MINI UNITED :: MINI International Event
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MINI UNITED :: MINI International Event
MINI UNITED :: Uniting MINI Minded People
Misano Italy
October 28-30th, 2005
Preparation
Misano Italy
October 28-30th, 2005
MINI International will be hosting MINI UNITED (a three day world MINI gathering) in Misano Italy at the end of October.
The three day MINI festival is anticipated to draw over 2000 MINIs from Europe. MINI International is is seeking out participation from all of the countries where MINI is sold.
Friends - Festival - Challenge
There will be a large variety of events taking place: the MINI Challenge World Final, drives (in the local area and on the Misano racetrack), car show, music and entertainment, a MINI International display, a John Cooper Works display, a tuner area, discussions with MINI designers, and an opportunity for MINI driver training at the Misano track.
MINI Challenge World Final
The highlight of the weekend is the MINI Challenge World Final. MINI has been conducting MINI Challenge races in several nations. The top placing participants from the national Challenge races will face off in this event.
MINI International wants North American participation in the World Final. Since North America does not have a Challenge series, MINI and MINIUSA will be selecting the drivers (exact number is TBD, but expect it to be around two drivers) that have been competing their MINIs from a sanctioned race series (i.e. Grand Am Cup, NASA, SCCA). There will be approximately 2-3 drivers per country from the larger countries and 1-2 drivers per country from the smaller countries. A total of 20-25 drivers will compete in MINI race cars supplied by MINI International that have the 210 hp JCW kit installed in addition to having been race prep'd by BMW Motorsports.
Hosting the MINI UNITED event at a racetrack will enable MINI enthusiasts watch some top level MINI racing, and for the lucky 25 drivers, a chance to compete against the best from around the world. [img]images/smilies/thumb-up.gif[/img]
Getting to MINI UNITED: North America
MINI International will have more details as we get closer to the event. For now, I can relate that MINI International is very interested in having people from Mexico, Canada, and the United States at MINI UNITED. For those of us in North America, the most likely scenario would be to work this event in to a larger European vacation.
To support people traveling to the event that aren't from the European continent, MINI International is investigating several options for helping North Americans get access to MINIs for the event. The following ideas are being considered (this is not *firm* or *official* event information yet):
Getting to MINI UNITED: Europe
The three day MINI festival is anticipated to draw over 2000 MINIs from Europe. MINI International is is seeking out participation from all of the countries where MINI is sold.
Friends - Festival - Challenge
There will be a large variety of events taking place: the MINI Challenge World Final, drives (in the local area and on the Misano racetrack), car show, music and entertainment, a MINI International display, a John Cooper Works display, a tuner area, discussions with MINI designers, and an opportunity for MINI driver training at the Misano track.
MINI Challenge World Final
The highlight of the weekend is the MINI Challenge World Final. MINI has been conducting MINI Challenge races in several nations. The top placing participants from the national Challenge races will face off in this event.
MINI International wants North American participation in the World Final. Since North America does not have a Challenge series, MINI and MINIUSA will be selecting the drivers (exact number is TBD, but expect it to be around two drivers) that have been competing their MINIs from a sanctioned race series (i.e. Grand Am Cup, NASA, SCCA). There will be approximately 2-3 drivers per country from the larger countries and 1-2 drivers per country from the smaller countries. A total of 20-25 drivers will compete in MINI race cars supplied by MINI International that have the 210 hp JCW kit installed in addition to having been race prep'd by BMW Motorsports.
Hosting the MINI UNITED event at a racetrack will enable MINI enthusiasts watch some top level MINI racing, and for the lucky 25 drivers, a chance to compete against the best from around the world. [img]images/smilies/thumb-up.gif[/img]
Getting to MINI UNITED: North America
To support people traveling to the event that aren't from the European continent, MINI International is investigating several options for helping North Americans get access to MINIs for the event. The following ideas are being considered (this is not *firm* or *official* event information yet):
- (under consideration) MINI demos from the Italian MINI (and potentially other European Countries) dealers may be available to be rented for not just the threed day weekend, but potentially UP TO TWO WEEKS around the event to allow International participants to still Motor in a MINI at MINI United and (possibly) on their trip to Europe. So you may be able to say, pick a MINI up in France or Italy and drive it for the week leading up to the event, then take it to MINI UNITED and have it to tour around following the event. Again, I want to emphasize this is under consideration and being investigated, but is not firm.
