In an e-mail sent to select MINI owners last night, it looks like MINIUSA is shooting for March to deliver more detailed information on MINI Takes The States 2008. All I will say is, sure would be nice to have this information already, since some of us actually work and need to request vacation time well in advance (sigh). Thanks to MINI_Marc for this find (I apparently am not on the “list” because I did not receive the e-mail):
I stumbled on this site today and I thought it was pretty cool. Ever want to go to a MINI event outside your local area but didn’t want to show up without a MINI? Well now you can easily find rental companies that stock MINIs. Now keep in mind that the site is new and content is being added - so if your target destination is not listed, be patient or send them a note.
Now this is something I can not wait for! South African animation company, Luma, has developed a new racing game that is sure to be a hit - “MINI #37 - Arcade Racer”. Cars will be added as new versions of the game are released. Coming this month, this game will eventually let the player select all the types of MINIs you can configure for purchase including classic Minis and JCW’s. Heck maybe even a GP will sneak in there . The game will start with tracks in South Africa, and new courses will be added as new versions are released. From what I have seen, the graphics will be stunning. Check out the following description from greatgamesexperiment.com. They also posted some screen shots that are worth checking out too. Enjoy!
MINI#37 is an episodic racing game and every couple of months or so, new sections of the game will be released. The first public release (Episode One) will be available in May of this year. It will include tracks set in Newtown as well as Cape Town (tracks include Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, and the dock area). Each city/location will consist of three tracks, and new cars will also be available as downloadable updates or as part of the next release. All of the MINI vehicles will eventually be available, including vintage MINI’s and some hotted up MINI’s like the GP and JCW.
There are two game modes: Arcade Mode will feature single races on any of the unlocked tracks, and Championship Mode will require players to compete through a series of tracks in Grand Prix style racing. Both game modes will be playable as single player or multiplayer experiences.
As I was checking the various MINI forums that I keep up with on a daily basis, I ran across this AWESOME signature from chiki143 who just ordered her new 2007 MCSa today. How creative! Congratulations chiki143!!!
I came across this very inclusive article on the history of the MINI over at howstuffworks.com. Take a moment and check it out when you have some time as it covers everything from the little car’s beginning back in 1957 “when Leonard Lord, president of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), decided to develop a reliable, efficient small car for consumers…”, all the way to the viral advertising campaign known to all MINI enthusiasts as Hammer and Coop!
Our good friend Murray over at murmini.com posted a follow-up to his original OBD article a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, with things being so busy around here, I did not get to post a link over to it. As usual Murray goes in-depth and provides excellent information regarding some cool OBD software and scan tools. Great job, as usual, Murray!
It’s no secret that the car enthusiasts over at Grassroots Motorsports magazine are big MINI and Mini fans. Technical Editor Per Schroeder owned and autocrossed a stock Chili Red MINI Cooper for years. Recently he traded in the Cooper for a Sparkling Silver 2007 MINI Cooper S and he’s preparing the new MINI for the autocross course. You can follow his exploits on the Grassroots Motorsports 2007 MINI Cooper S Blog. Good luck, Per!
Marker Blog posted a cool stunt video shot at the New Zealand MINI R56 launch. Stunt driver Russ Swift gets behind the wheel and amazes everyone with some fancy braking maneuvers.
Looks like Hammer and Coop have their very own page on MySpace.com. The page hosts each episode of Hammer and Coop as they become available and allows for the typical MySpace banter between “friends”. I have to say I am really impressed with how far MINI USA is taking this marketing promotion. Very cool!
In case you haven’t noticed recent posts referring to MyMini as Minspeed, here is the reason behind the name change. While it is sad that BMW/MINI has chosen this course of action, I am confident that Pete will emerge from this better than ever. I personally want to thank Pete for his support, both locally with our MINI club, and with MotoringFun.com. He is a class act and I am sure others will agree that his customer service is paramount to his success. I wish Pete the best in this new journey and look forward to what new things await us. Motor On!
At the behest of BMW-MINI legal counsel, we are changing our name to Minspeed (www.minspeed.net), Effective February 25, 2007.
No reason to give the details here but are willing to comply with the request since we have a good relationship with mini.
The change is in name only and will not be a change in ownership, location or operations.
We appreciate the response we’ve had from our clients worldwide and will continue to bring you the finest products we can offer mini owners. With the change will come more, new and interesting items, including our new R56 additions and bespoke built cars.
I thank you all for your kind words and support of MyMini these past few years but i’m looking forward to taking on new challenges and what the future will bring us all!
Look for us to become Minspeed !
Saturday, February 9th, 2008
3 Comments 
Posted by Pedro in Modern MINI, Cool MINI Ads, MINI Events, MINI Sites and Blogs 
. The game will start with tracks in South Africa, and new courses will be added as new versions are released. From what I have seen, the graphics will be stunning. Check out the following description from 
