I'd like to get my alignment optimized for autocross -- mostly by dialing out the factory toe-in at both ends of the car. Can anyone recommend a shop that a) does precision work, and b) is comfortable with non-factory, more aggressive settings?

BTW: Haven't seen many Michigan MINI people at the Detroit SCCA events this year. Come out and have some fun with your car. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you'd like me to help you get started.

 

Get in touch with Chad at Detroit Tuned. He has an alignment shop that he works with that seems pretty flexible. His web site is:

http://www.detroittuned.com/

Tom

 

Hi MINI_xs, I'm in the area and just took delivery of my R56. I've never attended any Motocross or SCCA events (I'm a newb and just assuming those two are synonymous). I have a buddy who's really into taking his Miata to those things and highly recomends it help "tighten the nut behind the wheel", and I've been waiting for someone in the Detroit-ish region to offer some input. I'd appreciate any info you have on who to call and what I may need to get started. Thanks for the help!

 

Yes,
Send Chad "agokart" a PM



Welcome to NAM, come and join us Michigan MINI

Scott

 

Really good to hear from you michimini! I'd be glad to help you get started.

Detroit Region SCCA (http://detroit-scca.org) offers three types of events that you might enjoy in your MINI. We have...

1) TSD rallies, which involve competitive navigation on public roads while following precise instructions,
2) Rallycross, typically 2nd gear races vs. the clock on cone courses setup in the dirt (often on horse race tracks at various county fairgrounds), and
3) Autocross involving racing against the clock through cone courses in large parking lots at airports, stadiums, and factories. These are my personal favorite, but I participate in other events too. They're all fun.

To run an autocross with Detroit SCCA you'll need to first signup at http://www.myautoevents.com. You need to be a licensed, insured driver with a car that's in safe condition. Your MINI, whether it's a Cooper or a Cooper S, is actually one of the most desirable cars anyone could have for autocross. Either is great for a beginner to get started in, and both cars have won the national championship in their respective classes over the last few years.

Detroit Region SCCA is offering one particular event very soon that would be THE best way for you to get started. Our annual autocross (or Solo) school is scheduled for June 23rd and 24th. There is a classroom session to familiarize you with autocross rules, do's and don'ts, and driving techniques to work on to improve your times. Afterwards, each student is assigned an advanced driver who acts as an in-car instructor for 10-12 runs through a practice autocross course which this year will be setup at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

My best advice is to go to MyAutoEvents and signup for the school, but even if you're not interested in that event, I'd be happy to help you get started elsewhere. There's almost always at least one autocross per weekend within a couple hours' drive from Detroit. Let me know.

 

Michimini,

The Michigan Sports Car Club (MSCC) is hosting an autox event at Great Lakes Crossing this weekend. You can find details here. There are other MSCC and Detroit Council events on Myautoevents and here.

Just show up before 1 to register at the event. We are usually finished around three or so, depending on the turnout. It is a very informal format and a good event to get your feet wet. I'll be in the number 2 DS MCS.

MINI xs,

I unfortunately won't be making it to any SCCA events this season, but you should come check out an MSCC or Detroit Council event. There are even some GS cars every once in a while.

 

Thanks for the suggestion ds/b_mini. Chad (Detroit Tuned) completed an alignment to my specs, then I autocrossed and trials raced it last weekend with SCCA/Detroit at Oscoda's old air base. I felt much less steering resistance for the first ~20 degrees of steering wheel turn, yet the car wasn't nervous at all driving down the freeway. During competition it seemed well-balanced/neutral in long sweepers both to the right and the left. I really like the competition alignment, both on the street and on the track. There's been no down side at all that I've yet noticed for getting rid of the factory toe-in at both ends of the car.