NORCAL MINIS: April 2012

Snijers finished in second place.

[Source: rallymediaoneshot @ YouTube]

[Source: PVDB97 @ YouTube]

[Source: RallyMedia @ YouTube]

Here is MotoringFile's Roadster Photo Gallery. It claims it is ". . . the biggest Roadster photo gallery in the existence of the known universe."

Apparently, so does MINI of Chicago! It says the hot dog MINI is currently touring around Chicago going to all of the hot dog joints! You can follow it on twitter @MINIofChicago @ViennaBeef #FollowtheVBMini!!! They usually have some free stuff to give away when they stop at places!

[Source: via Karrock @ NorthAmericanMotoring.com]

La, la, la, la, la la, la, la . . .

[Source: t3lmoo @ YouTube]

View all of the MINIs and Minis selected in this MINI United Facebook Album.

MINI of San Francisco posted on Facebook that it has a MINI Inspired By Goodwood on display and for sale in its showroom.

MotoringFile reports, in part:

With BMW co-developing the next generation MINI alongside a new family of small, front wheel drive BMWs, MINI’s component offerings are about to get substantially better and more technically impressive. One of the more important things on that list will be a new 8-speed dual clutch transmission. This DCT gearbox, co-developed with ZF, will replace the current 6-speed, old-school, torque converter auto in all future MINIs beginning with the F5X/F6X cars. This will begin with the F56 (the 3rd generation MINI Hardtop) and spread as each model is updated.

Fox Business reports the chance of a strike has diminished after the labor union said it would recommend to its members an improved two year pay deal that includes a 4.5% pay increase in 2012 and 2.3% in 2013. If inflation is higher than 2.3% in 2013, the difference is to be added to a bonus.

According to Eliseo Salazar, MINI WRC Team driver, Rally Argentina has proven to be tougher than the Dakar Rally. He told Racer (citing Autosport):

"In Dakar, OK, you do five or six hours and then you go relax and go in the hotel," said Salazar. "But yesterday was crazy! I woke up at 4:30 yesterday and at 10 o'clock last night we were still going. And on this event you are going flat-out and pushing as hard as you can, whereas in Dakar you are driving at 80 per cent."

Salazar added that competing on the longest round of the WRC since the Safari Rally in 2002 completed his motorsport ambitions.

"In Formula 1 we had what was called the magic square and I finished Le Mans, Indy, Dakar and now I need to finish this one," he said. "I guess it doesn't help that I chose to make my debut in the World Rally Championship on such a tough event, but I'm happy. My times are coming down on the second loop of the stages and it's great to drive these cars."

The Final Standings (via www.crash.net):

Rally Argentina: Overall standings after Stage 19 - Top 20:

1. Sebastien Loeb Citroen Total WRT DS3 WRC 5hours 34mins 38.8secs M
2. Mikko Hirvonen Citroen Total WRT DS3 WRC +00mins 15.2secs M
3. Mads Ostberg Adapta WRT Fiesta RS WRC +03mins 10.4secs M
4. Martin Prokop Ford Fiesta RS WRC +09mins 45.3secs
5. Thierry Neuville Citroen Junior WRT DS3 WRC +11mins 17.6secs M
6. Petter Solberg Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC +12mins 02.2secs M
7. Sebastien Ogier VW Motorsport Skoda Fabia S2000 +12mins 25.3secs
8. Evgeny Novikov M-Sport Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC +21mins 10.2secs M
9. Nasser Al-Attiyah Qatar WRT Citroen DS3 WRC +28mins 22.6secs M
10. Ott Tanak M-Sport Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC +37mins 19.5secs M

11. Benito Guerra Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +37mins 21.8secs P
12. Eliseo Salazar MINI John Cooper Works WRC +41mins 15.9secs
13. Nicolas Fuchs Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +41mins 40.9secs P
14. Valeriy Gorban Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +44mins 06.4secs P
15. Marcos Ligato Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +50mins 21.2secs P
16. Gianluca Linari Subaru Impreza STi +1hr 05mins 46.0secs P
17. Ezequiel Campos Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +1hr 12mins 48.6secs P
18. Subhan Aksa Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +1hr 13mins 06.1secs P
19. Juan San Martin Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +1hr 18mins 09.5secs
20. Luis Ortega Etcheverria Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +1hr 18mins 48.5secs

Rally Argentina: Power Stage / SS19 – Top 3:

1. Petter Solberg Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC 2mins 32.9secs M
2. Mikko Hirvonen Citroen Total WRT DS3 WRC +00mins 01.1secs M
3. Nasser Al-Attiyah Qatar WRT Citroen DS3 WRC +00mins 01.5secs M

NOTE: Top three finishers in Power Stage are awarded bonus points. 1st = 3 points; 2nd = 2 points; 3rd = 1 point

PWRC standings after Stage 19:

1. Benito Guerra Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 6hours 12mins 00.6secs P
2. Nicolas Fuchs Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +04mins 19.1secs P
3. Valeriy Gorban Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +06mins 44.6secs P

