Local MINI Car Clubs

As you may have noticed those of us in the Chicago region are in the process of forming the Chicago MINI Motoring Club. Officers have been elected, a name has been chosen, and our first official event is being planned. But that being said there is some work to do before we start taking dues and giving out stickers.

Up until now owners in Chicago (and I imagine other areas as well) have simply had informal groups loosely held together via mass email or some yahoo group. Now it seems the time has come to create something with a bit more solidity – something that is bigger than just 2 or 3 people. If you're not familar with what a mature club can offer just take a look what the BMWCCA or the PCA. Certainly any MINI club would have a long way to go before ever reaching that sort of level but we must start somewhere.

It would seem a car like the MINI is just begging for some sort of organized owners group. It's one of those rare cars that seems to bring people together in positive ways. In fact there are a handful of clubs (listed in the links section) already established and more on the way everyday.

So here are my questions for those currently in MINI clubs or interested in them: How important do you think local clubs will be for MINI owners? What would you want to see a local club offer in terms of benefits or giveaways? How much would you be willing to pay in annual dues? And finally what type of events would you like to see local clubs offer?

Here's a list of currently operating MINI clubs in the US:

Chicago MINI Motoring Club (coming soon)
MINI5280 | Denver area club
Michigan MINI Motor Club | Michigan area club
MINIOKI | Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana MINI club
PDXMINI | Portland area club
Pitt Stop MINI | Western PA area club
SCMM | Southern California area club
STLMINI.com | St. Louis area club
(please feel free to add to this list if I missed one)

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Written By: MF Staff

  • Casey Swenson

    1) Local clubs are a must – but I would love to see local clubs organize at a larger level similar to that of the bmwcca…for a starting point I believe working with other MINI clubs in neighbooring states etc for a larger local event each year would be a great idea.

    2) Dues are a must, to do anything beyond normal drives you must have dues.

    3) Benefits greatly vary form area to area….some clubs might find that most people want to autox so they should focus more there, but in other areas they might just want to do more social events…big thing is cater to your local group without forgeting about the rest.

    4) Don't get in over your head to quick…allow the club to grow at a pace that people can keep up with it.

    5) Events are hard to say….for a club starting out you have to start small…more social events as those are free or each person pays themself…allows everyone to get to know each other etc. For those that want to Autox make an event out of that…get a group of MINIs and travel to an autox together. It is unreasonable to think that a club in its first year could host an autox on its own. Talk to other car clubs in your area that have done their own autox's and see if they would be interested in doing one with the MINI club…that way you can learn from them now things are done. Events don't have to be MINI related….goto camping as a group, go to a sports event, etc…sure you want to incorporate the car into is….so caravan to together on the way to a game and tailgate, etc.

    6) Remember it is suppose to be fun….doesn't let things get heated, or stressful…make things enjoyable.

  • steve

    I think things should start out small, low key and not too formal.. Group rides and get togethers, maybe a tech “how to” (if there are things people need done, and people who know how to do it and are willing to share). I have not done club things like this before but I know large events are a huge amount of effort, and I think it is something we should grow into instead of starting out there..

  • jeeves

    Gabe , I would be happy to help out with any and all event planing for the group, when we get to that point.

  • Jam Jar

    I agree with Steve… start out small. I also think that events should encompass the likes, however diverse they may be, of all club members and should not always be MINI related. I really like the idea of tech “how to's” given I am an owner and lover of my MINI but I am not an expert in the mechanics of the car. Dues seem to be a must to allow minor expenses of the club to be covered. Most of all the emphasis should be on FUN!

  • Bill Lawrence

    I am working with a group of folks that are starting a MINI club. Good luck with your clubs!

    As person who plans events and sets up smaller branches of a major a non-profit organization, I have experience in setting up the financial aspect of clubs. If you need any help with the basics like getting tax ID #'s, setting up checking accounts, budgeting events and stuff like that, dont hesitate to contact me!

  • http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

    Thanks for the offer Bill. We might take you up on that offer soon!

  • http://www.michiganmini.com Ryan

    Gabe…

    Please Remember your friendly neighbors to the East, the Michigan Mini Motor Club!

    http://WWW.MICHIGANMINI.COM

  • http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

    Ack… sorry I forgot. It's going up in the club links as we speak.

  • Nik J Miles

    I am looking fo video footage of Mini Cars. The Older the better. I am doing a 5 min Video Review for WB TV. Any one know of any?

  • Fernando

    I am a 2004 Mini Cooper S owner and I have a new set of wheels ( 4 silver R84 16″) that I am trying to sell. I appreciate any help.

    A club would be a great idea!

    Thanks, TX froca@houston.rr.com

  • http://www.minisrock.com Gobsmacked

    I am looking around to see what else to post links for our redesigned site. MINI clubs have been around for some decades in parts of the country; now that the new MINI has been released new clubs are forming all over and overlapping with mature clubs. MINI of the Rockies (MOTR) has been around since 1993, MINI5280 is a spin off from that club by a member who was by himself with a new Cooper S. Today MINI5280 is splitting into 3 to satisfy members who do not want to drive to Denver, while MOTR’s members are still mostly in the Denver area with the club mixed with classic and new MINI’s. Both clubs co-exist and share some functions together.
    So yes, local clubs serve very well for their members as you can see MINI5280 breaking into sub chapters and MOTR servering both classic and Modern MINIs.

  • http://durkart.com/ Dave Durk

    I just bought my first MINI yesterday!! I love the car. I love the ride. I’m an artist in Orlando, Fl . http://durkart.com/ if you guys know of any MINI clubs in Fl let me know. Here’s a picture of my MINI and my 2 dogs http://durkart.com/page5.html


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