I did a HPDE with BMWCCA a few weeks ago, it's great. And for those saying it is "beating" on the car... guys... we drive MINIs... they are BUILT and ENGINEERED for this, jeez. The car won't let you do anything it wasn't engineered for! Go enjoy life and your car, otherwise go drive a corolla!

 

Not sure that I entirely agree with your statement. They are engineered and built to handle good and they have a sporty engine. That does not necessarily translate into driving your car on a track as fast as you possible can. Additionally a lot of folks then mod the car to squeeze additional HP, torque and RPM out of the car that is originally was not intended for.

I can almost guarantee you that a car driven street only will outlast a car that is driven regularly on the track without too much trouble.

I'm glad you had fun I always do as well when I track my cars but anyone who does this regularly cannot say that it is NOT hard on the car. I know it is.

Unless your like several friends of mine who go to the track and still drive like grandma's. I drive my car like there is no tomorrow at the track. (It's one of the reasons I don't do it that much anymore. I'm just too hard on the equipment.)

But ultimately it's your car and you can drive it where and how you want to. Isn't it great!!

Motor On!

 

Not everyone wants to go fast. If you do, then you HAVE to try the auto-cross at least.

Just plan on buying tires, brakes, maybe a clutch...

Try to get away with this on the street!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/350016790/High Performance Driving at Firebird Raceway, Phoenix.

Or this!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/461807763/Autocrossing the Jetta.

 

Well, sure, then again even on the street you can really thrash a car (say, by poor shifting). In general though, I think the NAM community should be encouraging MINI owners to take their car to a track, try it out, see what the car can do. No need to go "as fast as you can", just fast-enough is exhilarating, and the suspension, brakes and tires are just doing what they are designed to do, they will just wear out quicker. To say it again, almost all parts that get larger wear over a track session are exactly parts that are intended to be replaced! That's why I say there's no "beating" going on. It just means you might need to pay some more over time. The parts that matter, like the motor, are never going to do something they weren't designed for. (excluding people modding out of mfr specs)

 

There is a level of skill you need or you will be off the track or rear ended. It takes more than simply talking about it. It takes more than just driving in traffic to hone those skills. Gather the skills and then enjoy. Unless you are Tom Cruise. Just saying, you should aquire the skills before jumping. If you came back with the car in one piece, congratulations. Guess I gave bad advice. Wear and tear is not as expensive as rolling and smashing.

 

This is the way to go!!!

 

The high speed event Chris was considering doing was held over 3 weeks ago.

 

I appreciate all of the opinions you guys gave!

I didn't end up doing it... only because I want more of a financial cushion in case I have to replace part X or have service Y done. Probably after a promotion or two, I'll be much more willing.

I really wanted to do it, though. I have the need for speed!