- MINI Rental Cars may be available from various companies for event participants.
- Pool of "arranged lifts" to help participants without MINIs get a ride with someone who has an extra seat available in their MINI.
- In addition, MINI International is investigating ways to help with making lodging reservations. They will be working with a professional travel agency to help international owners make hotel reservations in the area (two star to five star). There will also be camping available at the race track, for those that want more of a festival experience.
Getting to MINI UNITED: Europe
"The fun starts on the way" is the message for European participants. MINI International will be putting together three to four "migration routes" through Europe to MINI UNITED. This will allow MINI owners to caravan to the event and pick up other groups of MINI Owners along the way. MINI International is apparently going to be working with Classic Mini and new MINI clubs in Europe to help coordinate this.
Preparation
You can visit the MINI UNITED site now, and should be able to register for the event soon. Once you're registered from what we've been told a welcome pack will be sent out.
FEEDBACK
FEEDBACK
To Assist MINI International with increasing North American participation, if you have thoughts on the above, comments, or questions about the MINI UNITED event, please post that feedback here (especially if this is an event you would consider attending).
Last edited by dave; Mar 24, 2005 at 07:53 PM.
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2nd Gear
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From: Newport News, VA
I can say with with a reasonable amount of certainty that I will be there, and will be trying to bring along as many of my fellow Aviano MINI Owners Klub members as I can. It IS only a three hour drive...
...And we will be representing the US, due to the fact that we are all Americans with US spec MINIs!
...And we will be representing the US, due to the fact that we are all Americans with US spec MINIs!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
We just found out about this event during the Dragon and last night after a very brief discussion (about three minutes) we have decided to go !!!!
I do have a few questions and I appreciate any help I can get.
1) Is there a contact person in Italy and is so how to get in touch with him/her?
(language is not a problem since I speak Italian)
2) Can we rent Minis in Italy ?- Any specials ? - rental are quite expensive over there - Of course shipping our two Minis is way too expensive for us
3) Is MINI USA considering sponsoring anyone besides tech people ?
4) Is a vendor type section and if so can I promote and maybe sell DCMM Club merchandise ? We could raffle something, too.
5) I have a place available @ Igea Marina a few kms from Misano, however, the Misano Race track has a great hotel (pricey) any deals for those attending?
6) Anyone from USA going ?
Feel free to contact me directly with any info..
Ciao ci vediamo a Misano
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
I do have a few questions and I appreciate any help I can get.
1) Is there a contact person in Italy and is so how to get in touch with him/her?
(language is not a problem since I speak Italian)
2) Can we rent Minis in Italy ?- Any specials ? - rental are quite expensive over there - Of course shipping our two Minis is way too expensive for us
3) Is MINI USA considering sponsoring anyone besides tech people ?
4) Is a vendor type section and if so can I promote and maybe sell DCMM Club merchandise ? We could raffle something, too.
5) I have a place available @ Igea Marina a few kms from Misano, however, the Misano Race track has a great hotel (pricey) any deals for those attending?
6) Anyone from USA going ?
Feel free to contact me directly with any info..
Ciao ci vediamo a Misano
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 127
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From: Newport News, VA
Originally Posted by lastrega
We just found out about this event during the Dragon and last night after a very brief discussion (about three minutes) we have decided to go !!!!
I do have a few questions and I appreciate any help I can get.
1) Is there a contact person in Italy and is so how to get in touch with him/her?
(language is not a problem since I speak Italian)
2) Can we rent Minis in Italy ?- Any specials ? - rental are quite expensive over there - Of course shipping our two Minis is way too expensive for us
3) Is MINI USA considering sponsoring anyone besides tech people ?
