If you didn't see her is a link to the article about the new Spec B MINI race cars. We've been working with them and excited to see it come to reality.
http://jalopnik.com/5860046/mini-joi...ve-auto-racing

 

Cool!

 

Sweet, can't wait to see some of that B-Spec action!!

 

Any idea if there is provision to convert an R53 for Spec-B?

 

Doubt it.....that would mean a 165hp car against 115hp cars.

 

Sorry, meant the R50.

 

Way,

Any insight on why they chose the KW V1 as opposed to, say, V2/V3 or any other coilover for that matter?

I ask because I am considering coilovers and camber plates and like the idea of following the B-Spec car for several reasons. I just thought it would be interesting to hear the logic behind the selection of the KW V1's.

Obviously they aren't the most track-oriented coilover out there, so will they be an absolute STANDARD for any B-Spec MINI, or will it be something that teams can change out to a different coilover? Will they be allowed to re-valve, re-spring, etc?

Thanks for your input, Way.

 

I was also wondering if the rule allowances will require privateers to run the conversion kit exactly as delivered.
The MINI press release mentioned contingency money for select teams. Will there be factory teams piloted by professional drivers?
Also, do you know if the ALMS was approached about B-spec as a support series?

 

The selection of the KW V1 was because the rules require a non-adjustable shock. KW let us test with the adjustables and will valve them to match our set up from testing at the BMW Performance Center and VIR. Grand AM is working on a schedule for B Spec races on Grand AM weekends. Anyone with a current pro license will not be alowed to race in B Spec. R50s will not be allowed, in fact going back to 2007 on the R56, we have the largest window for using pre-owned cars. The rules will require purchase of the "kit" from the manufacturer, or their designated vendor (MINI of Charleston). Our plans are to sell it for less than you can buy it as a racer.

Brad Davis
MINI of Charleston

 

Thanks for the info, Brad!

I've been talking to Vorshlag directly about their camber plates and B-Spec, but it sounds like I should hold off and buy the parts from you.

That said, I won't be actually participating in B-Spec anytime soon, but would like to start building toward that and getting a feel for the B-Spec setup at track days and such. So, the question is, what is the a possibility of offering a 'partial' kit? Meaning, I would be interested in the camber plates and KWs mostly as my car is still a DD. I can't add a cage anytime soon.

Basically, I'd like to buy part of the kit for my DD and then buy the rest when/if I turn it into a race car, without having to re-purchase all the parts to make the car legal. I don't know if that's at all possible, but I think the partial kits could be popular if available given the reasonable cost and simple, proven performance.

Can't wait for the series to get rolling! Any idea when it might start?

 

Thanks for the additional info. I've been checking the Grand Am website for an official announcement & schedule. B-Spec.net hasn't been updated for months.
Great to see a series like this that isn't single manufacturer, it's bound to be exciting. Hope they add ballast to that mazda2!

 

They have us at 2600 lbs., but to slow us down to the Fiat 500 pace, we may need to tow a pop-up camper behind the MINI! But it should be a great series with all the cars equalized.

 

At least we know Jaime Melo won't be driving that Fiat! Good luck this year, Hope you will also be running H-prod again. Would be great to see an R50 win a National Championship.

 

I've got to admit we're a bit behind on the H Prod car, slightly (no largely) distracted by the B Spec project - and the real job! But we'll qualify for the Runoffs and be much better prepared for a Championship run this year.

 

Hi Brad- Just wanted to let you know the recent response I got from MINI USA regarding B Spec and their contingency program for 2012.

see below email response-

Hi Jon,

Thanks for writing to MINI. We appreciate your inquiry.

Unfortunately, we do not have any information at this time. We suggest keeping in contact with your local MINI dealer for information. If you need it, you can find a list of our MINI dealers and their contact information on our website, http://www.miniusa.com/link/findadealer/dealerlocator.

The MINI Customer Relations and Services Department is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. You can reach us at 1.866.ASK.MINI (275-6464).

LET’S MOTOR.

Leanne Robinson
MINI Customer Relations and Services
Representative

-----Original Message-----

From: jwaterhouse71@yahoo.com
Sent: 2/9/2012 12:00:00 AM
To: miniassist <MINI.Assistance@askminiusa.com>
Subject: General customer service

First name: Jon
Last name: Waterhouse

Phone: 518 445 5959
Vin: N/A

Question / Comment:

When will the contingency payout information and the conversion kits, be available for the 2007-2012 MINI Cooper B Spec ?

Delete ReplyReply ForwardSpamMovePrint Actions NextPrevious

 

Jon,

Looks like practically an automated response from MINI.

Brad is definitely the one to talk to about the B-Spec cars/parts. The parts pricing is available, and the conversion parts are trickling in to MINI of Charleston as we speak.

 

No, I got the automated response yesterday. It is too bad that MINI USA has never agressively supported road racing in the US. Brad has worked very hard to promote the franchise on the track. Unfortunatley, in my opinion, there is a disconnect in Montale NJ, where MINI USA is located.

 

Yeah, I meant that it might as well be an automated email. It doesn't even reference the topic of your question in the text!

Anyway, I agree. Given how much MINI talks about performance and motorsorts regarding the whole brand, they don't always seem to be backing it up with actual support. Grand-Am ST support seems to be drying up, for instance. B-Spec is promising, however, but obviously not everyone there is well-informed regarding it.