I am excited to announce two Flat Out track days on Saturday and Sunday, August 5th and 6th that have just become available at BeaveRun! They just contacted me to extend a special invitation to the PittStop MINI Club. BR is holding 25 driver spots for each day - on a first-come basis - until Saturday, July 22 for PittStop MINI Club members at the discounted one day rate of $155 or both days for only $295! BR does not usually have Flat Out Days (also called Open Lapping Days) on the weekends during the summer so these slots will fill up FAST! (The Club's last track day at BR sold out quickly too!) Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee spots or pricing beyond this Saturday, July 22. Although they are graciously offering the MINI Club first crack, BR is also going to be inviting some of the other local automotive enthusiast clubs such as the BMW and Miata Clubs and the folks from those clubs will certainly fill up all the remaining spots even at regular pricing! I can't urge you strongly enough to sign up quickly and not delay your decision to go!

If you have any questions about the nature of these events, visit BR's website at: http://beaverun.com/event_flat_out_friday.asp. In short, it is a safe but exciting opportunity to learn how to handle your vehicle at track (and highway) speeds. It is hard to communicate just how invigorating and fun (not to mention addictive) Flat Out Days are! Somewhat surprisingly for newbies, there is nothing to be intimidated about - you have an in-car instructor throughout the day. Passing is allowed only on the straight-ways and only when YOU give permission. You are also grouped with drivers of similar experience levels. Even so, the speeds get up there and the amount of fun is nothing short of unbelievable all while maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Also, don't worry if you have a Cooper (and not a Cooper S) - your car is also quite capable on the track! Regarding your insurance and any unlikely mishaps, this is considered a driver education event which is generally covered by most policies. Typically, however, about the only thing that gets bruised on these days are some folks egos! :-P

To secure your spot and get the discounted rate you will need to take 2 steps:
1. Phone BR and mention the PittStop MINI Club. You can pay either by credit card over the phone or by sending a check in the mail - however you are not considered "officially" registered until the check is received by BR.
2. There is also a registration form that you will need to print and fax that is available in .pdf format from BR's website here: http://www.beaverun.com/pdf/FlatOut_...gistration.pdf

BeaveRun:
Telephone: (724) 535-1000
Fax: (724) 535-0100

Feel free to PM or email me directly with any questions or concerns and I will do my best to either answer or get answers for you. I certainly hope to see a bunch of you at the track!!

John Welsh