Category Archives: Track Talk

Classic Mini, Track Talk

Possible Classic Mini Race Series Coming In 2008

Minis of Miami member “elpez” recently submitted this information for any interested Classic Mini owners. I think this really has potential and would love to see this become reality!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Tico Almeida of FARA (Formula & Automotive Racing Association) and Joe Orriols, of Bullseye Powder Coating, which led to a great conversation about the future of F.A.R.A. in South Florida. This conversation eventually led to a discussion regarding the possibility of creating a new series dedicated only to Classic MINIS beginning in 2008.
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MINI Press, Modern MINI, Track Talk

The New MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE

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Appropriately timed, since I just got off the track at Homestead, MINI announced the new MINI JCW Challenge racer with the following press release. As most of you know, I love my R53 and, while I think the R56 is cool, I would not trade Scooter in for one…. until now! This R56 is something else! Not sure I would be able to afford one, but if I could, this baby would be in my garage ready to hit the next track weekend! Check out the press release:

MINI John Cooper Works Challenge

MINI USA Press Release:
The new MINI has already proven its sporting talent on the road and soon the racing version based on the new generation of this small premium car, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, will likewise be ready to go. With the MINI CHALLENGE 2007 still under way, the racing car for the next season of this unique Clubsport Series is already being developed. It is already clear that based on the new MINI Cooper S, the car, which will be made available to participants in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008, will offer an even more intense and thrilling driving experience. Other ambitious motorsport enthusiasts will now also be able to acquire and race the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.
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Audio & Video, Images, Modern MINI, Track Talk

Video: Homestead Track Weekend 2007

After a blazing hot weekend in South Florida at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, I am happy to report that all the MINIs that participated came home in one piece. A great time was had by all. Huge thanks to all who came out to support us! A special congratulations to our very own CooperDrew who kicked some “you know what” out there on the track for his first ever track weekend! Drew – you made us proud! Here is the first of the videos from the weekend. I also posted the first set of photos. Enjoy!

[ Homestead Track Gallery ]

Modern MINI, Track Talk

Gearing Up For Another Homestead Track Weekend

In just 2 days, Team Minspeed will be putting more Porsches on notice at the Homestead-Miami Speedway! In between packing my track box and checking tire pressures, I am taking some time to watch videos from our last Homestead event to brush up on the line we will use to make our MINIs fly around the track. This weekend should be an absolute blast as I am scheduled to get my Solo check-out ride done on Saturday to move up from the Advanced run group to Solo. If you happen to be in the South Florida area this weekend, make it a point to come by the speedway (admission is free for spectators) and check us out. You also will get to have some free track time in your own vehicle in the form of parade laps! See you there!

MINI Homestead Track Weekend

[ Homestead Track Videos ]

Images, MINI Events, MINI Press, Modern MINI, Track Talk

Double Victory For Jeroen Bleekemolen @ The MINI Challenge In Zandvoort (NL)

MINI Press Release
Munich/Amsterdam. Putting in a perfect performance, Jeroen Bleekemolen (Aerdenhout/NL, Team ProSieben) rounded off his guest appearance in the MINI CHALLENGE being held this weekend as part of the MINI United Festival in Zandvoort (NL). After his win in yesterday’s race, the local Dutch hero and former DTM pro came out top in today’s heat too. “Being part of the MINI CHALLENGE has been a great experience. It was amazing fun,” said the victor. “To win today was enormously difficult. I had to fight forward five places,” Bleekemolen said – he had started in sixth place.

MINI Challenge

Alexander Burgstaller (Munich, MINI Germany) was one of those Bleekemolen overtook. The MINI CHALLENGE ambassador was happy enough with second place as he crossed the line, though. “My first podium position of the season – I hope to go on doing more of the same,” said Burgstaller, who won the MINI CHALLENGE in 2004.

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Images, MINI Events, MINI Press, Modern MINI, Track Talk

Jeroen Bleekemolen Wins In Zandvoort (NL)

MINI Press Release
Munich/Amsterdam. Just a few hours after Jeroen Bleekemolen (Aerdenhout/NL, Team ProSieben) gained pole position in the qualifying in Zandvoort (NL), the local Dutch hero had reason to celebrate yet again: the former DTM pro put in a perfect start-to-finish lead in the first MINI CHALLENGE race of his life! “I’m really pleased. Especially because it was such hard work to defend my position – that makes winning so much more significant,” said Bleekemolen after the race.

MINI Challenge

During the 30-minute race held as part of the MINI United Festival, only Ben Spouse (Munich, Schirra motoring) managed to keep a tail on the flying Dutchman. “I was always hot on Jeroen’s heels, but I just couldn’t manage the crucial attack,” said the Englishman. Spouse had put in the second-best time in the qualifying and explained afterwards why he had been so fast: “The undulating and winding profile of the race track is well suited to my very soft driving style. Here in Zandvoort you sense the typical MINI go-kart feeling much more than elsewhere.”

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Media Coverage, Modern MINI, Track Talk

R56 MINI Challenge Series Announced In Australia

According to Fullboost, it looks like the R56 will be making its debut in the Australian MINI Challenge in 2008.

Testosterone levels will reach critical as MINI Challenge visits eight of the most exciting tracks across all Australian States and Territories.

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport has given the go-ahead for the MINI Challenge one make series to kick off in Australia in 2008, when the brand new R56 generation MINI Challenge race cars will have their international motorsport debut.

The MINI Challenge category manager is now in discussion with V8 Supercars Australia with a view to the Series running on the V8 Supercars calendar.

Australiaís MINI Challenge cars will be built to a global racing specification in Germany in late 2007 and will feature a fully integrated roll-cage, race seat, and FIA-spec safety equipment.

Powering each MINI Challenge racer is an identical highly-charged twin scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre MINI engine, blessed with the very latest John Cooper Works magic.

[ Australian MINI Challenge @ Fullboost ]

Audio & Video, MINI Events, Modern MINI, Track Talk

Video: MINI Cooper S vs. Porsches at Sebring

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Here is the first of a set of videos I will try to post up of this past weekend’s track activities at Sebring International Raceway. The group we were running with is PBOC (Porsche/BMW Owners Club) and the MINIs were definately in the minority. However, by the end of the first day, the minority had made a statement and other drivers were taking notice :).


mct

Click below for MORE Sebring Videos!

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MINI Events, Modern MINI, Track Talk

Sebring Track Weekend Quick Update

Just walked in the door from Sebring and all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a weekend! Scooter (my 2006 MINI Cooper S), performed like a dream! The suspension upgrades that have been done have just transformed the car (more on that later). I will have a full recap later this week once I get back into the groove. Until then, here is a cool shot of Scooter on the track representing Team Minspeed!

Team Minspeed @ Sebring