MotoringFile


The MINI Challenge Race Car in the US

This past week MINI officially released the new JCW Challenge car for purchase to anyone with 41,930 Euros living outside the United States. But we did some digging and found that US sales aren’t completely out of the question.

MINI USA is actively trying to assess the feasibility of bringing the car to the US for American buyers, but they need a better picture of true customer interest. So for those in the US who are seriously interested in the JCW Challenge Race Car, it’s important that you let MINI USA know. You can do this by filling out the contact information via the contact link at the MINI Challenge website.

You can read more about the car, see the European purchase contract and find the contact form at the following link:

[ MINI Challenge Race Car ] MINI.com

Written By: MF Staff




15 Comments

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.

ReplyReply
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??

ReplyReply
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.

ReplyReply
B.J. Sep 17th, 2007 Link

Just sell me the rims!

ReplyReply
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.

ReplyReply
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.

ReplyReply
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!

ReplyReply
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

ReplyReply
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.

ReplyReply
pbraun Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Fill out the form.

ReplyReply
Charlie Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Ditto……….Fill Out The Form !

ReplyReply
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. ;)

ReplyReply
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.

ReplyReply
M7 Tuning

Leave a Reply

Preview:

MF Community


Login using Facebook:


Last visitors
view more...

Articles by MINI model

The Fine Print

MotoringFile reserves the right to edit or delete any post for any reason. Derogatory comments of any kind will not be tolerated.

HTML Formatting Tips

  • To make something bold: <strong>Text to bold</strong>
  • To make something italic: <em>Text to italicize</em>
  • To make a hyperlink: <a href="URL">Text to link</a>
  • To quote something previously said, you can use <blockquote>text</blockquote>

Markdown Formatting Tips (advanced)

MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.

_your text_your text
**your text**your text
`my code`my code
* Bulleted list
* Second item
• Bulleted list
• Second item
1. Numbered list
1. Second item
1. Numbered list
2. Second item
[link name](URL)link name
***Horizontal ruler
<http://url>
<email@add.com>
Auto-linked
![Alt text](URL)Image




MF Community


Login using Facebook:


Last visitors
view more...

Articles by MINI model


Miniature Trailers


Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influencial MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.

Previous Select MF Features

2009
» World Debut: MINI Coupé Concept
» World Premier: MINI Roadster Concept
» Exclusive: MINI Product Roadmap Revealed
» Exclusive: MINI's 2011 Product Strategy.
» World Premier: MINI Beachcomber Concept
» Exclusive: MINI Likely to Move Some Production to Germany
» MINI Releases JCW WC50 Special Edition
» Exclusive: Rolls Royce to Create Special Edition MINI
» MINI Mid Life Cycle Refresh Coming in '10
» MINIproduct Roadmap Revealed
» MINI 50th Anniversary Models Revealed
» JCW Diesel a Reality
» MINI's Mid Life-Cycle Refresh
» MotoringFile Does the 24 Hours of Lemons
» MINI's City Car to go RWD
» MINI to Launch Progressive Activity Vehicle
» JCW Re-Imagined: Our Take on the Factory JCW
» JCW GP to Return?
» MF Exclusive: the Secret Design Process of the Clubman
2008
» MINI JCW in Depth / MINI USA JCW Pricing
» MCS Engine's Cold Start Issue (Update)
» Official History of the Modern JCW Tuning Kit
» MINI Crossover Concept Official Release
» MINI Dealers to Sell Fiats in North America?
» MINI Challenge Race Car in the US
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
» Fiat & BMW To Co-Develop Next MINI?
» Exclusive MINI Takes the State Info
2007
» MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
» New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
» MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
» 2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
» MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
» 2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
» More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
» MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
» R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
» Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
» MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
» MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
» BMW To Re-Brand JCW
» 2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
» MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
» 2007 MINI Reader Reviews
» 2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
» MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
» MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
» 2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
» MINI Names the R55: The Clubman » 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Drops Weight
» Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
» 2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
» 2007 US Market Options Packages
» Hey Stracco: The Interview
» Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
» MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
» MINI's Official R56 Preview
» Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
» '07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
» 2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
» '07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
» MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
» MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
» JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
» Seven New Colors for 2007
» MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
» Chicago Autoshow Gallery
» JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
» 2006 JCW Product Info
» MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
» MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
» US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
» First MINI Now Triumph?
» More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
» Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
» MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
» MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
» Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
» MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
» 2006 JCW Accessories
» US Market Color Changes for 2006
» Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
» BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
» Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
» Special Editions/Package for 2006
» Checkmate Options Package (USA)
» JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
» Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
» 2006 Model Year Timeline
» MINI's 2006 Color Changes
» Next Generation MINI Revealed
» Official MINI Armrest Revealed
» MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
» Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
» MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
» Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
» Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
» 2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
» MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
» 2005 MINI Changes
» The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
» Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
» MINI Plant Tour Review
» Hood Rub Service Bulletin
» 2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
» MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
» CVT Paddles Retrofit
» 2005 MINI Spotted
» Rear Fogs Almost Here
» New Prince Engine Caught Testing
» MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
» MINI_Motion Launched
» MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
» MINI One D Announced
» MINI Named North American Car of the Year

MotoringFile Downloads

mini MF map
MF Club Mappr mini
Translate MotoringFile with Google: 
 
BF

MF NewsRoom

Morristown MINI Auctions

MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide



MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'09 Cooper S Convertible
'09 JCW Coupe
'09 JCW Clubman
JCW Stage I vs JCW Stage II
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

cafepress



Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder




MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV