This what the BMW saw…….

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The summer marks days were car covers come off, supercars are fired up and modded car take off their winter wheels for what is show season. Droves of car lovers all converge on Goodwood: Festival of Speed to what is the Mecca of all car shows. Lord March opens his gates to his estates to all car manufactures to take on the hill climb, rally stage and build the show stands for their latest greatest models for the general public and super elite to order.

My Journey to this Mecca began with a message from MINI UK saying they would like to reward me for being a dedicated MINI Fan.

A message later and I was sent tickets for the FOS and packed my JCW duffel bag towards London for my overnight stay.

I arrived at the Goodwood estate in good time and missing the morning madness rush plus I was allocated nearby parking next to the super car paddock courtesy of MINI.

The car parking is always full of eye candy

To my amazement there was a Mclaren P1 amongst them all adoring this lustrous candy red paint with black and carbon accents

Have a guess where my 1st stop was…

Yes straight to the MINI stand to meet the Team and see what was lurking on their stand

The F56 JCW concept first shown in Detroit was sitting proud behind its own area with glass window showcasing its key features such as 6 pot brakes.

I was given permission to go over the barrier to look around the JCW concept in detail. The more and more I looked at it the more I love it especially given the 2.0 litre engine will be pumping out at least 220 bhp.

There were alot of GP2 nods with the rear diffuser & spoiler, lowered suspension and  winglets on the rear arches. My eagle eye spotted that the concept was riding on KW coilovers which I highly doubt will make it production (we can all live in hope? But I have driven a lowered F56 S with the JCW Tuning Kit with JCW Suspension).

I am just hoping the paint scheme comes to production or something similar with a matte/satin finish for my dark knight presence.

Whilst I was mesmerised by the JCW concept and turned around to see Rally legends Paddy Hopkirk and Ranni Roma to stroll on by. The MINI team told me to come over to take picture with them to which I declined saying ‘ I am just a bloke with a car ‘ but they still persisted in making me have some photos with them (I am not moody the sun was in my eyes).

Two of my good friends & loyal supporters Mr &Mrs Thomas arrived for us to catch up and take some more pictures with rally legends (The own a GP1 & GP2 – Fun fact – Their honeymoon was driving their GP1).

Moving inside the MINI Stand were two F56s with three flat screens ahead of them playing the Goodwood Hill climb on Gran Turismo 6 using the F56 wheels and pedals!!!!

You can kind of guess what happened next as waited my turn to put in a time. It was slightly surreal playing GT6 sitting in a MINI as I am used to playing GT6 with GT Wheel sitting in my gaming chair coupled with 5.1 Dolby surround sound.

I awaited the count down of timer on the screen to see that I would be driving a R56 Cooper S up the hill climb to a course I am very familiar with. I roared off the line and pressed the flappy paddle to catch second and held the revs near the redline for the first corner and snatched 3rd as I left the first small corner leading across the back straight going past the Goodwood crowd stands and estate.

There was time for concern as I pressed the brake pedal as there is no feedback from it given the break servo was switched off! Yes I know I was in the digital world but it was eye widening for a moment as you had press your foot all the way down to get the digital MINI to break without embarrassing myself in front of woman who I told I am good at this game. I finished the course in good time with a respectful time of 54.241 seconds in a bone stock R56 Cooper S on comfort hard tyres (Gran Turismo players will know how shockingly back those tyres are).

Back to the real world there was a whole raft of models with the JCW Roadster, Facelifted Countryman Cooper S & JCW Paceman and the all new F56 Cooper S

The LCI Countryman in Jungle Green just looks amazing!!! I am waiting for someone to buy one and HULK theme it

To the right the countryman was the Dakar trophy for MINI winning with an 1,2,3 podium finish in this gruelling off-road endurance race which runs through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia with 13 stages (each stage is about 500 to 560 miles). I need to add MINI was won this event 3 years running not bad for the Countryman rep worldwide.

Moving outside the MINI world I had seen this concept car on fast lane daily and on automotive websites called Eau Rouge Concept. Its name alone is sexy but let me tease you more as this Infiniti model (Nissan sub luxury brand) with an a candy red paint which hides underneath its hood a 500 Bhp Nissan GTR engine with four-wheel drive saloon madness. Yes I said Saloon! Its GTR with four doors and a boot

Now you take the wife and kids and scare them senseless on the family trip to the Zoo

I love the F1 nods on the bodywork and aero and especially the carbon fibre trimmed bodykit with 21 inch forged wheel filling the arches

Now Just build it!!!

Moving on to a first with no pun intended is the Koenigsegg One:1 which weighs only 1340kg and has 1340 Bhp making it the first full megawatt of power production car. Top speed is around 273mph, it’ll go from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-300km/h in about 12 seconds and 0-400km/h in 20 seconds.

To achieve this neck braking speed the One:1 is made virtually all from carbon fibre from the bodywork to the wheels with titanium throw into the mix for the exhaust system. Yes you heard me right the wheels are made from carbon fibre with them only weighing in at just under 6kg (13lbs) even though they are 19 inch wheels with a 10 inch width.

Only six are being built with them all sold at a cool £1.67 million each with two coming to the UK & four heading to China (Finally a hyper car that wont live in the middle east instead turning up your rear view for you to wet your pants)

Hybrid supercar of the moment the Porsche 918 Spyder in lustrous deep blue paint

Next up was a concept from the digital world of Gran Turismo which I drove before seeing it. Lets says the short wheelbase makes it frisky little car on the limit but a hoon to drift around bends. The Golf GTi Vision concept has a twin turbo V6 churning out 500 bhp which is delivered to the road via four-wheel drive which rockets it to 62 in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 192 mph.

I saw the new M3 in hardtop & droptop form and I have never felt so underwhelmed by an M car which is supposed to pinnacle of BMW brand as the M Division pump up the normal 3 series to be weapon for the track. Then they went and destroyed the name of the M3 making the four saloon version called the M3 and the coupe version the ‘M4’.

It feels the M division had their hands tied back this time around with emission laws, accountants and board member dictating on what could and couldn’t be done. To me it doesn’t look or feel special enough and the M3 was never meant to be a sleeper car ever!

Now to star of the moment as Jaguar, It seems they can’t do no wrong as they went and built the Project 7 car.

The F type is stunner anyway and giving it the racer D-type look is just asking for people to lust after one and that’s all before you fire the beast up.

Now off the land of the rising sun and GODZILLA!!!!

Nissan brought along their GT3 GTR with a V8 nom nom

Away from the because race car was the future concept version of the GTR

From what Nissan PR guy was iterating in his talk that GTR wont be much more powerful but instead be a lighter car with a raft of aerodynamic madness to defy the laws of physics.

This is another car which will be available in Gran Turismo 6 to drive

Now off to see Ze Germans who brought a whole raft of AMG madness and their concept car for Gran Turismo

The Mercedes Vision GT seems to be more design study with its Tron like appearance as the grill is all LED lights which change to different configurations with the body being constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre.

Stance nation will rejoice with rims on the concept are forged centre locking concave wheels that bulge out then come in. These marvels are wrapped in the tinnie tiny tyre profile of 10 with fingers gap between the arch and tyre.

That poke tho

Next up is an acquire taste from Lexus which is the RC F which is a follow-up to the underestimated gem IS F

I have soft spot for the IS F given its pedigree, understating looks and V8 block – Its good be different

Back to the RC F is unmistakably a Japanese designed car which seems to be styled using a samurai sword with its angular and pointed lines.  The side flanks and rear end are unmistakable which gets me all amped for getting older in life as the kids and wife turn up meaning I don’t have put away the need for speed.

This coupé houses a naturally aspirated 5.0 L V8 producing over 450 bhp with 520nm of torque on tap. The RC F will come in two specifications:  standard RC F at £59,995 or the RC F Carbon from £67,995

The carbon edition is one to get as you get a carbon fibre hood, roof and rear spoiler with more go faster parts such as a diff and forged wheels

WELL DONE LEXUS!!!! Ever since the IS F i have taken notice then you built a car that I want in my dream garage the monstrous V10 LFA

Who ever you have employed or listened to keep at it!!! Wait for me to get old as I am getting one

MURCIA was present with the all new Mustang which will be available in Ford dealers in UK as an official car instead of being grey imported

Its gonna be interesting seeing a mustang in my rear view then seeing him be tiny dot when I hit the bends : p

Pistonheads brought along the fan specd M4 for the petrol heads

A special but seemingly unstated BMW M5 30 Jahre edition which marks 30 years of the M5 so it has bumped power to 592bhp with competition pack upgrades but comes with a batman approved Frozen dark silver paint (only 300 will be made).

