Well i might be heading to willow springs in about a month...last time i went out there i took my Integra and had a bunch of fun, now its my second time going and i wanna see how the Cooper S will do but its an automatic...
You guys think is a good idea to track it?

btw the Mini has basic mods/intake/pulley/exhaust/springs

Thanks in advanced!

 

I certainly think it can be tracked. There are always some autos in HPDEs. I have even seen Honda Fits and Smart cars.

I would put on some track brake pads and go and have some fun.

 

I've tracked my car several times and the only thing that makes a difference is the driver. An automatic or six speed doesn't really matter.

 

I track my MCSa...it's an '06 and I do about 4-5 HPDEs a year.

 

Get some lightweight wheels wrapped in a good compound like that of Bridgestone RE01R, Dunlop Z1 or Nitto NT05s and it will help greatly. A set of track oriented brake pads like Hawk HT-10 or HT-20 along with some stainless steel brake lines will help.

Do you have sway bars? If not get those too.

 

thanks for the input...i was gonna barrow some wheels from my friends and get some Falken Azenies.

as for sway bars i dont have any...but maybe in the future i might get a 6 speed so if i do then i will get them!

 

Just wanted to clarify that you are thinking of doing HPDE and not road racing. If you are going to do road racing, get a roll cage and 5-6 point harness etc.

In my opinion, to start in HPDE, you really don't need the thicker sway bars or better rims/tires or even mega HP yet. The most important thing is the good entry level track pad. Remember it is most important that you can stop well. Learn to drive what you have well.

Remember you need a good helmet. Some places will ask for SA 2005 rated helmets, so the motorcycle stuff may not work.

 

ya its a HPDE. this will be my Second time going to one.
as for brake pads what do you guys suggest?

 

I like Carbotech XP10s for the front stock brakes.

You should stick with one brand otherwise you have lots of bedding to do.

 

I think it's a great idea to track anything with 4 wheels. Having said that... I sold my MCSa with JCW stage I kit just so I could buy another mini, my JCW.

I did that because the automatic just doesn't cut it. I'd be punching the gas in the apex and by the time the car would downshift and get through the turn, it was too late.

I'm not saying you can't run an automatic but I assure you coming out a turn almost bouncing off the rev limiter is much faster in a stick.

If you're only doing a couple of track days a year, you'll be fine but if you're going to do a bunch, I think you'll get frustrated.

Depending on the track, you'll need pads for sure....


[quote=slinger688;3022526]I like Carbotech XP10s for the front stock brakes.

Yup, 10's up front and 8's in the rear.

I also bought their ceramic street pads so I can swap over after the track and not worry about prepping the rotors each time.


Mark

 

I've run my Automatic Clubman several times and I don't have any problem with it downshifting, I use the shift paddles so that I'm in the right gear when I go into the turn, just as you would a stick shift. Then either I shift up at redline or if I forget the trans does it for me a few RPM later....