I just had my first track event with the MINI through the BMWCCA and all I can say is WOW! I was in a run group with four e36 M3s (one with coilovers), two e30 M3s, an e46 323i, and a Ford Focus SVT. By the end of the first day I was lapping a couple of the cars! Start of the second day and I was passing everyone in my group. Nobody could keep up with me in the corners. The track was Indiana Raceway Park, which incorporates part of a slick ¼ mile drag strip into the track, but this didn't stop the MINI from catching, passing, and widening the lead! The turn in on the car is just incredible. I now truly understand why Magazine test editors are so mad about the MINI. It really is a rear wheel driver but with power at the front wheels (did that make sense?). I can barrel in to a 180-degree carousel and throttle steer it around the entire corner all with the tires howling the entire time. My instructor was just laughing sometimes and the guys working the corners and safety were all amazed how quickly the car was getting around this long track. The best part was when the other guys in my group were practically scratching their head trying to figure out how a car down 80 horsepower was lapping them! HAHAHAHA I am so pumped. My car is stock except for a cold air intake and some Yokohama ES100s. Even though I was in the Novice run group all but one person had at least a couple of schools under their belt (this was my second school ever and the first time at IRP). I think the MINI gives you a lot of confidence going into the turns; I could brake later and barrel in at higher speed. Off the straight if a e36 M3 was about 75 yards ahead going into the turn 1 by the next cluster of 5 turns I would be smack on his ass. By the time we finished the back section of the course coming out of turn 15 I’d be in front! Just awesome! The car is fun on the street, but you won't truly appreciate it till you get it out at the track. Say goodbye to the e30 for me, no more worrying about problems. It's great to have the little cousin that beats up on the big brothers, 163 horses of pure muscle...hee hee. The second day went so well that my instructor got permission to sign me off for the last session and let me go out on my own to eat up the remaining e36 M3s that still wanted to play. Pepé was known as "The M3 Eater" at the end of the weekend. I can't wait for my next event so I can go play with the bigger brothers in the Intermediate class. It is a BMW no matter how hard they try to say it's not. To anyone who doesn't have one, you must have this car...period!
I consider myself a decent driver now but far away from being really good with much to learn. I feel that the MINI is going to be a great tool to learn and grow with. It just goes to show you there really is a substitute for horsepower….The MINI!
Amit
