MODIFICATION MENAGERIE WEEKEND – EVENT RECAP

The most successful Tech Session of all time took place this past weekend! We had a huge turnout, and worked on more cars than you could imagine. There were headers, exhausts, pulleys and more - put on those enthusiast’s MINIs. With the erstwhile help from Jeff Perrin, Adam Taft, John Herring and John Leitel (all from Alta)… many (many) Alta Performance upgrades were completed. If you are interested in aftermarket performance products for your MINI, you can head here to www.altaminiperformance.com. They are a leader in MINI performance products, and a bunch of swell guys to boot. A big, deep bow and tip of the hat to “TBFA” (The Boys From Alta) for their creativity, parts discounts, marketing acumen, and relentless effort to assist everybody. Adam even shook off a 102 degree fever, he was so excited to come!

Also, The biggest kudos in the world to Allen D. (NAM ID: wtadye) (a PDX MINI member and a master auto technician) who installed anything that was handed to him, over and over and over again, until he ran out of parts. You’re a Mini scholar of the highest order!


It was wonderful watching the interaction between veteran members and the new kids in the shop. Everyone selflessly lent a hand, and any experience when needed. Even our favorite MINI Motoring Advisor, Jarid Perry from Rasmussen MINI, came down to hang out and lend a helping hand on Sunday. He even brought his rare, super special, John Cooper Works GP MINI to the big event. Thanks for joining, Jarid! If you happen to have an interest in ordering a new MINI, Jarid is your man. (He can be reached via email at jaridp@rasmussenmini.com or call either (503) 946-MINI or Toll Free 1-(866) 747-MINI)


Meanwhile back in the homestead, Mrs minibeel (i.e. - wife of minibeel) was directing a technical cosmetic session for female navigators. She took them through the whole course, without a smudge, and all appeared to be ready to do some serious MINI cruising.


Of course there’s always food involved, that’s why some people we know, actually show up, for the mac and cheese and Michael's expertly constructed ChiliMac! That man is truly talented with the pasta.

So, have you ever seen a hot pink sway bar? No that’s not a pick-up line, but rather a weekend highlight (quite literally) for President Lori E. That hot pink sway bar (Ok… that sounds like a pick-up joint) was a Valentine’s gift from her husband Michael. For those that don’t know, Lori has a custom painted pink MINI (her favorite color) and now she’s got performance pink happening under the fenders. What’s a sway bar do, you may ask? Simply put, It helps keep your MINI flat in the twisties. Better cornering, and we all know how good the MINI is already in that department!

Below are just a few of the photos taken over the weekend.

Some of the Saturday contingent.



shooler's MINI receiving a new Alta Header and Short Shifter Kit. He, and Jeff Perrin from ALTA, do the surgery.



For you PDX MINI'ers... you get three guesses as to who got this pink Valentines Day sway bar from her husband. The first two guesses don’t count! Yep… the MINI is custom pink too!




Some of the group, in the clubhouse, otherwise known as John's shop. Wouldn't this be cool to have at your house? I'm not jealous of this shop. Not at all. Not... at...all. :




The Sunday morning contingent:



In addition to the boys from Alta... The Alta demo car made an appearance as well!




Watch for many more photos on the www.pdxmini.org website from this and many other events, very soon