebrate not only the third Community catch-up but also the 50th anniversary of the brand’s founding.

Indeed, the event programme is richer in depth and variety than ever before. As well as live appearances by leading lights of the international music and DJ scene, it goes without saying that the MINI product family will also be taking to the stage in all its glory. The MINI John Cooper Works models will feel particularly at home in an arena where so much Formula One history has been written. Motor sport buffs will be in for a treat as the drivers do battle in a string of races in various MINI series, and the exclusive presentation of a new MINI model adds another highlight to the schedule. Last but not least, an array of fun sporting activities, stunt shows and an exhibition of exceptional Classic Mini cars ensure an attractive blend of al fresco party and car-based MINI action in every shape and form.

An extensive entertainment programme for younger MINI fans is guaranteed, as are a broad spread of culinary treats. Other essential features of a MINI United festival are the MINI Club Area and Beauty Parking, which serves as both a car park and stage for the more strikingly styled members of the MINI fleet. Indeed, for the majority of the fans at the fourth MINI United festival, driving to the venue in their own MINI is a key part of the event.

Further information on MINI United 2012 is now available at www.MINIspace.com/MINIunited. Regular updates on the event programme, motor sport and music line up will also be posted on the site, as well as tips and links on the event location, registration, ticket bookings and accommodation reservations in the area around the venue.

[Source: BMW Press Group Global, 23.03.2012, Munich/Le Castellet.]

Photos Include Music Acts, MINI United 2009, and a revised Poster art suitable for plastering all over town :)

Miniology TV: A Sneak Peek At Mini Of Marin

This time we get an exclusive tour of the all-new Mini of Marin in Corte Madera! It’s a peek at the “peak” of perfection! With all of the high-tech gadgetry this place will have the stuff to outfit your next British spy adventure! Speakers include Joe Thomer, General Manager of Mini of Marin, with our own Rob Saunders. Cameos include Mini of Marin staff Keith Ray, Chris Mans (from BMW/Mini of SF), James Willits (from BMW San Mateo), Alex Lawson (sales), Alan (sales), and various members of the Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts and Shasta Minis, including Peter Ziedrich, Jerry Del Castello, Leeta Cernohlavek, and other Miniologists! Apparently Mini of Marin will be located where the Honda dealership used to be. Penske leveled it for the location of the new MINI space, hehe. PS: Apologies in advance for any typos.

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Miniology TV: Don’t Pay The Ferryman

Members of Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts visit the Carvalho Family Winery in Clarksburg.

http://www.vimeo.com/26583865

Miniology TV Don’t Pay The Ferryman from Miniology Podcasts on Vimeo.

Mini Thunder II Adds Free Option For Non-Drivers

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