Hey all,

Just thought i would intro myself here.

Since the announcement of MINI returning to WRC i have become increasingly more interested in purchasing a MINI !

I am coming from a Peugeot and Subaru rally heritage and have been rallying in the US for 2 years now in a Subaru Impreza.

Any questions of rally on any level just ask, i would be more than happy to help!!!

_billy

 

Not sure how the MINI in stock form would do for Rallycross.

Probably the Countryman in all 4WD would be a good place to start.
Good power and stiff enough suspension with some travel and some clearance.
Might depend on how high speed the course would be and how level.

As far as Rallycross is concerned can you comment on:

Suspension mods-
Using stock suspension vs upgrading but which parts?
Shocks- stiffer than stock, fully adjustable for dampening and rebound?
Springs- OEM better, not lowered unless adjustable coilovers?
Why bother with Coilovers if you are going to use stock ride height?
Swaybars- soft settings or take them off (remove one side) esp in the rear
Wheels- more narrow than stock? By how much?
Tires- Snow studdable winter tires with deep grooves and sipes? Winter performance tires are softer rubber wear faster and cost more?
Alignment- how does it compare with standard OEM and autocross settings?
Any adjustments for air tire pressure- start 3 to 5 psi higher than street?

How much do you need to adjust suspension for event surface conditions?
How to adjust for loose dirt, gravel, big rocks, mud and standing water?

Techniques-
Left foot braking for FWD?
How would an automatic trans do vs manual?

How do you keep the air filter from getting dirty and covered with junk- gauze?
Do you keep gas level low at quarter tank or run with more than that?

Other things-
Do you run with different sized tires on front and back?
Do you run with snow tires on front and all season tires on back of roughly the same size and width?

When possible install a metal/alloy skid plate but how do you keep it clean and not caked up with mud during the event? What else can you do to protect the body?

What are some of the common mistakes people make?
What are the five best things to do when out driving on the course?
How important is it to walk the course with each course change during the event?
What do you get out of the parade lap at the start of the event?
When is it not good to have a person in the passenger seat during the event?
I would think that if you have a co-driver it might be useful to go along to get a feel for the course when not driving but the course can and does change.

Thanks for any help you can provide