who here regularly (or occasionallly) takes their MINI to the track? with whom do you run and where? what have you done to your track MINI?

i try to get out once a month, but work sometimes get in the way. i run with PBOC and PCA. i'm also a BMWCCA member, but had to cancel last weekends Road Atlanta event. i've run Sebring many times, Moroso twice and Homestead once. my next event is w/ PBOC at Homestead in mid August.

i have a pretty good handle on my track setup w/ coilovers, camber plates, adjustable lower rear control arms, aggressive alignment specs, m7 USS, Willwood bbk w/ dedicated track pads, SSR type C-RS wheels, hoosier R6's in 225/40/17's, plus a few other misc items.

these cars are a blast on the track and surprise many people. we have a pretty good group of MINI track junkies here in so. fla. so it it even more fun when shared w/ friends.

fill us in on your MINI.....

 

gonna take mine to the track soon

 

mikefl: we will have about 15 MINI's on the track at Sebring in late October. there are many more tentatively signed up, but i've seen the list dwindle in the past. we had 8 MINI's at homestead last weekend. 5 of us were running in the solo/instructor group so we had a blast. i'm editing video as i type. i'll post something here soon. pm me if you would like some info. greg

 

How good are the brakes after a couple of sessions.

 

i don't know to whom you are asking the question, but i will reply. i have 13" TCE/Willwoods w/ dedicated track pads (poly h's) up front and larger slotted rears w/ Porterfield R4's. i can stop w/ the best in my groups all day. i run 225/40/17 Hoosier R6's so the tire isn't the limit. here is a brief video from my last event at Sebring. you be the judge!
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u...t=d1ab6770.pbr

 

i've seen many minis on the road courses. look like a lot of fun and there are so many great mods to do to make them great track cars.

some of the really twisty NE tracks are a lot of fun in those cars

 

the MINI is a blast on a road course. i'm fortunate to have three tracks within easy driving distance (Sebring, Homestead & Moroso). None are particularly MINI friendly, but we can hang.

 

Hi Beaner,

Looks like you have a wonderful set up for the track. Your Mini must just stick to the road. Couple of friends of mine who are expert drivers loved my mini on the track. Looks like you are very fast yourself. Nothing like passing the Porsches!!!!

irishmini

 

irishmini: i love my track set up. that video was when i was running in the advanced group. last weekend was my first in the solo/instructor group. many more fast cars. i still got by a few porsches (including a former instructor in a 996). it is all about seat time. there were three exiges in my group. i ran very competitively w/ two of them, but the third completely kicked my butt. same w/ vettes, porsches, and bimmers. i have a blast on the track. where in Nebraska are you located? i went to HS and college in Hastings. i have heard that they recently opened up a road course there. pm me when you have a chance. greg

 

the classics are sweet, but would be left far behind where i'm running. plus i like the fact that i can change wheels and brake pads then drive home in air conditioned comfort while listening to premium sounds.....9 days 'til Sebring!

 

I've taken my Mini to Blackhawk and it was a blast. I've also taken it to Road America and that track is too long. The Mini is underpowered for a big track.

 

glad to see my favorite thread resurface. the best way to make a "high hp" track more fun is to bring a bunch of other MINI's! my friends and i manage to stay pretty competive at Sebring, which is a long, fairly fast track. the last time i ran there, the track was wet (i didn't run when it was soaked) and i was still able to get to over 100 mph at five different places on the track while running Hoosier R6's. i just bought two sets of kodiak racing wheels and Hankook F2000 slicks. i'll get a set of intermediates/rains for my SSR's. i'm watching the Rolex series at Homestead as i type. i'll be there at the end of February. we don't run NASCAR 3/4, but dive into a nice technical section before rejoining the front straight. three of my buddies ran daytona in december. they managed to impress quite a few people. randy pobst did a session in one friend's car. he liked it! keep us posted on your track adventures......greg

 

You could twin charge your car for more fun.

 

i don't need no stinkin' twin charge! i do have a developmental plan. my first priorities were handling and braking. braking mission accomplished. handling is pretty good, but i will graft in an R56 aluminum trailing arm and add Moton clubsport coilovers to my existing package. power will go up w/ head, header,cat-back, injectors and tune. this should get me about 220-225 whp. enough for now. 2.0 liter stroker and rotrex s/c should get me to hp levels that will challenge the adhesion of the best tires and suspension.....997's beware. my next additions will actually be a fully contained racing seat, roll bar and 6-pt harness. i can't hang on any longer. stupid money in all, but i love this silly little car.....no one at the track says " that is a cute little car".

 

Did you ever follow the posts of Onasled in the North American Motoring forum? He was my inspiration, but I fell short. I'd love to embarass Mustangs and Vette's with my Mini.