NASA "National Auto Sport Association" has two great programs for MINI's.

If your interested in the fastest lap times then the Time Trials "TT" might be the place to learn to drive. Once you have worked you way through NASA HPDE program and are now in group 4 you can run in "TT". It you against the clock for the fastest lap times. The MINI S is classed in TTE. But if your MINI is heavily modded you might be classed in TTD, TTC. Those are the cars you compete against. You don't need roll bars or cages to be able to compete. See NASA TT for additional information. For the rules TT Rules.

What new is NASA's Performance Touring (PT), this is wheel to wheel racing and all the required safety equipment is required ie roll cage. The classes are much like TT. If your MINI S is stock it classed PTE, if modded it could move up to D or C. What nice it's race what you brought. Info on NASA PT.
The PT Rules

Also is NASA's MINI Challenge A spec series for the MINI in W2W racing

Let's get those MINI's to the track, we need a showing. Way to many Hondas, Subie's, and Miata's.

WE hope to see any and all of you at the track. We're at Willow Springs this weekend 2-11/12.

 

GOOD LUCK this weekend and this entire year.

 

We need pics AND video from you... please

 

Also available is:

SCCA Showroom Stock C for the MCS

SCCA G Production for highly modded Coopers (non S)

www.scca.com

 

[For those of you interested in racing your Mini, the BMWCCA club racing provides some good events that are well organized, safe and adopt no contact racing ie, 13/13 rules. I currently race in D-modified class and believe me, you can be competitive with a well prepared Mini in this class.
Besides, it's great fun to give 6 cyl. Beemers a run for it.
Regards,
Paulo, aka Steve Diniz, # 53 DM BMWCCA Club Racing.

 

Broke the video Saturday. But here are a few pic's. Came in first both days in MINI Challange, but I was the only MINI. Oh well. Tires started to go away on Sunday. Car started to push real bad. through T1 and T2. At about 90mph in T9 decreasing radius the MINI got sideways, got it straightened out through the dirt and back on the track. Only one more lap to the checkered flag. Slowed and finished. Corded both front tires. So much for that set of Hankooks.


Turn 1 Willow Springs

 

Rich,
Are you racing at Laguna Seca on March 10-12 USTCC/A1GP?

 

[quote=rpterson]Broke the video Saturday. But here are a few pic's. Came in first both days in MINI Challange, but I was the only MINI. Oh well. Tires started to go away on Sunday. Car started to push real bad. through T1 and T2. At about 90mph in T9 decreasing radius the MINI got sideways, got it straightened out through the dirt and back on the track. Only one more lap to the checkered flag. Slowed and finished. Corded both front tires. So much for that set of Hankooks.[quote]

Great Job !!!

I too have nearly lost it at speed !!!! At VIR no less, hog pen !!!!

How many cars were in your "race" group, were you with "small bore" cars?

I am contemplating my entry into this NASA "Challenge Series" but have a bit of fear of some knuckle heads ramming my new car !!!!

 

Don't forget about GTS Challenge - they allow Mini's to run as well. This is NASA's no-contact race group for those people who are comforted by that type of rule set. Not only can you give 6cyl Bimmers a run for their $$, you can beat up on Porsches as well.

Check it out at www.gtschallenge.com


RedFury - The GTS class is getting HUGE in your area.

 

The calculations are for RWHP, rear wheel

What class would a Typical MCS (pulley, CAI, ECU, etc) run in ?

How is this Class safer, it sounds like the same policy for all events ?

 

Yeah... it's worded for a typical German car that is RWD only. Just remove the "R" and let's call it WheelHorsePower.

What kind of WHP do you typiclly see with these mods and how much does your car weigh? I don't know what it is, but let's assume the following:

WHP: 180hp & Weight: 2600lbs = 14.4 hp/lb puts you in GTS3
Maybe the car is a bit heavier @ 2650 (hint hint) = 14.7 hp/lb you'd end up in GTS2.


The class is "safer" in that they also use a 13/13 rule similar to Vintage, PCA and BMWCCA: http://www.gtschallenge.com/1313.htm

 

I like this class. I need to really read the rules, but it looks pretty unlimited, no?
I hope some of this comes up the northeast way. Any info on that?

