7-8 FEBRUARY 2009
BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY, CA


The first Advanced Car Control Clinic for MINI Coopers was held here this weekend as a part of the driving school offered by the Vintage Auto Racing Association. MINI race drivers Bob Scheer and Jerry Bradbury challenged six eager, experienced MINI drivers to wring more performance from their cars than they ever imagined was possible. They came from Spokane, San Diego, LA and San Francisco to this track due west of Bakersfield, California for two days of intense application of the basics of visualization and awareness, car balance, and smoothness in acceleration, braking and steering. Buttonwillow Raceway offers some tricky blind corners, fast sweepers, decreasing radius turns and a long straightaway which allowed the MINIs to accelerate to over 100 mph. The learning curve was steep as Bob and Jerry took turns riding in the right seat offering tips and encouragement to bring out the best in each driver. The high horsepower VARA race car drivers were amazed as the MINIs soon began to overtake and pass them on the track due to their light weight, superior brakes and go-kart handling. By Sunday afternoon, six tired but happy drivers could carry their newly acquired skills out into the real world and be the kind of aware, safe and confident drivers that earn respect everywhere. Everyone was able to drive their MINI home in the same condition it arrived in (minus some rubber and brake pad, of course) and everyone reached the goal of Bob and Jerry’s Advanced Car Control Clinic: Be Safe and Have Fun.

 

Comments from students:

I learned so much, not just about how to drive Buttonwillow, but principals that apply where ever I drive. Thank so much for putting this event on. I had more fun here than any other track day that I have done, and I always have great fun whenever I drive! -Brian from Spokane.

I had an amazingly awesome time, learned new things, made new friends and can say I've driven Buttonwillow! Thanks to Jerry and Bob for providing this opportunity and invaluable lessons. -Kelli from Los Angeles

If/when they do this again, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's able to attend. Plus, we can all play "that's what she said" with our cheerleading crew - Joe from San Diego

 

That's pretty cool what VARA said!

It was fascinating to see the skepticism on the faces of the regular VARA instructors and the full race prepped cars and drivers at Buttonwillow that we were going out with our "cute little street legal" MINI'S or even the insulting "moving orange cones" to the looks and words of awe by the end of the two days that not only were we keeping up but often passing them by!
I think a new found respect for the MINI was found by many over the weekend and I wouldn't be surprised if MINI USA see a rise in sales soon!

Like I said Jerry and Bob were great instructors and I learned a lot from them. From learning how to know my car's braking limits, setting up for passing and learning that 11/10ths is not where I want to be I've walked away hopefully a better driver and eager to learn more.

I hope Bob and Jerry continue to be able to offer this kind of instruction! I would be on board again!

 

I'm very proud of You and all our students!
Were happy you & everyone had a good, safe, learning experience. We all had a fun weekend playing at Buttonwillow.

It seems the racers in there big fire breathing V8's don't like being dominated by a bunch of MINI's.

Hopefully we can get even more fast & eager students like you Maleficent, so we can have our very own MINI only "run group" at our next track clinic.

I can't wait till our next school.

Cheers, Bob Scheer
#4 U.S. Touring Car Championship MINI Cooper S'
www.canyonmotorsports.net

 

Bob and I are working on another event for April. We'll be able to take 10 Intermediate drivers and show them some of the secrets of getting around a race track quickly in their MINIs.

Stay tuned for more details!


Cheers,
Jerry