Hello everyone -
I'm new to this forum but I have done a little poking around and have already found it very useful and interesting. I have taken my 2002 MCS out to Thunderhill raceway in Willows, CA twice now and I am hooked. I am now starting to set it up for better track performance. The first thing I noticed was significant brake fade after about 4 laps. I did a little research and decided to try the EBC Yellow stuff brake pads and steel braided brake lines. I printed out an excellent post from this site detailing how to change out the brake pads. So far I have the fronts on (easy). I am scheduled to run at Infineon next Monday so I need to get busy on the car.
Any recomendations/comments re: tires and wheels would be welcome. It sounds like the Toyo RA 1 in a 215/40/17 size might be fun. I'm not sure which wheel would be best for that tire though.
I definitely need to do some more reading on this site but I thought I would introduce myself to the group.

 

Hi Cyates and welcome! Are you new to your MINI or just new to NAM? What events did you participate in at Thunderhill? I've been thinking of going to one of their driving clinics... but I have to admit that I've pretty much wimped out in the past. Maybe next year...

Just a thought: you might want to post those specific questions in the appropriate forums, you'd be more likely to get a response from the NAM experts.

 

Don't know much about the EBC Yellow, but I did not like the Reds at all. In my earlier track days I stuck with the Ferodo DS2500s. Now that I need a more aggressive pad, I use Carbotech XP-8s. The XP-10s would be more appropriate for the RA-1s.

Don't forget to upgrade the brake fluid, Super Blue is a popular choice.

Sounds like your tire choice will serve you well. One option that many have chosen is to go to 15" wheels for cheaper rubber, and to improve the gearing in your 2002. Kosei K-1 and Rota Slipstreams are common.

Good luck!

 

Hey Minims -

I did the Big Mini Day last June at Thunderhill. I think there were about 60 Minis out that day. Wierd but fun! I joined Northern California Racing Club (NCRC http://www.ncracing.org/) because they do a lot of events at area tracks. I went to their event 10/01/05 at Thunderhill and had a great time. It was a well organized event with instructors available (required but free) for us novices. Thunder Hill is a good place to learn because the turns are pretty routine and there isn't much serious trouble if you get off course.
I purchased my MCS new in August 2002, just after the S version of the new Mini was released. The first thing I did was to go on a two week baseball trip with my son to Southern California and Arizona. It was 115 degrees in AZ but the Mini stayed cool.

 

Totobird -

Thanks for the info. How wide a rim would you use on a 15" wheel? I agree with your geering assessment, it is a little high (the car wash guy stalls it every time). This would also accomplish lowering the car a little wouldn't it?

 

You could go with a 7" wide wheel and 225/45/15 or 225/50/15 tires. I'm not sure what sizes are available in the Toyo RA-1s.