4. Marcos Ligato Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +12mins 59.4secs P
5. Gianluca Linari Subaru Impreza STi +28mins 24.2secs P
6. Ezequiel Campos Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +35mins 26.8secs P
7. Subhan Aksa Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +35mins 44.3secs P
8. Lorenzo Bertelli Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +1hr 23mins 05.8secs P

Notable retirements:

SS1. Ramona Karlsson Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Mechanical P
SS3. Evgeny Novikov M-Sport Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC Lost wheel M*
SS3. Paulo Nobre WRC MINI Team Portugal John Cooper Works WRC Stopped*
SS4. Petter Solberg Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC Steering arm M*
SS4. Ott Tanak M-Sport Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC Stopped M*
SS5. Thierry Neuville Citroen Junior WRT DS3 WRC Rolled M*

SS9. Alexey Kikireshko Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Mechanical P
SS9. Michal Kosciuszko Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Mechanical P
SS9/SS10. Nasser Al-Attiyah Qatar WRT Citroen DS3 WRC Knocked a wheel off M*
SS9/SS10. Paulo Nobre WRC MINI Team Portugal John Cooper Works WRCOverheating*
SS12/SS13. Daniel Oliveira Brazil WRT Ford Fiesta RS WRC Engine

SS15/SS16. Andreas Mikkelsen VW Motorsport Skoda Fabia S2000 Mechanical
SS16. Ricardo Trivino Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Mechanical P
SS17. Paulo Nobre WRC MINI Team Portugal John Cooper Works WRCMechanical
SS17. Armindo Araujo WRC MINI Team Portugal John Cooper Works WRCMechanical
SS19. Dani Sordo Ford WRT Fiesta RS WRC Mechanical M

* denotes re-started under Rally 2

all times unofficial

[Source: RheinMeidaTV @ YouTube]

[Source: RheinMeidaTV @ YouTube]

Thank you all who came out for this absolutely awe-inspiring event. Send us your photos and videos so we can post them!

Don't miss member George Hamma's photo gallery from Pacific Coast Dream Machines.

NORCAL MINIS MEMBERSHIP

Annual Membership is only $25.00/family and entitles you to a host of discounts from Vendors and Dealers that support NORCAL MINIS, email invitations, a say in where we run and what we do, and access to Members Only events and our Members Only Google Group. Just use this Paypal Button to join:

MINIS AT PACIFIC COAST DREAM MACHINES

Calling all MINI and Mini Owners

Join Us For This Event!

On April 28, 2012, NorCal MINIs will participate in the 22nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show at the Half Moon Bay Airport in Half Moon Bay, CA. This is an incredible charity event for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center with a huge selection of beautiful and unique vehicles.

Registration is now open . Click HERE to register and for more information. If you enter before April 15, 2012, the entry fee is $30 which entitles the driver and passenger admission to the event (after April 15, 2012, the cost goes up to $40 and, if you don't enter your vehicle, admission is $20/adult, Age 11-17 and 65+ $15 (Cash only accepted at the gate).) By entering your vehicle you will save money and be able to park with the club.

To park together we must arrive early and first assemble off-site. Thus, we will meet up at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot in front of:

Peet's Coffee & Tea‎
142 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
[MAP]

(This is at the corner of Highway 92 and Highway 1)

We have invited the members of Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts to join us at this event.

Members may respond to their email invitations when received. Non-Members (and Members) may also tell us they are coming by sending us an email at info@norcalminis.com

Here's a promotional video from last year!

NORCAL MINIS' YOSEMITE OVERNIGHT

Join NorCal MINIs for our Saturday, May 5 through Sunday, May 6, 2012, Yosemite Overnight!

We will meet up at 9:30 a.m. on May 5, 2012 in the parking lot at Denica's located at 6058 Dougherty Road, Dublin, CA 94568-2634 (Please arrive early if you wish to have breakfast at Denica's (it is wonderful)) and by 10:00 a.m. we will be on the road for the Shilo Inn located at 40644 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644.

On Sunday, we will drive to Glacier Point then into the valley, and spend the day on the valley floor before we reassemble to drive back to the Bay Area.

Members, please respond to your email invitations for this overnight. Non-members, please email us at info@norcalminis.com to tell us you are coming.

NORCAL MINIS GOES TO THE A'S VS. GIANTS GAME SOLD OUT

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, NORCAL MINIS will attend the A's versus Giants game at AT&T Park. The Giants will be giving away a Brian Wilson garden gnome to the first 20,000 fans. We expect to go early and stay late as reservations will also be made for dinner and bowling at Brian Wilson's new venture, Lucky Strikes after the game.

Our group tickets are SOLD OUT. However, you can get on the waiting list if any become available (preference given to current NORCAL MINIs Members.). Just email us at info@norcalminis.com with the number you need and we will put you on the list.

