I finally made it out to the Nurburgring this weekend. All I can say is "wow". That is an absolutely exhilerating drive. Unbridled supercharger whine is akin to a fine symphony. A few Brits were out there with their MINI's--classic style--and were kind enough to show me around the loop and toss me a few tips. My, new, MINI is a lot faster than theirs, but they are much better drivers.
Nothing has taught me more about my car than steaming down those straightaways, and white-knuckling it around the curves. I thoroughly understand understeer now. I also understand throttle-lift oversteer. It is amazing how much the car's balance is affected--along with steering response--by the right foot's position. Plenty of off-camber, early-apex and banked corner scariness for a long time.
In fact, I drove home slow.

If you have never been to a track, go. Go now. Go and learn to REALLY drive your MINI. It is truley a beautiful machine.

dan

 

Considering the daytime highs for yesterday and today were barely over freezing, I'd be concerned about my tires hooking up more than anything else. How did your tires bite in the cold? BTW, if you're still using the heavy S-spokes and want a lighter 7x17 let me know, I'm selling my BBS-made Double Spoke R99s (wheels only) for a good value ($750 US). They are "as new", zero scratches/scuffs. 6 months old with 3143 miles. They're cleaned up and inside the house right now...still with the Dunlops mounted though, but that can be rectified. I'm placing an add this week.

 

Wow I envy you....Sigh...someday....I am afraid I'll never return though...heh heh

 

The tires did just fine. Coulda had more traction I guess, but I don't go F1 fast just yet. I have wet/dry performance tires and did not loose grip once. The track was dry.

Note: I think the uber-cold air did WONDERS for intake temps. I put my hand on the SC side of the intercooler: HOT; I put my hand on the inlet manifold side of the intercooler: ice COLD. I was in awe.

I also managed to eat 1/4 tank of fuel per lap. ouch$$$$

dan