Well, it's official... No MINI for me for Dragon.
 

Thought I was prepared and expecting it, but just talked to shop again and I'm still likely looking at 2-3 weeks MORE. I'm seriously bummed. I had thought about it and decided I'd go even with no MINI.

Between all the friends, fun, and the scenery I wanted (and want) to go anyway. But now that I know there's no chance of the car being ready I think going may be rubbing salt in the wound. Being in the midst of all those MINI's is probably going to be really frustrating and depressing on some levels. Man, this just stinks. :sad:

The body shop hasn't done this much work on a MINI before and that's not helping. They're also telling me it's been really slow getting parts. I don't want to name the shop till all is done and I can have a better idea on the outcome. I went with my insurance companies recommendation 'cause I didn't think I wanted to go through Sterling service. But that probably would have been better in hindsight.

Well, just wanted to update folks. Many have been asking, and many kind offers of rides to and at the Dragon. Thanks, ya'll are great. I don't really feel like it at the moment but I guess I'll still be going still but not for Tues through Mon...

:cry::cry:

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

So Sorry Mark.

Can you rent a MINI from ZIPCAR? it's not your MINI but ..

MD STREGA2

Now thats an idea:thumbsup:

Hmm. 30 cents a mile after the first 125... Would be a bit steep, and with hardtop, oem wheels and tires... I think I'll just take the van.

Good idea though, thanks. It occured to me I could rent soemthing else too, mustang etc. But I want MY car... Otherwise I'll just take the van.

[QUOTE]

I will try to contact them anyway and see if you get a better deal, maybe renting closer to the Dragon.

I think I'll just take the van[QUOTE] but with a Mustang or another car you can still take the twisties... plus we could make it a counterfit MINI ..bonnnet strips, wings, :)

MD STREGA2

Yup, thanks anyway, but if it's not MY MINI, I'd rather just take my van.

I was trying to thinnk of a way to make silver stripes for the hood, that will come off easily without tearing up my newish paint. I'l counterfeit it up.

You could be the counterfeit MINI Traveler:grin::lol:

That really sucks Mark. I am so sorry.:cry: Why don't you go over to LDG and go for a ride in Turbo Mini and at least get a little fun ride?:) A dyno ride is pretty good, no?

or...
 

The prototype MAXIMINI.

hey you could always borrow my counterfit
http://members.aol.com/pwkt/con1.jpg

Vinyl magnet stripes.

I was thinking of that stuff...
 

Only from sign shops or is it in art or supply stores?

I've got 8.5 x 11 inch sheets I'd hoped to run through the inkjet for other things, or MINI logos. Too thick. I can perhaps cut and paste printouts on the vinyl for logos.

Is it overly anal to want to make the stripes silver to match the other graphics on the van? even if they are temp for the Dragon? I guess it probably is :nod:

Major suckage, Mark... that's just too bad. :sad:

My offers still stand though - both of them! :)

Sorry to hear that Mark - hope your car makes a speedier recovery.

Mark, I am glad you are coming anyway. it would not be the same without you given all the hard work you have put into making the Dragon happen this year.

You can get all sorts of ideas so when you get your little one back you can play even more. I love the idea of the van being a fake MINI for the weekend!

VERY sorry to hear this....but glad you will still be going. You definately should go no matter what!

My offer for you to ride shotgun (or slingshot, as they say in the MINI MOTORING GAMES THE OFFICIAL RULEBOOK) and take photos still stands. :)

aw Mark...I'm sorry to hear this but I'm extremely glad you're still attending!!:thumbsup: :grin:

Thanks all,

For the encouragement and slingshot offers. I'll take some of you up on the offers of Dragon rides. Have cameras will shoot. I tweaked my reservation at Fontana down to just Wed eve through Sat eve. So I might look up one of the Wed caravans. I'll take the counterfeit MINI Traveler so I can run around. I guess I'll be the top of dam shuttle for the informal photo.

Y'all are good peeps and that's why I don't want to miss this trip with you all.

Mark,
If you do not mind riding in a slow car, you're more than welcome to sit shotgun in my car. If you are signed up for the autocross you can co-drive my car.
John

Do you have your new one yet?

Mark, that's awful. I certainly wish there was some way you could expedite the work on your MINI and have it back in time. If you drive the van, are you planning to do the Dragon with it? That outta be fun! It's great that you'll still be there though. :thumbsup:

Mark just promise me that you'll put a swaybar on that van.. I'd hate to see you go careening over the cliffs of MOTD. :-)

Well, I'll drive down the Dragon to get from point A to point B. But I won't be 'motoring' on the Dragon.