[Vanwall]

Well, Brooksie and I went down the Stadium for A Day At The Races! Rumour had it there would be MINIs there for an autocross. Strangely enough, as I pulled into a parking space, I’ll be damned if a red Isetta didn’t go puttering by! Very Twilight Zone! Was I in the right decade? Quick check - Which Cooper was I driving? A glance at all the Miatas and ‘Vettes hangin around put me right. Whew! Then I spotted a coupla Yellow & White Coopers, with their bonnets up, and I knew I was in the correct place.

These two belonged to Diamond Racing – Cy Rathbun and Tracy Hemstreet. ( hope I got those names right! ) They were there to give their MINIs, and themselves, their maiden runs! Both were SCCA Novices, and expected this to be a learning experience. The Coopers were matching colors and had high-flow air-filters, but one had an aero kit, as well. Otherwise they were box-stock. They were on the last run of the day, and lottsa interested folk dropped by to chat or gawk. I had forgotten my camera, so I blasted back to the house, grabbed it, and ran.

When I got back, there was still plenty of time to get some shots of the MINIs, and other stuff. I’ll post some pics ASAP. This time I parked inside the paddock, like I belonged there, and yakked with the Diamond guys and passers-by. Time came for the seventh and last run, for Novices, and Cy & Tracy cruised up to the line. Their first runs were as passengers with Instructors at the wheels, standard SCCA stuff, and these two guys put up immediately respectable numbers, and had room for improvement! Right outta the box, these two Coopers were the pick of the Novice class, at the least. Cy and Tracy, new to the game, were somewhat slower, but still able to get much more out of the chassis than if they were in another car. Hope to see scorchin’ times, soon, you two!

The real treat was when the first MINI Cooper went out on course - there was a loud cheer from the spectators and drivers! They were obviously the crowd favorites! That didn’t happen too often in the old days, when a 1275 S often put up FTD at a Porsche or Datsun club “event”, and was looked upon askance. I’m sure once the reputation is set again, the MINIs will be viewed differently by the Miata-Vette-Audi-Bimmer crowd. Wait’ll they see a new ‘S’ in action!

Brooksie looked great as usual, but I’m afraid she’s not a racin’ machine, so we just spectated. That’s not by her choice or mine, – Chris is too afraid we wouldn’t keep the rubber side down! I have enough fun on the road, and the CVT isn’t really for autocrossin’, at least by me - some other brave soul will let us know how that works out, I’m sure. So here’s a message for the lead-foots, er, hot-shoes out there - You’ve got a some time to be the Fastest on the racing Block, but don’t waste it. Get Racin’!!

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[Paul]

Nice report, look forward to seeing some pictures!