Anyone have a list of MINI races for this summer ?
I've visited the SCCA link and, being blonde, am getting a bit confused.
Is Solo II strictly MINI racing, or a class where MINI's are pitted against similarly powered cars ? Also, the schedules, Divisional vs. Regional vs. .....
I think I pulled a muscle !
Simple is good.

 

SCCA Solo II is their autocross event. There are many classes of similar performing cars. The MINI Cooper S is in D Stock, the Cooper is in H Stock. DE (Driver's Education) events are also non-racing, but usually take place on a race track. You start with some classroom time and an instructor in your car. Many clubs, including SCCA, NASA Pro Racing, BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA) hold these events for a reasonable fee. Both are good ways to get started with a stock car and aren't considered racing. I suggest going to the next SCCA meeting or event in your area and/or BMWCCA and I'm sure you'll find helpful enthusiasts. By the way the Cooper is doing very well in H Stock all over the country.

 

Thank you for the great info. You've unscrambled a lot of the spaghetti that was confusing me. I may find myself getting interested in racing again. Years ago, I went to the Jim Russell school up in Canada, and also did a bit of autocross in college.
Additionally, I think other MINI aficionados, as well as myself, would get a kick out of watching an afternoon of "doorhandle to doorhandle" MINI track racing. I recall many years back, heading up to Lime Rock, Connecticut to watch SCCA and IMSA races, enjoying a picnic lunch and seeing this actor fellow Newman try to make a name for himself in Bob Sharp prepared Datsuns.
Hopefully the racing bug will bite soon, and there'll be loads of picnic opportunities !
Happy Motoring !

 

I think as more MINIs are delivered we will start to see more of them racing. I also remember the little Minis in the SCCA races years ago. The new Cooper S is very competitive on technical tracks but doesn't have the high top end for long courses. In a seven race/ seven track event in CA. and NV last May an almost stock Cooper S took second overall in a class with several higher powered cars. This was the NASA Pro Racing Open Track Challenge, it was almost racing. There are many cars on the track at the same time, passing is allowed, but you are driving for best time. They drove four, 20-min. sessions on each of the seven tracks. In the stock category that the MINI was in you had to drive the car from track to track, no trailering, it was quite interesting. I watched one of the events and have given it some thought but it does require adding a roll bar and taking weight out (the interior)...