4) Is a vendor type section and if so can I promote and maybe sell DCMM Club merchandise ? We could raffle something, too.
5) I have a place available @ Igea Marina a few kms from Misano, however, the Misano Race track has a great hotel (pricey) any deals for those attending?
6) Anyone from USA going ?
Feel free to contact me directly with any info..
Ciao ci vediamo a Misano
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
I do have a few questions and I appreciate any help I can get.
1) Is there a contact person in Italy and is so how to get in touch with him/her?
(language is not a problem since I speak Italian)
2) Can we rent Minis in Italy ?- Any specials ? - rental are quite expensive over there - Of course shipping our two Minis is way too expensive for us
3) Is MINI USA considering sponsoring anyone besides tech people ?
4) Is a vendor type section and if so can I promote and maybe sell DCMM Club merchandise ? We could raffle something, too.
5) I have a place available @ Igea Marina a few kms from Misano, however, the Misano Race track has a great hotel (pricey) any deals for those attending?
6) Anyone from USA going ?
Feel free to contact me directly with any info..
Ciao ci vediamo a Misano
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
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pug poo picker-upper
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lastrega: Here are the responses I got back to your questions from the organizers.
For #3, I don't believe MINIUSA is currently considering ways to support attendees other than the drivers. I'll poke around on this a little more for you.
1) The website www.MINI.com/MINIUnited will be the main communication plattform and in the future, most questions will be resolved on the website. In addition, starting from June, there will be a contact person available in Milan/Italy.
2) We assume that there are car rental agencies where you can rent MINIs, but we will recieve more information until the end of June.
3) Please contact MINI USA for further information.
4) Vendors will have the possibility to participate in an open market @ MINI United. Starting from June, interested vendors can contact us on www.MINI.com/MINIUnited
5) Starting from June, we will collaborate with a service provider who will offer all kind of accommodation facilities and who will be linked with www.MINI.com/MINIUnited
6) At the moment, MINI USA is thinking of the number of race drivers they will send to MIsano.
2) We assume that there are car rental agencies where you can rent MINIs, but we will recieve more information until the end of June.
3) Please contact MINI USA for further information.
4) Vendors will have the possibility to participate in an open market @ MINI United. Starting from June, interested vendors can contact us on www.MINI.com/MINIUnited
5) Starting from June, we will collaborate with a service provider who will offer all kind of accommodation facilities and who will be linked with www.MINI.com/MINIUnited
6) At the moment, MINI USA is thinking of the number of race drivers they will send to MIsano.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
Grazie
Thank you both Venti_Due and DiD for geting back to me. I begun looking at airfares and I will start contacting MINIUSA (maybe I can get in touch with Jeff the MINIUSA guy who came at the Dragon) I will keep you posted.
Venti_Due what kind of MINI do you have . Did you purchase her (for me the car is a woman) in US or in Italy?
MD STREGA2
Thank you both Venti_Due and DiD for geting back to me. I begun looking at airfares and I will start contacting MINIUSA (maybe I can get in touch with Jeff the MINIUSA guy who came at the Dragon) I will keep you posted.
Venti_Due what kind of MINI do you have . Did you purchase her (for me the car is a woman) in US or in Italy?
MD STREGA2
2nd Gear
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From: Newport News, VA
I have a 2003 MCS. Electric blue, all of the options that were available at the time except real leather (I have leatherette) and the back-up parking sensor. I bought her here, but she is all US spec!
I have a decent start on mods as well. Having lots of fun! Being an American in Italy, sometimes I can get away with things the locals can't!
I have a decent start on mods as well. Having lots of fun! Being an American in Italy, sometimes I can get away with things the locals can't!
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pug poo picker-upper
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The following information came into us from the "Contact Us" link.