MINIS INVADE THE SONOMA HISTORICS MOTORSPORT FESTIVAL

Calling All MINI Owners!

Join

The MINI Invasion

Of The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival
On Saturday, June 2, 2012*

At Sonoma Raceway**

*Official Date For NORCAL MINIS. The festival is also on Sunday, June 3, 2012 and you may also participate in the corral and receive a parade lap on Sunday as well.
**Formerly known as Infineon and Sears Point

NORCAL MINIS and Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts have reserved an unparalleled location for all MINIs and Minis to park and watch the races, be close to the paddock, food and wine tents and see hundreds of insanely expensive historic vehicles race around the track - the same track that hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!

All MINI and Mini drivers will get to take a parade lap on the track.

That's right!

The price of admission and corral parking
includes a parade lap on the raceway in your MINI or Mini!

(Your corral parking pass is your pass to a parade lap on the track! Parade laps will occur at or about 5:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday with entry via Turn 7.
A track waiver will be required of each parade lap participant.)

Here's What You Should Expect

The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival is a two-day event, June 2 and June 3, 2012, and will feature nearly 400 historic race cars, including legendary marques like Ferrari, Lotus, Porsche, McLaren and Corvette, among others. You’ll witness 10 unique race groups take to the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course throughout the weekend with warm-ups and racing slated for both Saturday and Sunday. This is your only chance to see the ultimate collection of historic race cars take to the Sonoma Valley road course.

The weekend also features the Wine Country Pavilion with FREE samplings of fine foods and wines from the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. It’s a perfect pairing of the wine country and racing that you won’t want to miss!

This is also a great weekend for the whole family as the paddock is open for spectators to get an up-close look at the race cars and enjoy the various car corrals dotted throughout the raceway.

WINE COUNTRY PAVILION

Fine cars and wine country living are the perfect pair this weekend, as race fans are invited to sample some of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys’ finest regional wines and cuisine in the Wine Country Pavilion.

Admission to the Wine Country Pavilion, as well as a number of food and wine samples, are included with your weekend admission ticket. Last year’s pavilion lineup included:

Wineries	Restaurants
Tin Barn	Girl & the Fig
Dawn Hughes	Estate Sondra Bernstein
Aspina	Butterfly Restaurant
Clarbec Wines	Eastside West
Rielle Wines	Botanical Bakery
Meadowcroft	Annie the Baker
Bennett Lane	Bardessono
Korbel	Avia
Cline & Jacuzzi	Del Monte Meat & Sea Food
Dembeste	Hana Sushi
Maryvale	Sonoma Cheese & Monterey Gourmet Foods
Flask	Sonoma Fois Gras
Nicholson Ranch	Tuscan Cow Girl
Larson Family Wines
Roche
Viansa

HISTORIC RACE CAR FESTIVAL

Following Saturday’s on-track action, the action shifts to the historic Sonoma Plaza for the Historic Race Car Festival. This evening is a true celebration of Sonoma, featuring historic cars on display and food and wine tasting. All proceeds benefit Sonoma County youth organizations through the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Tickets And Attendance

You should attend Saturday (that is NORCAL MINIS official event date) but you also might want to attend Sunday. Therefore, when you purchase your tickets you will have the option to attend either day and the option for a discount for a pass to attend both days. In addition, the purchase of MINI Corral parking is available for either day.

Purchase discount tickets!

Save $5.00/person per day off the regular entrance price!

Ticket Prices

$35/person per day or $50/person for a Weekend Pass

Plus

Corral Parking, $15/vehicle per day or $20/vehicle for the entire Weekend,

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS AND CORRAL PARKING AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

Procedure for Purchasing Tickets and Car Corral Passes for Historics

1. Order Qty of Seats and for which day: Saturday, Sunday or Weekend

2. Add To Cart

3. Click on Continue Shopping,

4. Click on Additional Events

5. Click on Find Tickets next to Nor Cal Mini’s

6. Click on Qty and order how many Corral Passes (need 1 per car) you need to order and for what day….Saturday, Sunday or Weekend

7. Go To Checkout

8. Create Account

9. Purchase

Tickets and Corral Passes will be mailed approx 4-6 Weeks before the event June 2nd and/or 3rd 2012

THEN

EMAIL US
TO TELL US YOU ARE COMING!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE IN NORCAL?

Check NORCAL MINIS' "Calendar of All Motoring Events" and find out! You can always find a link to the "Calendar of All Motoring Events" in the left column.

Motorward discusses the fleet of cars the BMW Group is providing during the 2012 London Olympics. The fleet includes "BMW 1 Series ActiveE (EV), MINI E (Electric Vehicle), MINI Countryman Cooper D, BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics, BMW 520d Efficient Dynamics, BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid, BMW X3 xDrive 20d, BMW X5 xDrive 30d, R1200 RT Motorcycle, and BMW Streetcruiser Bicycles."

