Last Minute Track Time

For anyone who missed the Phil Wicks event in St. Louis, there is a smaller event at Putnam Park on Monday, September 15th. Four members of the St. Louis Area Lotus Lovers who had pre-reserved (and pre-paid!) are now unable to make it, so that opens up four spots for people who might be interested. Phil Wicks and a couple members of his regular crew will be there, and from what I understand it will be a bit more laid back than the regular Driving School that he does, but with all of the same fundamentals and ability to receive instruction from the pros.



Anyone interested to go should contact Mark Pfeffer at feffman@yahoo.com as soon as possible, and he will put you in touch with the right folks! Also, if you do end up joining up, please post here!



For a wee bit more info, check out:



http://www.lotuscarclub.org/trackday2003.htm

South Bend MINI AutoX and Rally

Our friends in the South Bend area and Tire Rack are holding an Autocross event on October 4th. This is a great way to get your MINI out on the track for a minimal fee, check out the largest tire seller in the world, and meet MINI owners from all over the midwest. Our Chicago group will be tentatively leaving from the Planetarium at 7:00am – the same place we met for our July Rally.

You can check out all details at this website and below:

When
October 4, 2003.? We will start signing in drivers for the autocross at 9:00AM.

Where
We will meet at The Tire Rack, 7101 Vorden Pkwy, South Bend, IN 46628, [for directions click here].

Autocross
This will be a laid back style race.? Most, if not all, drivers will not be experienced.? An autocross race is a chance to test your skills and your car’s abilities on a track with cones creating the twisty turns.? One car on the track at a time, each competes against the clock.? [click here to learn more about autocross racing]

Road Rally
In the afternoon, we will form a line with all of our Minis and take to the roads.? We will have planned route, taking us through the twisty-est roads we can find, (this is Indiana) on our way to the campus of Notre Dame.? There we will have many opportunities for pictures.

The Tire Rack
Our event will begin at this state-of-the-art world headquarters of this supplier of performance equipment.? Alex, as our host, will arrange informative tours.

Registration
Cost to participate is $20 per Mini.? This covers all equipment, track and insurance for the autocross.? To register, print the registration form, [go to registration], and mail with your check to: South Bend Mini Club, 1501 Ironwood Drive, South Bend, Indiana, 46635.? You must register by September 20. [In the unlikely event of an insufficient number of registrations,? the autocross will not be held and registration fees will be returned.]

T-shirts
We have had shirts professionally designed for this event.? They can be pre-ordered with your registration for $10 each.? The design features a retro look and is dated for this event. [t-shirt order form]

Food
Bring your picnic style lunch.? Some snacks and beverages will also be available.? Following the Road Rally, those who want, will gather for dinner at Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, at the historic 100 Center, for their famous Wet Burritos and Frozen Margaritas.

*You do not have to be a member of the Chicago MINI Motoring Club to attend this event.

The CMMC Baseball Rally Wrap-up

I'd like to first thank everyone for coming out – what a great time! I'd also like to thank both Knauz and International MINI for donating our giveaways and for being great hosts. And finally on a personal note I'd also like to thank Robby for letting me use his grill 馃檪

If anyone has photos that they'd like to share with the rest of the club please email them to gabe@chicagominiclub.com so we can get something online soon. Watch this space!

Baseball Rally Details

Update: I've just been informed that the game is Sold Out! Should be a great time!

I wanted to remind everyone going to the baseball rally on Sunday of our schedule:

7:30am Gather at Knauz
8:00am Leave Knauz for Milwaukee
9:00am/9:30am Arrive at International MINI
10:15am Leave for the Stadium
10:30 to 12:30 MINI Tailgate Party
12:30pm/12:40pm Enter stadium for the game

It looks like we'll have giveaways from both Knauz MINI and International MINI.

Remember it's much cheaper to bring your own food to grill (or simply ready to eat) before the game so feel free to bring tailgate goodies, an FRS radio (if you have one), your best MINI apparel, and a smile.

See everyone there!