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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...

Happy New Year From NORCAL MINIS

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
[Graphic Source: MINI USA facebook Timeline photos]

NORCAL MINIS 
Wishes All Have A Very Happy And Prosperous 2013!

MINI At NAIAS 2013

The big news, according to this BMW Group PressClub USA press release, is the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works will make its world premiere at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, but that's not all.  Read the press release for further details.

Nani Roma Previews Dakar Rally 2013

The Rally begins January 5, 2013.


[Source: via motorsport.com]

MINI of Chicago Drops MINI Goodwood Price To $39,995

MotoringFile reports MINI of Chicago has dropped the price on the limited edition MINI Goodwood, appointed by Rolls Royce, from $52,000 to $39,995. If you’re interested give MINI of Chicago a call at 877-793-0218.

MINI Cooper S Hits The Skids


[Source: peterfdib @ YouTube]

If You Live In Snow Country This Is Why You Need Winter Tires

Robert Hartshorn @ YouTube, in his own description of this video:
Babbling like a moron and lightly demonstrating blizzak performance on Mini Cooper S with Magna exhaust and K&N intake.

Silent Night, Holy Sh%t!


[Source: via Streetfire.net]

MINI Snow Angels

[Source: via Niello MINI @ facebook]

MINI Versus A Snowy, Icy Hill

And the winner is . . .


[Source: renehasp @ YouTube]

Driving A MINI In Arctic Snow And Ice

core77 recounts racing MINIs with ALL4 in the ice and snow on a frozen race track with Rauno Aaltonen.

MINI Cooper Paint Makes It Slither

autoevolution has a wonderful photo gallery of this snake vinyl wrapped MINI Cooper Cabriolet.

MSN UK Reviews The MINI Cooper S Roadster

MSN UK likes many aspects of the car.  For example, it writes:
If you want a soft-top with a decent amount of poke and a vehicle that’ll also massage the ego, the Cooper S Roadster is certainly worth considering.

This MINI is a nice, squat, muscular looking car, but at the same time it’s almost a caricature. Inside the cabin the brand’s familiar design touches are all present, including the huge speedo and bank of toggle switches.

The Roadster’s party piece is the retractable roof. It can be raised or lowered in 10 seconds and at speeds of up to 20mph. Even with the cloth down, the car still keeps its style-led stance.

However, when it came down to the question of whether it would purchase one, it responded:
Unfortunately, we wouldn’t. The Roadster has some endearing qualities and is a capable car on the right road. But for UK carriageways the overly firm ride is a step too far.

However, to some the sense of style and pizzazz offered by the soft top and the cachet the MINI badge brings with it will be enough to overlook the flawed chassis dynamics. It’s a good car, just not as good as it could be.

DIY: Remove The Radio In A 2001-2006 MINI


[Source: JustSimpleTips @ YouTube]

KBB's 6th Month Of 1 Year Loan Review Of 2012 Countryman


[Source: MrEnglishMans @ YouTube]

MINI Cooper Treffen 2012 On Eva TV


[Source: Michael Kossner @ YouTube]