Motoring Fun has provided this video from his first MOTD experience as he leaves this year to again participate in this event.

Dan Lyons, a columnist for the Albany Times Union, at timesunion.com, reviews the 2012 MINI Coupe. Lyons says, in conclusion:

My test car was a Works edition, and so equipped, the Coupe is a top notch go-kart. MINI claims a top speed of 149 mph for the JCW, and a 0-60 mph best of 6.1 seconds. Acceleration is, then, quite strong, and torque steer is a definite possibility when you lay into the throttle. The engine's power band is impressively wide. Max torque arrives at 1,850 rpm and holds through 5,600 rpm, so the engine is highly responsive over a very wide rpm range. The six-speed stick has a short, straight stroke, keeping the engine on the boil and adding to the car's fun factor. The car posts fine fuel economy, given its performance potential. EPA rates the JCW Coupe at 25 city, 33 highway.

With the optional sport suspension on the JCW, you have the stiffest of all MINI's. Ride quality is firm, and while I didn't find this objectionable for daily driving, this wouldn't be my first choice for a long trip. Standard Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control (standard on JCW, optional elsewhere) help keep the Coupe pointed in the right direction. DSC can be switched off, for those taking their Coupe to the track. Handling is arguably more impressive than the driveline, since you can exercise the JCW's curve carving more readily than you can its, uh, arresting acceleration. And that's the key to the JCW. Unless you have access to a race track or perhaps plan an autocross for your back yard (fair warning: most municipalities — and neighbors — frown on this sort of thing), you really can't scratch the car's itch.

I know that's true of many performance cars, but most of them are content to cruise the highways, while this one seems to whisper troublemaking thoughts in your ear. For that reason — and price (this loaded test car stickered for a stout, $38 Large) — the downrange Coupe models (base, S) make the most sense for most people. While you'll clearly get less performance, you reach a better balance of price vs. usable fun.

Andrew-JCW @ MINI2 discusses how he revived a dead 2005 MINI key and was able to program it. He writes:

Had my 2005 MCS JCW for a whole 7 days now and loving it

. But one of the remote keys was completely dead!

Tried re-programming as per the instructions on the forum and driving around all week with it in the ignition hoping it would charge but nothing seemed to work!

Last night decided I would have to get a replacement or break it open to replace the battery.

As a last resort I thought I would read up on induction charging as this is how the battery is meant to recharge whilst the key is in the ignition. My thoughts were that it could not get enough time to charge the battery if it was completely drained (common when the keys aren’t used for long periods). So I needed to find a way to boost the charge for an extended period of time.

So last night I left my key fob lying on top of my electric toothbrush induction charger in the hope that it would charge the key.

HEY PRESTO!

This morning I followed the re-programming instruction below and it worked (also re-programmed the working one to make sure they both worked!).

So if you are having trouble with charging your key it might be worth trying to charge it with your electric toothbrush induction charger!

I found these instruction for programming the keys via a search on this forum and can confirm that they worked for me;

1. Have all the keys on you when you get into the car.
2. Get in and shut the doors (don’t open them until you are finished programming)
3. Put a key in the ignition and turn on (no need to start the engine) then back off and take the key out within 5 seconds.
4. Now hold down the unlock button, while continuing to hold it down press the lock button 3 times, then release the unlock button. The doors will now lock and unlock. DON’T open the doors or door locks yet.
5. Repeat action 4 for ALL other keys.
6. Once you’ve finished doing this to all the keys you can open the doors and/or use your keys in the ignition.
7. Try to lock and lock the doors remotely with all the key fobs. If they don’t work try again but make sure the sequence is followed completely as it’s critical.

If the key fob still doesn’t work then probably the re-chargeable battery is beyond recovery and you will be faced with a ££££ bill for replacement

.

I hope this helps some of the rest of you with dead rechargeable remote key fobs

[Source: AutokeskusOy @ YouTube]

Top 10 Sports Cars hosts a gallery of photos of the MINI Cooper Coupe line-up and says, in part:

If you are a fan of speed, Coupe John Cooper Works is the appropriate vehicle. Strong and agile, JCW coupe fitted with turbocharged 1.6 to 208 kW capacity. Acceleration time 0-100 km / h takes 6.1 seconds, top speed around 240 km / h. Not only that, JCW coupe version was also consume the most fuel when the fuel consumption combined average European standard of 8.6 liters per 100 km.

CEO Hartmut Mehdorn and his three board of director colleagues on the board of Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest airline, all drive MINIs as Company cars.

[Source: The Local]

[Source: jonsooy @ YouTube]

Eliseo Salazar, Armindo Araujo and Paulo Nobre of the MINI WRC team rank 24th, 9th and 17th, respectively after just 1.2 percent of Rally Argentina. By starting the rally Salazar is the first driver in motorsport history to contest the Monaco Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 Hour, the Indianapolis 500, the Dakar Rally, and the start of a WRC round.

