I've been busy with the search option and I'm not exactly finding what I'm looking for so maybe this question hasn't been asked before.

Here's my situation, I autocross but I also snowboard. I'm contemplating buying a roof rack but at the same time, they aren't aerodynamic and I'm wondering how it would affect autocrosses, if at all. If they do impact handling or what have you, then are the racks designed to be easily removed?

Thanks guys

 

I don't think you go fast enough (in most autox's) for a roof rack to affect your times.

 

If you angle the rear cross bar forward a bit, you'll have a cheater wing to make up for the extra weight placed on top.

 

It won't have aerodynamic penalties since you won't be going at high speed. But the WORST place to add weight is to the roof. This will increase your center of gravity, and it will greatly effect your corner speeds.

PS: I posted this thinking that I read roof BOX... Roof RACK won't have too much effect.

 

Well I always like to eliminate any potential extra weight.

Jim, is that the OEM one or one of the aftermarket ones? Definitely good to know and keep in mind, thanks! I'm new to the Mini scene but not motor sports.

 

@ Erhan, do you know how easy it is to remove the roof rack?

 

I don't know how easy/difficult to install.

I do know, however, that I have reading comprehension issues Roof RACK won't effect the center of gravity much.. I thought I read roof BOX...

 

Roof boxes look weird anyway. HAHA ... I didn't think they should affect the center of gravity that bad.

 

I had a Yakima rack on my r50 and it was VERY easy to put on and off. Literally a 2 minute job.

 

Good to know, thank you very much!!!

 

Dood they come off and only take a few minutes to do that. Take them off when you are not using them.

 

I've never had a roof rack before ... nor a Mini haha. I had a Scion tC for 3 years and my snowboard actually fit in it and the interior wasn't leather

 

If you get the OEM MINI roof rack it takes a little more effort to remove - I would leave it on.

 

Good to know, merci!

 

I have the OEM racks and if set up properly to be taken on and off they are VERY VERY easy to put on and take off. I can have mine on in less than 5 minutes and off is less than 2.

I have time tested it against people that have aftermarket racks and they have a much harder time to get the aftermarket on and off.

 

I take mine off and put them on all the time and if it takes you more then 5 minutes to take them off you are doing it wrong.

 

I'm glad to hear that - I got a used OEM rack cheap but can't use it on my leased car. Need to wait until my new MINI arrives and I guess I'll practice - I don't like leaving a rack on all the time

 

Ok good to know. This is also making my roof rack choices easier as well.

I just want to clarify ... Do the rails come off easily as well or just the snowboard attachment piece?

 

Most roof racks are fairly easy to install and uninstall whenever needed. Like probably stated above.. I wouldnt want to autox with a roof rack.

Also. I know you have a lot of subie friends, but I would steer away from the hella supertones.

 

Let me have my fun haha. Why shouldn't I get Hella super tones?

 

I personally dont like the sound. And they arent setup in a spot on our car as to where you can see them in the front grille like you can a subie.. which on some look good.. and others not so much.

I am sorry, I am a huge fan of "simple elegance" so they appeal to me like they do others I suppose.

As long as you dont get rally armor mud flaps we can stay friends ahaha.

 

Well I like them. They're obnoxious, like me. They don't need to be seen, just heard.

Omg. Bad funny story. As a joke, I told everyone I was getting Rally Armor mud flaps. There's a Mazda3 I see regularly on campus that I make fun of. Every time.

 

I have OEM mudflaps in the mail.. But the OEM ones are much cleaner than the giant rally armor ones would be on a MINI.

I think they sound really girly compared to the stock MINI horn lol

 

My car came with mud flaps! ... I'm a girl. It's ok hahaha.

 

Thats nice that you had the OEM ones all ready. I think they look really good when lowered on them, which i am lowered now i need them to get here.

yea ya.. no excuse lol.