MINI USA to Build a Drag Car

Ian Sep 19th, 2005 Link

So is this the source of the “lightweight MINI” rumours? ;)

Reply

Allan Sep 19th, 2005 Link

So is this the source of the “lightweight MINI” rumours? ;)

I sure hope so! =D

Reply

Nathaniel Salzman Sep 19th, 2005 Link

1700 lbs! Holy horsepower, Batman! Regardless of whether or not a lightweight MCS goes to production, just the existance of a 1700 lb MCS is wicked cool. Does M600 stand for the 600hp they want to push out of that engine?

Regardless, it’s great to see so much MINI racing news lately. From the race series to the Canadian Rally win, and now a drag race entry. Awesome!

Reply

MDSBrain Sep 19th, 2005 Link

I thought a MINI drag car was out a while back? It was a Cooper engine with NOS and a MCS bonnet.

Reply

Gabe Sep 19th, 2005 Link

I thought a MINI drag car was out a while back? It was a Cooper engine with NOS and a MCS bonnet.

Unfortunately that car wasn’t quite completed. The folks at BMW lost interest in it (and production capacity) when Formula BMW was announced. Essentially you could consider this another (if not more serious) attempt.

Reply

MadisonMini Sep 19th, 2005 Link

The style and language is so over the top, it reads like an April fool’s joke.

Reply

Randolph Lee Sep 19th, 2005 Link

there are photos of it here http://www.fireballtim.com/blog/

Reply

Joe McCormick Sep 19th, 2005 Link

This really does seem like a joke. Especially since the MINI is such a great race car to begin with, but that’s when turns are involved. How ‘bnout an article about MINIs at the SCCA Autocross championships and the Runoffs?

Reply

Gabe Sep 19th, 2005 Link

This really does seem like a joke. Especially since the MINI is such a great race car to begin with, but that’s when turns are involved. How ‘bnout an article about MINIs at the SCCA Autocross championships and the Runoffs?

Coming tonight…

Reply

Jon Sep 19th, 2005 Link

I love the MINI, but I cannot, and will never, consider it a great choice to start building a drag racing car from. Certain cars excell at certain types of driving. We all know that a MINI’s forte is racing in the twisties, autocrossing, and even on many tracks. But drag racing? Ummmm, riiiiight…

But it will be an interesting project to watch, simply because the new lightweight/higher horsepower MINI will be getting more press.

Reply

Charlie Sep 19th, 2005 Link

Go Mini G000000000000000000000ooooooooo!

Reply

tsukiji Sep 19th, 2005 Link

EXTREMELY DAFT !

Reply

j/c Sep 20th, 2005 Link

I photographed this MINI in Phoenix a few weeks ago. It’s so light, I was able to push it with one hand. Just opening the door lets you feel the lightness. Don’t know what else I’m allowed to say. Oh, I even sat in it! (like that’s important)

Reply

O(=^=)O Capn Sep 20th, 2005 Link

From thier web site

M600 REVEALED!! Here it is, folks. The M600. Now known as the “FLAMETHROWER.” Since the big day is only about 2 weeks away, the Press Release has been launched and here’s the real deal. Front mounted intercooler installed by Dr. Fuh, JCW body kit freshly painted by Elwood Bodyworks thanks to Chris “Tuls” Amatulli (FTR Art Director) and Brian White with the original pulled Cooper engine (Being replaced by the Twin-Charged Monster) and the concept art by yours truly. More to come!

whats up with that window in the bonnet?

Original Pulled Cooper engine—Twin charged monster?

Are they just reinstalling the Chrysler engine, and making it turbo?

Reply

Z4MINI Sep 20th, 2005 Link

Man…with all the fantasizing about lightweight and horsepower that goes on this blog…this seems like a dream come true!

I hope they have lot’s of success with it.

Reply

Robert Sep 20th, 2005 Link

I remember seeing “Fireball” Tim at the Huntington Beach Concours last June when I had my car in the show. His display was over the top with toys, loud colors, flames, etc…

Interesting how he wants to build a drag car. Not at all in the tradition of MINI racing but who knows, maybe it is time for an “American” spin by going to the drags?

I can’t tell if “Fireball” is all about attention and “look at me”, expressing himself, or whatever, but it is all a bit daft.

Anyway, it’s a MINI world and that’s what makes the MINI so much fun.

Reply

Stoopidgirl Sep 24th, 2005 Link

It’s funny to me that some of you think this is a joke. The fact that it’s a Mini and it’s going to go REALLY FAST is just downright cool. Being someone who’s helped on this project (even if it just means being a chearleeder or oohing and ahhhing at all the carbon fiber) I think the joke comments are quite flattering. I am happy to be someone who knows for a fact that it is no joke but is part of something that seems to good to be true.

Reply

anonymous Oct 5th, 2005 Link

Cached page:

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:cvkeN7PtJ0oJ:scpm.ltc.arizona.edu/projects/index.cfm%3Fviewdetail%3D2322+fireball+tim&hl=en&client=firefox-a

actual link: http://scpm.ltc.arizona.edu/projects/index.cfm?viewdetail=2322

Reply