First off it's been such a long day I spelled European wrong
I finally had a chance to stop down and mention some highlights so far from our summer European tour. We have been in Germany for 5 days now and it seems as if we haven’t had a moment to rest. We started out on wednesday at the Nurburgring for a manufacturers test day and tour of the museum and F1 circuit. What an amazingly beautiful place as well and unbelievable track. It was much better than my Play Station Gran Turismo game but to be honest many of the corners seemed alreadyfamiliar . The collection of cars that were there for the test day as well as the open lap session was astounding. I will post a few pics when I can and perhaps a link to a few hundred others from here and the rest of the tracks we are going to when I get home. For the past two days we have been at the Hockenheim circuit for the 2007 Tuner challenge and Drift Event . The heavyweights of European tuning, Tech Art, MTM etc. have spent the last two days slugging it out for bragging rights. This is the twelfth year for the challenge and is a highlight of both the Euro tuner and drift world’s season. Just walking thru the parking lot uncovers some really unique vehicles and as far as the drifting goes they have quite a different approach, which my forthcoming photos will attest to. We leave for the UK tomorrow for more tracks and meetings, which will build on the relationships we have struck up on this side of the pond already. By the time we get home later in the week we hope to have some exciting new partnerships formed which we will tell you all about when the time is rite. In the meantime please enjoy the photos I will be posting shortly and I will update with any other news when I can.

Randy
M7 Tuning

New M3 was very fast thru here.



A look at the LONG straightaway




Porsche test driver tossing a Cayenne from side to idea at no less that 150 MPH. His car control was unbelievable and was thought to possibly be Walter Rhol.



MUCH more abut this Aston later.



MBZ 6.3 Black series . Sounded unlike any Merc I ever heard ?



Ferrari 599 plastic wrapped for freshness.



Ferrari 599 passing the MBZ on the outside of a very tricky corner.



Do you like your Aston Martin’s Black



Or really , REALLY green ?

 

Oh my....WHY didn't you invite me!!!!!

-Cody

 

I'll take my Aston Martin in Black. Thanks for asking. You can ship it to me here in NC at your convenience.

 

Nice pic's, thanks for sharing

 

I want Walter's job.

 

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!!!

What do you think was the cammo'd car in the straightaway photo?
Can't wait to see and hear more of your trip!
Jim

 

We had no idea as to what the camo car was until we were leaving . There is a group of shops of to the right hand side of the road leading to the track which most of the major car companies have their bases. Low and behold in front of one of them was the mystery car. We now think that it was the new four door Jaguar.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I'm so jealous of you right now. But I really love the pictures...thanks!

 

I am happy you are enjoying the photos and when we get home `i have 100's more. We are now in England and staying at a very nice hotel but there is only dial up service and photo work is out of the question. We did find out today that the shots that we took of the red 599 might be extra special as apparently it was Michael Schumacher at the wheel out "slumming" We have a few appointments here in the UK over the next few days but will be back in the states at the end of the week and I can get started on the photos . This morning we start our day at the Goodwood track and I am really looking forward to that. Hockenheim was amazing and I am sure you will enjoy seeing the tuner specials as well as how the euros drift.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

Just got back in town and have a few hundred photos from Nuburgring, Hockenheim and the Goodwood track. Also have some shots of the " home " of John Cooper Works from our meeting with Mike Cooper . All of the meetings we had were very successful and the results should be a benefit to all . I will be processing the photos shortly and hope you enjoy.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

Glad to hear you had a great time...But, I'm still jealous. Maybe if you post a few hundred of your pics., I won't feel so bad. Hint, hint.

 

Sounds fair to me . We had a really nice meeting with Mike Cooper and a tour of the JCW facilities.He is still very into the Mini and is expanding into other BMW models as well. He showed us a very nice exhaust system for the R-56 and has other products in the queue. We also visited the former JCW shop which has now become a very successful Smart car dealership. Man have those things taken over the continent.

The former JCW retail outlet .





Something for everybody



Check out the name on this one



This is one of the Barabus modified models.





A left over from the good old days



The JCW headquarters



Mikes personal JCW.



Mikes new ride .



Some photos of the original Cooper formula cars.



Traditional " good buddy " photo. He really was a gracious host.

 

Great photos.... I wish I was there with you guys!

 

I will get more of the Nurburgring photos later in the week but I have the ones from the Hockenheim tuner / drift event that I can share now .

Randy
M7 Tuning

Audi R 8



Another fast Audi but with more seating capacity



Real deal DTM racer.



Barabus " police " car



Fun but not so fast





Hot hatches







More in a bit , Randy

 

Great pics.

Looks like you guys had a lot of fun.

 

Lot of fun and lots of bidness

Here are a few more .

They have some cars over there that I really wish would make it across the pond.

Check this Volvo out .







And this little Mitsu was really hot in person









Randy
M7 Tuning

 

Here are a few more .

Randy
M7 Tuning

This Donkervoort was bad *** and the winner of the event .











This is the " street " version

 

I fixed it for you, Randy!

 

Thank you !!!

Randy

 

Great pics, man. Thanks for posting. There are some really sweet rides over there!

 

Randy -
YOU did drive the Ring, correct?

In what kind of vehicle?

Craig

 

Oh yes We were lucky enough to have been loaned a Audi RS-4 Avant for the first few days of the trip. With our luggage and samples and assorted equipment we needed the additional space the wagon provided. When I get the photos that were downloaded on Peter's lap top I have the " inside the carrosel " proof pictures

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

We did manage to leave some evidence that we were there as well

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

Randy, are you guys coming down to Italy? If so I have some good wine for ya.

Frodo

 

We are tripped out but thank you for the offer . Germany , Luxembourg, Belgium , France and the UK were more than enough this go around .

Randy
M7 Tuning