[Source: MINI Motorsport]

[Source: BlackwaterOpsDotCom @ YouTube]

[Source: Rafalo74 @ YouTube]

AutoGuide.com is rather harsh in its review of the MINI Ray. Amy Tokic titles her review "MINI Ray is a Bad Dose of 80′s Style" and bemoans -

The MINI Ray will be hitting dealerships at the beginning of May when Italian hipsters can look forward to a Summer spent cruising the Italian countryside blaring your old Duran Duran cassette tapes, through an iPod of course.

[Source: blvmjohndavid @ YouTube]

According to carreracaballo @ YouTube:

Krumm's MINI R53 WideBody (Lower Frame) Vs. Tommy's MINI R56 JCW FL (Upper Frame)

Both cars are mechanically optimized however Krumm's MINI R53 has a very interesting detail which is that this car has been newly equipped with a set of TOYO R888 235/40R17 on 8Jx17CH ATS GTR alloy-wheels, 15mm spacers, and a WideBody-Kit in order to enhance it's cornering speed and stability!

Yes, it is a black and white question - in vinyl.

[Source: WrapMeLtd @ YouTube]

LeftLane lists its top 10 convertibles under $45,000. The MINI Cooper S is included at the article says, about it:

As the “just right” droptop in MINI’s ever-expanding lineup, the Cooper S provides a perfect balance between solid performance and relative practicality not found in its siblings. The Cooper S John Cooper Works is a hoot to drive, but it’s expensive, while the stylish new Roadster trades what limited cargo-hauling ability the standard MINI Convertible has. Goldilocks has found her MINI.

[Source: NewpressOnlineMedia @ YouTube]

At Saturday’s opening round of the Pirelli-supported MINI Challenge, reigning champion Chris Knox won the first of two races at Silverstone. Lee Allen dominated the second race but Chris Smith took the JCW Class points lead with two second place finishes. Henry Gilbert won the Club class with his double victory.

RallyBuzz continues:

Now in its 11th year, the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S race cars competed over two classes at the opening round of the seven-round series: the John Cooper Works (JCW) class and the Club class. The JCW class is provided with slick and wet options: the 225/625-17 DH slick and 225/625-17 WS wet tyre. The Club class has only one type available: an intermediate tyre that is suitable across a range of different wet and dry conditions.

* * *

[Source: SBARTSTV @ YouTube]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Source: michalborz @ YouTube]

[Source: TheCyclingNomads @ YouTube]

Car and Driver interviews MINI head Kay Segler. Segler says, in part:

Are diesel models a possibility for the U.S.?

Diesels in general are a topic for the environment, and for America. It won’t happen in the current lineup because we can’t justify the business case yet. But for future models, we’ll look at it very closely because dealers and customers continue to approach us about it. That pertains not only to the U.S. market, but also to other markets, such as Japan.

Which transmission strategy do you follow? Wouldn’t a dual-clutch box be a better brand fit than a traditional automatic?

Of course, a John Cooper Works is screaming for a dual-clutch transmission, but you can also improve an automatic transmission to a level where you hardly recognize the difference anymore. Over the entire lineup, demand is higher for automatics. Of course, we consider going from six to eight gears or similar, that is a topic [of conversation]. The John Cooper Works Countryman now comes with a manual and an automatic and we are very curious how these choices will be accepted.

* * *
And does the small Rocketman have a chance of series production?

The main issue here is the business case. I don’t believe that a smaller car could be that much less expensive to make, but the customer would expect it to be offered for a few thousand dollars less. What we have seen here are design features that were popular. We didn’t do the concept just to get attention, but we want to see what elements could work on other models.

* * *

NorCal MINIs and Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts have coordinated a MINI Corral in the prime race view location and parade laps for each day of the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival. We want all MINIs and Minis to JOIN THE INVASION.

If a parade lap and expensive historic cars racing on Sonoma Raceway aren't enough for you maybe what Autoweek says will get you out there in your MINI/Mini:

The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival, the third-annual event under that title, returns to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on June 2-3. The event this year is titled, “Moments in Time: a Celebration of the History of Motorsports.”

The 26th-annual historic-car event organized by General Racing Ltd. in Sonoma will focus on highlights of the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s—the eras in which auto racing began to cement its status as a world-class spectator sport. In addition, 400 historic race cars will compete and parade around the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course, including a number of significant cars ranging from a 1911 National Indy 500 racer to a 1991 Roush IMSA GTO Mustang.

“Our plan for the third-annual Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival is to celebrate the important ‘moments in time' from the sport and the cars that defined each era,” said Steve Earle, president of General Racing Ltd., who has organized premier historic-car events for four decades.

Earle started the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca that ran in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

“Our focus, as always, will be to bring the history of the sport to the attention of automotive enthusiasts, new and old, with the display of a number of important cars and the presence of personalities from specific events during those periods. This year, these will include the winning driver of the 1952 Golden Gate Park Races, and the winning car from the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year.