Next up is most ridiculous jacked up marketing derived car ever the Infiniti FX Vettel edition. I say this because it’s a normal FX with a new exhaust, 30bhp more, F1 inspired carbon trim and badges which bumps the price from a normal £58,000 to £100,000. Just go buy the new Range Rover Sport or Porsche Cayenne GTS

Fresh from the nurburgring is the fastest front wheel drive car around the green hell the Renault Megane RS Trophy R. It set a blistering time of 7min 54.36sec which is mind-blowing given it’s a hot hatch with 271 bhp with plenty of space and practicality.

Here are some details on this track weapon:

Its 100 kg lighter than normal car with most of sound deadening gone, rear bench removed, no air con or radio, rear wiper delete, single piece recaro bucket seats, new Ohlins adjustable dampers, front composite springs by Allenvard, a new, lightweight Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, mechanical differential and a set of super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Renaultsport will offer an optional Performance braking kit (larger discs, 3kg lighter) and a lithium-ion battery which saves another 16kg.

I am sure you get the picture

Here is an Abarth to worry the GP2 on track the italian scorpio the Abarth 695 Biposto this sub tonne is lethal with 190bhp being developed from an 1.4 litre engine which stings 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds!

The Italians have gone mental with this one thinned down the doorskins, carbon door panels, polycarbonate windows, titanium roll cage,  lightweight bucket seats, sticky compound tyres, forged wheels, four pot brakes,  removed the rear bench, Akraprovic exhaust, racing dashboard, carbon cold air intake and dog ring gearbox.

The 595 Biposto is the only street-legal production car fitted with a quick-shifting ‘dog-ring’ sequential manual gearbox.

Makes you thing twice how hardcore the GP2 actually is actually scrap that it makes the GP1 look like a lazy boy chair with wheels

It’s a sell you kidney price of £30,000 base and you can spec certain things like the racing dashboard which add to the price

But think of it this way, its one of those car that will never be built ever again

The mad hatter pike peak cars

Rallying legends of different generations but all around giant killers

Some because race cars

This arguable the best part of Goodwood as it makes the uber exotic cars which you will never see or hear

Jay Kay’s Green La Ferrari which was delivered to hit two days before and he ran it up the Hill climb

LEGEND!!!

F12 not special enough for you?? Why not tell Ferrari and they will build you a one-off roadster based on one

Ferrari F12 TRS

Its been reported it cost the owner £3 million to commission the vehicle meaning he could have 3 La Ferraris

The underwhelming Lamborghini Huracan in Matt Black which is a reverse from the sexy Gallardo which I drove when I was 19!

My dads mate brought one and let me drive it!!!

It was a rare one given it had a open gated manual gearbox (only 300 were made with a manual of the 14,000 built)

Pagani Huayra in candy paint red with carbon touches

Spyker B6 Venator – One of the best interior ever making it another car for the dream car garage

King of the hill Nissan GTR Nismo made its official UK Debut with 591 Banzi horses with G Forcing neck breaking 2.7 second 0 to 60 time.

This  put the GTR in hypercar league making it quicker than McLaren F1 to the dash to 60 while its one of fastest production cars around the green hell at 7 minutes and 8 seconds (It’s the fourth fastest  – Two Radicals  and the Porsche 918 Spyder).

All this madness comes in at only £120,000 still making it a bargain compared to the 918 Spyder or any other super or hypercar

I went weak at the knees for the Lexus LFA – One of my favourite cars

Track only Lotus Elise Cup-R

The crowd controlling G63 AMG 6X6 an utter-pointless car which makes it even cooler

This year was Maserati’s centenary celebrations so they brought along a fine selection of present and future models

The Ferrari Enzo based MC12 with airbrushed paint job

Maserati Alfieri Concept

The name Alfieri is homage to the engineer who founded Maserati – Alfieri Maserati

This design concept is actually looking to into production and will be future design language for all new Maseratis

Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale

A forgotten but dear to my heart the TVR Cerbera Speed 12 – This is the only road going model ever made!

The Speed 12 weighs in at 950kg and has a 7.7 litre V12 churning out 820bhp & 650 ft lbs of torque, which means a power to weight ratio twice that of a Bugatti Veyron. It was detuned and restricted to 820 bhp as it deemed unsafe for the road by Peter Wheeler who was TVR’s owner at the time and then cancelled all orders for the car.

The actually output is 1,000+ which broke TVR’s dyno as the team was aiming to beat the McLaren F1 into a plump as they bolted together two V6 engines hence the name Speed 12. Not bad for a car that was built-in 2003

I secretly wish TVR would be brought by someone who could bring it back to its former glory days

Something for my American followers

Dodge Challenger T/A

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

AMC Mark Donohue Javelin

Thats marks the end of what I saw on the day as I spent around Goodwood: festival of speed.

Thank you to MINI UK for the tickets for Goodwood and the whole social media team making me feel welcome

Just before I go here is a little video for you guys

My friend and fellow MINIac Philip Casper aka The Blue Ghost who I finally met during my travels of the US for MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 called me out to ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Here is my twist on the challenge

The post Summer of Speed: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

People always ask me why I do talk about my JCW so much??

Its just a CAR get over it?

Why is it called the Misses?

What makes your MINI so special?

Well here is your answer!!!

You are not buying a car for A to B your buying a lifestyle and a community. We don’t care about the colour of your skin, your background, religion or where you from. All we want to know is what mods have you got?

The places you have been with your MINI and the MINI adventures you have been on

What club are you in? Does your MINI have a name? Have you been to MINI UNITED??

We travel hundreds of miles and even across continents to meet!! All just for our love of all things MINI

Each adventure turns into a fond memory that is a story to tell when your old and cant go any faster

Yet that moment will always put a SMILE on face as soon as someone mentions it

We are NOT NORMAL when see another MINI headlight or rear lights as we speed up or slow down to check each other out

When see another we wave, give a thumbs up or give that nod of approval

We are so MINI MINIac that if we see another MINI parked up, we park next to it

You should never bully another MINI as we run in packs

A MINI is more than a means of transportation but a member of the family as some have name yet others are know nick names or number plates

We share our HIGHs and LOWs with our MINIs but when we unlock that door and start it that engine all those woes disappear as we are HOME with a FRIEND

The greatest people I have ever met have owned MINIs and if wasn’t for this automotive master piece I would have never met them…

They were just strangers then friends and now they are FAMILY who have taken me to my greatest heights and supported me all the way through my triumphs and troubles

Even though some MINI MATES are far far away we still hold a connection which is beyond all boundaries and limits as we are connected by our MINI LOVE

Our lives have never been the same since as we are truly MINI

So try to keep up!!!!

Next Blog Post: The BIG MINI Show

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The post MINI NOT NORMAL: My MINI Story appeared first on JCW Adventures.

The centre stage was set already for these top marques to strut their stuff on the certain to get a look from lucky 5% of the world’s population who can afford them whilst the rest if us mere mortals sat there like patting dogs.

2009 was my 1st visit to the show in my JCW after it had been run in but this time I round my JCW has had alot of MINI adventures and is well know and adored by MINI owners across the globe.

I always get told by my work colleagues or people who know me that MINI should make their brand ambassador as fully distilled in lifestyle that is MINI. I am not gonna lie the JCW is always a talking point and some how I always wriggle in my MINI to any topic so I am really a self-confessed MINIac.

99.9% of any of my social media posts are about my MINI so it wasn’t hard for MINI UK to pick up my obsession so much so I was invited to attend the Festival of speed as a VIP guest and bring a few people with me.

I keep in regular contact with Christine all the time as we a good catch up and giggles on the weekend. I told her I managed to blag some more tickets for Goodwood and whether she would like to come with along with my younger sister and little brother.

She accepted and the stage was set for her to go her first festival of speed. We met up at a service station near by Goodwood estate so we drive in together in convoy. As we drove up together we met to what seemed like the sultan of Brunei’s car collection had come out to see who their new friends would be.

There were a lot of Porsches as we drove and parked up into our VIP parking. Here is a fun fact for you all – 80% of all Porsche 911s ever made are still on the road.

As I previously said the number of exotics, super cars and legends of the automotive world was staggering number but wait a second we were still in the park.