 

You are correct - it is "unlimited". It may sound strange but this is how GTS class is one of the best ways to race and have fun!!! You may be in the same class as someone who has changed over to spherical bearings or is using wheels that are 1/2" wider but in the long run if you can race them hard for 30 minutes, not worry about how they are 'cheating', and go home without a scratch on your car then you've had a good weekend.

You can go check out our NE chapter here: http://www.nasanortheast.org/

I looked at their May 8/9 registration for Watkins Glen and they are showing all the GTS classes - so I'd say YES!!!

 

Mickey, I plan on being at Laguna March 10/12. I might be needing a few crew members as my daughter (crew chief) has a swim competition that same weekend and won't be able to make it. She might fly up Sunday.

She also started HPDE1 at Willow Springs this weekend and did quite well herself. Some of the instructors were asking if she was going to be at Cal Speedway in March same weekend as Laguna.

Mickey, let me know if you can help crew?

 

Guys, Dave Belingit, is a great source of information about NASA. He has helped me in getting into USTCC and has been fair with the rules and very encouraging with my racing endeavors.

He's been lurking on the boards and chips in every so often. I think Dave would like to see more MINI's at events, just as I would like to see more. To gird up for a race with 20 Honda's and one MINI just isn't right. WE need more MINI's out at the track.

I encourge all MINI's to look at NASA and the different programs. No roll cage, run Time Trials with on limits on the mods. Wheel to Wheel try Performance Touring, again no limit on Mods. Wan't to compete only with MINI's then MINI Challenge, As Dave said GTS Challenge, no contact. Or USTCC for Pro Racing. I would say NASA has it all.

Maybe we can get Dave to comment more on the different series.

Dave Balingit
Regional Director
NASA Rocky Mountain
www.nasarockymountain.com
dave @nasarockymountain.com

 

Dang! I would love to help out, but I'm at Thunderhill with NASA on Saturday the 11th. Might get classed and run in TT group.
I can help out on Sunday.
Please let me know.

Maybe start a thread "looking for crew members" over at Norcal's web site/forum.
Come on TonyB - get the folks rallying for some support!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=73

and Northern California NAM forum page:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=26

ps
buy that enclosed trailer yet?
I'm looking for an open trailer.

 

We had 17 cars in our race. Honda, Acura, BMW, Miata's, Nissan SX., also a couple of unlimited cars, Acura NSX and a Renault sport racer (190 hp, 900 lbs). On Sunday they did an inverted start and I found myself on the pole. This was my first flying start from the pole position. I impressed myself with a good start and was first into T1 and into T2. The NSX who started last then passed on the outside to take over 1st. That NSX was fast, lapped all but the Renault.

With this race, I was able to get my provisional license out of the way.

 

Cool info, I spoke with Dave yesterday and Eric Meyer from midwest and OH/IN NASA

I think I fit best in the GTS Challenge run group, a bit more car friendly and unlimited mods potential

(MINI Challenge would NOT allow Header, flywheel, clutch or CAM)

Not that I have those YET !!!!! I just need a cage installed, seats and get a dyno at one of their accepted sites

Here is some info and Forum from NASA:

http://www.nasaforums.com/index.php

 

That's great to here and best of luck.

 

I'll NEED it, thank you !!!

 

ooo....march 10-12!!! thats this weekend!!!

Guess I'll be there!!!

MSFIT will limp on down there...my dash is all lit up with some lights right now :/

But I will def be there!!!

 

Well, My KW Coilovers have not shown up yet. I'm told there some where between Germany and my house. Sure wish they were here for this weekend. Bagheera is preped and ready. New shaved tires are monted if it's dry this weekend otherwise I'll run the Hankook Ventus R212 if it's raining. Were towing up to Laguna Seca Thursday morning with practice on Friday, Qualifing on Saturday and the race on Sunday at 11:45pm. Looking forward to seeing any and all MINI's

Rich

 

rpterson.. what are your lap times at Laqguna??

 

Mark.
If that's your Mini in you sig, please share...

 

Yes that is my car, an 2004 Spec MINI built by MINI North Scottsdale. We have a Penske owned dealership so we have access to some very talanted guys who suport our series. We have an old Penske transporter which is at the races too. Arrive and Drive, can't beat it.