On the Velocity channel there is a show called Renaissance Man. Tonight's episode is about Mini/MINI. It's a great show so this should be of interest to all.

(from Larry Paquette of NorCalMINIs club)

 

DVR has been set for a week or so. Looking forward to the show. Thanks.

 

thanks for the heads up. just set the tivo to catch it tonight.

 

I watched the episode and really enjoyed the rally racing history behind the MINI brand. The story focused allot on the Prodrive Countryman and the return of MINI to the WRC. Prodrive did great work outfitting the Countryman for the WRC, but I have read where MINI and Prodrive have since partied ways. I can`t recall why though.

 

I thought i was a really good episode. learned alot about the brand and Prodrive.

Not sure about the separation of Prodrive and Mini. since the Prodrive site is already talking about the WRC races in Portugal. Which ever way they go I hope the make some of the upgrades available to the public. would mind looking into some tuning kit for EggMINI!

 

The earlier videos of changes made to CM for WRC by Prodrive showed the basic CM was very little modified. Components in the engine compartment were moved around to get a lower center of mass, and the permitted changes were made to the engine. The rear suspension was replaced by struts. Everything underneath was protected. The roll cage was integrated.
Lots could probably be fixed on the standard structure...<sigh>