As we passed all the tasty exotics we were met with race cars legends ranging from rally cars to Le mans racers with the infamous Martini livery.

Bentley was showing off its return to Le mans bringing its two race cars which ran in the race in June (They weren’t washed).

Too be honest I think they were trying to show off as they brought their recently unveiled GT3 race car.

Porsche wasn’t too far behind all staged up with its race winning cars. Don’t quote me on this one but Porsche has won the most races overall in motor sport.

Then I spotted the uber rare M1 racecar which really got to perform on the track as race series it was built for stopped so BMW was left with a big bill. It was a troubled birth to begin with as Lamborghini was commissioned to build the cars for racing but conflict arose so BMW made the cars themselves. This BMW rarest car as road going cars were made due to homologations to which 209 were built.

Remember I told you all about Bert???

Yes Bertie that small little Mini cooper sport well it might be small but its mighty. Ian his owner decided to put his Mini in competition to win centre stage at the Goodwood festival of speed on the MINI stand.

Your never gonna guess what happened?

That little guy, no not Ian! Little Bertie won the competition and the minions from MINI gave him the call to tell him they would coming soon to pick him up.

Ian was given a loan car for the duration that Bert would be away which was amusing given Ian recently picked up his 5th MINI – Cooper S

You can clearly see he was jealous of my JCW colour and decided to copy me but give his own twist on the interior with toffee lounge leather. He has given his new MINI the name of chewie because it reminds him of chewbecca from star wars (He has a little plush toy to match which sits in his cup holder).

Bert was picked up bundled into a trailer for transportation to be detailed for his BIG day out on the MINI stand for the Goodwood festival of speed. Ian was given VIP hospitably by MINI UK whilst Bertie was under their car with photo shoots and very famous racing driver Paddy Hopkirk coming down to say Hi.

What do you mean this isn’t the 3rd Gen MINI??

I wasn’t gonna let Ian have all the fun!!! As we all know why you buy a MINI is to have fun behind the wheel. So we parked our bums in some of the MINIs line up of model with me looking at the JCW paceman thinking it need more power while my sister was dreaming of drop top posing in the Kite blue coupe. Little Adam was more bothered about jumping on the MINI bumper cars!!!

Yes you heard me right MINI bumper cars. Plenty of go with no need for insurance but the potential of mess hair and shaken brain topped with a BIG Grin on your face.

Well I let the kids so first as I didn’t want to show them up with my epic driving skills as I am gentleman racer which has nothing to the lovely ladies working on the MINI stand *PROMISE*

Little Adam was enjoying himself with the wind in hair and road rage activated. I guess you have to start from somewhere.

We weren’t the only loonies who wanted to join in on the fun as the whole Wacky racers crew came down to settle the score once and for all.

It was across the way to the BMW stand where M was the word with the M5, M6 & M135i taking front stage with the all new 435i M Sport lurking upstairs in the owners lounge.

Next is the upcoming sensation of 2014 the Alfa Romeo 4C with its light weight carbon fibre tub with 240 BHP rear wheel shenanigans which will see the brand win back heart of enthusiasts worldwide.

Remember you not a real car person until you own a Alfa….

There are a few brands which I hold dear to the petrol filled heart – MINI, BMW, Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes, Lamborghini and Pagani. So you guys and girls can now imagine what my ultimate seven-day car garage would look like.

I love the lunacy of the AMG marque as its like going out on a date with axe murderer in pinstriped suit. You know it looks dapper and will show you a good time whilst its drunk but it has all the power in the relationship, however don’t fall asleep before it does as you might not wake up.

Which neatly brings me on to the V8 C63 AMG which will be last hurrah for the V8 as the V6 twin turbo arrives in the next C Class AMG

I wouldn’t mind have a 507 Edition C63 AMG

Black Series, enough said…

You have all heard, watch and read about the Mercedes new offering in the hot hatch market with the CLA & A Class AMG.

I am not sold on the CLA visual appeal as it looks the designer finished his final look and some backed into the clay model. On the other hand the A class is the looker of the bunch and interior is beautifully finish with nice touches here and there but whatever you do not buy it in south sea metallic blue.

Its staggering how AMG’s first attempt at hot hatch market with 2 litre turbocharged engine that produces 360bhp and dispatches 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds making it the quickest hot hatch you can buy.

You have seen it on Top Gear when Jezza took out this electric beast around the track with 4WD, 740bhp & 738lb ft – 0-62 mph in 3.9 secs , 155 mph, 155-mile range, 3 hr fast charge and 2110kg. Weight for the price tag – starts at €416,500.

SLS AMG Electric drive

As we headed out the Mercedes booth the red arrows had begun their display over head in formation and showing why they are the best at what they do.

The Italians didn’t like to be out shined by anyone and the prancing horse was out in force with the V12 F12 Berlinetta with the ludicrous 730bhp going to the rear wheels only. THE BRAVE MAY ONLY APPLY…

Ferrari had brought their ‘Entry’ level super cars with them

The land of the rising sun was there with some OOOOOOHHHH DRRRRIIIIIIIFFFFFTOOOOOOOOO  ACTION with the Toyota GT86

If you ever wondered why I say AHHHHH DRIFFFFTTOOOOO –

Here is what is happening in my head when I say it

Here in Great Britain we have our gentlemen racer and when we do drive ONE must take their time and enjoy the opulence. Once conditions are clear one puts down their right foot like a sir in the RR…

Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. Behind the deep-set Pantheon grille sits a potent 6.6 litre, twin turbo-charged V12 engine. Delivering 624 bhp with 800 Nm of torque, it powers from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Even with this formidable power, Wraith is every inch a refined Rolls-Royce with electronically controlled air suspension that creates the signature ‘magic carpet ride’.

If that much power wasn’t enough the land speed legends were soaking up the rays in the sun

The festival of speed is called this for no reason as there is little squiggle of tarmac called the Goodwood hill climb were the money is object supercars and exotic battle it out for the coveted King of the hill.

The first hyper car I was the Koenigsegg Agera whilst humming away at its idle with an AUDI R8 GT behind it taking in the exhaust fumes of Sweden’s finest.

The line up front was too bad either F12 on pole, Careera 4s and waving the British flag the Noble M600

The Mclaren boys were up next with MP4-12C, MP4-12C GT and the successor to the McLaren F1 the P1 was there to flex its power & F1 tech.

We moved from the new boys to the old but still gold warriors of the tarmac

It wouldn’t be true car show without a Bugatti

The V12 7 litre Jaguar XJR-9 Group C and XJ13

Ferrari 512 and 25O GTO

An early 911 in race spec

For my MERICA the Camaro

I had never heard or seen this BMW before but it hell is it a looker -1958 BMW 507

It was only fitting if there was an Mclaren F1 if its offspring were here

Salmon pink Bugatti Veyron – not sure what to think of it

Uber rare and under appreciated Porsche GT1

Still my all time fav the Ferrari F40

Mercedes 540K spezial roadster

Lamborghini countach  (The word Countach is italian slang word to describe a hot chick)

This was Porsche’s show so this year its was their sculpture dawning right into front of the goodwood house

Take a good look at this line up as this is all the models Lamborghini has ever made

As you all know we don’t truly group as all that happens is that our toys just get more expensive. What happens when I say this …and now here they are!!!! The most daredevil group of daffy drivers to ever whirl their wheels in the WACKY RACES. Competing for the title of worlds wackiest racer. The cars are approaching the starting line. 

Back to BIG BOY toys with the track star that is the 993 GT2

930 turbo flatnose called Flachbau in German, straight from the factory was offered as the ultimate 930 Turbo, the this model had an upgraded body and a 330 bhp engine. Costing nearly double the standard model, the Flachbau was rarely ordered. Before 1986, Porsche had offered the Flachbau body option out of its customer service department known as Sonderwunschen.

Despite the panels being slightly heavier, they were modeled after the 935 race car for top speed. The conversion required extended rocker panels, wider rear flares with scooped vents and flip-up headlights up front with functional louvres allowing a top speed of 171mph.

The Revtastic V10 Lexus LFA in the perfect colour – pearl blue

Nismo felted 370z

Track focued Jaguar XKR-S GT – that rear wing is not very jag like

Running Jaguar concept called Project 7

Aston Martin’s present to itself the CC100 speedster (Only two existence – 1 for Aston and one for deep pocketed customer)

Zeee Germans weren’t too far behind with their black magic SLS AMG Black series

Morgan Aeromax which was supposed to be a one-off but 100 were built given customer reaction (Hamster from Top Gear brought one – think it got written off in a 3 car pile)

Epic Clapton’s one-off Ferrari specially built homage to the 512 BB to which he has owned 3 but that’s not the only 3 to the story as it has been reportedly costed £3 million.

