The MINI Challenge Race Car in the US

Jon Sep 17th, 2007 Link

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.

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TomB Sep 17th, 2007 Link

I hope enough people are serious enough to make this happen. I for one don’t have the means for something like this, but I would like a high rez version of that photo. Gabe??

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pbraun Sep 17th, 2007 Link

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.

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B.J. Sep 17th, 2007 Link

Just sell me the rims!

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GregW Sep 17th, 2007 Link

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.

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Charlie Sep 17th, 2007 Link

Granted, $58,142.04 (current exchange rate for quoted Euros) is a lot of money, but I think it’s going to be a lot of car for the money. I agree with Peter Braun that it’s a unique situation for most; but I would relish the opportunity to buy one of these cars.

Right now I don’t plan to enter any Challenge Series (if there was one); but without the car, I won’t ever be able to either!

I went through this back in 1992 when Porsche brought in the 45 Carrreras cars for their “stillborn” US Carrera Cup series. Went ahead and purchased the car through the local dealer, then trucked it right back down to Andial in So. Cal. to have all the Carrera Cup cage, seats, wheels, and all the other racing equipment re-installed. What a fun car that was to drive ! Really wish I still had it; but alas it was sold to Plastic Surgeon from Conn. who is still running it at track events.

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Siddhartha Sep 17th, 2007 Link

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!

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pbraun Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Yeah, we know there is no racing class. Nonetheless, this car could still be run in many a private track day event, probably including BMWCCA events. Personally, I have raced cars (Mini) for 12 years in SCCA, and am just ready for a great track car.

I encourage anyone who may be interested to go here, fill out the contact form, and remain calm.

http://www.mini.com/com/en/mini_jcw_challenge/index.jsp

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Siddhartha Sep 18th, 2007 Link

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.

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pbraun Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Fill out the form.

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Charlie Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Ditto……….Fill Out The Form !

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MotoringFile » Archive » New MINI Challenge Secures Star Billing Dec 14th, 2007 Link

[...] MINI Challenge Race Car in the US ] [...]

pbraun Dec 14th, 2007 Link

I’ll have to get 2 – one for my wife. Then we’ll see who is the faster driver and she will finally shut up about my late braking. ;)

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MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Challenge Race Car in the US (part #2) Jan 13th, 2008 Link

[...] Four months ago we brought you news that MINI USA was actively trying to assess the viability of bringing the MINI Challenge race car to the US. Over the past week we’ve heard from a couple sources that the wheels are now in motion to debut the US version of the racer at the New York Auto Show. Things are still a little foggy but it would seem that the car will be available at around half of the MINI dealers nationwide and will retail for close to the current Euro/Dollar exchange rate – around $65,000. [...]

John Thomas Sep 3rd, 2008 Link

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.

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