New Laws Applicable To California Drivers In 2013

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has issued the following announcement for immediate release summarizing new 2013 California laws applicable to California drivers:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2012  
California DMV Announces New 2013 Laws
Sacramento –With 2013 around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds motorists of several new laws that will ring in the New Year. 
Among the new laws that take effect in January is AB 2020, which deletes the option for persons alleged to be driving under the influence of drugs to choose a chemical test of their urine for the purpose of determining drug impairment, with certain exceptions.  Other new laws will establish a new license plate, protect car buyers from “buy-here-pay-here” car dealers in purchase transactions, establish safety standards for autonomous vehicles and impose a new fee on vessel owners.  The following is a listing of selected motor vehicle and driver-related laws that will take effect on January 1, 2013. 
Driving Under the Influence.   Drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs will no longer have the option to choose a chemical test of their urine to determine drug content.  By requiring a blood test, with a few exceptions, AB 2020 will help law enforcement and prosecutors to better identify and convict persons driving under the influence of drugs.  If a blood test is unavailable, then the person is deemed to have given his or her consent to a urine test.   (AB 2020/Pan) 
California Legacy License Plates.   Effective January 1, 2013, DMV will accept applications for a series of three specialized license plates that replicate plates from California’s past.  Motorists will be able to choose from a minimum of three styles: yellow background with black lettering, black background with yellow lettering, and blue background with yellow lettering.  (AB 1658/Gatto) 
“Buy-Here-Pay-Here” Car Dealers.   Two new laws are directed at used car dealers that assign less than 90 percent of their conditional sales and lease contracts to third party lenders; and therefore provide direct financing to car buyers.  One of the new laws defines these used car dealers as “buy-here-pay-here” dealers. 
AB 1447 further prohibits these dealers from requiring buyers to make payments in person, except for the down payment, and limits the circumstances under which “buy-here-pay-here” dealers may track a vehicle using electronic tracking technology (GPS tracking).   “Buy-here-pay-here” used car dealers will not be allowed to disable a vehicle with starter interrupt technology without first notifying the buyer in writing at the time of sale.  In addition, “buy-here-pay here” used car dealers will be required to provide a 30-day or 1,000 mile warranty as part of any purchase or lease of a used vehicle.  (AB 1447/Feuer) 
AB 1534 requires “buy-here-pay-here” used car dealers to affix and prominently display a label on any used vehicle offered for retail sale that provides the reasonable market value of the vehicle.   The label must contain specific information from a recognized pricing guide used to determine that value and the date the value was determined.   The prospective purchaser must also be provided with a copy of the information that the dealer used to determine the vehicle’s value.  (AB 1534/Wieckowski) 
Traffic Violator School.  AB 1888 will allow commercial drivers to attend traffic violator school (TVS) for violations that take place when operating non-commercial vehicles.  The conviction would not count as a point for determining whether a driver is presumed to be a negligent operator unless it was considered a serious violation.  The record of the conviction would not be held confidential and would be disclosed to employers, and to insurers for insurance underwriting and rating purposes.   (AB 1888/Gatto) 
Veteran License Plates.   An increase in fees for the issuance, renewal, and personalization of veterans’ organizations license plates will benefit the County Veterans Service Officers Fund.  The fund is used by local agencies to assist veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services accrued through military service.  This new law also clarifies the plate’s availability to veterans and non-veterans, requires DMV to make decals available for the plate that indicate an applicant’s service in a particular war or armed conflict and decals honoring veterans of a particular war or conflict.  Additionally, the law will require DMV to make available a “yellow ribbon/support our troops” decal to be issued in lieu of the above-described service decals.   (AB 1550/Bonilla) 
Autonomous Vehicles.   This new law allows for testing of autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, by designees of an autonomous technology manufacturer, provided certain requirements are met.  Prior to the public operating autonomous vehicles, a manufacturer is required to submit an application to DMV, and certify that specified insurance, vehicle safety, and testing standards have been met.   The legislation authorizes regulations to specify any additional requirements deemed necessary by DMV, such as limitations on the number of autonomous vehicles deployed on the states highways, special vehicle registration and driver licensing requirements, and rules for the suspension, revocation, or denial of any license or approval issued by DMV pertaining to autonomous vehicles.   (SB 1298/Padilla) 
Vessel Registration Fees.   An increase in vessel registration fees, as yet to be determined by the Department of Boating and Waterways, will be collected by DMV to fund the implementation and administration of dreissenid mussel monitoring, inspection, and infestation prevention programs in California waterways.  The fee may not exceed ten dollars and will not be imposed on vessels operated exclusively in marine waters.   (AB 2443/Williams)

MINI Kuwait Prepares For The Kuwait Rally

According to the Arab Times Team MINI Kuwait, together with its sponsor Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, is getting ready for the third round of the Kuwait Rally Championship 2013, that will take place December 29, 2012. Meshal Al Nejadi and co-driver Ali Al Shamali plan to set the pacein their MINI John Cooper Works S2000. The Championship launched October 19, 2012; includes a total of six rounds; and will officially end on March 23, 2013.

Tires Of The Future

Here's Hankook's vision:


[Source: via Fireball Tim]

"Present It!: The MINI Paceman | Drive It!"


[Source: deutschewelleenglish @ YouTube]

Best Grid Girl Photos Of 2012

motorsport.com provides a photo gallery of what it calls the Best of grid girls 2012.  Who are we to argue with that?


Richard Göransson At Rally Sweden In A 2012 MINI WRC


[Source: RichardGoransson @ YouTube]

MINI Of Concord Wishes Happy Holidays To You From You

The 2012 Holiday Lights Rally Nights Rally provides the backdrop for these Holiday Wishes from MINI of Concord.

