donemcclure

Event Title: Mini on the Mack 2025 Event Date: 08/01/2025 12:00 AM to 08/02/2025 12:00 AM Event Address: Over the past 10 years, 5,987 MINI Coopers gathered for MINI on the Mack, a parade across the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, Michigan, to break the English-held world record for largest-ever MINI Cooper parade. The parade was organized by MINI of Grand Rapids, with the support of MINI USA, and has become the perfect way to bring the community of car owners together. For more information check out www.minionthemack.com. Several DC Metro Mini's will be in attendance this year for MOTM 2025! This is the place to throw some photos and let the rest of the club know how much fun it is. If you plan to attend and you are from the DMV area, even if you haven't joined the club yet, please let us know as well. RSVP on the event here:

So I ordered a set of 18x8 ET 45 Neuspeed rse11r wheels, and despite the claim from the manufacturer that they are "designed to elevate the Mini F56 driving experience", and multiple fitment sites showing successful projects and stating they fit, they don't actually fit. I am now one week away from a 2000 mi road trip and my wheels and tires don't fit, and my runflats need replaced. I am in search of wheel spacers that can be delivered in time to wedge back into a shop schedule, but not sure if 5mm spacers will even work since apparently small spacers like that may not leave enough hub for the wheels to mount. This seems to be a really over complicated process of determining what will/wont fit on this car. Hopefully we get it fixed...if not and you are looking for some wheels let me know. : /

Ok, so wheels are tires are coming, now I need a spare and jack. From what I have found a small 15" emergency spare should work for the back, and I will have to move a back tire to the front if I get a front flat. Is that generally correct? For a jack, is there a special jack or block? Can any scissor jack and wrench work?

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!

@Atomic Monkey, just sent you a message. Can meet up, or lead the two of us. : ) Weather looks cold/rainy Saturday morning so maybe not the best day, but up for whatever. Since there were no RSVPs I marked it as CANX, but let me know.

The pics are great! Thanks for being out there and taking the time to post these...now I gotta figure which ones I want. : )

@Egadd, thanks! I think I would be about the same , not more than 6-8 a year. No other concerns on tires or other suspension things to keep an eye on? This is my first Mini, and I want to enjoy it but make sure I take care of it to keep the good times rolling. : )

Ok all, last weekend at the track was a blast! I think I want to sign up for the season, but I need to keep it as my daily driver as well. How hard on the car is auto-crossing and will it change what I have to do as far as maintenance schedules etc..? Just looking for some thoughts/advice.

Oh cool, thanks. I just figured it was a file size or something! : )

I added a couple pics, but I couldn't add videos. Can't wait to see what pictures the guys with real camera's got!

I was thinking of going to Barrel Oak winery and brewery for the April HSB. It looks like there are some previous runs that ended there. I'm looking at the weekend after Easter, either Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th. Does it matter Sat/Sun, is there a club preference?

That's good to know, thanks for posting. I've used Passport a couple times and they have been really good to work with, knowing that they at least offer some DCMM discounts is even better.

I could try a HSB in April. I haven't led a run, but willing to give it a shot. Also, Monica and I are heading to MOTM (Mini's on the Mack) July/August. Our plan is to hit all the Great Lakes on the way...could certainly make it a run if a few folks wanna tag along.