So we've been dorment for far too long now. What's everyone been up too? I've been racing with Way, but unfortunitly the seasons over now . It's driving school time now! Course I'm still traveling as much as usual, S Carolina last weekend, San Diego at the moment, Laguna Seca early December and so on and so forth. I hope everyone's enjoying their newsletter, I promise the MINICCI board is working on another one soon. Soooo let's hear what everyone's been up too...

 

Most of the activity's moved to the MINICCI.org website, but it's mighty quiet over there, too. Some of us did get together at Hooters last week, which was a lot of fun!

I'm *really* interested in doing more driving schools in '06. I'm hoping to take in a couple of Phil Wicks events, and I'm kicking around the idea of becoming an instructor with them as a goal for next year. I've also heard good things about track events with BMWCCA, so I'm thinking about joining up with them.

Are there others in the club who want to get more track time in?

 

Yes, Everyone moved to the new forum and then they all got quiet!

 

Work has been a zoo this year, which has cut down on car time. Autocross season is over (boo!) so it is time for a little maintenance on the S. Gotta move the R compounds inside so they don't freeze, get the snow tires out of the shed and on the car, get someone with smaller hands to replace my front running light bulbs (that's you Waylen!), get a brake line and fluid replaced, check the condition of the belt (it's been on since Spring) and see if I need to replace the Denso spark plugs yet. Oh yeah, and change the oil.

For next season I'm looking into a new exhaust system, but probably no other fun parts besides replacing tires as needed.

Scott
90SM

 

Scott, you should see the tire shelf we built at Ways, currently holding about 15 sets (and yes most of them are MINI tires). Sounds like the FrankenMINI needs a winter tune up.

blalor, hopefully you'll get to come out to a school or 2 next year. I know there's gonna be one at AMVIV III if you can make it out, and I'm sure he'll be doing Putnum again.

I know the MINICCI.org forum is also pretty dorment so I figured I would see if people are still around and what was going on. Hopefully we'll get something together for Christmas, (looking at you Way ) even if it's in Jan.

Anyone else got any good stories from this past year?

 

Traveling for that kind of thing doesn't really appeal to me; I want to use my own car and I don't get that kind of time off work. :-( I wish I had the time and funds to go to Phil's big bash in California next month, tho...

Is anyone from Indiana planning on racing in Phil's series next year?

 

I hope they come back. I would like to attend, at least the driving school. I doubt I could get the hoop and other required goodies in time.

 

Hey DOOD!!! Passing though here? We need to get some shots of your new ride...we can go to the same old same old...or try something new...lemme know!!

 

Maybe ? I'd love to and will have my car at several of the planned races, but I need more info on the details such as pricing for kits, races, ect. as well as tire choices. It would also depend on if I could get Snowball set up for both GS solo2 and SS in Phil's series.

 

I'm too much of a chicken to take mine racing just yet. Not as long as I'm still paying for it and depending on it as a daily driver. I like that the series is open to pretty much any enthusiast with a MINI, but you're flying without a net as far as insurance goes.

Gabe Bridger is starting a race team with some guys from Chicago, and they're planning on buying a used car to go racing with. I don't know how they'll divvy up driving duties, but that sounds like a solid way to start. AutoTrader showed a couple of Coopers in the country going for 10 to 15k, so a few well-heeled guys could partner to buy one and race it. I'd consider going that route...

 

Yeah thats one of the problems I have too. I would love to get a Cooper and race it, but gotta have funds for autox tires and such. If any one is looking to sponser a car and needs a driver, I'll be happy to forward a driving resume . Also have plenty of room of Snowball II for the 2006 autox season. We're a top 5 car and driver in the country and expecting for better results in season #2!

 

It always seem to be a bit more quiet in the fall/winter. I am already sick of the cold weather! Hopefully everyone got the info for the December gathering. It should be fun and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone since I missed the Nov. gathering. Had dinner tonight at Ice House and I would have to recommend the grilled chicken. It was quite yummy.

I would like to still do Sunday drives through the winter, if the weather would cooperate. We know what happens when we try to have a Sunday drive when it snow !! I think if we tried to do them they would have to be kind of short notice so we can check the weather forecast. What do you all think?

Can

 

I'm all for winter Sunday drives! I might even be able to do one before Christmas...

How about a New Year's Day hangover rally? :-)