Is there any real hope for the new mini in rally racing? I'd almost even be happy to see a 4wd mini. (why does everybody in CT ask if the mini comes in awd and thend get sad when I say no? AWD mini is a dumb idea just learn to drive in the snow )

Yeah Mini's at the top of it's classes in SCCA racing but Is there any form of racing that Mini can join in that the public actually cares about?

24hr LeMans Mini?
WRC?

The mini doesn't even need to be competive. It's the classic David vs. Goliath. Like the Chicago Cubs fan will cheer for them no matter ho bad they do. (I'd prefer a repeat of the something more like it's rally winning history but I 'd settle for last place)

 

Hey schr5530,

I love your enthusiasm!

Say, don't belittle the MINI's accomplishmnets in SCCA competition (both on the track in SSB and auto-X in G Stock). It (SCCA club racing) does draw attention, enough so that both Mazda and Nissan pump a considerable amount of money into their club racing programs. It would be nice if BMW/MINI would help those who campaign the MINI with factory help.

Yes, it (SCCA club racing) is not something that is universally known but it has it's adherents and does garner attention from the racing press.

Now in reference to the public...

What does the general public know about racing. We live in a world where people believe that NASCAR is the only racing that exists and that if the racecar isn't a Ford, Chevy or a Dodge then it isn't worth their attention!

Do you think that the general public (I'm going to assume that we are referring to the race fans in North America) knows or cares about a 24hr in France (LeMans) or even the more obscure WRC competition?

An ALMS MINI?

Though I love the MINI, it just doesn't have what it takes (i.e. horsepower, aerodynamics, etc.) to compete in ALMS (LeMans 24). The rules just don't favor someone trying to put together an effort with the MINI.

Perhaps WRC if BMW/MINI were to invest the $$$$$ needed to develop the car for World Rally Cup.

That's the sad reality of things, namely that it takes alot of money to properly develop a car for competition. I'm afraid that companies don't invest just to see their car compete and finish poorly. The name of the game is winning!

Though it may work in Chicago if you're a baseball fan to keep patronizing a losing effort year after year (my apologies if I've offended any Cubs fans) it just doesn't translate to racing. To survive and gain the necessary sponsor $$$ then you must be competitive and win.

Just my $.02