Time to get this thread back up to speed. This all happened a couple weeks ago. With our tight race schedule we didn't have time to update it.

Our seat was a bit too basic and didn't quite meet safety standards:



I guess we'll have to install an upgrade.

Door handles installed:





Mirrors installed:





I guess we'll have to order another glass as this one is shot.



Installing the window net:













Notice we did not use the previous installation. The latch would jam all the time so we got a proper set from Schroth. It fits perfectly with our cage design and is a lighter set-up. At some point we'll remove the buckle from the previous install. Not to mention my shitty welding attempt on the guide tube.:rolleyes

Ugly hole for door lock on driver's door:



Covering with aluminum tape:





A temporary solution until we can find a cheap passenger side handle without hole.

Final dash install:



Cutting hole for power cut-off switch:



Installed:



Bolted:



Bolts painted:



Installing the seat:









Installing the belts: The Schroth enduros are sweet. A lot of money but so much easier to adjust.

 

We replaced the brake pedal cover with a proper rubber one. No splipping when it's wet:



Final fitting of the hood/fenders and install of the remaining fender flares, hood scoop and grille:











The car as its sits:



Our replacement muffler. A thrusty Vibrant. Hopefully this one will last more than one race:





Covering the top hole with black tape on the airbox:



Making holes on the front bumper re-bar for the rubber straps:









But before you get there, make sure to install the tow strap (at least we found something to use from the crashed car - yes we made them):











Putting the front bumper together:





Final bumper install:



Drilling the hood for the strap install:







The Hood rod (taped) will be cut as it is nol onger needed or used.
Installing rear window bars:



Anti-slip tape on the floor below the pedals:



Rear view mirror installed:



Roll-bar padding installed:



Installing a "custom horn button" - obviously a wheel emblem:









Making a custom plate for the aim cluster install:









"B" Pillar trim installed:



Center console getting closed to it's finished state:



A few stickers installed before our first test:





Shifter installed:



I guess it must be just about done since it's back on the trailer. Ready fir a first test:



The first succesful test:

 

Sexy!!!

 

The car made it's official debut at the Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix on August 14-15-16 in the Touring class, part of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Local journalist Jacques Deshaies and driver Simon Dion-Viens each drove a race.

Simon drove the first practice and finished 7th out of 16 cars. Jacques qualified in 12th place. Jacques finished in 4th place, but was disqualified due to a ride height violation. We knew the car was too low ahead of the race but Jacques asked us to leave it as is as he did not believe he would finish high enough in the standings to be one of the top cars being checked at the end of the session.

As a driver change is performed, Simon had to start from the back of the pack. It wouldn't have changed much with the prior DQ.

Simon put a brilliant drive and was able to bring the car to a 3rd podium finishing place.

As Simon is ~a featherweight (read: I'm not) driver, we made sure the starting weight would be enough to meet the minimum requirement of 2375lbs with driver. I guess we calculated right because the car's weight oscillated between 2375 and 2376lbs at the end of the race on the serie scales. A bit too close for comfort but I guess the car is a bit below what we were expecting it to be.... A good thing.

Pics from the weekend below:















The car worked flawlessly, except the power steering issues we are still chasing. We replaced the pump to no avail while at the track. We disconnected the system and drained the fluid. The drivers actually liked it this way.

We will re-wire the system completely when we find time. As we are now leading the championship, this task will take a step back as we have other priorities.

...and now a shameless sponsor plug:

 

this is great news!

 

Nice sponsor ! !

Great job.

 

WHAT HE SAID!!!

 

by far my favorite mini thread of all time. Great work. really great work.


What coilovers are you running? I saw eibach springs, but they didnt look like the struts.

Also what wheels are those? Specs?

oh and where did you source that sway bar. i have searched everywhere and cant find it. i know that webbmotorsports used to have it.

thanks so much for the write up

 

Awsome thread / pics / build

I'm just going to put a link to it on MT

 

Wow, thanks for the kind words. I'm just sharing in the hope that more people get inspired to road race their MINI. It's a fantastic platform.

For wheels info, you can go to: 949racing.com. They are 15 x 8" ET:36

The sway bar can be found at:

http://www.tarett.com/items/mini-coo...sba-detail.htm

The suspension is by KW with springs to our specs.

 

Thanks! (But I don't know what it would do on the 1/4 mile )

 

ROFLMAO............. and it hasn't stopped you from winning

 

Yeah but I know what mine run dead stock at 2468lb so just knock off a 1/10th

 

Awesome build!!!

 

Great car! Congrats on now running a two car team!!!!!!

 

Awesome. thanks so much for the help

keep us updated on any changes please

 

Fantastic work!!!

Very nice sponsor!

 

So....not sure this matters when we are discussing a track car that actually turns to win.

 

it's going to take Paul a few more yrs to figure this one out

 

I vote we keep this thread pure since its the greatest one nam has seen..

just sayin

 

ditto, just car ****.

 

As a quick follow-up, we finally fixed the power steering on the car. The issue was a bad pump, in conjunction with a damaged check-valve in the banjo bolt restricting the flow. All is good now!

 

Dumbstruck by the pure jaw dropping drooling adolescent reaction to this build. How has the season faired since the last entry?

 

Sorry for the late answer as I haven't been around much. We started the last weekend of racing with this car in September. Unfortunately we got taken out twice on the Saturday so we DNF'd. But we came back with the other car on the Sunday to win the championship.

Stay tuned throughout the year. We'll see more of this car!

 

Wow that is a n amazing thread. I just read through the enitre thing in amusement.

One question though, Where can I get a set of those carbon brake duct funnels for the aero bumper? They jook cool as hell.