Hey all, this Sunday, October 30 is an Open Lapping Day at BeaveRun MotorSports Complex - this will most likely be the last one of the season.

If we can get another couple of MINIs to go (we've already got 4), we will get a group rate of $135 for the whole day worth of track time. Novices will be paired up with an instructor (there will be instructors that own MINIs, so they have great insight to the cars unique handling characteristics.)

Even if you aren't familiar with any of this, it is a great opportunity to begin learning! I can't even begin to explain how much fun it is - but what you can learn about driving is easily worth the money. Regular price with pre-registration is $165, without pre-registration is $180.

Post here if you want to come so we can keep tally of how many are coming - but also print and fax the registration form from the BeaveRun site. (Make sure to check out the Tech Inspection form too - since most of our cars are so new, they are fairly easy going with this, but don't overlook it.)

They will take payment via credit card over the phone.

Hope to see at least a few more of you sign up!!! Trust me - well worth the money for either the fun or the learning - but you'll get both!!!!

 

Wow, no posts or signups. MINI clubs elsewhere would have been signing up in droves. Most events like this are sold out early. Anyway I've figured out why we have almost no turnout.

So is this event safe? As an instructor, I would prefer being in this situation vs the public road. On the track we are focused on driving amid others who are doing likewise. Minimal distractions. We learn advanced driving techniques in a non-threatening environment.

In our MINIs we can routinely and safely exceed 100MPH without the threat of a ticket AND without the threat of being passed by an unsafe driver. We have rules about being passed and YOU have to give permission.

Open lapping is about fun and learning in a controlled environment.

Try it! This is our last chance before winter sets in and we have to wait for Spring weather.

Graham

 

Wow! What a great day at the track! Beautiful weather - if a little cool. A few more MINIs did show up and I think everyone had a great time!

Oddly, no Cooper owners showed their faces. Errr, check that - one came up to check things out, but he wasn't driving the track yesterday. Just thought I'd mention that there was a Pontiac Vibe out there - so it's obviously not about having the fastest, most powerful car. It's about driving skill. And that's what the instructors are there to show/explain to you. Don't let the Porsche, BMW, and American muscle Vette and 'stang fellas give you the wrong impression - I spoke with more than a few of them yesterday that give a big nod of respect to the MINI.

I'm really surprised that there isn't more interest shown for these events - at least not here around Pittsburgh. Anyone care to 'fess up and tell us why? Those of us who go out have our guesses, but that's all they are.

I understand that there might be an intimidation factor. Let me try to point out some things that might reduce that. First, all of the folks at BeaveRun put safety as the number one priority. They realize you have to drive your car home at the end of the day. Second, there is actual classroom instruction where you go over the fundamentals, procedural information, etc. Third, you are divided into run groups based on experience. So, when you are on the track, you don't have to worry about that near-professional guy in the totally race-prepped Porsche lapping you all the time because he's not even on the track! (Trust me, he doesn't even want to be on the track with you holding him back! ) The least experienced folks also get the most instruction time. Furthermore, passing is strictly controlled regardless of run group - it can be done only on the "straights" and you have to give the signal to permit the pass. Lastly, you don't have to punish your car to have a great day. As a matter of fact, the better driver you become, the less damage you do to the components - and this can translate to everyday driving also.

This is really all about learning to be a better driver. It just happens to also be a huge adrenaline rush, tons of fun, and flat out exhilirating - especially if you take a turn as a passenger with one (or two, or three) of the instructors! The instructors even get their own run group!

It was only my second time out on the "big track" and MAN OH MAN did I learn a lot! I thought I learned a lot my first time, but this was truly unbelievable! I was actually a bit fatigued by the end of the day! All together, I got roughly 2 solid hours of driving time (split up over multiple 20 minute sessions). I rode with instructors a handful of times, so I was probably on the track for almost 3 hours! No wonder I was tired! After each session your instructor has an evaluation form to fill out and go over with you. I think there were like 15 or 20 different things that they go over with you. I found it was very useful to get perspectives from different instructors. I even got the "solo" stamp by the end of the day (meaning that I was allowed to go out without an instructor if I chose to!)

Anyhow, I hope we see a lot more folks at the autocross this Saturday (check www.pittstopmini.org for details and registration) - and at future Flat-Out days!

 

No one wants to speak up?

 

I was out of town, but would have loved to come, i had a great time last time i went!

 

We had a great turn out in the spring, I talked to the mustang club and they have a great turnout.
-alpinamike

 

We seem to be getting a good response for the autocross event this coming Saturday, 11/5, but this past Sunday was a Flat-Out Day (where all day is spent on the North Track) - and other Flat-out days that have been posted haven't generated much interest/attendance either. That is more what we're curious about. The BeaveRun folks also would like to see more MINIs (for numerous reasons, not the least of which being the abilities of the vehicle and the demeanor of their owners) and have been very acommodating.

We just have a hard time believing that there aren't more MINI owners interested in performance driving. That is a large part of what these cars inspire.

 

As an instructor at Beaverun, I had a great time coaching 3 MINI owners on their first "Flat Out" motoring experience last Sunday. Each of them responded really well to track driving techniques and by the end of the day there were big smiles all around.

This type of driving becomes more of an art form and is very addictive. Above all, we teach safety and these techniques result in some surprisingly quick lap times. This improvement comes from the driver becoming one with the car through smooth technique.

I would add that this a performance driving school and anyone who thinks they are there to race is in the wrong school. That's why this class should not intimidate anyone.

We're right at the end of the season but we will start up again in March. Let's see some more signups then!