YOUCAR Looks At The Design Of The MINI Cooper S JCW GP II


[Source: YouCarrr @ YouTube]

Packing The MINI Cooper With Military


[Source: ELKARLOS0116 @ YouTube]

MINI Lucia 2012

Happy Holidays!


[Source: MINIGoteborg @ YouTube]

Alignment Info For 2002-2006 MINI Coopers

Editor Andrew Markel at Brake & Front End provides all the proper settings and other suspension technical data on the 2002 through 2006 generation of MINI Coopers.  It includes such tidbits, such as:

Front Camber or Caster: There are no built-in factory adjustments for front camber or caster. The only way to adjust these angles is to purchase adjustable upper strut mounts. These kits can typically adjust camber by ±2.00Âş and caster by ±0.75Âş.

MINI USA Breaks Half A Million Sales Mark

The Sun of the United Kingdom calls the MINI, upon reports that more than a half million sold in the United States,"The American dream machine". It also provides some interesting factoids, such as:
ONE in every six cars sold by BMW Group is now a Mini. 
Sales for 2012 are up by more than seven per cent and on course to hit 250,000.

Be Careful Out There When Driving On Snot

[Source: via Jalopnik]

2013 MINI JCW Paceman To Debut At 2013 Detoit Auto Show

edmunds.com reports the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman will debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and provides an overview of the itms thst will make the JCW Paceman distinct from other Paceman models.

Looking Back At MINI's 2012

MINI Space provides a retrospective on MINI's accomplishments, releases and events during 2012.

MINI USA And Twin Shadow Crash Lubinski Furniture

It is NOT NORMAL!


[Source: MINIUSA @ YouTube]

A Few MINI Driving Tricks


[Source: ula nyazi @ YouTube]

2011 MINI Cooper S Versus 2012 VW Beetle Turbo

Road & Track pits a 2011 MINI Cooper S against a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo.  Here is its concluding assessment:
After learning of Big Brother's imposing will, we were less excited to explore the dynamic handling capabilities of our new Man-Bug. To our surprise, the electronic nannies were more supportive than restrictive to these activities, dialing out front-end push when possible and allowing for mild amounts of yaw. Pleasant as it was, the Mini's lean mass and handling agility allowed it to fly through the cones, around the skidpad, and away with our vote as the unanimous winner of this compact showdown.

Red Hawk Casino To Giveaway MINI Cooper

Red Hawk Casino, located in Placerville, CA, is running the following promotion:

75,000 MINI COOPER TABLE GAMES GIVEAWAY

$75,000 Mini Cooper Table Games Giveaway
$75,000 Mini Cooper Table Games Giveaway
Exclusively for Table Games!


Weekly Drawings
Sundays, Jan. 6 - Jan. 27
10 Winners of $1,000 Cash
5 pm & 7 pm
Grand Finale
Sunday, Jan. 27, 8 pm
One Mini Cooper Winner!
Get a drawing ticket for each of the following:
BLACKJACK: Suited Blackjack to All Players with Bets
BACCARAT: One Per Hour to All Players with Bets
FORTUNE PAI GOW: Full House or Better with Bonus Bet
FOUR CARD POKER: Aces Up Bonus Bet with a Flush or Better
THREE CARD POKER & LET IT RIDE: Pair Plus Bonus Bet with a Straight or Better
CARD CRAPS: A "Roll" of 11 All Players with Bets
ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD'EM: Trips Bonus Bet with a Flush or Better
ROULETTE: Any Winning Straight Up Bet

2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster At Curitiba, Brazil Auto Show


[Source: TheReallyJhonny @ YouTube]

Dashing Through The Snow . . .

In a top down Carbiolet . . .


[Source: AmericanArabMessage @ YouTube]

Jalopnik Finds It Hard To Care About The Paceman JCW

Jalopnik finds it difficult to build enthusiasm for the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works.  It muses, in part:
It's not that we don't see a need for this car. It's just that since we now know Mini will put a JCW badge on anything, we are beyond caring. Do any of you out there in Jalop-land care about the Paceman? Do you want one? . . .

2012 Accidents At The Green Hell

Watch the carnage on the Nordschleife track during 2012. Fortunately, all that appeared to have been hurt this year was machinery and pride.


