The MINI Challenge Race Car in the US

Would love to see one on my tailer, but this really isn’t really viable since the car would be forced into a really uncompetitive position. I have bought more than one true race cars over the years and would not hesitate to buy this one if there was a race series that the car could compete in. My feeling is that lacking a spec series this car sadly doesn’t have a place on my weekend trailer.

I, for one, and I do know there are others as well, how many I do not know, am ready to make a committment for one. Intended use : club racing and various club track days. I have done 12 years of SCCA racing in my ex-GT5 Mini, and don’t need such hard competition any more, nor the constant maintenance to provide race reliability, but I would love to have a car like this just for running as fast as I want on any track, and there are a ton around here. Do as many, or as few, events as I feel like. This would have more of a fun factor, for me, than a vintage Mini, be easier to maintain, and offer factory parts availability, and still retain a certain value for the future, specially given there will be a very limited quantity in the US, if any.

I am looking for partners in the Northeast to share expenses. Just an idea, that. Find me on nemini.org.

The New Zealand and Australian (2008 season) MINI Challenge race series were started from scratch. All it needs is a field of cars and drivers co-ordinated by MINI USA or a sub-contractor (see first John Cooper Challenge). A race series of say 8-10 rounds in various venues. It can’t be that hard to find 20 keen participants in USA to get something started even at a Car Club level.

SCCA doesn’t have a class for this machine. Not only that, but they’ve just booted the MCS from G Production where it kicked butt to Showroom Stock B where it is totally uncompetitive.

Until MINIUSA takes a strong stand with their cars, it’s futile to try to go racing with them. THERE IS NO SERIES FOR THIS CAR! Get on the stick MINIUSA!

How do I know? I’ve modded my Mini into the race trim of this car, lacking only the aero package. I run with NASA’s Time Trials in D and do pretty well, but it’s no challenge for the Hot Hondas, or in any race series.

At the risk of massive reiteration, I say: Look at what Mazda has done with the Miata!! Is there a market for a high powered momentum car? Duh!

Yeah, we also know the car could always be run at track days and would look spiffy in your driveway. I see GT3 Cup car guys all the time who are perfectly happy pooting around the track in 3rd gear or around town, but that’s another car that begs to be driven spiritedly in some kind of competition, as does the Challenge car. Believe me, there are American drivers who are up to the Challenge.

My feeling is that a car this dialed in running in a field of identically prepared cars would put on a great show at any venue and offer the drivers a level playing field on which to etch their skills. Heck, I’d like to be one of ‘em. And just think of the potential for putting brands in the public eye.

Ditto……….Fill Out The Form !

Very interesting. Butttttt I am looking for a Vintage SCCA legal race ready Mini. Do you offer any or could direct me were to look? Thanks in advance, John T.