I am new to the forum but not to the world of MINI and racing. I have developed over the past 3 years what I beleive is the only non-supercharged racing MINI in the US. My MINI is built to SCCA G Production specs and I race in the SCCA Northeast Division both regionally and nationally. I am here to support any racers interested in getting out there.
My day job is Operations Manager for the Keeler Motor Car Group which includes Keeler MINI. We are located in Latham NY, 5 minutes from the Albany airport.(always plug the sponsor).

So why isn't there anybody out there running a MINI Cooper in SCCA ITB?

Jon

 

Post some pics of the build, I would be interested in seeing them.

 

enjoy!

 

Cool! What are your competitors and how do you against them?

And welcome to NAM!

 

Lots of Nissans with 180HP and 2100 lbs vs my 2200 lbs and 135HP.

The MINi will outbrake and out handle the competition but could use a little more grunt. NARRC champion two years in a row in SCCA.

Jon

 

Hello & welcome to NAM.

My guess as to why you aren't seeing any ITB MINI's is the cars cost. They still command a pretty hefty price. A lot of IT cars seem to be recycled showroom stock cars. There weren't too many of those.

I read an article about you guys a while back. In Grassroots or Sportscar. I don't remember which.

I think it's great that you are campaigning a MINI. How did you do at the runoffs?

 

Hi Jon,
Do you run at Lime Rock Park? If not, where do you run? We're just a few miles from LRP and hit most of the SCCA (and VSCCA and other) events.

 

I too read the Grassroots article and am happy to see you here on NAM. I have a Cooper as well and live vicariously though anyone that get to professionally race one.

 

In 2007 I ran 7 regional/national events in the Northeast-Pocono, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, and New Hampshire

 

Did not make it. Too expensive and probably would have finished mid feild

 

Cool! Very nice!

But there is one part missing that's worth at least a couple of 10th a lap.........
A Whalen Shift ****!!
Good luck and have fun!!

Jim

 

Love this pic! Waste those Nissan's!!!

 

I do not have the money or experience to be running ITB... I'm still in the HPDE ranks, with a few time trials thrown in here and there.

It's great to see an ITB Cooper, though!

What sort of lap times (qualifying, if possible) are you turning at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, or NHIS? I've run at those three tracks, and am interested to see what ITB pace is there.

 

I run in G Production which means 2200 lbs with limited engine prep and racing slicks (Hoosiers 22.8X8.5X15 on Kozie 7" rims) times are
LRP 102.7, WGI 2:20.2, NHIS 119.8, Pocono 1:55.0

To run ITB I would need to bring the car up to 2500lbs and run DOT slicks.
Probably competitive at a track like Lime Rock.

 

I understand, that's a whopper of a tow even with the tow fund. Not to mention all the other associated costs.

I think you are wise to run in G Prod. I raced in IT & many races resembled demo derby's.