MTTS Coverage
During MTTS2012, we got to spend time with both the JCW GP display car and the JCW Countryman Pre-production car. Todd even drove the JCW Countryman and will telling us all about it very soon. In the meantime, here are some photos of them on the road between New Mexico and Arizona.
In case you missed them, all of my MTTS photos can be found in this collection on Flickr.
You already read about the first half of the journey. Now that it is over, here is the rest.
You learn a lot spending 6-9 hours a day in a MINI. You learn new terms like Elephant Race. You learn that a JCW Roadster with the top down will not keep up with a 1 //M. You learn that a Countryman makes a pretty ok truck.
You also get an idea of the scope and size of the United States. Sure, you know the US produces most of the world’s corn, but until you drive across Iowa and Nebraska, you don’t really get it just how much corn it really is. I80 from Nebraska to Colorado isn’t as bad as everyone says the first time around. In fact, it’s quite majestic. And, in Arizona, it’s not always a dry heat.
There is also the people. This car that we all love so much is nothing without it’s owners. Besides being a crazy bunch, we are also some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the chance to meet, hang out with, race with, take photos of and with and everything else you can think of.
For example, after driving on The Dragon, everyone was asking about how epic I thought the road was. If I’m honest, it’s an ok road. But, I’ve not driven it during MINIs on The Dragon, which I would imagine is about the same as going to Vegas when it’s not AMVIV. Sure the road is great, but it’s the people that make it an unforgettable experience. Continue reading “MTTS 2012: My Experience”
Before we begin, let’s get a few things out of the way.
New Jersey to LA, the long way. About 4500 miles depending on who’s counting. It was a great way to end the MotoringFile relationship with the Countryman and begin with something new; the JCW Roadster. Top down, top up, highway, twisties and everything in between. Not going to lie, that car was a blast to drive.
Continue reading “The MotoringFile Long Term Tester: JCW Roadster”
The first of our interviews that happened during MTTS 2012 is ready for your enjoyment! For those of you that were able to join us, you know what an epic trip this was. For the rest of you, sit back and enjoy what we still have coming for you in audio and photos, plus a little bit of video. It starts here from MINIUSA HQ in New Jersey.
MTTS 2012:
Day 3 starts early for MTTS! 6:00 am at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a quick breakfast, a sight of the new B-Spec MINIs (that can be built for about $US6,000 plus tires, wheels and seats) and a chance to drive on the 24 degree banked oval. Funny thing that 24 degree banking. Turns out that most MINIs didn’t really care for that. I’m sure it was the yaw sensor trying to figure out why the car was on 2 wheels. A quick restart sorted everyone out and we were off to Nashville!
For those that don’t know, one of the better things that happens to be between North Carolina and Tennessee is US 129. Otherwise known as The Tail of the Dragon. Our mid day stop took us to Fontana Village to regroup before heading off. I’m told it was at a much slower pace than normal, but I still really enjoyed it, especially since I was driving a certain JCW Roadster with the top down. Dear God, that exhaust! Continue reading “MTTS 2012: Day 3 and 4”
Good evening from MTTS2012! Tonight finds us in Charlotte, NC after attending a fabulous party that Hendrick MINI and MINIUSA put on for the owners at NC Music Factory. This event, like everything else so far, has been top notch and a blast as you can imagine! We are keeping busy with long drives every day so far and we have an early call Friday to get some track time, so here is the Cliff Notes version.
Started at MINIUSA HQ. About 250 MINIs gathered to get started with our epic cross country trip and all of the owners were treated to some special sites. There is a Clubvan, in diesel trim to taunt me I’m sure, a new GP and a stunt show put on by the same guys you saw on the Today show Monday morning. It was awesome! Not only all of that, but we got the first look of the Motoringfile JCW Roadster, and it’s pretty sharp.
From MINIUSA, it was south to Philly for some AutoX time and to gather more folks. still over 200 strong we continued to motor south to Maryland, where we were bussed to the Newseum in Washington DC where we had a 8th floor view of the fireworks show! I managed a few photos, but they don’t do it justice. Continue reading “MTTS 2012 – Day 1 and 2”
MTTS is only days away! If you have missed it, MINI USA has provided a few updates via email. The latest one can be found here and it provides the latest updates and reminders, including a reminder to check out the checklist that includes everything (except the kitchen sink).
We’re really excited to get things started. Be sure to follow along on Twitter (@whiteroofradio) and Instagram (@whiteroofradio) for short updates and photos. We are still working out the details on video updates, but they will show up on Twitter!
Let’s do this!
GO FORTH. GO WEST. GO MINI.