“The theme will also focus on the emergence of GT cars, rather than Prototypes, as contenders for the 1962 FIA World Manufacturers Championship, the introduction of Group C sports cars and the dominating Porsche 956 of 1982,” Earle added.

“It's a little known fact that the city of San Francisco and its world-famous park was a gracious host in the early '50s to a number of SCCA racing events, and we'd like to take people back to those amazing days when a major U.S. city and a fledgling sports-car club joined together to entertain the public with exciting racing action.”

Cars considered significant in each era include:

1952: Allard J2-Cadillac (Golden Gate winner), Mercedes-Benz W194 (24 Hours of Le Mans winner)

1962: Ferrari GTO (introduced that year), the birth of the Cobra and the introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

1972: Racing prototypes (Ferrari 312, Matra, e.g.) in the World Sports Car Championships

1982: Group C, the Porsche 956 introduced

Fifteen race groups will compete on Saturday and Sunday, while the weekend will also include the popular Wine Country Pavilion, with samplings of fine foods and wines from the Sonoma and Napa valleys.

The paddock will be open to spectators, allowing everyone an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at the race cars and various car corrals throughout the raceway.

The weekend also will include the Historic Race Car Festival in the Sonoma Plaza on Saturday evening, benefiting Speedway Children's Charities.

[Source: quadforce450 @ YouTube]

From NYIAS 2012 by AutoMotoTube @ YouTube.

MINI Motorsport previews the races scheduled to start Thursday. You can follow all the MINI Challenge Argentina action starting Thursday on twitter.

[Source: Arturmaks @ YouTube]

From the NYIAS 2012 by AutoMotoTube @ YouTube.

boston.com discusses the debuts of new car models at the Beijing Auto Show. The article was accompanied by this photo of the MINI booth.

[Video Source: SupercarHall @ YouTube]

[Source: jakesteven1980 @ YouTube]

MINI Motorsport highlights the MINI Challenge races in Brazil, the U.K. and Argentina.

MINI Motorsport says the modified MINI John Cooper Works Challenge run by the Besaplast Racing Team will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. It won its class at the 24-hour race in Dubai. In a shakedown race for Nürburgring 24 Hours, the VLN Endurance Championship held at Nordschleife, the team came in third.

The Sealine Cross Country Rally in Qatar was the third 2012 FIA World Cup for Cross Country event of the season. In the first two, Rally Dakar, Al-Mutaiwei and X-raid finished first and in the second, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge they took second. Ten days later Khalifa Al-Mutaiwei and X-raid earned their third podium placing third at the Sealine Cross-Country Rally in Qatar.

Next up for the X-raid Team will be the July 7, 2012 start of the Silk Way Rally in Russia.

[Source: MINI Motorsport]

hypoxic will take you step by step through how you can easily fix the MINI armrest center console if it won't stay shut with some magnets, glue and epoxy.

Bet you this one is better.

[Source: mixonwheels @ YouTube]

MotoringFile reports MINI has a schedule for GP releases in order to turn the GP name "into a high performance sub-brand for MINI and to a lesser degree JCW." MINI now has under development two GPs, one on the ‘Ring and one at BMW’s secret test track in southern France. The first GP, R56 based, will debut this May at MINI United and will be on-sale in September. The second GP be a R58 Coupe. Expect to see the car debut this fall and go on-sale in the spring of 2013. At least a year later two GPs for the R6X platform, first the R60 Countryman and then the upcoming R61 Countryman Coupe (formally known as the Paceman), will debut

Video from the Launch Party for the new MINI Roadster and MINI Baker Street, Bayswater and Highgate at the MINI Store Horizon Defence.

[Source: BMWMINIHorizon @ YouTube]

AutoSpies.com publishes a TrueCar study that shows women prefer MINIs. In 2011 MINI had the highest percentage of retail sales to women (46.2 percent). Aside from exotic cars the Porsche 911 (88.2 percent) had the highest percentage of retail sales to men.

That is what Jimmy Dinsmore says in the headline to his short article about the MINI Cooper S Coupe for statesman.com.

2012 NORCAL MINIS Membership is only $25.00/family. Members get full access to the Members Only NORCAL MINIS' Google Group; sponsor, vendor and club discounts; direct email invitations for NORCAL MINIS events, a say in where we run and what we do, and exclusive access to Members Only events.

We have made easy for you to join in the fun. Get your own NORCAL MINIS' family membership by using this Paypal Button:

[Source: cooperSml @ YouTube]

Here's our recommendation (and his) - Don't!

[Source: BlackwaterOpsDotCom @ YouTube]

You can read the full WhatCar? MINI Coupe review here.

soccerbummer1104 @ YouTube provides this time lapse video of the replacement of the CV boot on a 2003 MCS done in a manner claimed to be easier than the way set forth in the shop manual.

