We get the chance to speak with the man, the myth, the legend, Rauno Aaltonen from MINI United. He was great to speak with, full of information and he loved to talk!
Fantastic interview. I have listened to short interviews with Mr. Aaltonen before but this has to be one of the best interviews I have listened to. You can still hear the passion and excitement that this gentleman presents about the Mini and racing in general.
Hope you guys get a chance to drive one of the new kit JCW’s would love to hear a review on that.
Hey Todd great question at 26:30 about suspension mods, I feel we as as listeners want more of that modification advice from professional experts like the fine Rauno Aaltonen. This man’s words are golden. I say that because there so many people you can ask and they all have their own opinions but not as enough experience as Aaltonen.
Thanks guys for doing this interview and thanks to Mr. Aaltonen for sharing his fantastic stories of Rallying. The reason I have a MINI today is from watching the original Italian Job and reading about the exploits of the BMC Works teams at Monte Carlo. I love those classic red and white Mini’s and Big Healey’s in rally trim…
Did he bring any of his photos? He was quite the camera bug, from all accounts. Wonderful chance to hear one of the true Mini gods – probably the best rally driver from that period in any machine. I like the way the team came back and won in ’67 again – take that, Monte organizers! The BMC factory had what may have been the best three man team in rallying ever, as well – they changed the way rallying teams were run, and how the cars were driven. Look at how many Finns are at the top levels today – Aaltonen and Mäkinen were at the very start of that trend. Thanks!
Somebody should have asked Rauno his opinion of the MINI Diesel and diesels in general. I’m sure he’s aware of the AUDI v. Peugeot diesel battle that took place at Le Mans last week. He may recall the beautiful and formidable Bentley Le Mans entry of ’04 and wish to comment on the current “for sale” status of the entire Bentley Motorsport operation. The MINI diesel could be race-tuned and perhaps enjoy tremendous racing success. Those of us residing amidst the frozen tundra of Alaska (and the rest of the US)deserve this vehicle for several reasons. We’re waiting with open arms.
Anyone familiar with, or living in Las Vegas, NV?
I’m planning a trip there mid July (to thaw out, of course)and perhaps shop for a new warm weather ’07 MINI. Can anyone recommend a good place to shop for one in Vegas? I’m tending towards an all balck S with JCW kit installed. Are prices MSRP down there, or jacked-up like some of the dealerships up here? I’m also shopping for a 1960 Austin Healy Sprite in California. Thanks max
I cannot imagine, as a MINI enthusiast, a more informative and inpiring way to spend a half-hour than listening to this interview!! I don’t think even a printed article can capture the same essence as hearing the words of this great racer and Mini-authority right from his own mouth. Absolutely brilliant!!
Fantastic interview. I have listened to short interviews with Mr. Aaltonen before but this has to be one of the best interviews I have listened to. You can still hear the passion and excitement that this gentleman presents about the Mini and racing in general.
Hope you guys get a chance to drive one of the new kit JCW’s would love to hear a review on that.
Hey Todd great question at 26:30 about suspension mods, I feel we as as listeners want more of that modification advice from professional experts like the fine Rauno Aaltonen. This man’s words are golden. I say that because there so many people you can ask and they all have their own opinions but not as enough experience as Aaltonen.
Thanks guys for doing this interview and thanks to Mr. Aaltonen for sharing his fantastic stories of Rallying. The reason I have a MINI today is from watching the original Italian Job and reading about the exploits of the BMC Works teams at Monte Carlo. I love those classic red and white Mini’s and Big Healey’s in rally trim…
Did he bring any of his photos? He was quite the camera bug, from all accounts. Wonderful chance to hear one of the true Mini gods – probably the best rally driver from that period in any machine. I like the way the team came back and won in ’67 again – take that, Monte organizers! The BMC factory had what may have been the best three man team in rallying ever, as well – they changed the way rallying teams were run, and how the cars were driven. Look at how many Finns are at the top levels today – Aaltonen and Mäkinen were at the very start of that trend. Thanks!
Somebody should have asked Rauno his opinion of the MINI Diesel and diesels in general. I’m sure he’s aware of the AUDI v. Peugeot diesel battle that took place at Le Mans last week. He may recall the beautiful and formidable Bentley Le Mans entry of ’04 and wish to comment on the current “for sale” status of the entire Bentley Motorsport operation. The MINI diesel could be race-tuned and perhaps enjoy tremendous racing success. Those of us residing amidst the frozen tundra of Alaska (and the rest of the US)deserve this vehicle for several reasons. We’re waiting with open arms.
Anyone familiar with, or living in Las Vegas, NV?
I’m planning a trip there mid July (to thaw out, of course)and perhaps shop for a new warm weather ’07 MINI. Can anyone recommend a good place to shop for one in Vegas? I’m tending towards an all balck S with JCW kit installed. Are prices MSRP down there, or jacked-up like some of the dealerships up here? I’m also shopping for a 1960 Austin Healy Sprite in California. Thanks max
I cannot imagine, as a MINI enthusiast, a more informative and inpiring way to spend a half-hour than listening to this interview!! I don’t think even a printed article can capture the same essence as hearing the words of this great racer and Mini-authority right from his own mouth. Absolutely brilliant!!
>I cannot imagine, as a MINI enthusiast, a more informative and inpiring way to spend a half-hour than listening to this interview!!
I was there and would have to agree. Although, discuss Mac vs. PC over lunch was pretty cool too 😉