Just got the pictures from the May 1st Boston Chapter BMW CAA Drivers Schools at New Hampshire International Speedway. Even box stock, my MCS performed very well - absolutely benign handling. Wouldn't do anything evil even when I purposely tried to upset it in a corner. Will need better brakes before I take it on track again. They're fine for the street, but NHIS has almost no time for brake cooling, so I think that a more aggressive pad compound - and maybe fog light removal to aid air flow - is in order. Increased real roll stiffness might be nice, too (to try to dial in some oversteer), and a limited slip would be great. Also, if I can swing some R-compund tires for the MINI (as opposed to just buying them for my non-MINI race car)... Picture by BMW CCA photographer Dan Mull.

-noam


_________________
'03 MCS BRG/W, 3 option pkgs

 

Does look like you could use a larger rear swaybar...That inside rear tire is about to lift up. . Sounds like you had a great time evaluating your car.

Nice picture, I enjoyed it




His, Chile red all over / Hers, EB UJ on top.

 

Nice! Can´t wait for the MINI race day here in Mexico, should be coming up in about 2 or 3 weekends! Just imagine, a race track, all filled with Minis, ranging from 1959 to 2003. That should be a religious experience! Any american MINI enthusiasts willing to find an excuse to motor down to Mexico city for a weekend is more than welcome. Write to my private thing.

Salud!

 

How does it work for the "open test days" they have there. I couldn't really find any info on their site about it, but I am interested in taking my car up there.
Thanks,
Ben

 

>>How does it work for the "open test days" they have there. I couldn't really find any info on their site about it, but I am interested in taking my car up there.
>>Thanks,
>>Ben

If you're asking about open test days at NHIS, they typically split road-course test days between cars and motorcycles. In the past, I've heard of some car or driver requirements (either competition/time trial license from a sanctioning body, or car prepped - safety equipment wise - by a sanctioning body), but I have also heard about folks just bringing cars up. Be aware that on an open test day, there aren't any flaggers, there are mixed groups of cars out there (GT-1 cars out there with Showroom Stock - scary), and it's unlikely an insurance carrier would cover you in case something happened (insurance is usually in full force during a driver education event).

The track should be able to give you some info if you call them, or check with some of the New England Region SCCA (http://www.ner.org) folks for more info.

-noam

 

noam - cool! Glad to see that the MINI did so well for you!

I'm heading up to Limerock with the New England Quattro Club with my car next month. Never been racing before, but I'm looking forward to the chance to learn how to handle my car better!

~Rachel

 

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