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After sadly losing my previous baby in an accident (2001 Honda S2000), I had to look for a replacement. Considering I live downtown (going to school at UIC) and only have one car, including in the winter, I decided to look for something a little more practical. After test driving a 2003 Mini Cooper S at a local lot that seemed FULLY loaded, including some non-OE add-ons (paint-matched roof and fender flares, to name something), I fell in love. This car was remarkably fun to drive, with a level of luxury unmatched in my s2k. After determining what insurance gave us for the other car and looking at other funds I had available, I picked her up Thursday, May 14. Since the car already had a Chicago MINI Motoring Club sticker, I figured I would try to get active in the community and maybe even track down the previous owner.
I already took her to her first autocross (my second) yesterday with some of my S2000 friends (a community I'm still active in) for INR-SCCA at the Majestic Casino parking lot. I know I'm going to need to replace the already-worn run-flats if I intend to be more competative, but it was still an absolute blast! I had to get reacquainted with FWD characteristics, but by the second heat I was running I had things figured out pretty well.
Anyway, my name is Garrison, and I look forward to meeting many of you!
Really sharp looking MINI. I don't recognize who's it was, but I'm glad they left the sticker on and that you found us (a few people had painted their arches, but I can't remember anyone with viper stripes as well).
hey Garrison! welcome to the group from a UIC alum.. Go Flames!! I think
as mentioned in the previous posts, we have a few gatherings coming up, so if you have some time, come on by. otherwise, if you have any questions, feel free to drop any one of us line. Also checkout the CMMC site. you can email me from there as well. I don't recognize the MCS.. but it looks great! Congrats on your new ride!!
- Francis (MiniMac2005)
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'05 MCc - BRG/G - LUCK 729 / MMC #255 - Flickr Chicago MINI Motoring Club - Club Officer / C.O.R.N.; High Plains Motoring Society; STL MINIs
I've never been to RideMakerz so I may try to make it out, depending on my schedule. I would really like to go to the mod day, if anything to just see the cars get worked on and maybe have some questions asked if I think of anything. I also may get a 15% pulley from a friend, in which case I'd probably get that installed.
Perhaps I should warn everyone, I try to spice things up a bit to prevent meets and events from being too mundane. Here is my buddy Phong and I at the autox... and yes, I autoxed in that.
Hey Garrison,
Nice post and a great photo. Congratulations! You picked up a beautiful Mini. Met you at RideMakerz on Wednesday, but I failed to get the full story on how you became a Mini owner and how you found the club. Great story, thanks for posting. I think you'll enjoy our club, we've got a great group of members. I look forward to seeing you on future meet-ups. And again, Congratulations and welcome to the club!
Chris Braun
especially the painted arches! we'll catch you later 
Chris 