F12 berlinetta & 458 Italia spider

Another Italian stallion the Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale

Ruf GT5

The under appreciated Spyker C8 Aileron

Koenigsegg Agera

Close one of the M4-12C GT

Pagani Huayra

Peugeot Onyx concept

McLaren had its own stand with its road & race cars

Long tail Mclaren F1 in Gulf livery

Mclaren F1 LM

Mclaren P1

Formula 1 Mclaren

Porsche had its usual stand and grass area for the off road experience. The stand had all the Porsche through the ages.

That wraps up the day I spent at Goodwood with my veins filled up 99 octane fuel, my lungs filled with exhaust fumes and ears vibrating to the sounds of revving engines.Till next year Goodwood…

Next Blog Post: MITP 2013 – 1/4 Mile Heaven

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The post Goodwood: Festival Of Speed 2013 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I would be attending this event not with Surrey New MINI but with Mersey MINI Club (MMC) which is run by Rob McGivern and a group of friends that met through the MINI scene. I had met up with the MMC earlier in the year for their Dragon Run but the first time I met the key members was at MINI UNITED 2012. It’s funny how everything goes back to that week in France and all someone has to do is mention MINI UNITED and a massive grin comes on my face and the memories flood in.

This time I would be taking my little brother and my cousin aka The Doc (he is a real doctor) but like always its was an early start and it would the doc’s first car show and this would be my first time attending this show. We arrived at the meet point in good time and watched the MMC crew drive in with familiar faces arriving and parking up.

Neil with his oxygen blue JCW

Alan with his recent purchase of a Lightening Blue JCW but his previous MINI Cooper SD Hatch is on the cover of Modern MINI Magazine currently

Shiney Dave

Dave with his JCW Coupe

Miss Doorsoff with super soooovvvv and Richard with his Cooper D

Kevin with his recent but familiar purchase of a WC50 (Rob’s WC50)

John’s drop top JCW

Dave’s Cooper S

All accounted for we all headed out in convoy to Cholmondeley Castle to our allotted space for all our MINIs as we would attend as a MMC. All parked up we setup the club gazebo so we all could come back later and relax, chit-chat and watch the exotics come down the closed circuit track.

Me being a Porsche fan I went straight to them as this year celebrates 50 years of 911 and its funny how my dad birthday shares the same day as the 911 was first introduced. He owns a facelift 997 Carrera S with sports chrono pack and PDK which I test drove it before he brought as he wanted my opinion on how it drove. Lets say I didn’t hang about on the test drive and putting it through its paces on the back roads.

Having driven the 977 and new 991 both at speed and going about in traffic I can say without doubt the Porsche feel hasn’t disappeared with the direct fuel injection and electric steering. I was shocked how Porsche took it to the next level with the all new model as it a better car to live with but when you got it was even better with better damping, chassis, control and the NOISE!!! Ahhhh its like having hornets strapped with fire crackers coming out of the exhaust as it pops and crackles like mad in sports mode. The love the new looks with those sexy rear LED lights with the plusher interior and the new modern steering with its paddles.

There was 991 Carrera with powerkit on show next to the 1984 911 SC RS

Tucked away in a corner under shade there was an awesome 991 Carrera 4 with Martini racing livery

The all new Cayman was there too along with the all new Boxster

There was a Porsche Cayenne which the Doc feel in love with to which sort of understood as he very much the family man but isn’t bothered by outright performance but enjoys his luxury and class. I have to say the example on show did match his persona but with a sticker price of around £80,000 he best start saving for the car and buying a parking space in London.

Next collection of cars suited me well given my nickname is Rally Ali as I enjoy watching rallying as I do love a good power slide. First up was the Prodrive JCW Countryman which was carbon fibre glad with its air intake, door panels, dashboard, rear wing and diffuser.

Next was an all time legend’s car with its famous blue paint and gold wheels. Yes its Colin McRae’s Subaru Impreza 555 who I feel brought rallying to the masses with flamboyant style, infamous saying of ‘If in doubt, flat out’ and long running series of PlayStation games of Colin McRae rally games.

The new fiesta RS rally car looked immense with its flared arches and body work

There was a nice collection of ford’s rallying history lined up from its two-wheel escorts to its modern four-wheel drive focus

Some more Ford legends together – Sierra RS & RS200

There some famous faces from the loony tune ages of Group B rally car

I say this was the loony tune ages of rallying as the cars as this was the era where the quickest, most power fullest cutting edge car were being built but sadly with all this power war amongst the competitors it caused a black cloud over the sports as major accidents, fatalities and danger forced the FIA to close the group in 1986.

Another manufacture was celebrating its anniversary with Aston Martin reaching the milestone of a 100 years.

The new Aston Martin Vanquish with it’s all carbon body panels was released to coincide with the centenary anniversary.

The raging bull that is Lamborghini is also celebrating its anniversary with 50 years of the rampant raging bull certifying its place in the super car world with the Miura.

The Lamborghini  was born after Ferruccio Lamborghini wasn’t happy with his Ferrari after its clutch broke so he went to Ferrari and asked for a better replacement. Enzo Ferrari responded saying that ‘he was just a tractor maker, and could not know anything about sport cars’. So furious with his reply he decided to teach Enzo a lesson a formed his own automotive business. You have to love the Italian passion.

We moved on to the BMW stand with a nice selection of M Cars and DTM race car

Bentley was present with its own plinth of stand with the new Continental GT and GT3 race car

Next up we headed to the paddock area where all the cars that would running down the closed circuit course where they would idling before they were summoned by waiting crowds. There was a nice mixture of race cars, exotics, supercars, rally cars, GT3 race cars, nasa cars, single seaters, track only cars, 90s race cars, le mans racers, old F1 cars and you name it was there so your lust for the smell of petrol and burning rubber would be over fuelled.

Unlike Goodwood you can really get up close with the race drivers and cars with the drivers more the willing to have a chat and let you have a real noise around the motors inside and under the bonnet. This is how it should be are petrol heads at heart and we where here that day to celebrate the combustion engine and the power it gives us with our right foot.

Even though this an automotive show there were two spitfires flying over heading with a bomber circling the grounds over head whilst this was going on there jet skis and power boats on the lakes of the ground zipping past with a live demonstration of a coast guard air rescue.

Another thing I like about the show was the food with the fine selection for the choice to eat for lunch ranging from stone baked pizzas to paella and to quench your thirst there was a selection of fresh juices/smoothies and normal beverages. If that was not even to satisfy your foodie appetite then there were an array of boutique food shop companies allowing you to sample and buy some of their produce.

A perfect example was the Cheshire Cheese Company – I love a bit of cheese but this stuff is of another world with the texture and the right blend of favours that arise as your mind savour the taste  – http://www.cheshirecheesecompany.co.uk/

Sadly after stocking on some fine produces someone must have given the 5-0, the rozzers, the boys in blue, the po po, the coppers, the feds a tip of call I was at this show as they came in force. I am only joking they were here to entertain the kids and build better speed awareness for drivers but personally I think they wanted to show off their motors.

They gave a quick tour of all the vehicles and what all the button did and allowed us to put on the sirens and talk over the in-car megaphone. My younger brother was happy to see them but I gave the slip by giving of my many alias under questioning

Well if you can’t beat them join them…

I think little Adam got carried away with the extra power and decided to boss me around whilst he had riot gear on.

After going through their data base they saw through my fake alias and had enough of lies whilst I always give them the slip on the road with the JCW. The handcuffs came out and they bundled me up in the back of the van and threw away the key.

For those who know me they know I am very good with my words and have been given the nickname of ‘The Blagger’ so after a few words and my legal right of a phone call I was let out with all charges dropped and with a free get out jail card as well. I guess crime pays…

As the day came to a close we went back to the club stand and watched the race cars go past and made idle chit-chat. As I sat there watching the cars go by, Liz came over and gave me the invitation to her wedding which was a great honour and would be my first white wedding but it wouldn’t be no ordinary wedding as this was a rocking wedding. I can’t wait for the wedding and I can only wish them both happiness and even more MINI adventures ahead for them

It was another perfect day in the beautiful British summer weather with great company and the worst part has always been going back home. I cant wait to go to the next year’s show and thank you Mersey MINI Club for putting up with me as always

Next Blog Post: Goodwood – Festival Of Speed 2013

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Always it was a long drive to Goodwood and i had been a few times that year with MINI UK themselves inviting me for MINI TO THE MAX event to trash around some MINIs and feel the new GP in action on the circuit.

