MCS problem areas while racing?

[nullspace]

I ran in my first auto-x event this past weekend, and I had a ton of fun. I'm going to race in more events, and I'm considering some track events as well. Does anyone know of any problems with running an MCS through a long track session? I'd be running on a 1.8 mile course (Streets of Willow Springs) for at least 40 minutes each session. The track is hard on brakes, and the lack of an oil temp guage in the MINI concerns me. Should I run a quart high on oil? Has anyone had problems with overheating on tracks? I didn't have any problems on the auto-x course, but the car never ran for more than a minute at a time. Will 40 minutes be too much? My car is totally stock, and I plan to keep it that way. Would modifications be necessary?

[NearlyNN]

We had a MINI day performance school out here last month with 21 MINIs showing up. Ran lapping sessions in afternoon, definitely over 40 minutes. Most cars were stock. Nobody had any overheating problems and Pacific Raceway has some hard braking areas, especially at end of 3/4 mile straight.

[dukesantos]

We have run our MCS on the main Willow Springs track and most of the tracks in Nevada and SoCal with no problems. Our MCS is not stock, but last year we ran a stock Cooper on several tracks, including Las Vegas in August when it was very hot with no real problems.

However, we do change to a high temp. brake fluid like ATE or Motul and we are running upgraded brake disks and pads on the MCS. The stock Cooper, with only brake fluid and CAT back exhaust change did OK but lost some engine power on the main straight in Las Vegas when it got real hot. On a hot day at Willow Springs, you will want better brake fluid and the relatively inexpensive intercooler air diverter and water spray unit from Alta helps keep heat related power loss down.

When we were at WSIR, a Porsche club was running on the Streets course and having a great time.

[SSCRacer]

Your MINI should be fine for a track day. However, do not (NOT) overfill the crankcase. Overfilling the oil could cause the high oil level to get whipped around by the crankshaft and create bubbles and foam in the oil. The car works just great at or even 1/4 to 1/2 quart below full. Remember to only touch the brake pedal when stopping and not ride the brakes into the turns. I would recommend bleeding the brakes after your event, as hot brake fuild tends to absorb moisture and may cause a spongy pedal. After a session, open the hood and let the squirrels cool off.

Have fun and Motor fast!

[ruf]

Does anyone know the legality of an oil cooler and filter relocation in HS or GS?

[spindoc]

Depending on the track, front brakes can heat up a lot and wear quickly. Be sure to use some good brake fluid (ATE Super Blue, Castrol GT-LMA) and track pads (Ferodo DS 3000). And if you can figure out a way to rig up some effective brake ducts, please let us all know.