MINIs on the Dragon is the largest gathering of MINIs and their owners in the US. This year we're expecting around 800 people and more than 500 MINIs. The weekend is centered around the mutual interest and enjoyment of what can be argued as the most fun car on the road.

MINIs on the Dragon (MOTD for short) is a gathering of MINI (and Mini!) Cooper enthusiasts in Deals Gap, North Carolina, where the Tail of the Dragon is located. This spectacular 11-mile section of Route 129 has an astonishing 318 curves -- with no cross streets or driveways. Last year, we had over 600 enthusiasts with more than 450 MINIs/Minis in attendance, and we expect an even greater number this year! The Tail of the Dragon is one of the best, if not THE best sports car and motorcycle road in the country, and has become a “magnet” of sorts for driving enthusiasts. The road is amazingly twisty and fun, with a good quality surface and spectacular views.

The area surrounding Deals Gap includes many scenic drives through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Forests, gorges, lakes, rivers, and dams make for many beautiful roads worthy of motoring in your MINI.

MOTD is more than motoring, though. It’s a chance to hang out with many like-minded MINI owners who are as obsessed with MINIs as you are! Socializing is an equally large part of the gathering as motoring, and most folks have trouble deciding which is their favorite part. The Fontana Village Resort is the location of, or gathering point for, the majority of events and where most participants will stay. The Fontana has inn rooms, cabins, and camping facilities. Information on other lodging in the area, as well as maps, history, and great background information is available on www.TailOfTheDragon.com.

Just as in years past, a number of vendors will be present with clothing and accessories for sale. You will even be able to get a supercharger reduction pulley installed! Note that pulleys and other mechanical car installations may have to be arranged with the vendors prior to the event (see the MOTD Event Planner for installation parties).

Deal's Gap, North Carolina is the home of the Tail of the Dragon(Hwy-129), perhaps the finest road in the United States for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts who enjoy driving on a long stretch of twisty road. The Dragon offers 318 curves in a little over 11 miles -- with a fantastic road surface and not a single intersection or cross road for the entire length! The MINI was made to TURN and the Dragon is the perfect asphalt compliment to our fantastic little cars.

The event was started as a grassroots collaboration and continues as such with the efforts of many people from around the country. This year North American Motoring is hosting the event and working with clubs such as Sunshine MINIs, PittStop MINIs, and others to insure that everyone attending has a great weekend of fun, activities, and motoring. North American Motoring is providing online promotion of the event, registration services, vendor coordination, and logistical support for the event.

Hang out with your MINI friends from all over the country, drive the Dragon and other great roads through the Smoky Mountains, and generally just have a great time surrounded by beautiful scenery and more MINIs than you have ever seen in your life. There are group drives, meals, fun contests, vendors coming from far and wide to meet YOU, and even a few (ok, more than a few) giveaways. This year the hub of activity, and many of the social events, will be at Fontana Village Resort. Located on Fontana Lake and surrounded by beautiful scenery, it's a great chance to get away from the daily grind and obsess about your MINI at the same time.

To get started, be sure to log into North American Motoring (or register if you haven't already done so). Once you've logged in, start out with the Event Planner link. This page will be your personal event planner. At a glance you can see your status on the basics and each event that requires some form of RSVP or registration. If the event is clickable just click on it to find out more information on it as well as who has currently RSVPd to attend.

The other area to read is the Registration page, where you’ll learn about the updates to this year's event and what options are available for registration.

Please keep in mind that this area of NAM will be constantly evolving as the planning for the event continues. If you have an idea for an event and would like to help coordinate it, please use the Contact Us form to submit your idea. We look forward to seeing you at the 2007 MINIs on the Dragon!