MINI GP 2

The Goodwood Circuit was being opened just for us

This would be the Fifth Annual Goodwood Run for SNM but my 1st with the club

Little adam was with me this time and this would be his 1st time on the circuit

The roads leading to Goodwood are awesome sauce but make your car quite dirty : /

I arrived to Goodwood to the sight of a few familiar faces with 118 aka Ian, Phil K & Garry S

There were some new faces & whips – Craig with his Mellow Yellow Cooper S, Jane with her Coupe SD, John with his Cooper S, Ashley with a White Cooper S, Liz & John wih their Dooper Hatch, Stuart and his Red JCW Hatch, Jono with his Hyper Blue tuned Cooper S and Jason with his drop top Cooper S

When no one paying attention i managed to sneek my JCW to the front of the starting grid Mwahahhahaahhaha

As more and more MINIs arrived it started to look like skittles out there on the track

Here is all of SNM together

Here is everyone from Chequered line to the back

WC50 Vs Cooper SD

Mellow Yellow Cooper S

Sheldon & Mrs Mini

T K detailing R53 Cooper S

The Infamous Dinky

Sexy Sexy as usual Bambino

Supercharged?

We were 50 MINIs strong once everyone arrived : D

We were allowed to go around of a parade lap

On the 2nd lap i pulled to the side to film flybys of SNM

I was soo much easier going around Goodwood this time and i remembered Phil’s advice on the circuit to tuck in more to the end of the track

It was nice seeing everyone again and i was happy to see Bambino one of our members who won a MINI Oscar for his Infamous MINI BUG

Thank you Ian organising the event and to the other Ian the official at Goodwood for the chat and this possible for SNM.

I will see you all again at the Goodwood: Festival Of Speed & Revival later this year

I end this Blog on a sad note because GP 0219 – Licence plate VO06 DZE was stolen

If you see it tell the police and post up on the MINI Forums – TotalMINI, SNM, MINI Torque, Merseryside MINI Club, Cooper Register and MINI2

Next post: The Birmingham Job: Cars & Chocolate

SNM Goodwood Meet V Videos

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It was time again for some Track action with the JCW

The platform for some JCW Madness was with MINI World’s Action Day at Castle Combe Circuit

This circuit has staged many forms of Motorsports since 1950 and has been on TV with both UK Motor shows Top Gear and Fifth Gear.

This event was through Total MINI and Yeoda aka John who is awesome all round guy

I am actually slightly jealous of John’s job given he drives some tasty cars all the time. He is a driving Instructor at Castle Combe & Mercedes World – Its a hard job but someone has to do it lol

The Full Fast Five from Surrey New MINI and my favorite M&Ms from TotalMINI and SNM so it would be there and it would be nice to meet a few new MINI owners as well

JCW given was given a Shiny Shiny wax with Autoglym HD was filled with Shell V-power

It was an interesting trip down to Wiltshire as we went past a few MINIs en-route to the event both classic and New

The closer i got to Castle Combe the more MINIs i saw and most interesting were these two Laser blue MINIs

The JCW was leading the pack of the two with the Lush Cooper S in hot pursuit

Its owner of the JCW was Dawn who has done some nice blacking out of the chrome and had day time running lights fitted

Ah yess little miss Dee Dooo Laa Looo (Dee) and her Laser Blue Cooper S with gloss black accents and flame spoke wheels.

Her co pilot for the day was Cop girl aka Mandy who has driven her share of Morgans and TVRs.

The meet point at Dunns Lane Car park to get everyone together for a convoy to the track as well as everyone to get acquitted with one another

John gave us a quick briefing about the track and that we would have our own stand plus full laps with just on the track

Our MINIs got a little dirty along the way to Castle Combe given we had to drive down narrow country roads.

The Fast Five arrived with Mrs MINI having done some interesting LOUD mods to her Cooper S

Lets say we created a MINI Traffic jam on the way to the circuit

We ushered on by the officials on to our stand where we were at least 20 MINIs strong

This is were Christine and Garry played a little prank on with me saying that i had to pee into a bottle to check for alcohol levels in your blood before you got go racing

Like an idiot i feel for it  : /

I signed up to track my JCW and with Castle Combe i was required to have a helmet to do track time

I hired one out and popped it on turning into instant racing driver

We were given a safety and track briefing by officials before we went on and told not to overtake on corners

Then we took our MINIs for a sound check before we could go track

I believe 108 Decibels was the limit on the day

A sound check is done by leaving the car in neutral and revving the engine to 4,000 Rpms and holding it there

I drove JCW to the starting grid and parked up it

I got some advice off John about the track and got to speak to his lovely wife Emma who is one of my original followers on Instagram and fellow runner

Her advice on running is always spot on and she is alot better than me given she has done a few marathons

With any track i have been on i go slow on the 1st and 2nd Lap to learn the circuit and see where i can carry speed, brake and find the racing line.

Learning the track is KEY to going faster and being safe

With the 1st lap dusted i built up my speed gradually to see where i could push my JCW

Finally i popped on the Camera to film my hot laps with my JCW hitting 100mph on the back straight

The small Chicanes were the best bit of the track given you could weave and hit the rumble strip on the way out of them

Castle combe is flat and easy marked track allowing you to carry alot of speed through each of its corner

Castle Combe circuit is the most enjoyable and accessible track in the UK

We all pulled back in and line up the MINIs again on our stand for me to meet Martin one of the Masters of MINI2.com which is actually the 1st MINI forum i joined when i had my MINI One

It was pleasure speaking to him. He was here at the show to buy some bits for his Classic MINI and wanted to come to say Hi and he is one of my long time loyal follower and support of my Blog

With Martin coming over a small crowd gather over my JCW with people mainly wondering where my front plate was and admiration of subtle mods on my MINI

Its always nice meeting new people and fellow MINI owners and i am always open to question about my JCW and let people take picture and nose around

Everyone always asks me about the Recaros – Are they comfortable?

Best seats in the world with the soft touch alcantara and leather and your more than happy to have a seat in them to have a feel of them

We all went for around to see the other MINIs around the show and temptation is always near for me to buy a Classic Mini with some fine examples on show

If i could have any Classic Mini it would be have to Red Cooper with spot lights

There were some beautiful British racing green Minis on show

I saw this classic Mini with carbon fibre bonnet Hmmmm

I had to take a pic of a classic MINI tribute car to Mr Beans Mini for my one number supporter, promoter, MINIac and MINI Monday founder Andy Singer

He inspired me to take the blog to another level and share my passion to the world like he has and proudly support MINI Monday every Monday without fail

I was hungry for some track time however it was our parade lap time with the classics

We were waved on by the marshals to go on to the track and drove around the track for the parade lap with both Classics and New MINIs

Me being the joker i am i played the self preservation society song whilst we went around the track gaining giggles and waves from other MINI owners

After some lunch and TotalMINI & SNM fired up their MINIs for our solo parade lap with all our New MINIs

Garry’s Green Monster had problems on the day as the ECU was cutting boost and putting it into limp home mode

With the coming to a close i went to go have a look at race cars Sussex road and race brought along

R53 road legal racer

R56 Challenge Race car

With the day coming to a close John had allocated for us to have some laps at the end of day for just us : D

We all lined up our tasties

Dee Dooo Laa Looo (Dee) was having the time of her life given she hasnt been on a track before and she was doing really good to be fair

An Immaculate GP was among us

Once we did our slow lap we were allowed to stay on to go as fast as we wanted but no overtaking the corners

This led to some interesting racing…

Garry’s Green Monster wasnt playing ball with in being in Limp Home mode

We headed to Kevin of Sussex road and race for him to have a look at Garry’s WC50

He plugged in Diagnostic tool into the OBD port to find out why the boost was being cut and to get rid of limp home mode

There were a few possibilities to the problem given the Evolve remap nearly destroyed his engine and was removed

Minicraft had been working hard on creating a custom map which would be safe on a power hike and durability

Kevin jacked up the WC50 to see if there wasn’t any problems with the turbo or pressure leaks

The source of the problem was a loose Lambda sensor

Kevin went into detail about how the Challenge car they own and run in the series is kept close to a JCW with the engine as the car has ample power but needs to put it down better

This is THE REASON why i haven’t remapped mine as i seen and heard horror stories of cars having problems after a remap

I have planned various modifications around Kevin’s advice and i will going down the reducing unsprung weight, traction and suspension route

Garry was a happy chappy again given it was back to being the Green Monster

It was a great day out with me bringing new members to Surrey New MINI and actually meeting my supporters and followers of my blog

With the JCW finishing the Castle Combe track another sticker was added to the rear window

My rear window is like a scrap book of the places i have been

Track Action Videos:

Parade Lap – http://youtu.be/s8y0YXHKees

JCW Track Time – http://youtu.be/dBAqGXi94OY

SNM Racing – http://youtu.be/kyWPJkGp534

Next Post: MINI MONDAY

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The post MINI World Action Day appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I was selected for this invite only event : D

So the night before I filled her up with V Power to the brim as i knew it would be a long journey.

