I'm not getting any response on the Racing and Competition sub-Forum so I'll try here. For my dedicated track car, climbing those gators, not to mention the possibility of running over someone else's piece of their car, give me pause to consider the merits of a skid plate. The thought of cracking the oil pan or severing a coolant or power steering hose while at speed makes me think about one. One incident could pay for itself yet, I've been doing this for 40 years without incurring any significant damage other than scraping the belly of a Mustang Cobra R on the old Road Atlanta configuration at the "kink". Anyone have an opinion? Do they tend to raise operating temps? Minor inconvenience for maintenance?

 

I have one. I won't own another mini without one. Get aluminum if your gonna get one. I have a steel plate and it is very heavy. I've had one on both my MINIs but both street cars. Oil and filter changes can be done with skid plate installed, they have provisions for drain plug removal. Much more than that and you'll be pulling it but it's very easy to remove. On the street, in my mind, its saved my motor twice.

Here's a few pictures of some damage from running over debris on the road.

 

You made a believer out of me. I just ordered a RENNLINE from our sponsor ECS Tuning.