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Avenue of the Giants Weekend Run - Sat. March 23, 2024

Saturday will be a very full day of cruising from Novato up through the Avenue of the Giants and ending at Eel River Brewing in Fortuna. Sun...

Think About It


[Source: via Natasha Lloyd @ Flickr]

Ultimate Dangerous Play On The Road Setup

Your choice - your life or the high score.

[Source: That Will Buff Out]

Unchain My Heart

First images from the New York International Auto Show of the MINI exhibit by AutoSpies.com.

That's Not How You Set It Up

Should have read the instruction manual.

[Source: That Will Buff Out]

MINI Countryman Makes US Debut At NYIAS

The MINI Countryman has made its US debut at the New York International Auto Show. MotoringFile has the official press release and an extensive gallery of shots of this newest member of the MINI family.

Rims With Bling!

Check out the new line of Barracuda GIRLZ STYLE wheels studded with Swarovski crystals. Bedazzle your competition!

[Source: via ZerCustoms]

Ask For Airbags On Top Of Your Patty

Mmmmm! bacon!

[Source: TheSmokingTire via Jalopnik]

CHP Speeder Crackdown In Contra Costa County

Be forewarned! The Queen of the Road reports that, since January, the CHP has deployed speed teams six times in Contra Costa County and has written about 1,000 speed citations.

Eighteen Wheel Dance Revolution


[Source: College Humor via Hooniverse]

The MINI-E Program Documentary

MINIE250 at North American Motoring posted this video with this preface:
BMW sent a film crew to follow me for three and film me with the car. It's part of a long term documentary they are producing to record the steps they take up until they sell their own EV, the Mega City in 2013/2014. The production company made this short video to show the BMW board members and executives.

NorCal MINIs' Club Business And Event Reminders

On Sunday, May 2, 2010, NorCal MINIs will motor to Buster's Southern BBQ for lunch and then on to Castello di Amorosa.Last day to pay for your Castello di Amorosa tour and wine tasting reservation is tomorrow, March 31, 2010. The cost per person for the tour is $33.00 ($31.00 for the tour and $2.00 per ticket Paypal charge.) We have set up this Paypal Button for your convenience.







Renew your NorCal MINIs' Membership by April 1, 2010 to avoid losing your discounts, access to the Google Group and invitations to events. On or about April 1, 2010 we will be culling our lists of non-current Members. Don't be culled. Here is a Paypal button to pay for your 2010 renewal.






Come out to the Davis's beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 for food, socializing, and help with washing, waxing, glazing, sealing, paint touch up, and dent repair at our End Of Winter Detailing Day. Bring your own detailing products and BYOB. If you choose to use the PC please bring your own 6 inch foam application pads as each such pad should be exclusively dedicated to one product. This is the perfect event to get ready for Pacific Dream Machines on April 25, 2010. RSVP to your email invitation or to info@norcalminis.com.

NorCal MINIs is going to Pacific Dream Machines on Sunday, April 25, 2010. The event features 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world's coolest cars of every era and style, model-T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the mesmerizing displays. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. Spectator admission is $20 for adults, $10 for age 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only. We can park together if we register our vehicles for $30 before April 15, 2010 which also includes admission for the driver and one passenger. Please complete the Entry Form prior to April 15, 2010 and RSVP to your email invitation

How To Make A LEGO MINI Cooper


[Source: LEGOCityShow @ YouTube]

Love Is Your Own MCS

Just ask VDMGerdy @ YouTube -


Cronoscalata Radicondoli of 2010

In a classic Mini Cooper Innocenti - SIGN ME UP!


[Source: runnersp1985 @ YouTube]

BMW Chooses Washington State For Site Of Carbon Fiber Plant

The Seattle Times reports that Moses Lake, just east of Seattle, has won a contract for SGL and BMW’s new Carbon Fiber focused production plant where everything from body panels to full-on chassis will be manufactured of carbon fiber at the plant and shipped all over the world.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Day Off To A Rocky Start

[Source: That Will Buff Out]

Inside A Four Stroke Engine

So that's what goes on in there -


[Source: via Ride Lust]

NY Times Examines The MINI-E Program

The New York Times analyzes the program, describes how it has built brand loyalty for MINI, and discusses its biggest complaint - limited range of the MINI-E in cold weather.

