Todd and I take the time to completely recap the drunken debauchery that was MINI United 2009. The things we saw, the things we did, including driving Silverstone circuit. Yes, that Silverstone. Yes, in a MINI. Yes, it was pretty awesome. Too bad Todd got an automatic transmission. He ended up taking a leisurely cruise around the course instead.
How about a funny story about MINI USA? Sure, we have one of those too. And, if you missed it, there was this. Which was pretty funny too.
Oh yea, Todd rode in a helicopter. You can see that here.
I was going to ride too, but, well, you’ll just have to listen.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a MINI United unless we got the chance to talk to the main man in charge, Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at MINI. He gives us the lowdown on the latest MINI updates. Or, as much as he could. Pay special attention to the part about the Crossover and the “optional” four wheel drive feature. Also, in what should be music to some enthusiasts’ ears, note that Dr. Armbrecht stated that in the future MINI would be focusing on “the trend toward smaller cars”. Keep in mind this statement followed some discussion of the Crossover, a larger MINI, but the statement can be taken as a hopeful hint of where MINI may be going next.
This is the last of our MINI United coverage. If you missed any of it, you can find it all here. Don’t forget to also check out the WRR YouTube Channel for the all of the video we posted.
What would MINI United be without the owners? We get a chance to speak to many of the people from the US and quite a few of the locals as well.
There is still a little more audio to follow, including our interview with Dr. Armbrecht. Watch for that! If you missed any of the photos, you can check them out here. Don’t forget to also check out the WRR YouTube Channel for the all of the video we posted.
At MIN United Todd got the opportunity to catch up with Udo Mark, the technical coordinator of the MINI Challenge world-wide. Details on the Challenge car set ups, rules and differences between the street legal JCW and the JCW Challenge car are discussed.
Stay tuned for even more audio from MINI United 2009.
We had the chance to interview Michael Hoehn, Director of MINI Challenge Development. It’s a great piece for all those interested all that goes into the MINI Challenge.
Still to come is our interview with the Technical Director for the MINI Challenge as well as Dr. Armbrecht from MINI AG.
Official Release: Driving the MINI is simply fascinating – time and again. But the unique feeling so typical of the MINI goes much, much further. And to express his or her passion for unmistakable style also off the road, the genuine enthusiast will find lots of options in the MINI Collection. continued →
Another fantastic interview with the head of MINI design, Gert Hildebrand. You want to pay special attention to this one, especially when Gert starts talking colors.
One of the best aspects of MINI United is the motorsport. From the MINI Challenge to the classic Mini racers, there was non-stop action this past weekend at Silverstone.
We get the chance to talk to the man, the myth, the legend, Rauno Aaltonen. Always a great guy to talk to and always full of great information. What you didn’t hear is the conversation Todd and Rauno had talking about all things Apple.
25,000 enthusiasts from more than 40 countries converged on Silverstone to wish MINI a happy 50th birthday.
Official Release: The third edition of what has already become the legendary MINI United Festival was held this year from 22 – 24 May in glorious sunshine at the Formula One track in Silverstone, England. 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to the world’s premier gathering of its kind. They arrived in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them lovingly individualised. Numerous German fan clubs made their way to the venue, mostly setting out by car on the long journey to the UK. Even for participants from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa, no effort or cost was too great to ensure they could pay personal tribute to the British classic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined not to miss out on this winning mix of racing action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular were a whole raft of celebrities. continued →
The official video recap of MINI’s largest event ever. Our coverage will continue throughout the week and even into next week as we finish all of our audio interviews and get more video up. Also look for a huge scoop tomorrow regarding a new option that came out of MINI United.
We had the opportunity to chat with Paddy Hopkirk during MINI United 2009. The man is a racing legend and needs no introduction but for those who may not know, Hopkirk won the Rally Monte Carlo in 1964 in a Mini. Hopkirk’s car number was 37 which is the reason that number remains special to Mini/MINI enthusiasts to this day.
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Sections: MINI United, Podcast Jun 16th, 2009 1 Comment 
