Category: MINI United

Gabe in a MINI Challenge Racer

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One of the main attractions of the event was the chance to take a “taxi” ride in a MINI Challenge race car around the Circuit Zandvoort. The only problem is that you needed to sign up very early in the morning to get on the daily list. And with my responsibilities at MINI United it was something I never got a chance to to. Luckily I had an in. MF reader, MINI2.info co-founder and my ‘Ring co-driver Axel knew one of the taxi drivers and we formulated a plan to get me into the queue. Actually as it was happening it seemed less of a plan and more of two guys speaking German with the odd “MotoringFile” thrown into the conversation. Whatever was said, it worked. The next thing I knew I was suited up and sitting next to Chris (my Challenge taxi driver) in a real MINI Challenge car. Suffice to say, it was an experience I won’t seen forget. You can check it out for yourself below:

MINI Challenge Car on Zandvoort Circuit at MU:

Download | 8:03 | 3.7MB

3 Guys in a MINI

3 guysJust 3 Americans, cruising in an R56 from Amsterdam to Zandvoort, Netherlands.

We had just finished cruising the canals of Amsterdam with MINIUSA and were heading back to MINI United. Talking about cars, MINIs and, of course, MINI United. We never did get a chance for the karting, but all of us got some seat time on the track, so we were good.

The picture you see if from our friend Tim’s flickr pool, in case you missed them. Be sure to check out the MINI United Flickr stream if you haven’t already for a whole bunch of great shots!

Check back tomorrow for Todd and I going through the factory.

Oh yea, forgot to mention this earlier, but none of us could get together this week to get a show done. Don’t worry, we’ll back in full force, all caught up after vacation, next week for 2 full shows!

3 Guys in a MINI:

Download | 11:08 | 5.2MB

Woofcast #166

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/609202956_402bd71851.jpg” style=”float:left; padding:3px; margin:3px;width:200px;”” alt=”tires” />Our recap of MINI United. Not a bad outing since Todd was only sorta here.

We noticed some interesting things about driving in Europe like the number of bicycles. They were everywhere!

Todd and I toured the MINI factory, Gabe drove on the ‘Ring plus we got to talk all those great people you already heard interviews of! It was a great event to be sure and if I were you, I’d start saving up for MINI United 2009 now! It will be worth it.

We still have a little bit of audio from MINI United coming as soon as Todd gets done selling/buying houses, plus full audio from our plant tour. If you missed any of our MINI United coverage, you can catch up by following the links below.

Like I said, there is a bit more audio to follow, as well as our tour of the plant. So keep an eye out for them!

Woofcast 166:

Download | 35.7MB | 38:57

An American MINI in Holland

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For those of you that didn’t hear, Southern California resident Robert Apon really wanted to attended MINI United 2007, but in his MINI. Countless hours and a lot of money later, Robert had the only MINI at Zandvoort with California plates!

Robert is currently working his way across Europe, visiting family and friends. Naturally, he is blogging his adventure.

I’ll have much more to post about MINI United, but I thought I’d post a picture of a very special moment. If you’ve scrolled down through my blog you’ve noticed that I not only have a full JCW conversion, I also have the 225 HP Cooper Motorsport High Performance Derivative engine upgrade that was formerly available from John Cooper Motorsport. In the picture above I’m at my car with Michael Cooper, the son of John Cooper and principal of Cooper Motorsport (now a part of the BMW family).

He has pictures and even some video!

We also had the chance to talk to him for WRR. Great guy with an amazing story!

WRR Interview: Robert Apon

[ Robert’s Blog ] robert-apon.blogspot.com

Download | 17:58 | 1.8MB

MINI United Interview: Dr. Kay Segler

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In this latest MINI United interview we get an exclusive sit down with Dr. Kay Segler, MINI brand vice president. We talk MINI United. Motorsport, and the new MINI Challenge race car among other things. The latter will be the big take-away for many of you. Listen closely as Dr. Segler talks about the “new heart” of the MINI that will debut with the MINI Challenge car and that will eventually make it’s way to a new JCW product. All fascinating stuff for those of us who follow the brand.

Dr. Kay Interview:

Download | 9.4MB | 20:22

MINI United Interview: Gert Hildebrand

P1000761.JPGAnother great person that we got to speak with was Gert Hildebrand. He is the man in charge of making the MINI look as cool as it does!

There is still more audio coming gang! Todd will be working furiously during his travels home so we can get those posted right away! Be sure to check out the photos if you haven’t already over at the MINI United Flickr Group.

Gert interview:

Download | 16.8MB | 20:21