Hotel Major **** Cattolica Riviera Adriatica
SPECIAL "MINI UNITED MISANO 2005"
10,000 MINI DRIVER WILL MEET AT MISANO CIRCUIT FROM 28 TILL 30 OCTOBER 2005
Hotel Major *** is situated at only 3 km. from Misano Adriatic Circuit :
Bed & Breakfast till 13,00 with croissant , eggs, juice , yogurt , pizza , piadina , fruit
internet point free
parking free
cocktail party
1 week : Euro 170,00
4 days / 3 nights : Euro 75,00
3 days / 2 nights : Euro 60,00
price per guest in superior room single or double with wc , shower , tv sat , minibar , safe deposit box , phone
Lunch and dinner in ristorante pizzeria :
Menu' Fisch Euro 20,00 bevande incluse
Menu' Meat : Euro 15,00 bevande incluse
For further information we stay at disposal
Fabrizio Ferretti (Minista italiano)
www.hotelmajor.it tel 0541.961757 fax 0541.960472
SPECIAL "MINI UNITED MISANO 2005"
10,000 MINI DRIVER WILL MEET AT MISANO CIRCUIT FROM 28 TILL 30 OCTOBER 2005
Hotel Major *** is situated at only 3 km. from Misano Adriatic Circuit :
Bed & Breakfast till 13,00 with croissant , eggs, juice , yogurt , pizza , piadina , fruit
internet point free
parking free
cocktail party
1 week : Euro 170,00
4 days / 3 nights : Euro 75,00
3 days / 2 nights : Euro 60,00
price per guest in superior room single or double with wc , shower , tv sat , minibar , safe deposit box , phone
Lunch and dinner in ristorante pizzeria :
Menu' Fisch Euro 20,00 bevande incluse
Menu' Meat : Euro 15,00 bevande incluse
For further information we stay at disposal
Fabrizio Ferretti (Minista italiano)
www.hotelmajor.it tel 0541.961757 fax 0541.960472
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
Who is with me?
OK is anyone planning to attend this event in Italy?
I contacted the guy above (thanks DiD) he immediately replied immediately and he is a MINI fanatic (has a classic one and waiting for a new Cooper.)
He is looking on ways to rent MINIS in Italy- he will ask his friends as well -
since he owns the Hotel he will give a special discount to groups and will shuttle people (w/ his MINI) to/from the race track.
Of course, now the search started I'm looking around to make this trip a fanastic one. So, is anyone interested in going? I searching for air tickets as well and of course with a group we might can get a discount...
Well let me know...
MD STREGA2
I contacted the guy above (thanks DiD) he immediately replied immediately and he is a MINI fanatic (has a classic one and waiting for a new Cooper.)
He is looking on ways to rent MINIS in Italy- he will ask his friends as well -
since he owns the Hotel he will give a special discount to groups and will shuttle people (w/ his MINI) to/from the race track.
Of course, now the search started I'm looking around to make this trip a fanastic one. So, is anyone interested in going? I searching for air tickets as well and of course with a group we might can get a discount...
Well let me know...
MD STREGA2
5th Gear
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Driving to Italy from the USA!
This is very interesting, since I just moved from the USA to the UK and expect my JCWS from the US to arrive here in three weeks I think it might be a blast to attend. The only thing I am concerend about is that I have a very unique, customized American Flag on my roof and I am not sure how wise it would be to drive through Europe with such a highly recongnizable "traget". If anyone from the UK or Europe would care to make a comment I would appreciate knowing what you think. Thanks.
Former Vendor
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From: Los Angeles
I'm not even from the UK or Europe and I'm afraid I would advise you to not fly that roof across Europe--or at least do not leave your car unattended. I'm as patriotic as the next Yank but the climate is not friendly at this time.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005
By AIDAN LEWIS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME - Italian investigators blamed U.S. military authorities for failing to signal there was a checkpoint ahead on the Baghdad road where American soldiers killed an Italian agent, and concluded in a report released Monday that stress, inexperience and fatigue played a role in the shooting.
The investigators found no evidence, however, that the March 4 killing of intelligence agent Nicola Calipari was deliberate. The Italians also didn't object to many of the findings of fact contained in a separate American report made public Saturday.