[Source: via Carscoop]

"The Car MINI Had To Do"

That is what Motor Trend claims about the 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and then asks, "Did It Do It Right?" in its verdict on its long term test vehicle.

Xmas Wishes

[Photo Credit: cityofknoxville.org]

NORCAL MINIS Wishes You A Very Merry Christmas Day!

Did You Get Your MINI A Christmas Sweater?

Blazing Needles made this one.  It yarnbombed the MINI masterpiece at Utah Arts Festival 2011.

Pedro Devaud At Rally Mobil 2012


[Source: ChileRacingTV @ YouTube]

MINI Patria

Guadalajara, Mexico's only authorized MINI dealer -


[Source: MINIPatriaGDL @ YouTube]

Win A Two Year Lease On A Freixenet MINI Cooper

Following Diana tells us to click here to find out how to participate.

Gold Medalist Brownlee Answers Paceman Questions

Gold medalist Alistair Brownlee takes a spin in the new MINI Paceman and answers questions posted on twitter and read out via MINI Connected.


[Source: MINIUnitedKingdom @ YouTube]

BMWBlog's Exclusive Interview With Head Of MINI Design

BMWBlog, in an exclusive interview with Anders Warming, obtains insight into MINI's design philosophy, such as in these two exchanges:


BMWBLOG: Speaking of the next MINI design, can you tell us some words about where you are heading to?
Anders Warming: I think I’ve mentioned it in the first question as well, it goes for any new MINI that we’re working on in a daily life. You’ve seen this with the Paceman.
We want to make sure that every MINI is based on this philosophy of knowing where it comes from and having a lot of innovation. The reason why I use the word “heritage” is because heritage is got more to do with what’s in your blood veins, what’s flowing in your blood veins. And I’m not a big fan of the word “retro”, because it actually comes from the word “retrospective”, meaning you’re looking the wrong way. I like to look forward, knowing that heritage is sort of under your coat, you have to carry it, but with the element of innovation we look forward.
Innovation also means that we’re going to be focusing increasingly on issues like connectivity, because that’s part of the life that people live, and obviously we also have a big display as far as the connectivity today, but this will also be a central pillar in the future design of MINI interiors.
One thing that I always say and that is very important for me to put is that the round display in the center of the MINI is here to stay. I believe that the central display in each MINI is an icon, and this is where all our connectivity really has to have a inner stage, where people could really live their connected life through the central display.
So some of the questions that have been “Will MINI always have this round display in the middle?”, I will definitely say “Yes, confirmed”, because it’s such an important, strategic and iconic feature.
BMWBLOG: That is somehow anticipating our next question: what technical innovations will have a major influence on design?
Anders Warming: We mentioned one already: connectivity. I believe that the way we sit in the interior and the way we feel connected to the world is a huge, important thing, We also displayed that in the Concept Rocketman shown last year; that really shows what connectivity could be like, how it could be lived.
Another thing that is very important for me to the interior, as far as innovation goes, is that material quality, we focus on this premium level of materials, in order to make sure that we maintain that, and we also introduced new materials and new kinds of use and patterns that takes it to different levels.
We believe customization is in the forefront and that customization only really makes sense if you’re basing it on a certain level of quality.
The third thing I want to mention in terms of innovation is the focus on small, on light weight, making sure that the word MINImalism is part of our language. So we really have precision in the form language and we keep it as short and as focused as we can; lightweight and Minimalism is in the forefront.

"Is There A Problem Officer?"


[Source: anka an @ YouTube]

Official Video Of The MINI JCW GP II On The Track


[Source: NetworkBlogo @ YouTube]

More Points With a MINI Countryman


[Source: WhoWeAreProd @ YouTube]

Get Ready For The MINI Psychic Roadster


[Source: via brand-e.biz]

MINI Racing On Ice

MINI Motorsport highlights the efforts of MINI racer driver Jean Philippe Dayraut who is participating in the TrophĂ©e Andros ice racing championship in France. The article points out:
The action on the demanding tracks is similar to that on the circuits in the MINI Challenge – only on a tricky, icy surface rather than on asphalt.

Can We Show You A Few Slides?

Advent Track Day School of Racing Hockenheimring.


