The Chicago Auto Pre-Show turned out to be a fantastic event. A big thanks to MINIUSA for providing breakfast and a way to see the show early (not to mention play inside the MC40). For those that missed some of the event you can check out some of the more exciting cars of show here: 2004 Chicago Auto Show Gallery.
If anyone has any photos they'd like to share feel free to post a link to them in the comments section.
For full photos of the MC40 at the Chicago Auto Show check out Bridger.us/MINI's photo gallery: MC40 Gallery
If anyone has any photos they'd like to share feel free to post a link to them in the comments section.
For those that couldn't make it to the MC40 press event there's a recap of the day's events over at Bridger.us/MINI (with a video of the introduction)
What an event! I think it was telling when I asked if anyone would be interested in doing it again and everyone immediately raised their hands!
A big thanks to Knauz MINI for donating our grand prize of one full professional detail and another big thanks to Mini Mania for donating our four other prizes.
Thanks everyone for coming out! Let try to do this again before too long.
Update: We have filled up the last two spots again. If you are interested, and didn't make the list, you can still e-mail Steve in case something opens up last minute.
Due to some scheduling related conflicts it looks like we'll have two open spots at this Sunday's Indoor Karting Event. If anyone is interested in joining us please email Steve at steve@chicagominiclub.com to register for the event. The cost is $40 for at least 20 minutes racing – really a bargain considering the usual costs. For more information about the event see this article: CMMC Indoor Karting
Also we have some fantastic prizes to give out. To the team that wins (10 teams of 3) each member will get a $25 gift certificate to MINI Mania. For the person with the second fastest lap time will also go a $25 MINI Mania gift certificate. Finally For the person with the fastest lap time of the event will go a full detailing session donated by Knauz MINI.
MINIUSA has given the Chicago MINI Motoring Club 25 tickets to the press introduction of the a special edition MINI to be introduced at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday February 4th at 3:30pm. The event will be attended by Tom Purvis, BMWUSA CEO and MINI Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk. The presence of Paddy Hopkirk would lead one to believe that this new limited edition MINI might have something to do with his famous 33 EJB Mini that won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. It also just happens to be the 40th anniversary of this famous race and acclaimed Mini.
This is three days before the show starts and is typically only open to the press only or by invitation via the automaker. Needless to say this is not something that happens very often. Because of this we should maintain a certain level of dress for the event – business casual would be preferred.
For those that are interested we're offering one pass per member until we run out of tickets. This could go rather quickly so please let us know by this Saturday the 24th To reserve your spot email Gabe at gabe@chicagominiclub.com with the subject “Special Edition MINI Press Event” in the email.
Oh and one more thing… it's free!
Update: I just talked with the MINIUSA Commuications Manager about the event and it looks like we'll have quite an afternoon in store for us. He stressed that MINI wanted to give back to the enthusiasts that have given so much to MINI over the past 2 years. Essentially what we're being offered is VIP preview access and a behind the scenes view of the release of a special edition MINI. Simply put this is the first time something like this has ever been done.
First off we'll be meeting at the fountain in the front of McCormick place to receive all our proper creditials no later than 3:00pm. After that we'll make our way to the press event upstairs. One thing to note – apparently the press will have first dibs on all seating for the actual event so some of us may have to stand.
Once the introduction is over we'll go with our MINIUSA guides to get a closer look at the car and to meet Paddy Hopkirk. At this time we'll also be given a very limited edition plaque commemorating the event that Mr. Hopkirk will be able to sign (again only available at this event).
After this we'll be treated to afternoon tea compliments of MINIUSA.
Once the event is over we should have a few minutes to briefly walk the show floor and see what else has already been set up. It's worth noting that much of the show may not be accessible at this point. That's really what the Sunday event is for 🙂
