Hey Gang,

I went to VIR this past Sunday for a Mini Rally sponsored by those wonderful people at FLOW Mini. For 10 bucks, we got a catered lunch, great racing, a tour, and best of all 3 parade laps around VIR. A humbling experience to say the least. Because I was near the back a group of us were able to slow up a bit so we could speed up for the twisties. Heel and toe shifiting? With all the adrenaline going, forgetaboutit. I had those syncros crying like a cat in a dryer. Also, I found my car understeering and in one of the turns, I felt the ABS kick in– basically telling me, "slow down you idiot!" I quickly realized I was upsetting the car's balance and could get into some deep doo-doo if I did not back off.

I think the racing bug has bit. After casually mentioning to a friend of mine the way my car understeers and how a thicker sway bar in the rear would be the perfect remedy–he stopped me has cautioned me not to modify my car anymore and spend the money on driving school. He said a car that gets above ones limit becomes a dangerous weapon and that I could get much faster much quicker much safer with some track time. Ironically, this guy has started to do some instructing himself after only doing track driving for a couple of years. Wise advise that I am going to adhere to...

So... is anyone out there starting out too and getting track time? And even better, are you getting the experience anywhere in NC?

thanks in advance,

Jake

 

I also drove the VIR, a couple of year ago, (in my Mazda SUV shhh!!), and that is when the bug bit. I now have a '06 MC on order and can't wait to get back on the track. I won't race, but will have fun. Glad to hear that the folks at FLOW are so good about getting people together. When will the next trek to VIR be?

 

JakeBRG -

I, too, was at Flow's VIR outing, and it was something my daughter and I will always remember. I would have stayed out on that track until I ran out of gas, but I guess we can't be too greedy. Many thanks to Flow.

I saw several BRG mini's, I guess probably one of them was yours. We took some pictures, I'll see if I can get them posted.

Phil Wicks is doing a MINI driving school in Kershaw SC in September.
http://www.minidriving.com/sched_umda.htm I'm trying to figure out how I can go.

Rob

 

Yeah, mine had a checkered flag on top–one of two, I think. My 2 yr old son was with me and he had a blast. Phil Wicks sounds great–looks like he has plenty of experience with the original Mini.

 

Not sure. Flow is pretty good about organizing things. I think they have events at least once a year. It's great PR for them and a sweet deal for us.

Another fun thing is to ride the Dragon in Western NC. You can almost always find a group getting together to go there...

Another great event is the annual 510 day for Datsun 510's in King, NC. They welcome Z's, Nissans. Very fun group of guys with a masterful road course. I had a blast with them. They are the real deal as far as car nuts go and Minis are welcome. This happens every May as close to the 10th as possible in honor of the 510. I will definitely go back to this one.

So when you are getting the Mini? Is it the new one with the 4 doors and the Peugot engine?

Jake