Just wanted to let everyone know that last Sunday's Autocross out at the Historic Society was a real blast! Thanks so much to the Buckeye Miata club for inviting us. I'll post up some photos once I get the chance to wade through the hundreds that I shot that day.

In the end, three MINIs showed up, all Cooper S's, one of which turned in if not the best track time then the second best (I'm pretty sure). On a course that most people (myself included) were running in 1 minute to 1 min, 3 seconds, I know we had some Mini times of 56 seconds and change - very impressive! the Miata people are all very well organized and professional, and made me feel very welcome.

I actually suggest the AutoX for anyone that wants more experience with driving their car. Due to the twistiness of the course, very high speeds are not possible - it's all about control and handling. As such, experience gained in a closed and safe envirinment like this is really VERY useful in real-world applications. IMHO, you can't be too comfortable knowing just how your MINI is going to react in a skid or slide situation and how to correct for that slide, and things olike the AutoX course will give you first-hand experience in that arena. And, best of all, they allow couples to do two-driver setups. I showed up with a friend (his Miata popped a fuse that morning and would not start unfortunately) and they let us each drive laps.

In the end, I'm really glad I did it, and I hope we see more MINI's out there in September. More details can be found on the Buckeye Miata club's web site (linked above).

 

Did you get any pictures?

I was called by the boss to work Sunday so I was unable to attend. Bummer. I will have to check it out next time.

Sean

 

"I'll post up some photos once I get the chance to wade through the hundreds that I shot that day."

 

How many runs did you get yesterday? Did you get much rain there (we did here in the afternoon, about 25 miles away)? I almost came out yesterday, although it probably would have been in the Miata, at least it has Mini Cooper wheels on it I had an OVR-SCCA autocross last weekend though and another next weekend, so I decided to take a Sunday off and spend it with my family. Sounds like a good time was had.

-Keith

 

I took 7 runs before the rain closed in and we were scheduled for 8 - not bad. Not everyone had as many runs though - we were in 2 groups and group 1 (my group) got to run both sessions while group 2's second set of 4 runs got cancelled, unfortunately. They have 2 dates in September that they'll be running though, so hopefully the weather will be better.

 

Do you have the dates in September? I have Sept 24th on my calender for a one of their autocrosses, but not a 2nd one.

-Keith

 

They run every two weeks in Sept. so the 10th and the 24th. I'm thinking about going again on the 24th personally...

 

Glad you guys had a good time. It was good to get my MINI out of the mothballs. I've been running my Miata all summer and wanted to see how my MINI would do on the Falkens. Not too bad I guess. (I was the guy in the Indi Blue S who had 2nd fastest time of the day)I know the Miata club would love to have a few more MINI's out there, so I encourage everyone to come and check it out.

 

I planed on going, but ended up not making it.

I plan to be there this weekend, look forward to seeing Mini friends there!