Robosaurus Toasts A Car

Jalopnik has a great series of pictures that graphically display the mayhem.

This Can't Be True - Bipartisanship in Congress!?!

The Auto Channel reports that Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (S 3181) into the Senate. The House version of the bill (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) and currently has 57 cosponsors. The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, among other things, would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks.

Racing MINIs In The Wet And Nasty


[Source: minerviks @ YouTube]

A Reason To Choose Heated Seats

[Source: That Will Buff Out]

Don't Be A Dickhead. Don't Use Your Phone

No, Really? That Is What You Named Your Car Retrieval Operation?

[Source: NowPublic, Reddit via Jalopnik]

Landing A Nuke-Powered "MINI Cooper" On Mars

Miles O'Brien tells us about the status of space exploration and narrates a video simulation of NASA's next Mission to Mars during which it hopes to put a Mini Cooper-sized nuclear powered mobile science laboratory on the surface.


[Source: via Slashdot]

Will Do Up To 70 MPH For Only $1,295


[Source: via R53-BRG @ NorthAmericanMotoring.com]

You're Great! Are You A Dancer?

This DUI suffers from Maxwell Smart syndrome - "Missed by that much."


[Source: via The Truth About Cars]

Rolls (F)Utility Truck

Why would anyone do this to a Rolls Royce?

[Source: You Drive What?]

The Trunk Monkey - Its Time Has Come

This is a great series of car dealer advertisements from Suburban Auto Group in Sandy, Oregon.


[Source: via Ride Lust]

Classic On Ice

Fun stuff!



[Source: mpmoke @ YouTube]

MINI Becomes GRAND-AM Promotional Partner

MINI has become an official promotional partner of GRAND-AM Road Racing. MINI obtained a podium finish in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Homestead 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway when Craig Conway and BJ Zacharias co-drove the No. 198 Cruise America/Four Winds RV MINI Cooper S to a third-place result in the Street Tuner (ST) class for RSR Motorsports and Sarah Cattaneo took the ST class pole position in the RSR Motorsports No. 197 Cruise America/Four Winds RV MINI Cooper S. She was the first woman in series history to take an ST-class pole position.

Under the Official Promotional Partner Program, all teams carrying approved MINI decals will earn prize money bonuses from MINI. MINI also gets the right to use GRAND-AM marks, logos, images and video and be eligible for additional joint marketing efforts with GRAND-AM throughout the 2010 season.

When Must You Get Out Of The Left Lane?


It depends upon the State in which you are driving. Here is a crib sheet via Jalopnik.

No Room Need To Pass? Go Under


[Source: via CarDomain Blog]

Officer Can't Respond - Tied Up On Phone


[Source: That Will Buff Out]

Always Wanted A VTEC Mini But This Is All I Could Afford


[Source: via TopSpeed]

Rally Des Alpes To Be Run This Year After 2 Year Hiatus

This rally, founded in 1910, and hugely popular in the '50's and '60's will run June 20-26, 2010, from Geneva to St. Moritz. To win, however, your vehicle has to have been manufactured before December 31, 1963, although vehicles built through December 31, 1971, are permitted to participate. For more information visit the Rally Des Alpes website.

[Source: Miniworld]

"Old Speckled Hen" Ale Was All About MG

Hooniverse recounts how "Old Speckled Hen" ale got its name and, surprisingly, it is due to MG. For years, MG used an old rebodied Morris Oxford (probably) with as a runabout that was parked outside the paint shop. It gained a thick splattering of paint from the shop and the nickname – “Owld Speckl’d Un’.” In 1979, in celebration of 50 years of MG Morland Brewery brewed a special beer and anglicized the name to "Old Speckled Hen." The beer was a hit and became a global brand. Now you know!

"i," "E" and "Urbanic," What Does It All Mean?

BMW has registered European trademarks for a number of terms including "Urbanic," "Compactive," "Compactive Tourer," "i" 1 through 9 and "E" 1 through 9. Bimmerfile speculates that "Compactive" and "Compactive Tourer" belong to the GT versions of the F20 1 and F30 3 series models; "E" refers to the electric vehicles being developed; and that "i" and "Urbanic" refer to the iSetta. However, nobody really knows so we will have to wait to for an official statement to find out.