[Source: flowmotion1982 @ YouTube]

End Of The World Canceled

Maybe it was the Jello but a press release at BMW Group PressClub USA  claims that the Mayan calendar was simply misinterpreted and actually predicts a new period full of exciting challenges for MINI especially as MINI expands in Guatemala and Central America.

Four Guys In A Car Review The MINI Goodwood Bespoke Edition


[Source: 4GuysInACar @ YouTube]

Countryman Gets Blue

By getting a vinyl wrap!


[Source: Tint Totaal @ YouTube]

Won It On Two Wheels; Will Try It Again On Four

MINI Motorsport highlights Nani Roma who won the overall motorcycle category in 2004 when the Dakar Rally event was still held in Africa, and came in second last year for the X-raid Team in the MINI ALL4 Racing. He will try again to win it all in the four wheel class during the 2013 Dakar campaign underway between the 5th and 20th of January 2013.

autoMedia.com Test Drives The 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S

Ben Lewis provides a test drive review of the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S for autoMedia.com.  Lewis concludes:
So does the Mini Roadster deserve a place at the table? Absolutely. It’s a great urban cut-and-thruster. An excellent fine weather cruiser. It would be great for a getaway weekend, especially if you kept things within a couple hours’ drive. It also has a different vibe than the Convertible – a little more daring, a bit more style statement. And most notably, a few days after we returned our tester, we really missed it. And there are only a handful of vehicles we drive every year that makes us feel that way.

Majority Of Australia's GP II Allotment Already Sold

The new limited edition MINI JCW GP II will not make its North American debut until the 2013 North American International Auto Show, however, according to The Motor Report the vast majority of the Australian allotment of 55 of the 2,000 that are to be made worldwide have been pre-sold.

Here Comes The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

Worldcarfans.com carries the first photos of this Paceman variant.

That's Quite An Engine Modification On That MINI


[Source: Gamigoda @ YouTube]

Never Make Abrupt Maneuvers On Slick Roads

Even in a MINI.  Oh, and check your tire pressures and tread.


[Source: FranceFail @ YouTube]

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

[Source: blodger59 @ totalMINI.com]

The Car Connection Gives 2013 MINI Cooper 8 Out Of 10

The Car Connection provides a thorough review of the 2013 MINI Cooper and gives it an eight out of ten. Here's its "Bottom Line":













The 2013 MINI Cooper models are small-car standouts in style and driving fun, and with several body styles and three different levels of performance you can pick your level of potency and practicality. Read more »

Oxford Factory Turns 100 In 2013

autoevolution comments that, in 2013, the Oxford Plant (where the new MINI Hatchback is produced) will mark 100 years of car-making. MINI will celebrate on March 28, which is the day the first Bullnose Morris Oxford was produced at the factory a century ago. The plant has built over 11 million cars under brands including Austin Healey, MG, Wolseley, Riley, Austin, Mini, Vanden Plas, Princess, Triumph, Rover, Honda, Sterling, the founding marque Morris and two million MINI.

The 2013 MINI Line-Up Surveilled


[Source: CarjamRadio @ YouTube]

MINIs May Be Made In India

The New York Daily News  reports that BMW may be looking to produce MINIs in India. BMW already sources many of the parts used in the MINI from suppliers in India.

David Versus Goliath At Nordschleife

A MINI takes on a BMW M3 E92 Competition. Guess which is faster on this track?


[Source: SpotterGijsOneShot @ YouTube]

Testing The 2012 MINI Cooper D On The Autobahn

Hello, MINI!  Where are the North American MINI diesels?


[Source: MrPerlenPaula @ YouTube]

Complexrides Gets Up Close And Personal With The MINI Paceman

At the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012 Complexrides shoots the MINI Cooper S Paceman and assembles a cool photo gallery.

Need Better Handling Skills Than This To Drive A MINI


[Source: Mert Can Bayazitoglu @ YouTube]

DIY: Headlight Bulb Replacement On A 2005 MINI Cooper


[Source: Nolan Olson @ YouTube]

Seattle Area MINI Dealer Becomes Animal Shelter

seattle.pi reports that a fire at Animal Critical Care & Emergency Center caused about 20 sick, injured or recovering dogs and a few cats to find refuge at Seattle MINI, the Center's next door neighbor. The article reports, in part:
Chuck Hill, who works at Seattle Mini, a car dealership next to Animal Critical Care & Emergency Services, said he came outside and saw smoke coming from the roof of the building. Firefighters, dispatched at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, arrived to find that a laundry dryer had caught fire in the facility.

