Edge

I dunno, those wheels look pretty sexy... Seriously though, I think the X-Lites are the only OEM 16" wheel that will fit over the 1st Gen JCW / 2nd Gen S brakes. Would probably make a perfect winter wheel set for someone who doesn't have larger brakes.

We had a great time yesterday - thank you Corey and Brandy for a great job in leading it! Easily worth the 2 week delay.

I'll sweep!

Yeah I just mixed you two up completely at that point. I don't troll... I knew I ended the final heat in 3rd place, which is why I was very surprised by the podium results. Because you ended up getting 3rd, I got all kinds of mixed up, I thought they had you and me backwards, when it was actually Duane I finished ahead of in the final heat (his spinout really cost him!). You both wearing pink helmets didn't help matters in keeping things straight. I screwed up, I fully admit it, but it was exciting for me regardless because I never thought I'd even come close to a podium spot! (I surprised myself!) BONUS: No sin bin for me this time! Woohoo!

See my edit above, I already took it back.

All I know is that the computer says I came 3rd. Our spectators (Laura & Susan) said that it clearly showed me in 3rd place at the end of the race... yet the printouts they used for podium only showed the first 2 laps (before the restart) and put you 3rd, me 4th. As far as average lap goes - the same link that Craig found shows mine as 26.021, yours as 26.149. Extremely close, but hey, that's what the computer says. Yes, you had a better "best lap" (I think you got them backwards), but one lap does not make a race. Finally: Heat Results Heat Type: 40 Lap Main (Corp) Win By: Position ...doesn't look to me like those results included the qualifier. "40 Lap Main" Nice trying to claw it back though. EDIT: Wait, I mixed up your racing name and Duane's. Fair enough. :angel: Not editing the above because I don't try to hide my mistakes.

AWESOME! :top: <ahem> Tyler... I think you owe me your 3rd place trophy... and you didn't believe me!

That was a blast! It is SO much more fun with fewer people on the track. As I said yesterday, I think they should limit it to no more than 8 on the track at a time, like we had. Fewer = better. My only frustration is their complete timing screw-up. I did some of my best driving and best laps after they restarted us... and yet the computer printout at the end only judged the first 2 laps. Bah! Still, I had a great time anyway. :motor:

You don't have to go searching for all of the info on tint laws, I already created a DCMM FAQ on it a long time ago: DC Metro MINIs Forums - FAQ: What are the state laws regarding car window tint? :top:

Tyler - I have another +1 to spectate on Sunday. Looking forward to it! Also - I see another option is going to open up this summer in Manassas... maybe we could try it for the next one? :motor: Autobahn Indoor Speedway Manassas, VA

I'm pretty sure I will be.

HAH! Nice one John!

:sheep: :eating: :top:

That's what Shepherd's Pie is SUPPOSED to have! You want beef? That is properly called Cottage Pie, not Shepherd's Pie.

Ahh, see... in the M&G thread, you didn't mention the mods you've done, which are similar to JCW (except for the JCW cylinder head). The JCW tune would probably help, but nowhere near as much as a custom tune. Definitely find out if the dealer will do the JCW flash and how much they'd charge to do it... but compare that to custom tune prices. A number of years ago, we had a group arrangement to have Jan from Revolution Motor Works (RMW) come visit us and do custom tuning using the dyno at Mach V Motorsports in Sterling. Jan is well recognized in the MINI community for his tuning talents (both R53s & 2nd Gen S/JCW engines), but since he is based in California, we'd need a good number of people wanting custom dyno tunes to make it worth the trip for him. I have a 2005 R53 JCW with the GP intercooler and the custom dyno tune from Jan. I'm very happy with the setup - the tune alone is probably the best bang for the buck you can get, especially after you already have the basic drivetrain upgrades (which you do). I think there are a few local places that can do tunes, with likely varying results, as well as some "out of the box" tunes (not custom with dyno). I don't have all the answers there because I stopped looking after Jan's visit but some searching on Motoring Alliance and North American Motoring should yield some good information.

I'm skeptical that they'll do that without the JCW parts being installed too. Even if they would do it, I think you'll find the gains are minimal... again without the hardware to go with it. I'm curious - what is your thought process here, versus an aftermarket tune? ...especially a custom one.

Sad update for those of us excitedly talking about it last night... it seems the "Game of Thrones in IMAX" showings have already happened in our area. They were showing it at these five theaters in the area: Regal Fox Stadium 16 & IMAX – Ashburn VA Regal Manassas Stadium 14 & IMAX – Manassas VA AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18 & IMAX – Gaithersburg MD AMC Magic Johnson Capital Center 12 with IMAX – Largo MD Regal Majestic Cinema 20 & IMAX – Silver Spring MD ...but there aren't any more showings, except in Durham NC, Grand Rapids MI and Austin TX! So unless someone wants to do a 4 hr (each way) road trip to Durham this weekend, we missed out. Sorry for the letdown - I'm bummed too! Consolation prize - here's a featurette on what we missed:

:rock: Hey, I don't mind going public with this. Eggs are gross! The taste, the texture and the smell - no thanks! :puke: ...and you can have 'em.

We'll be there around 7. Please save us 2 seats!

Bummer - I'm sorry that you aren't going to make it, Ali! Get well soon! :nurse:

I'm not remotely surprised considering orange is the featured color!

Haha - "Clydesdale class" - that's funny! Tyler - I just paid.

Speaking from experience (I'm no lightweight at ~250 lb), you'll definitely be feeling it in the long straightaway... takes forever to regain any lost speed from the last hairpin prior. Still a blast to do though!

Awesome, thanks! I thought I had found what I needed a couple of years back when a guy was parting out a totaled 2005 R53 in Falls Church... but come to find out after the fact, it was a 09/04 build. The model year alone wasn't a guarantee. Still on the lookout!

Hmm Craig - you might be onto something... but 1 minute seems a ridiculous cutoff! I returned the loaner and picked up Mr. OEM this morning, but before I did, I tried it one more time with the Auto mode off... didn't make a difference, still a 60 second timer before Recirc was off again. :stupid: