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We have not been to Ireland. I've been to England several times, although mostly in London, but not to Ireland, sounds like it would be a great trip!

You Autocross season hosted by BMWCCA NCC is off to a hot start again this year with a lot of competitors. We have 6 driver's signed up for the full season and have had 9 different driver's competing in the class over the first two events. We have your top 3 finishers from last season returning with Corey Brown @1975_mini back to defend his title from last year along with Mark Drew @MarkDDrew who finished second, and David Widdifield @Widdie who finished third in his second season. We also have several drivers returning for their second season and a few rookie drivers joining us this year. How do we award points, we try to keep it simple 1st place at an event receives 10 points, 2nd place 9 points, and so on down to 10th place receiving 1 point. For the season total it is the total of a driver's four best events. We a not pro driver's and we know family, work, friends can cause you to miss an event. By only counting your four best you can miss an event and still complete for the season. With two events down we have two winners, Corey tool the first event of the season with Mark grabbing event two. It looks like we are going to have tight battles up and down the points standings this year. We are on our summer break (IT IS HOT OUT THERE) and the next points event will be Sept 6th. There will be a test and tune in August if you would like to have some fun and feel out your MINI in a none competitive setting. Feel free to post below or ask at any one of your driving events about Autocross if you think it is something you would like to get involved in. 2025 Autocross dates: March 23 - NOVICE SCHOOL April 12 - TEST AND TUNE #1 May 17 - Points Event #1 June 21 - Points Event #2 August 2 - TEST AND TUNE #2 September 6 - Points Event #3 October 4 - Points Event #4 November 2 (Sunday) - Points Event #5

I am going to have to skip this one I hate to say, Just had a bunch of work done again, AC compressor, friction wheel, drive belt and tensioner which finally got rid of the horrible noise but I figure better to wait a bit and see how she behaves before doing any spirited driving. Have a safe run everyone.

Yes it would have been an incredible experience even in a MINI van (tho those oversized vehicle gummed up the works on the single track roads ... but that was part of the experience -- drivers *having* to co-operate to get anywhere) but the MINIs were bonus ... I am giving strong consideration to doing the Ireland trip next May -- will depend a bit on the MTTS plan for next year - have you been to Ireland also? Is it different enough from Scotland or too similar?

Great, I'll put a placeholder on the calendar for the 27th

What an incredible experience Susan! Glad you got to do this, sounds like a once in a life time adventure. I did two weeks in Scotland back in 2016 but in a Mini van not a MINI Cooper

As most of you know, I've been part of the MINI Community in the states since 2008; I have traversed the country from north to south, east to west, coast to coast, track to track, with MINI USA and on shorter events with different regional clubs. An international MINI drive has been on my bucket list since I first read about them years ago and this was finally my year – I signed up for a two-week MINI driving tour of Scotland. I was not sure exactly what to expect but knew the following: I have never been to Scotland, I love driving MINIs, and other MINI club members took a trip with the same host several years ago and raved it was “the best vacation they ever had” That was almost an understatement. This trip far exceeded even my preconceived high expectations. For as many times as our MINI community roots out the best of local flavor – the MINI version of diners, dives, and drive-ins – and economy hotels (after all, it’s just a place to sleep before the next road calls) this was an indulgence. Spending the night in castles and historical hotels – not just a night or two, but *every* night. Two course breakfast and three course dinners – not occasionally, but every night (because the package included the lodging and two meals daily, it was suggested to budget for lunch. I’m not sure if “budget for lunch” meant money or calories, but we never needed a lunch budget for either!) .. since it was basically an all-inclusive package, I *never* felt compelled to save a few dollars on meals or lodging. (Not at all disparaging our stateside more budget friendly events, just remarking on the stress-free-ness of having someone else make all the arrangements.) As much of the US as one may have seen, there's a whole world to explore and what a fantastic way to do so. Knowledgeable tour guides with a comprehensive itinerary, outstanding accommodations and meals, many memories made with new friends professionally captured by the tour videographer / photographer. Highly recommended experience for those who love MINIs and those who love travel; I am personally looking forward to another trip with Ultimate Driving Adventures in the future. FB Link is here (the trip we just finished is the first pages under "Posts" (not under Featured): https://www.facebook.com/UltimateDrivingAdventures PS It was my goal to wear a different one of my MINI event / club shirts each day of this trip .. I am sure you will see that I did represent DC Metro MINIs .. and a couple of different shots Like Comment Send

Yep! Michael is going to lead and the end point will be Harper’s Ferry Brewing.

Don, there is a minimal preference difference, a wider tire on a narrower wheel can allow for more sidewall flex. This is when going several widths different then what is standard. you can run a 225 on an 8 without any noticeable difference.

Hi Laura, are you still able to do a run in July? ALL: Is anyone able to do an open run in July? Does not need to be an all day affair

Oliver got new shoes! . . .and some lowering springs, and tint.

Ok, so I've decided on swapping the wheels/tires this fall once the weather is cooler. Since I'm running the track this season I think I'm going to wear through these runflats a bit faster, and I want to have an all-season this winter since its my daily driver. So here's my question for anyone: Does it make any performance (on or off track) if a 225/40 is mounted on an 8.5 inch wheel vs an 8.0 inch wheel? From what I can tell the section width on the tire would be about .2" wider, but tread width would be maybe half that. So is .1" a difference? Or is it just fitment in the wheel well and overall look that is the deciding factor? I don't want my wheel/tire to "poke" out so I'm leaning to 18x8 ET45 but if an 8.5 is better.... Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks to Corey and David for all the set up/tear down, and running the school earlier this year. If you're new to your mini, I highly encourage you to come out, or sign up for the next autocross school. It's a great way to learn how to handle your go-kart...these cars will probably do more than you are comfortable with. So if you're thinking of running the Dragon, or pushing some twisties in the DMV area...you should run the track first. It's a fun supportive environment, just compete against yourself each run. You'll be glad you did, I am. See ya Saturday!

Something like that would be done at Mini or maybe Gt peace could do it? But it is the only way to avoid that pesky bulb out error when you switch to LED lights. And it is not cheap

Coded, who does that and I'll admit im not paying $300+ for new headlights until they die! Any one know who can do the coding?

I had a change of plans. I’m signed up for 3pm tomorrow at MINI of Montgomery County.

You could always look into replacing the entire headlight assembly with LED they do have ones that are DOT certified but unless you get them coded to the computer you will get that warning. Truth be told for me I just kept the halogen's it really just wasn't worth all the headaches, I barely drive the mini when it's dark outside lol

Our fellow MINIacs were out in force for the start of the BMW National Capital Chapter (NCC) 2025 Autocross season, with 6 competitors registered for the season and always a few additional competitors at each event. This year’s season will consist of 5 points events hosted at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. BMW NCC kindly offer a MINI classification allowing the MINI to compete against each other. If you would like more information on taking part in these events or what is autocross check out www.nccautocross.com or comment below. Event 1 was held May 17th, and was a quick flowing course combining large radius turns, a slalom, and several hard braking elements. Our MINIacs mastered the layout quickly and their times started dropping. With 7 MINIs competing you had to keep an eye on the leaderboard with positions swapping with each round of runs. Event 1 ended as follows with the entire class separated by less than 10 seconds : 1st Place – Corey Brown (2012 MINI JCW Coupe) 2nd Place – David Widdifield (2012 MINI Cooper S) 3rd Place – David Tracz (2005 MINI Cooper S) 4th Place – John Preston (2021 MINI Cooper GP3) 5th Place – James Wade (2013 MINI Cooper JCW) 6th Place – Don McClure (2020 MINI Cooper JCW) 7th Place – Brandy Brown (2021 MINI Cooper GP3) Congrats to everyone on a great start to the season, Event 2 will be held on June 21st and we currently have 8 MINIs registered to compete. We will keep you all updated on the season and hope to have more of you join us. 2025 Season Schedule 3/22 – Novice School 4/12 – Test and Tune #1 5/17 – Points Event #1 6/21 – Points Event #2 8/2 – Test and Tune #2 9/6 – Points Event #3 10/4 – Points Event #4 11/2 – Points Event #5 Join an event

Then what does everyone use?

I would be careful about getting HID lights as for 1 they probably will fail inspection unless they are DOT certified. Also they will cause a lot more heat which will play havoc on your wiring harness for your headlights, I had that issue when I used LED'S. Just something to think about.

So is it worth it or just get hids?

The computer uses resistance of the circuit to measure if the light has failed. LEDs have a lower resistance causing the light. you can find adapters on places like amazon but it is a crap shoot if they will work. Also the sell light with the proper resistance through mini focused suppliers like DetroitTuned.com and waymotorworks.com

I signed up for a 3:30 slot.

I put new led lights in for my running and fog lights so, I got an error light. I have heard I need to get an adaptor for the led lights that will they will not cause an error light. Is that correct and where can I get the adaptor?

I signed up for a 4:30 slot