I've noticed when at high RPMs 5,000+ if I try to up shift I cannot with a fully depressed clutch; & thus have to skip a gear or lower the RPMs. Is this normal? (I'd think for racing you'd want this)

 

I don't have this problem.

 

wha?

You are unable to upshift the car say from 4th to 5th with the clutch engaged over 5k rpm?

 

I think you might have a problem. On my way home from running errands today I gave my MINI a test. And ran up into the high 30's (6400RPM) in first gear before shifting, and had no problem shifting into 2nd. Then ran 2nd up to the speed limit of 60 (5800RPM) before shifting to 3rd, no problem.

 

Are you fully depressing the clutch? Make sure you can bottom it out. If not, move your seat up. Otherwise, you probably have some sort of problem.

 

Your hydraulic clutch may need bled if the clutch is not disengaging fully