Still, they refused to sign off on the U.S. conclusion that the soldiers bore no blame for Calipari's death. For example, while the U.S. investigators said the car was traveling more than 50 mph, the Italians said it was going half that speed.
The two sides issued separate reports after a joint investigation.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi, a staunch American ally, has faced political fallout in Italy over the rift, including calls to bring home the country's 3,000 troops from Iraq. Berlusconi is scheduled to address both houses of parliament on the case Thursday.
Calipari was killed just after he secured the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena from Iraqi militants who held her hostage for a month. U.S. soldiers fired on the Italians' vehicle as it approached the checkpoint on a dangerous road near Baghdad's airport. Sgrena and another Italian agent were wounded.
The U.S. investigators, in their report, said the soldiers gave adequate warning as the car traveled toward the airport. Their absolving the soldiers of any wrongdoing sparked outrage in Italy.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005
By AIDAN LEWIS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME - Italian investigators blamed U.S. military authorities for failing to signal there was a checkpoint ahead on the Baghdad road where American soldiers killed an Italian agent, and concluded in a report released Monday that stress, inexperience and fatigue played a role in the shooting.
The investigators found no evidence, however, that the March 4 killing of intelligence agent Nicola Calipari was deliberate. The Italians also didn't object to many of the findings of fact contained in a separate American report made public Saturday.
Still, they refused to sign off on the U.S. conclusion that the soldiers bore no blame for Calipari's death. For example, while the U.S. investigators said the car was traveling more than 50 mph, the Italians said it was going half that speed.
The two sides issued separate reports after a joint investigation.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi, a staunch American ally, has faced political fallout in Italy over the rift, including calls to bring home the country's 3,000 troops from Iraq. Berlusconi is scheduled to address both houses of parliament on the case Thursday.
Calipari was killed just after he secured the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena from Iraqi militants who held her hostage for a month. U.S. soldiers fired on the Italians' vehicle as it approached the checkpoint on a dangerous road near Baghdad's airport. Sgrena and another Italian agent were wounded.
The U.S. investigators, in their report, said the soldiers gave adequate warning as the car traveled toward the airport. Their absolving the soldiers of any wrongdoing sparked outrage in Italy.
Originally Posted by MGear
This is very interesting, since I just moved from the USA to the UK and expect my JCWS from the US to arrive here in three weeks I think it might be a blast to attend. The only thing I am concerend about is that I have a very unique, customized American Flag on my roof and I am not sure how wise it would be to drive through Europe with such a highly recongnizable "traget". If anyone from the UK or Europe would care to make a comment I would appreciate knowing what you think. Thanks.
Last edited by DVLMINI; May 14, 2005 at 12:26 AM.
6th Gear
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
trip plans almost completed
OK Our trip plans are pretty much completed. We 'll leave USA for London on Oct. 19 and spend a few days in Oxford where we will try to visit the MINI Plant. We 'll be in the Misano area on Wed. Oct. 26 until the MINI United event. BTW any news???
To complete the Italian Tour we will stop in Rome for 9 days before returning home. We did not coordinate a MINI rental , yet.
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
going to MISANO......
To complete the Italian Tour we will stop in Rome for 9 days before returning home. We did not coordinate a MINI rental , yet.
MD STREGA2
DC STELLA
going to MISANO......
. I will likely Fly into Milano for a little bit of business and then take a train over.
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pug poo picker-upper
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From: California
Update:
From the organizers of MINI UNITED:
From now on, the MINI United website www.MINI.com/MINIUnited offers the possibility to sign up for MINI United (and to receive a starter kit) and to participate in a sweepstake.
In addition, you have the possibility to sign up via call centre (+49 89 171 00 112 from anywhere in the world (Mon-Fri, 8.00 am-8.00 pm Central European Time)).
From now on, the MINI United website www.MINI.com/MINIUnited offers the possibility to sign up for MINI United (and to receive a starter kit) and to participate in a sweepstake.
In addition, you have the possibility to sign up via call centre (+49 89 171 00 112 from anywhere in the world (Mon-Fri, 8.00 am-8.00 pm Central European Time)).