Nice setup compared to some, but understand again that it's not within any organization rules. Not within the rules "may" not be an issue for you in HPDE, but it could be, even though this is just a roll "bar" and not a race cage.
That rear X brace would be fine as 'an addition' to the straight rear diagonals that are required, but missing from this particular design.
Harness bar looks VERY good in the picture. Nice height and close to the seats. BUT, missing harness guides.
That seat back brace that Nate pictured is nice. Rules state that any non FIA seat must have this type of brace.
Again, I am talking what's needed to pass club race techs. Nothing I mention may come into play at an HPDE, but being I've been through all of this myself, I just want you to be aware of what's correct and what's not. Two reasons. One is your life, and the other is so you can pass tech if you had to.

 

It custom made, I'll get you the shops name if you like.

 

Yes please and where are they located?

 

this is a timely thread for me. thanks to all who have responded. i am debating the x-braces (in addition to the required straight braces). i would love the additional chassis stiffness that these would provide, but i would give up the ability to transport my track wheels/tires without my friends' trailers. do these limit visibilty from the rear view mirror? i have spent much of this morning looking at SCCA, NASA and others tubing size requirements. am i correct that 1.5 X 0.120 DOM tubing is sufficient for a car under 3000 lbs.?

 

bean..

As you've seen I only have one cross brace and it hinders my ability to carry 4 wheels/tires. I have to get really creative and then have no room for anything else like a helmet or jack in the hatch. It's not been a real issue since I stepped back from Hoosiers to R888's that I can swap at home and drive to the track on.

I do have a sport link and 2" hitch in the garage that I keep threatening to install. Just looking for that perfect trailer I can stand up in my garage when not in use.

 

thanks for the input, gnatster. i guess my car won't be driven to the track much longer...trailers and MINI's.....they just don't seem to work together. i might reconsider, however....

 

now now Bean, you know any HPDE we all do together you have a trailer ready for you!

The official MINI car hauler - extra tire carrier - fuel can transporter of SSM.

 

yea, i know that you have me covered when we are running together, but what if i want to run one that you don't?

 

After receiving some good advice about track cars and the obvious potential for ruining a nice GP I've decided to buy a already track prepped older car that I wont mind beating up a bit.
Thanks every one for your input, see you at the track

 

I've got a car I'll make you a good deal on.

 

+1 on the beater track car!

 

I just paid for the new(1994) car today and it will be ready for me next week, but I sure would have liked that mini if that is the one.

 

Need any help building this up then please feel free to contact me.
What is it and what are your plans?

 

It's a 968 that has had quite a bit of track prep done, it has a 6 point cage, harnesses, quick release steering wheel, 3 sets of wheels, cross coilovers and better brakes. Fortunately the engine is stock, which will be better for me to become a better driver in. All I'm doing to it for now is putting in new sparco evo seats and some new street tyres.
Once I've done a couple of events and decided if I really like the car then probably the 1st performance thing I would do is take weight off the car.

 

That will be one fun track car. Slower then the Mini, but a very balanced car. You should have a blast with that.
Hans, Hans, Hans, Hans.....

 

, I have the Hans sport with sliding tether which makes it easier to get the hans and helmet on seperately, I couldn't do both together, it drove me nuts

Once I become a good track driver in this car I will consider tuning the engine, however I'm told I can get the weight of the car down to 2650 lbs which would make a healthy differance and still be reliable.

 

Bump on this vendor... Who makes this cage?

 

i picked up my car from the cage fabricator yesterday. i am thrilled with the result. here are a few pics...







i messed up the mounting of the passenger seat the last (of about 8) times that i had it out. it will be reinstalled tomorrow.

Race Car Builders of South Florida did the fabrication and install. i think that the cage is strong and safe and looks great. a little more work required to install the harnesses. Race Car Builders did install the backing plates and bolts for the sub straps and the inboard ends of the lap belts. they also removed my oem belts and tensioners.

i cannot wait to get back on track.

photos by mct and MotoringFun.com. more details, photos and a short video can be seen at http://www.motoringfun.com/

 

Now it's time for the removable steering wheel.

Looks real nice, quite the maze of pipes. Wait till you see how the stiff the rear is now. Flex be gone!!

 

gnatster (or anyone else who has gone here): what changes in vehicle dynamics should i anticipate? i think that the car will rotate faster. in the past, i have had to use trail braking or lifting the thottle a bit to get the car to rotate (although not much). i was very comfortable w/ my cars handling before and i'm sure that i will have to re-learn the feeling. contrary to conventional wisdom, i'm also adding a quaiffe lsd, lightend flywheel and stage 4 cluth while making these other changes. i'll also have new wheels and will be experimenting w/ a new tire. Sebring should be fun. hopefully i'll have i sorted out before daytona.

 

Great job bean, 2nd that on the quick release steering wheel, I love the new Sparco wheel I've been trying for the last week.

 

Wow ... Nice setup for sure man

 

while changing rotors, i had the following observation.....when jacking from the front jack point, the rear wheel cleared the ground before the front. this is not normal for me.... i think that the chassis is now "stiff".

 

Funny that I came across this post. While jacking the drivers side of the MINI, the rear lifts before the front. On the passenger side - the front lifts about 2-3 inch's before the rear lifts! Suspension settings are the same side to side.....what would be the cause of this?

 

strange...mine was the same on both sides.