[Photo Credit: La Bloga]

According to The Car Connection only 1 in 25 new cars has a manual transmission.

Martyn Collins, writing for autoblog.uk, took the Roadster for a spin and concludes:

So as an owner of the first two-seater MINI, the mad John Cooper Works GP, would I buy the new Roadster MINI? I could be tempted, as I believe the two-seater MINI concept works better in Roadster form and it looks great. My only worry would be the driving experience could be too compromised for the UK's rough tarmac when compared to the MX-5 and TT Roadster.

Edmunds Inside Line announces that MINI has approved release of the MINI Clubvan, the prototype of which was shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show. According to Automotoblog.net Car & Driver claims the vehicle will hit U.S. shores this September as a 2013 model.

Even if the MINI is just a battery powered toy -

[Source: twizidp @ YouTube]

What a great time in the Gold Country! Warm weather, neat backroads roads, fun events and good food. Thank you to all who participated with special thanks to Robert, Jessica, Richard and Sharon for suggesting, organizing and leading this run. How good was it? Check out this slideshow of photographs from the run from Ken:

NORCAL MINIS MEMBERSHIP

Annual Membership is only $25.00/family and entitles you to a host of discounts from Vendors and Dealers that support NORCAL MINIS, email invitations, a say in where we run and what we do, and access to Members Only events and our Members Only Google Group. Just use this Paypal Button to join:

NORCAL MINIS' CENTRAL GOLD COUNTRY RUN

On Saturday, April 21, 2012, NorCal MINIs will run backroads from Angel's Camp to Murphy's in the Central California Gold Country. We will stop at Quyle Kilns and get an exclusive tour of this fantastic handmade pottery producer's operation. We will also have lunch at El Jardin.

We will meet up at 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot between Rite-Aid and Taco Bell at 200 South Main Street, Angels Camp, CA. We will leave promptly at 11:30 a.m. for an hour backroads run and arrive for our tour at Quyle Kilns at approximately 1:00 p.m.. After our tour we will proceed to downtown Murphy's for lunch at El Jardin at about 2:00 p.m.

Caravan from the Bay Area will meet up in front of MINI of Concord, 1961 Market Street, Concord, CA 94520 at 8:00 a.m.

Here's the run map

View Larger Map
This run is open to Members and non-members. Members, please respond to your email invitation which will be sent in early March. Non-members please tell us you are coming by emailing us at info@norcalminis.com.

RSVP BEFORE APRIL 14, 2012

SO WE CAN GET AN ACCURATE HEADCOUNT FOR THE TOUR AND FOR LUNCH

MINIS AT PACIFIC COAST DREAM MACHINES

Calling all MINI and Mini Owners

Join Us For This Event!

On April 28, 2012, NorCal MINIs will participate in the 22nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show at the Half Moon Bay Airport in Half Moon Bay, CA. This is an incredible charity event for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center with a huge selection of beautiful and unique vehicles.

Registration is now open . Click HERE to register and for more information. If you enter before April 15, 2012, the entry fee is $30 which entitles the driver and passenger admission to the event (after April 15, 2012, the cost goes up to $40 and, if you don't enter your vehicle, admission is $20/adult, Age 11-17 and 65+ $15 (Cash only accepted at the gate).) By entering your vehicle you will save money and be able to park with the club.

To park together we must arrive early and first assemble off-site. Thus, we will meet up at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot in front of:

Peet's Coffee & Tea‎
142 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
[MAP]

(This is at the corner of Highway 92 and Highway 1)

We have invited the members of Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts to join us at this event.

Members may respond to their email invitations when received. Non-Members (and Members) may also tell us they are coming by sending us an email at info@norcalminis.com

Here's a promotional video from last year!

NORCAL MINIS' YOSEMITE OVERNIGHT

Join NorCal MINIs for our Saturday, May 5 through Sunday, May 6, 2012, Yosemite Overnight!

We will meet up at 9:30 a.m. on May 5, 2012 in the parking lot at Denica's located at 6058 Dougherty Road, Dublin, CA 94568-2634 (Please arrive early if you wish to have breakfast at Denica's (it is wonderful)) and by 10:00 a.m. we will be on the road for the Shilo Inn located at 40644 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644.

On Sunday, we will drive to Glacier Point then into the valley, and spend the day on the valley floor before we reassemble to drive back to the Bay Area.

Members, please respond to your email invitations for this overnight. Non-members, please email us at info@norcalminis.com to tell us you are coming.

NORCAL MINIS GOES TO THE A'S VS. GIANTS GAME SOLD OUT

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, NORCAL MINIS will attend the A's versus Giants game at AT&T Park. The Giants will be giving away a Brian Wilson garden gnome to the first 20,000 fans. We expect to go early and stay late as reservations will also be made for dinner and bowling at Brian Wilson's new venture, Lucky Strikes after the game.

