Just wondering how they perform in the thick. Haven't seen one here race locally.

 

The non S model does VERY well in HS....
http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...esults/hs.html

The S Model could be a DS contender on certain courses. One took 16th in DS at Nat's... http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...esults/ds.html




[Modified by Brett@SoloRacer.com, 12:13 PM 9/12/2002]

 

there is a guy who does tri-state events in one. handily wins HS, but he was a great driver before i am told (this is my first year autocrossing).

a friend of mine has a mini and i've been talking to him about autocrossing for sometime. this weekend he's supposed to come up and run with us.

 

at my local auto-x there was one all summer racing in I think Hstock.. not sure.. well what ever class he was in beat evey one by 3 sec. or more every time! he was runnign on v700 kumo's. Not sure how the compatition in that class is locally I only really follow a few classes besides my own while I am running.

-nate

 

which clubs do you do events with? tri-state, milwaukee scca or wai? is the mini you're referring to that pale yellow-ish color?

 

The standard Mini Cooper is a bit of an overdog in HS (and several owners are expecting to get bumped up a class in 2003, where they still expect to do well).

The Cooper S is a contender in DS. Hopefully, they'll do well in 2003/2004 when they have some development time (i say hopefully, b/c several friends own them and plan to compete Nationally).

BTW - the factory Cooper S exhaust is horrible. Dyno proven increases of 15whp and 15lb/ft torque by going to a simple SuperTrapp system (which sounds pretty good on the car).

 

A Cooper S races w/ us locally, but there is no one else in DS to compete w/ it, so no one to compare it to. Overall it doesn't do very well, but it is an older person driving it who doesn't push it very hard even though he has been autoxing for several yrs.

 

There was also a blue one (was a S-model) racing last weekend. They guy that is winning in GS is, and has been, a good driver.

 

The best HS Mini ran a South Course time that would have been good for 5th in GS against the Celicas/BMWs/CRXs. Not overly competitive, but not horrible.

I assure you, if the Cooper gets bumped to GS the "big" names like Burns and Garfield would sell the car the second it happens, they will then go out and buy a new class winner.

Scott

 

There's a guy that drive one in Colorado. I don't know which model it is but it is a quick little car and he is an experienced driver.

 

That car must kick *** with R-comps

Anyone know the curb weight for the Cooper? I've seen figures from 2300 (wow! ) to 2800 (pig! ) thrown around.

 

btw, the DC region autocrossing is sponsered by a mini dealer this year.. heheheee. there are like 5 of those little buggers runnin round...

 

I have heard the car is portly - the 2800lb figure sounds closer than 2300lb. Remember, it is a small BMW.

 

FWIW, Edmunds.com says 2678lbs, or about the same as a G3 integra coupe. In a much smaller package

--buji

 

FYI, a Beemer slipped by all the Mini's in HS on Day 2 at Nat's. Thats a shocker, todays course must have suited the BMW! http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...esults/hs.html

 

I had the pleasure of taking a quick spin in a Cooper S earlier today. Very impressed. Even with the traction control engaged, the car was deceptively quick - pulled to 70+mph before I knew it. The traction control engages to early, causing an annoying bog in 2nd gear, but it can be disabled. Suspension feels about right - firm enough to be fun, but not harsh. The steering is not bad either. Brakes were not quite what I expected, but then I daily drive on Panthter+. I suspect a pad change would make a world of difference (also possible the pads were glazed judging by the feel).

Anyways, I would 100% definetely buy this over an Si or Focus SVT. And quite possibly over a WRX (which is faster, but not as much fun to drive).