[Image source: via Jalopnik]

It's Official!!!! MINI Takes The States 2010

Mark your calendar to be in Denver, Colorado August 13-15, 2010, for MINI Takes The States 2010 ("MTTS 2010"). MINI USA will run road rallies from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Atlanta to Denver that will start a week before the event. Registration will open in mid-May. Stayed tuned here for major announcements or go to MINI USA's Facebook page for the latest information.

LET'S MOTOR!

Feed A Person And We Will Feed You On April 17

Members and guests please join us on April 17, 2010 between 11:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. for NorCal MINIs' End Of Winter Detail Day at the Davis' house.

We will be collecting canned food for the Open Heart Kitchen. Please, bring some of the items listed here and we will make sure that you and your guests are fully sated.

Please respond to your email invitation or tell us you are coming by writing us at info@norcalminis.com.

The Dolmar Chainsaw Drag Bike

Propelled by 24 Dolmar chainsaw engines. Check out the video to hear what it sounds like when all 24 engines are started!


[Image source: Freerepublic.com; Source: Hooniverse]

Brittany Vorster's First Lap In A Formula 3 Car

Being a fashion model has its privileges.


[Source: via The Auto Channel]

Plan Afoot To Put 100% BMW Engines In MINIs

MotoringFile reports that BMW is developing an entire modular engine platform that will span the MINI, BMW and Rolls Royce brands by 2020 and will include a 3 cylinder version. It is anticipated to start showing up in vehicles in 2013.

BMW Launches Social Media Campaign


Called "BMW Group View" BMW Group has launched profiles on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter under the name. They will also launch a new website soon for the BMW sustainability campaign “What’s next?”, as well as information on sustainability projects and “project i”, the BMW Group’s future mobility project, here.The sites are designed to show fans ideas and visions that go beyond specific brand profiles.

[Source: autoevolution]

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!!!!!!

but, still no score.



[Source: crackervidfan @ YouTube]

Do Modern Cars Handle Better Than Those Of the 1970's?

Here,  you decide. This is the same difficult S-curve section of Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack from 1970 and from now . Thank you car manufacturers for making better car suspensions.







[Source: via Ride Lust]

Pre-packaged Soapbox Derby Car



Just fold on the dotted line and follow the instructions. No tools necessary.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Nice Ride But . . .

what are the additional bonnet holes for?

[Source: modifiedcars.com]

Silly Boy, Trucks Don't Fly



[Source: via Ride Lust]

The Indian Wall Of Death

Pretty amazing. But check out the nonchalance of the guys at the bottom of the pit as motocycles and cars circle overhead!


[Source: via autoevolution]

"Scaramouch, Scaramouch, Will You Do The Fandango"


[Source: via Left Lane]

R50/R53 JCW Accessories Becoming Scarce

MotoringFile reports that inventories of R50/R53 JCW parts could be exhausted within the year. For example, as of March 22, 2010, only two full leather JCW steering wheels were left in US inventory. Also becoming scarce are R50 and R53 JCW aero kits.

New MINI Race Car For The VLN Series

This is the Schirra MINI, an amazingly modified MINI racer prepared for this year's VLN Racing Series which is closely associated with the 24 Hours Nürburgring and usually run by Ferraris and M3 GT2 race cars.

{Source: MotoringFile]

Barbie Gets A Hummer

[Source: You Drive What?]

Old People Having Fun Screwing With Motorists' Minds


[Source: via Ride Lust]

MINI Cooper a Top AAA Commuter Vehicle Pick

AAA has chosen the MINI Cooper as one of the best cars for commuters. It said:
Mini Cooper: A premium subcompact, the Mini is both sporty and economical with fuel. Few cars are as much fun to drive, and few small cars offer as many safety features.

[Source: via the Los Angeles Times]

Please Send Me To Goodwood

The Goodwood Festival Of Speed, July 2-4, 2010, takes on a rock 'n roll theme this year with live performances by Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and the Fabulous Thunderbirds' Jimmie Vaughan, along with their custom cars and signature guitars. Also. on display will be 20 cars celebrated in song, from Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" to "Little Red Corvette" by Prince. Here's Meguiars Car Crazy episode in which Jeff Beck discusses his hot rods and rock.