Our group tickets are SOLD OUT. However, you can get on the waiting list if any become available (preference given to current NORCAL MINIs Members.). Just email us at info@norcalminis.com with the number you need and we will put you on the list.

MINIS INVADE THE SONOMA HISTORICS MOTORSPORT FESTIVAL

Calling All MINI Owners!

Join

The MINI Invasion

Of The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival
On Saturday, June 2, 2012*

At Sonoma Raceway**

*Official Date For NORCAL MINIS. The festival is also on Sunday, June 3, 2012 and you may also participate in the corral and receive a parade lap on Sunday as well.
**Formerly known as Infineon and Sears Point

NORCAL MINIS and Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts have reserved an unparalleled location for all MINIs and Minis to park and watch the races, be close to the paddock, food and wine tents and see hundreds of insanely expensive historic vehicles race around the track - the same track that hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!

All MINI and Mini drivers will get to take a parade lap on the track.

That's right!

The price of admission and corral parking
includes a parade lap on the raceway in your MINI or Mini!

(Your corral parking pass is your pass to a parade lap on the track! Parade laps will occur at or about 5:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday with entry via Turn 7.
A track waiver will be required of each parade lap participant.)

Here's What You Should Expect

The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival is a two-day event, June 2 and June 3, 2012, and will feature nearly 400 historic race cars, including legendary marques like Ferrari, Lotus, Porsche, McLaren and Corvette, among others. You’ll witness 10 unique race groups take to the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course throughout the weekend with warm-ups and racing slated for both Saturday and Sunday. This is your only chance to see the ultimate collection of historic race cars take to the Sonoma Valley road course.

The weekend also features the Wine Country Pavilion with FREE samplings of fine foods and wines from the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. It’s a perfect pairing of the wine country and racing that you won’t want to miss!

This is also a great weekend for the whole family as the paddock is open for spectators to get an up-close look at the race cars and enjoy the various car corrals dotted throughout the raceway.

WINE COUNTRY PAVILION

Fine cars and wine country living are the perfect pair this weekend, as race fans are invited to sample some of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys’ finest regional wines and cuisine in the Wine Country Pavilion.

Admission to the Wine Country Pavilion, as well as a number of food and wine samples, are included with your weekend admission ticket. Last year’s pavilion lineup included:

Wineries	Restaurants
Tin Barn	Girl & the Fig
Dawn Hughes	Estate Sondra Bernstein
Aspina	Butterfly Restaurant
Clarbec Wines	Eastside West
Rielle Wines	Botanical Bakery
Meadowcroft	Annie the Baker
Bennett Lane	Bardessono
Korbel	Avia
Cline & Jacuzzi	Del Monte Meat & Sea Food
Dembeste	Hana Sushi
Maryvale	Sonoma Cheese & Monterey Gourmet Foods
Flask	Sonoma Fois Gras
Nicholson Ranch	Tuscan Cow Girl
Larson Family Wines
Roche
Viansa

HISTORIC RACE CAR FESTIVAL

Following Saturday’s on-track action, the action shifts to the historic Sonoma Plaza for the Historic Race Car Festival. This evening is a true celebration of Sonoma, featuring historic cars on display and food and wine tasting. All proceeds benefit Sonoma County youth organizations through the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Tickets And Attendance

You should attend Saturday (that is NORCAL MINIS official event date) but you also might want to attend Sunday. Therefore, when you purchase your tickets you will have the option to attend either day and the option for a discount for a pass to attend both days. In addition, the purchase of MINI Corral parking is available for either day.

Purchase discount tickets!

Save $5.00/person per day off the regular entrance price!

Ticket Prices

$35/person per day or $50/person for a Weekend Pass

Plus

Corral Parking, $15/vehicle per day or $20/vehicle for the entire Weekend,

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS AND CORRAL PARKING AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

Procedure for Purchasing Tickets and Car Corral Passes for Historics

1. Order Qty of Seats and for which day: Saturday, Sunday or Weekend

2. Add To Cart

3. Click on Continue Shopping,

4. Click on Additional Events

5. Click on Find Tickets next to Nor Cal Mini’s

6. Click on Qty and order how many Corral Passes (need 1 per car) you need to order and for what day….Saturday, Sunday or Weekend

7. Go To Checkout

8. Create Account

9. Purchase

Tickets and Corral Passes will be mailed approx 4-6 Weeks before the event June 2nd and/or 3rd 2012

THEN

EMAIL US
TO TELL US YOU ARE COMING!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE IN NORCAL?

Check NORCAL MINIS' "Calendar of All Motoring Events" and find out! You can always find a link to the "Calendar of All Motoring Events" in the left column.

Pages

Monday, April 30, 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

WINE COUNTRY PAVILION

Wineries

Restaurants

HISTORIC RACE CAR FESTIVAL

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Friday, April 20, 2012

WINE COUNTRY PAVILION

Wineries

Restaurants

HISTORIC RACE CAR FESTIVAL