MINI United: May 11-13, 2012 in Le Castellet, France

There you have it. The official word is out. In a year overflowing with MINI events, MINI United is officially happening May 11-13. Set your sights on Le Castellet, France and the Circuit Paul Ricard for what MINI is summing up as “FRIENDS. FESTIVAL. RACING.” The world MINI festival will bring visitors together from all around the world for three days of fun for fans and owners. As in MINI United events in the past, MINI plans to unveil a new model (our money is on the production Paceman). Also returning is MINI USA’s commitment to make the event extra special for any American MINI owners who make the trip. Registration is discounted to just $50, there will be a MINI USA hospitality area throughout the event, special hotel rates (plus a shuttle), and even loaner cars for the on-track experiences. Click past the break for all those details and more. Who’s going?

[Official Release] MINI United has been confirmed for the weekend of May 11-13, 2012, and MINI USA welcomes owners from the US to join us as MINI fans, owners and lovers from all over the world converge to Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France for an unforgettable weekend. In addition to the many festival activities, MINI United will serve as the exclusive location for a new MINI model to make its world premiere.

The three-day event comprises of an open-air festival, owner and fan driving experiences on the track, motorsport activities, live music, stunt shows and vehicle displays ranging from Mini classics to the current lineup. During the MINI United 2012 weekend, two pro-series races have been scheduled at Circuit Paul Ricard… the MINI Trophy from Germany and the MINI RUSH HOUR from Italy.

The list of musical performers is being updated daily. For full details about who’s been confirmed to perform during MINI United, please visit www.minispace.com or the MINI United facebook page (www.facebook.com/MINIunited).

While there is an international website, US guests who plan to attend MINI United are encouraged to register at: www.miniunited2012.com beginning Wednesday, February 22. By registering here, MINI owners in the US will enjoy a slight discount on the registration fee for a weekend pass ($50 USD at the link noted here, normally €40). Additionally, they will have access to transfers to a welcome dinner hosted by MINI USA executives, the MINI USA hospitality area during the festival, shuttles to the festival each day, test-drive vehicles for the track experience and an option to reserve a room at the discounted rate in the MINI USA room block at the Dolce Fregate hotel. This hotel is located in St Cyr sur Mer, France, which is a 15-minute drive (approximate) from the festival, 45 minutes from Marseilles Airport and 1 ½ hours from Nice airport. The hotel can assist with coordinating airport transfers.

US media who need additional information or who are interested in attending MINI United should contact the MINI USA Communications Team.