Dawn broke so i get ready for this event as it would be a 3 hour drive for me (164 miles).

Sat Nav on and cruise control on i set on the UK Motorways to be greeted by lovely 50mph speed limits at 7am

Got to Love UK Motorways and that was just the beginining of it as hit numerous speed limits zones ranging from 40mph to 60mph : (

I had finally got out of these dreaded zones to be greeted by the New Aston Martin Vanquish joining to the motorway and lets says he wasn’t observing UK speed limits. I managed to keep a chase to shoot some footage of it

It sounded really naughty n fruity and it was shifting, easily going over 100mph

I hit London to be greeted with more speed limits and my first time ever seeing a broken down MINI on the slip road : (

After getting past Terminal 5 into Chichester the roads became wonderful to test the JCW handling capabilities with a MOOOOSIVVEEE Tunnel

Lets say I slowed down in the tunnel and gave them the sound of my JCW with added few Pops & Bangs for good measure

After some country road driving the JCW was flithy like i had driven through a field with mud on the carbon fibre mirror caps

I saw the Goodwood sign and parked the car outside to get some cheeky snaps in before i drove inside

BT11 WRK at Goodwood for MINI TO THE MAX

I went down the Infamous Goodwood tunnel to which i was sooo tempted to full it door but i didnt

I pulled my car into the stables and let it tick off before i switched it off

AM_AUTOS & 118 from Surrey New MINI

I reckon my JCW looks meaner without a Front Plate

I walked into the Goodwood booth and was greeted by MINI UK and given my wrist band for the event and some paperwork to fill out due to safety and insurance policies by BMW/MINI.

This is where i met the lovely Ysabel who had been with MINI since its launch in 2001 under the BMW Brand and she has had 53 MINIs!!!!!!!!

I am actually jealous of her, I think she needs to share with ME!

I knew Ian, Neil & David (Surrey New MINI) would be at the event to which I bumped into them upstairs as they watched the New GP zoom past on the circuit on a damp track.

We given some brunch to enjoy before we given a briefing about the day held for us as well a safety briefing about the track and history of the Goodwood track.

The Goodwood track was actually an airbase/runaway in WWII hence the long straight of the circuit and the reason why it Kinks sharply because if a bomber came down and bombed the runaway full of planes some would be saved because the sharp turn.

Goodwood Track Layout

The Goodwood circuit has claimed some lives in its time and ended Sir Stirlings Moss career 1962 on that very bend I spoke about. The Late Carroll Shelby made his mark on this circuit by winning here in his infamous bib overalls

On a uplifting note the Mini MINI from the Olympics was there on a stand the one that shuttled the Javelins for the Olympics

Its awesome with the body work and off-road tyres – Good thing the Wheel Gap Police weren’t there at the event

But there was an cheeky little note under the mini MINI

I walked downstairs to see this beauty the Pre Production MINI GP as it would when its sold to the public – well 2,000 lucky people across the globe

MINI GP – 1 of 2,000

Strangely it looked better in person than last when i saw it unveiled at MINI UNITED i gather it was fact that GP in France was a shell and the paint on this pre production shined due to a clear cloat of the paint (I am just gonna put it down to it being a running GP with factory quality paint)

MINI GP 2

I jumped into MINI’s Coupe Cooper S and headed out with an instructor who guided me through each bend to see my level of skill and learn the circuit at the same time.

I learnt that I turn in to early and I need to position my car slightly more close to edge of the track before entering. It is always better to go in slow then go fast out and that I should be eyeing the next corner to get my line straight as possible to get a faster lap time.

Pick your MINI?

This was actually the first time i have genuinely been scared on a track given that i been on Silverstone, Paul Ricard Circuit, Monaco circuit and Castle Combe. I was hitting 120mph on the straights and carrying 80mph into the 1st corner with half throttle!!!

Goodwood is flat aerodrome circuit which makes hard to race around as there are no reference points, no run off and its incredible smooth and flat. If you enter or mess up a corner its the barrier as its the track and a little bit of grass then a metal barrier with a tire wall filled with sand.

The next treat was jumping into a MINI Challenge race car again  : )

This time i was female driver – Tiffany Chittenden at the wheel with some serious pedigree behind her (GT3, Karting, Formula Ford and Mercedes World Driving Specialist)

Once again like at MINI UNITED I told Tiffany Dont Hold back and just go for it!!!

I think i have a crush on her now after the way she drove and she was very nice to talk to

On an interesting note the Challenge Racecar couldn’t overtake the new MINI GP on the straights but could late brake the GP and overtake on the corner but the MINI GP wasnt too far behind!

Ian and Neil got behind of the Most expensive MINI ever made the Goodwood Edition at £40,000

Suits you Sir – MINI Goodwood Edition

Fun Fact: The Mats in the Goodwood cost £2,000 (Cashmere & Lambs Wool)

I gave Ysabel my Infamous Hat to wear whilst i went around in the GP for safe keeping. She was rocking the look very well, if I do say so myself

Next was my favourite bit of the day with Steve of MINI taking the MINI GP around flat out and he could DRIVE.

MINI GP awaits you…

As I went around in the passenger seat I analysed how the GP was riding, cornering and picking up its speed and comparing it to my JCW. I didnt like the new recaros for the track compared to my bucket ones as i was actually slipping out of them slowly.

However those Kumho Ecsta V700 R-Spec tires were doing their job around the corners and the suspension was firmer than my JCW but still giving. They helped flat cornering with the car feeling stable any speed on the straights and in or out of corner. The GP definitely felt faster than my JCW with it comfortably reaching over 130mph on the straights.

THE BRAKES just worked effortlessly with Steve breaking very very late and the speed just been scrubbed like in the Challenge car. The Six pot calipers even fad after all the laps the GP went out on quick concession (The GP was driven to every Inch of it Cylinders).

After that I wanted a GP!!!

Previous Gen or the New one, I would be getting one as my 2nd car

The saving pot has started!!!

After some afternoon nibbles and some water

It was time for me to head out in my JCW on the track

Ready to take it to the MAX

Crash helmet on and instructor with me i headed out on a empty track all for me : )

I had Phil again with me and he actually told me i felt better in my own and drove it harder

I said to him ” I know how my car handles and i am happy to it the MAX because its the reason why i brought it, I didnt buy a fast car to drove it slow”

Phil was impressed by how much better i drove my car and he told me i felt like completely different driver. I took on Phil’s advice about improving my track technique and i will apply it again soon because it made sense when told me to let go of the steering wheel at 60mph and he turned it in to show how turn in a bend which i found abit tricky.

After all this MINI Madness, we were all brought in and given some FREE SWAG

Me after in the New GP Hot Laps – Yes I know I have Helmet Hair

It was a great day out & thank you MINI UK for the smiles

Videos

The New Aston Martin Vanquish on UK Motorway –  http://youtu.be/uOWVESCJAfY

Arriving at MINI TO THE MAX at Goodwood – http://youtu.be/cNp9siekNHo

New MINI GP 2 Fly By – http://youtu.be/mkMr_vYa5ec

MINI Challenge Hot Laps at Goodwood Circuit – http://youtu.be/UX8_bRDhp3Y

HOT LAPS IN THE NEW MINI GP 2 – http://youtu.be/ulWV_HL0Cxk

My JCW on the Goodwood Circuit – http://youtu.be/lFpkFZpmTB8

Photos

DropBox Link – https://www.dropbox.com/home/Public/MINI%20To%20The%20Max

Next Post MINI IN PARIS….