[Source: edmunds Inside Line]

Keeping It On The Straight And Narrow


[Source: via CarDomain blog]

Thank You To All Who Attended The Daffodil Hill Run



Thanks for the great photos Ken! If any of you have more send them to info@norcalminis.com and we will add them to the slideshow.

NorCal MINIs' Upcoming Events And Reminders



We hope to see you this Saturday, March 20, 2010, for the Daffodil Hill Run. Meet up at MINI of Concord at 9:30 a.m. Check the sidebar for more information.






On Sunday, May 2, 2010, NorCal MINIs will motor to Buster's Southern BBQ for lunch and then on to Castello di Amorosa for a Tuscan Castle tour and wine tasting. The cost per person for the tour is $33.00 ($31.00 for the tour and $2.00 per ticket Paypal charge) but must be purchased before April 1, 2010. We have set up this Paypal Button for your convenience.




Come out to the Davis's beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 for food, socializing, and help with washing, waxing, glazing, sealing, paint touch up, and dent repair at our End Of Winter Detailing Day. Bring your own detailing products. If you choose to use the PC please bring your own 6 inch foam application pads as each such pad should be exclusively dedicated to one product. This is the perfect event to get ready for Pacific Dream Machines.

This is a Club Members and their guests only event.


NorCal MINIs is going to Pacific Dream Machines on Sunday, April 25, 2010. The event features 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world's coolest cars of every era and style, model-T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the mesmerizing displays. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. Spectator admission is $20 for adults, $10 for age 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only. We can park together if we register our vehicles for $30 before April 15, 2010 which also includes admission for the driver and one passenger. Please complete the Entry Form prior to April 15, 2010 and RSVP to your email invitation



Russian MINI Mayfair

While you may not understand the language it appears to be a man that falls in love with his MINI Mayfair and, like many Russians, uses it to pick up firewood, and vodka and fish, but, he actually shares it with his MINI. Just watch and you'll see.


[Source: K2KNEWS @ YouTube]

Truck Feels A Bit Sluggish . . .

. . . and the car passengers are absolutely terrified.


[Source: HCTelevision @ YouTube]

Didn't See It Coming?


[Source: via CarDomain blog]

Citizen Issued Parking Ticket Form

Go ahead print it and use it! Also, check out the tutorial at YouParkLikeAnAsshole to become a more courteous driver.


[Source: YouParkLikeAnAsshole via Jalopnik]

One Way To End Up In Jail For A Speeding Ticket



[Source: via RideLust]

Goodwood Festival Of Speed Promo

Dougie Lampkin has crazy motorcycle handling skills.


[Source: via TopSpeed]

Dump Truck Versus Cement Barrier - Who Wins?

We do since we get to watch -


[Source: via autoblog]

Car Choice Is Governed By Your Reptilian Brain

HowStuffWorks discusses how car choice is governed by the reptilian portion of the human brain, the part of our brain that likes power and sex; how that led to the popularity of big SUV's; and what we want now that new big SUV's are almost extinct.

The MINI Museum At The Oxford Plant


[Source: wbarnhill @ YouTube]

Auto Ink

rpmgo.com posts a gallery of automotive related tattoos.

High School Junior Jumps A 'Vette


[Source: via CarDomain Blog]

Interior Colors & Trim For The 2011 MINI Refresh

MotoringFile reports for 2011 MINI will change the heating/cooling interface and radio controls on non-Nav equipped cars. MINI will also upgrade silver interior finishes to either a matte or gloss black. The plastic around the controls will be of a higher quality material. MINI Connect will also be an option with and without the navigation.

Only Those That Don't Drive The MINI-E Have Range Anxiety

Tom Moloughney, writes on the edmund's Inside Line blog notes that, at first he had trepidation about the MINI-E's range. However, now that he has driven one for more than 23,000 miles, he finds that it is his friends who are more concerned with the range than he is. Since the vehicle runs over 100 miles without recharge Moloughney says he never has had an actual range problem.

[Source: via gas2.0]

How Slow Do You Go?

TomTom compiled this navigation data to determine average highway speeds by state. Based on our freeway experience all this map proves is that TomTom drivers tend to drive slower than everyone else.

[Source: via WSJ via Jalopnik]