Merry Christmas 2007

Boy have things been crazy for me lately. I have been helping to relocate our data center at work and, needless to say, been working some nutty hours and have had no time to post on MINI happenings. Sure glad Christmas is almost here and I finally have a chance to spend some quiet time with friends and family. I hope you are able to find the time as well to spend some time with those you care about. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Santa is good to you ;). Once the relocation is complete, I should be back posting as normal (should be after the new year). Until then – stay safe and happy motoring!

Models Wearing MINIs 2008 Calendar

If you read “Sebring In The Rain”, you know that we had a photo shoot at the track with some models for an upcoming calendar. Well I am proud to announce that Massive Motorsport and The Complete Tire Company has released the 2008 Models Wearing MINIs Calendar, featuring some of the MINIs you have seen on MotoringFun.com and fellow Team Minspeed members! To order your very own copy which will ship within 3 days, call Victor @ . Tell him you saw it here at MotoringFun.com!

Models Wearing MINIs
Models Wearing MINIs

MINI Takes The States 2008 To Be Held In Four Separate Locations

A source at MINI USA has confirmed that the results of the MTTS survey show that the option to have separate events in four different locations was far and away the favorite of those who responded. While this is not “official”, it is good news for those of us who wanted a piece of the event closer to our back yards. MINI USA is not disclosing the exact locations of the events, but look for an official announcement coming soon.

Randy Pobst Drives My MINI @ Daytona!

For those who don’t know, Randy Pobst is the 2003 and 2007 SPEED World Challenge GT champion and is a two-time class winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, in 2001 and 2006. Yes – he did take Scooter for a ride with me riding along shotgun. What was even cooler is this took place during a pro driver run session with other professional racers and their cars!

Randy Pobst Drives a MINI Cooper S around Daytona International Speedway

It was the ride of a lifetime and just an amazing opportunity to sit and watch a pro take my car to the limits and show me that there is so much more to get out of it if one knows how to get it. Needless to say, I have a long way to go! I pretty much had to change my shorts after the ride, but it was so much fun and humbling. Here is the video from the thrill ride:

[ Photos of Randy Pobst getting ready for the MINI ride! ]

[ Randy Pobst Official Website ]

Video: MINI Cooper S @ Daytona – Part 1

WOW! What a weekend!!!! I honestly have never had more fun on a track in my life. Daytona is the ULTIMATE track to get your car on. Huge thanks to the Craig Liechty from the Audi Club of Ohio for putting on such an awesome event. I will be working on sorting photos and video this week as well as putting together a full write up. So many cool things happened this weekend and I can’t wait to share them. For now, here is the first video I whipped together from my Saturday afternoon session (more coming soon!):

Daytona Here I Come!

The countdown is almost at zero and I will be heading out later today to make the trek north to Daytona International Speedway!! I will be on the track Friday and Saturday so if you happen to be in the area, stop by and say hi. Not sure if I will get to post until I get back, so for now, enjoy my practice session below from a few weeks back:

MINI Sports Activity Vehicle will be built by Magna Steyr

Looks like the MINI SAV will be built in Austria according to the latest BMW Press Release. Check it out below:

BMW Press Release

Partnership in Development and Production
Munich. The new MINI Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will be built by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria. The vehicle concept, devised by MINI Design and BMW Group engineers, has been entrusted to Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik for series development and for later production.

The cooperation with Magna Steyr is an efficient way for BMW Group to ensure the planned profitable growth through new model launches set out in the company’s strategic alignment.
Continue reading MINI Sports Activity Vehicle will be built by Magna Steyr

Electric MINI @ Sam’s Club

Well my inbox was full of press releases today regarding this cool story. If you recall that electric MINI from Hybrid Technologies that has been in the news for the past year or so, you will enjoy this. Looks like Sam’s Club is going to offer the car for sale through its latest catalog for $65,000. Now before you start saying “$65K for a MINI?!?!?” – just remember that the technology used in this car is cutting edge. Think of it more of a concept car and the price, while out of reach for most of us, is probably right in line. In the future, other cars using this technology will be everywhere and the prices will be much lower thanks to this very project.

Here is the official press release:

Mooresville, NC, New York, NY – December 2, 2007 – Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (NASD OTCBB: HYBT – News) www.hybridtechnologies.com, emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium-powered products worldwide, is pleased to announce that Samís Club Inc., is introducing the all-lithium Mini Cooper for sale through its well know Source guide, which is out December 01, 2007.

Continue reading Electric MINI @ Sam’s Club