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The post MINI TO THE MAX at Goodwood Circuit appeared first on JCW Adventures.

With a Few millimetres burnt off my tyres from The Track Day at MINI UNITED and still BUZZIN from lasts nite Concert.

I rolled out of bed and gathered myself for the next day of MINI UNITED!!!!!

After yesterdays MINI MADNESS i want MORE!!!!!

Sadly i got PULLED OVER by the Police

I JOKE it was only the MINI CARE POLICE

They pulled me to the side and gave me a ticket to get my MINI washed

By some lovely ladies in MINI Tops & Shorts

MINI Care Car Wash

But this didnt stop them getting the batons out & handcuffs out LOL

They Finally caught me

I signed myself to test drive the JCW Coupe and to my amusement it was left hand drive

I have never shifted with my Right Hand and instructor who came out with me had to shift for me as i was messin it up quite abit – Sworrrriiii  BY-856-BH

JCW Coupe

He didnt like the way i drove either saying i was driving too fast!!! I told him this is how you drive a JCW lol

I know a few people off the web and on instragram and i actually bumped into one of my followers – Matteo Ziccardi from Italy

He drove down in his Cooper S with Challenge Number & Stripes with Blacked out Chrome trim & Headlights finished off with Red Plastic Dipped JCW wheels

Matt’s Cooper S

Matt’s Cooper S with Red Rims

Bellissimo

Whilst meeting and talking to Matt & his sister (Matilde) there were was this Tasty JCW Coupe which was just EPIC with full carbon trim inside & out, Bigger Wheels, Recaros with Sabelt seabelts, Go Faster JCW Side Stripe, Rear diffuser and awesome Akrapovic Exhaust with Carbon Trim

JCW Coupe Ready for Track Time

JCW Coupe Interior

I cant begin to think how much he spend on his JCW Coupe given it was only out barely 2 months ago

JCW Coupe

I actually bumped into another one of my MINI MATES – Claudia from Germany with her Matt Purple Cooper S, which i think is just a show stopper (I have a thing for the colour PURPLE)

Claudia’s Matt Purple Cooper S

I walked on to the Motor Sport section of MINI UNITED to find the MINI E Race car which was the fastest Electric car around the Nurburgring at the time.

MINI E Racecar

Next was the Dakar Rally Countryman MINIs which has some serious kit on them

I was fascinated by the suspensions and shocks on them with the level of travel and they genuinely looked cool at the same time – Form & Function

Next to them were the Countryman Rally cars which were so clean which is strange given they were bash around the nastiest roads in all kinds of weather.

MINI Rally Car

I was impressed my the figures they were pushing out of the Countyman and my god the noise they make was Ear Bursting loud to which i enjoyed and asked if they had a spare exhaust lying about, sadly i couldn’t blag one this time

MINI Rally Car Engine

They has all the parts the rally cars ran in a booth next to it ranging from a Rear Carbon Wing to spiked tyres.

Out side in the heat was this JCW Coupe Race car for 24 Hour of the Nurburgring with a Matt Black paint job with Mooosive Front Splitter, Rear Diffuser & Rear wing

JCW Coupe Racecar

I was fortunate enough to hear Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk speaking about their LEGENDARY win at the Monte Carlo rally as well as the MINI Rally & Dakar Drivers

MINI Motorsport Drivers

It was amazing finally seeing them and speaking with them in real life as i they are always at shows or promoting the Brand but I never got close to them.

We managed to get their autographs and have a chat with them

Garry got his Monte Carlo speeding ticket signed by them whilst Christine got her driving license signed

On the 2nd Day of MINI UNITED the new GP was unveiled to the world

MINI GP

Sadly wasnt impressed by it given it didnt look as special as the last GP which was made by Bertone in Italy which custom parts, whilst the new GP didnt look that much different from a regular JCW

However i did like the touches such the 6 pot calipers up front, Carbon rear wing and rear diffuser. Alot the development went into the suspension and aero of the car to which is why its so fast around the Nurburgring at 8:23 Minutes. I am actually tempted to get the GP under tray put on the my JCW due to it significantly decreasing rear lift

I later learnt my local dealer will have one in as Dawn asked me for some pics and what i thought of it as she took an order & deposit for one for a customer who had never seen it

I went to get my carbon handbrake and gaitor fitted sadly they the MINI team there didnt know how to do and kind of broke my handbrake.

With this happening i was annoyed given that it happened but it was resolved quickly by Stefan who managed to sweeten me up with some FREE SWAG & hot passenger laps in the MINI Challenge Race car.

With the day closing we headed back to the Villa for a quick dip in the pool and BBQ.

BBQ at the Villa

We talked about the new GP and I wanted everyone to come this time to the concert as it was such a laugh. After hyping everyone up, all the guys jumped into my JCW whilst and the Girlies jumped into Mrs MINI (Janet) Cooper S with the Bandit at the wheel (Phil – Janet’s Husband)

Christine brought her ‘Special Orange juice’ with her which was more like 2% orange juice and 98% vodka or something. She was giggling and merry all night with Janet, Nicole and everyone.

This actually a night to remember as Gossip and The Ting Tings where playing. The Gossip rocked it out and The Tings Tings SMASHED IT!!!

The Ting Tings rocking it out

They had me dancing away all night with Fast Five and we made some more friends that night with some local people and i met the beautiful Mika Romeo a local girl who was training to be a nurse. She was an absolute stunner and spoke every good english and we had a right giggle together.

We bumped into the Belgium group again and made even more M&Ms that night (MINI MATES).

This is why i love the brand, it brings people from all corners of the globe regardless of religion, faith, nationality or cast all together.

We stayed to the end of the concert where 3 DJs spun their decks all together at once for a serious set of dance & dub-step tunes. We headed back down the hills to back to Villa for the Final day of MINI UNITED tomorrow which was Bitter sweet.

This was our final day at the Villa and MINI UNITED : (

We headed out in convoy to Paul Ricard circuit for the last time

Today was my Hot Lap in the Challenge Car which is essentially my JCW just stripped with a roll cage, front splitter and rear wing.

MINI Challenge Car

I popped on my flame proof mask and racing helmet and climbed into the floor sitting Bucket Recaros and I was strapped into the 6 point racing harness.

Rally Ali is Ready!

The driver was Henry Littig from Germany who runs in the MINI Challenge series and the very first thing i said him was “Dont hold back and just go flat out” which there was a polite hod.

I gave Henry the thumbs up I was ready to roll we rolled out the pits and the spilt second the pit light went off the Exhaust blarred out the exhausts fumes with a POP and we hurtled towards the 1st bend at 80mph!!!

I could barely hold on to my camera as the acceleration was so violent as dawned upon the 100m brake zone he didnt brake!!! Then the 50m marker came he didnt brake!!!! then a second later he slammed the brake pedal for a second shaving off some serious speed whilst throwing me forward hard against the harness. If that was enough he turned in for the bend and the grip was IMMENSE from the Dunlop slicks with held the asphalt like magnetic stuck down to the ground.

I have never EVER experience grip like that before and i was actually throw again to the side of the Recaros with my helmet hitting the side

We clipped the Apex and he bang through the gears like that were nothing and i thought he would brake for the next bend and HE DIDNT!!!! The Dunlops just gripped and gripped like we sucked to the floor

This was the best ride i have been in a car FULL STOP. I have driven some serious cars so far ranging from BMW M3s, Bentley Continentals, Porsches and a Lamborghini Gallardo but nothing compares to the way this MINI carried its SPEED, POWER & GRIP through the circuit like it was freight train.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and thank you Henry for nothing holding back, i loved every second of it!!!

Next on the list was get my handbrake sorted and my JCW Sidestripes fitted

The handbrake was fitted properly this time with the proxy resin glue used to hold it position.

Carbon Fibre Handbrake

I got the JCW Stripes fitted lower than normal because i thought they were a bit too high on the JCW Roadster I saw them on

JCW Side Stripes

The guys fitted them perfectly on my JCW and i was actually speechless when they showed when it was all done

JCW Side Stripe

It was a nice subtle decal which reminds me of the Porsche GT RS side stripe to finish off my JCW. Plus a few months on I am yet to see anyone with them on : )

I parked my JCW up against the Plane Hangar in the shade to find my 1st sad story at MINI UNITED, which was a R53 Cooper S from Russia whose Coil Pack had gone and they couldn’t do anything about it as dealerships were closed : (

R53 Cooper S From Russia With Love

I hope MINI can learn from this as they travelled all the way from Russia for these 3 Days and nothing could be done. I hope they bring a team with them next time with parts as likelihood of a MINI breaking down is possible. Plus performance parts or complicated parts couldnt fitted on MINIs which were brought at MINI UNITED due the team not having the experience which was a shame. But fair play to MINI any parts that were brought that could be fitted were fitted for FREE!!!