Smoke from the fire forced the evacuation of about 20 animals, including some in a medically fragile state.

Hill and his coworkers offered to take in the animals and keep them warm as staff from the facility worked out what to do with the pets in their care.

The dealership, which welcomes customers’ dogs, already had a bowl of water and dog snacks in the lobby. In fact, the company’s mascot is an English bulldog and a few toy bulldogs can be seen around the dealership.

As the last of the dogs left the dealership, some sent to other facilities, Hill swept up dog hair that accumulated on the floor of the business.

He said that later on Tuesday the dealership has a top executive from Mini Cooper stopping by for a visit and that the dealership needed to look good. In the eyes of their four-legged neighbors, the warm dealership stocked with water bowls and dog snacks couldn’t have looked better.

"Becoming A Manual"


[Source: MINIUSA @ YouTube]

MINI Cooper Won't Cheetah


[Source: Sara De Paola Baccelliere @ YouTube]

It's Your Suspension Or Appendicitis

WIRED has an article, citing Doctors at the University of Oxford and Stoke Mandeville Hospital, that pain experienced when going over  speed bumps is very useful in diagnosing appendicitis.

Carlisle MINI's Twilight Christmas Lights Run


[Source: LetsMotorMini @ YouTube]

Get Ready For Stormin' Norman's MINI Thunder

For a second year in a row NORCAL MINIS will attend Stormin' Norman's MINI Thunder at Thunderhill Raceway, Willows, CA, Sunday, February 17, 2012.  Ever wanted to learn how to race on a track in y0ur own MINI?  Here's your opportunity.

Event Requirements

Last day to register online: Thurs., Jan 17, 2013

Participants must be 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance. Guests must be 18 years old to take free rides (Parade Laps) @ Lunch. You must fill out the on-line registration form & vehicle technical check list, http://www.minithunderhill.com/Event_Registration.cfm


You will need a SA 2005 or newer rated helmet. That is “A” for automotive and not “M” for motorcycle. Helmets are available for rent at the track @ $35/day. Be sure to get to the track early to get your helmet. If you decide to purchase a helmet I suggest that you purchase a SA 2010 or newer.

This event is open to all MINI/Minis of all types and models. You may notice other cars entered. These are coache's and instructor's cars.

Saturday Night's dinner and no-host beverage service and Sunday's breakfast are being provided directly by Thunderhill Grill and not MINI Thunder IV. Thunderhill Grill is handling the money associated with that. There is an ATM at Thunderhill.

Get ready to join Stormin' Norman at MINI Thunder IV with this instructive video posted on Stormin' Norman's MINI Thunder facebook timeline:

This one will help you get a feel for speed, shifting and braking points on the track:


Maximize your time on the track by studying this Turn By Turn Guide at Trackpedia.com.

See you there!





Carving A Classic Mini Out Of A Block Of Wood


[Source: tunisonart @ YouTube]

Cars.com's Video Of The Paceman At The L.A. Motor Show


[Source: carscom @ YouTube]

A Frosty MINI Morning Drive In The United Kingdom


[Source: WeMuckAround @ YouTube]

DIY: Replace Rear Brake Pads On A MCS


[Source: MiniManiaVideos @ YouTube]

Here Are A Few Reasons Teens Like MINIs


[Source: Alexandra Webb @ YouTube]

MotorAuthority Gives 2013 MINI Cooper 8 Out Of 10

MotorAuthority reviews the 2013 MINI line-up and gives it 8 out of a possible 10. Among its comments:
From the 2002 MINI Cooper, the brand’s product line has expanded to include everything from a Coupe (and corresponding Roadster) to a crossover, the Countryman, which is MINI’s first model to offer up an all-wheel drive option. All versions come in standard-performance Cooper models, higher-performance Cooper S trim and highest-performance John Cooper Works variants, giving buyers a truly impressive range of vehicles to choose from.

MINI Indonesia Holds A NOT NORMAL Picnic


[Source: Mobil69TV @ YouTube]

Akrapovic Evolution Line Edition Of The MINI John Cooper Works

Wow!


