I am looking for some documentation that states that the pillars on the Mini Convertibles are, in fact, Integrated roll-over protection. This must come from MINI (in other words a sales brochure, tech manual, etc. from MINI would work) to be valid.

The S2000 and Porsche Boxster have submitted info stating it for those cars and SCCA has approved them for entry St. Louis Region PDX Track events.

I am trying to get the info on the convertible MINI's so they can enter too.
Can anyone help?

 

I don't know of anyone that has been able to find this info. Mick looked for it and never found it. Maybe someone in another part of the country has the info?

 

Are you talking about the A-pillars? I can't think that I've ever seen anything official certifying those as "integrated rollover protection", but I thought the A-pillars in *all* modern cars had to meet some minimum requirements for structural integrity in case of a rollover.

 

I agree that I think the A-Pillars in *all* modern cars are kinda, sorta, partof the roll over protection.

If we can find something that refers to them as such then the topless MINI's can be approved for SCCA PDX events.

If not they will have to have a roll bar to go on track.

 

I don't think you are going to find it. I heard from a friend that when he tried the same thing MINI flat refused to provide said info.

 

I've looked for this info myself for the same reason. Over at MINI2, they had this article http://www.mini2.com/2004/02/10/mini...news-in-depth/
which looks like it must have come from a MINI press release. It states:

Rolling sideways.
The MINI Convertible is also well prepared for the risk of rolling over on to its side, a tube of high-strength steel integrated in the A-pillars being able to absorb 1.5 times the mass of the car. The dual rollbar made of high-strength aluminium pipes and comprising integral headrests also serves to protect the occupants in such an event. In conjunction with the various restraint systems, this guarantees effective occupant protection even in a rollover.


I can't find the original press release, however.



Steve

 

I think that would do it if you can find it! I certianly will submit it if I can prove it was from MINI.

 

MINI Mania has this press release in their archives. It's similar, but was for the New York auto show debut: http://new.minimania.com/web/SCatago...8/ArticleV.cfm


In the unlikely event of a rollover, the A-pillars incorporate ultra-strong tubular steel designed to withstand high loads. At the rear the double roll-bars are made of high-strength aluminum tubes, and combined with the integrated headrests, offer high levels of passenger safety.

 

I found the language in an official MINI press release, but I can't link to it directly. Go to http://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/gb02.nsf. On the left side, click on Brands and Products, then MINI Automobiles, then MINI Convertible. From there, click on the MINI Convertible Press Pack, dated 4/14/07 and download it. In section 5, it says:

Covered for any eventuality
The MINI Convertible is also well prepared in the event of a rollover. A tube of high-strength steel integrated in the A-pillars is able to absorb one and a half times the mass of the car. In addition, the rear dual rollover bars made of high strength aluminium pipes and comprising integral headrests offer high levels of occupant protection in the unlikely event of a rollover.


The USA press pack has similar language, but leaves out the "one and a half times the mass" statement.


Steve

 

Hope that helps.........my friend found the same statements and he was still told he needed an aftermarket roll bar

 

Covertible MINI Coopers have been approved for SCCA PDX Events based on the info above

So go to www.stlpdx.com for more info and how to sign up for
Wed. May 7 Wed May 21
Sat. May 24 - Sun. Oct. 19