[Source: hyperfame @ YouTube]

MINI And Augmented Reality


[Source: ARworksReality @ YouTube]

This Is How To Drift In A MINI


[Source: MagazineMotorsport @ YouTube]

A Cool Canadian MINI Magazine Insert


[Source: magazinescanada @ YouTube]

designboom Checks Out The MINI Paceman In Mallorca

NORCAL MINIS Members Helped Make This Possible

Thank you to NORCAL MINIS members and the other attendees of 2012's Casino Nights and Holiday Lights event at MINI Of Concord.  According to MINI of Concord's facebook post
MINI of Concords' Karla Hirayama delivered a Countryman FULL of toys today to Children's Hospital Oakland. Thank you to all who made these donations possible.

Actually, more than one Countryman full of toys according to this facebook post:
3 loads later and Karla Hirayama is still going

Booth Babes Of The 2012 Thai Motor Expo

autoevolution provides a nice gallery of these female auto show workers.


MINI of Concord's "MORE MINI FOR YOUR MOO-LA" Sales Event

MINI of Concord announced on facebook that it will hold its end of the year "MORE MINI FOR YOUR MOO-LA" Sales Event Friday, December 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Watch their facebook page for further announcements and details about this event.

Opinions Of New MCS From Long Time MINI Owner

UKPylot has been a new MINI owner since the early days of the new MINI.  He operates the blog UKPylot's MINI Blog since at least July 2003.  Recently he acquired a new MINI Cooper S and provides his observations in this post.  

Building The MINI Exhibit At The 2012 Bogota Auto Show


[Source: imagenvirtualsa @ YouTube]

MINI Cooper S Versus The VW Jetta GLI In the Quarter Mile

Elapsed 1/4 Mile Times:

MCS: 15:62.3
GLI: 16:23.4


[Source: Daniel Frankis @ YouTube]

WhatCar? Provides Its Final Report On Long Term Countryman Tester

WhatCar? of the United Kingdom concludes its long term family use test of the MINI Countryman and offers this ultimate conclusion:
The conclusion, then, has to be that the Countryman is indeed a Mini. It has the same opinion-splitting fascia as the regular car, the same focus on aggressive steering and ride quality (out of sorts though they are) and only a modest nod in the direction of extra practicality.

If you're desperate to stay with the Mini brand as you move into family life, it might well fulfil your requirements. Just don't expect it to be a true all-rounder.

Fixing A MINI Turbo Timing Chain Death Rattle

Atlantic MotorCar Center provides a case study on the MINI Cooper Timing Chain, the cause of the death rattle, how to prevent it and how to fix it once and for all.

MINI VIP Test Drive Event In Penang, Malaysia


[Source: gkoay @ YouTube]

Video Of The 2013 MCS Paceman At The Los Angeles Auto Show


[Source: KrekiLA @ YouTube]

MINI ALL4 System Updated. Now 100% Power Available To Rear Wheels

The present All4 system starts as a full-time 50/50 power distribution front to rear. Then as needed, up to 100% of the power is diverted to the front wheels. This can happen for traction needs, or as straight-line speed increases (the system goes 100% FWD at speeds above 80 mph). However, MotoringFile points to a BMW press release that contains this statement concerning an update in the ALL4 system going forward:
The system is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and distributes drive force at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle. In normal situations on the road, up to 50 per cent of the drive torque is directed to the rear axle – in extreme situations such as when driving on ice or snow this figure can go up to 100 per cent.
This indicates a power distribution change to a rear wheel drive bias for new ALL4 equipped MINIs.

"Foolish Beat" Singer Exits Her MINI

BikiniCelebrities @ YouTube provides this video of Debbie Gibson parking and exiting her MINI.

Top Down Michigan December Motoring In The Roadster

MotoringFile recounts a few days of December top down motoring in the MINI Roadster and provides its cold weather observations.

Let's Drag! Honda Civic Si Versus MINI Cooper S


[Source: Daniel Frankis # YouTube]

MINI-E Race Cars


[Source: GamePrix @ YouTube]

Get Your MINI Holiday Wrapping Paper Here

Use the MINI UK facebook Christmas Paper Maker App!

Abandoned MINI In Brazil

It looks so hurt, sad and lonely!


[Source: rogovski6 @ YouTube]

The Rauno Aaltonen Story

Read  it at core77 which tells the story with great video!

Cars.com's KickingTires Blog's L.A. Auto Show Paceman Photos

The cars.com KickingTires blog photo gallery is here.