I went to check out the MINI Design section of MINI UNITED to see all the concepts MINI have came out with the Countryman, Clubvan and Paceman.

MINI ClubVan

I loved how MINI turned the Clubman into a van which i was telling my dad before I left for MINI UNITED that it would be a perfect 2nd car to lug around stuff in and it would be a MINI.

MINI Paceman

The Love the look of the Paceman with its Coupe like appearance which is vast improvement on the Countryman’s look.

There was this countryman where you could put your name or a message on and it was absolutely covered on the last day, the paint is actually ‘Blue’ on it.

Messaged Countryman

Our Final Hurray was on another track but not with a MINI but in Go Karts. This was the MOTHER OF ALL RACES with Honour, Respect & ENDLESS BRAGGING RIGHTS to THE END OF TIME on the line.

Garry, Me, Tom and Phil race prepared ourselves putting on our sexy hair nets then our helmets. Moby (Garry) was told to remove his saddles and told put some trainers which had seen better days.

We stared each other out and picked our weapons of choice and slid into the bucket seats of the Petrol Go Karts.  We given our racing instructions about the track and quick tips on how to drive them.

I wanted a Le Mans style starting but that wasn’t allowed but the marshalls started up the engines and we blipped our throttle whilst closing our visors.

We were off with Garry taking the lead with Phil not to far behind with me in a close 3rd and Tom somewhere behind us eating our dust (Actually he was doodling taking in the sites). As we learnt the track go around the 1st time, Phil was taking no prisoners hurtling at each corner at break neck speeds and clipping apexes.

Garry in the meantime was having a wardrobe misfunction with his hair net getting his eyes (He virtually has no hair). Typical racing driver excuses- told him not to use my L’Oreal shampoo in the morning.

This left a gap for me too sneak past and chase down Phil who had just started lapping people. I was giving it my all drafting the competition and sneaking in on the apex when they ran wide under my pressure.

I lapped Tom and had a quick chat with him as i passed him on the course. He was like a granny on electric scooter and told him to speed up.

Garry rejoined the race again after his issues with the hair net but to his misfortune Phil had some plans for his own. Lets just say there was some ‘slight rubbing’ which spun Garry out when Phil passed him.

Garry was out again and i was right up Phil behind on the last lap but it wasnt enough as couldnt make up the pace to overtake. I swear Phil must have down something to his Kart as he is a engineer/mechanic by trade.

Phil was victorious and the debate of the slight rubbing goes on to this day

This was the bitter sweet moment we headed back to the Villa and finished packing to leave and head back to the UK.

Our next stop was somewhere special in France where was a bridge which was actually designed by a British Architect

It was the The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France. It is also the tallest bridge in the world with one mast’s summit at 343.0 metres (1,125 ft) above the base of the structure. The viaduct is part of the A75-A71 autoroute axis from Paris to Montpellier. Construction cost was approximately €400 million.

Once we reached the Viaduct we drove across it and it was like we driving through the clouds. We all parked up at the Viaduct Museum and went up the hill to take some snaps & videos of the breathtaking view of the bridge and the valley below.

Garry wanted to line up all our MINIs into a shot where the Viaduct could be seen. So we searched on the maps and on the Navs to find a spot.

Surrey New MINI at the Viaduct

In the end we found two good spots

Surrey Toy New MINI at the Viaduct

Our MINIs look like toy cars in the shots

With that Final visit done, we hit the toll roads and head to Dijon for overnight hotel where we met up with Mark & Ian for a nice dinner together. It was a nice final day together eating and sharing our laughs and stories over a beauty French food.

We actually bumped into a very interesting lorry driver on the way home, he was transporting the McLaren F1 Formula car to UK after it was finished being test in preparation to for the Monaco Grand Prix.

McLaren F1 Racing Truck

He said that the lorry drivers have competitions whilst they drive across the world to see who can use their brakes the less. He had only finished a set of brake pads after 4 years!!!

I had the time of my life with people i have never met in my life and they made me feel welcome into their little family and they became my family.

I genuinely love you guys & girls

Christine – Thank you for bringing me into the club and helping me out even when you can barely hear me. Sorry about speaking so fast on the phone all the time and thanks for all the PDFs & Check lists. I would have been a mess without you xxx

Garry – I love your witty charm and grin when we talk & the WC50 is truely a GREEN MONSTER

Janet & Phil – I appreciate you making me feel welcome and all the laughs we had. I hope some day my relationship with my partner will be like you two

Phil – Thanks for bringing all the stuff to MINI UNITED in your Clubbie and you are truely are  good mate to me. Your Clubbie sounds better than my JCW sometimes

Nicole – You were a great laugh on the trip and you put a smile on my face through out the stay

Ian – Thank you for helping me with my MINI passion and allowing Surrey New MINI to be platform to promote my blog

Mark – Thanks for all the giggles, laughs and support on the forums, Instragram and the blog ps I am slightly jealous you have a Hampton Clubman

Tom – You have become one of my closest friend and you have picked me up when I was down and I thank you

I dont think MINI UNITED would have been as LEGENDARY without you guys & girls

Surrey New MINI

This wasn’t the end for me & Tom as we wouldn’t be heading just home yet…

Videos

Monte Carlo Rally Drivers Interview on their infamous WIN – http://youtu.be/8yfkOxwEqc4

Entering the MINI CHALLENGE RACE CAR – http://youtu.be/CgkHtXkGk2o

HOT LAP IN THE MINI CHALLENGE RACE CAR – http://youtu.be/lRzMxZasmRE

JCW Side Stripes being Fitted – http://youtu.be/uTX6HKZKfDw

SNM Driving back to the UK – http://youtu.be/JC6jQVq4ECY

SNM Driving on The Millau Viaduct Bridge – http://youtu.be/XE2OKDTpggM

The Millau Viaduct Bridge – http://youtu.be/WvpUoXVfO2E

SNM Photoshoot at The Millau Viaduct – http://youtu.be/SdvnaAZ8OWM

Photos

DropBox Link

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/aVhBprk7fa/MINI%20UNITED%20PART%202

Next Post MINI IN PARIS….

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The post The Road to MINI UNITED PART 3: The Final Lap appeared first on JCW Adventures.

With MINI UNITED around the corner I decided to prepare the car for the Long MINI Adventure

First up was an Oil change at 10,000 miles only because I think 20,000 miles for an oil change is too long.

I had the MINI Dealership to 60 point Check on my JCW

Next up was a set of new tyres. From the factory my JCW had Dunlop SP Sport 01s which were summer runflat tyre and to me quite skittish in the wet.

I wanted all year round tyre and given it rains virtually all the time in the UK. I needed a tyre that would have grip in the wet.

After looking at all the brands and tyres available for my JCW, i went for Uniroyal Rainsport 2 (nonrunflats) on the advice of the tyrefitter.

Straight away the ride of the car improved significantly, lower road noise and better turn in.

Strange the car felt lower and looked lower. Apparently this is due the soft tyre walls on non runflat tyres.

Another thing i did whilst i got the tyres done was filled them with Nitrogen. The reason behind this because air has water in it and other elements from the atmosphere so tyre pressure would fluctuate with temperature.

The benefits of filling your tyre with nitrogen is that it wont fluctuate with temperature so tyre pressure stays consistent, in turn this gives even tyre wear and increased mpg.

Not bad given it cost £1 per tyre

As I would be driving through France en route to MINI UNITED I would have to apply to various EU Laws and having to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Here are things you will need and do:

1. Drive on the wrong side of the road
2. GB stickers
3. Warning Triangle
4. Fire Extinguisher
5. High Vis Vest from Driver & Passengers
6. Spare Bulb kit – Dont need spare bulbs for Front Xenon lights only
7. For All front lights need to be repositioned so they don’t blind people – UK we drive on the right so they beam is angled differently
8. Travel with all insurance documents and Photo driving license (log book if you are not the registered keeper)
9. Speed limit 110 KMH (70 MPH) on motorways and sometimes 130 KMH (80MPH) – 30KMH (20MPH) Less in the wet
10. Speed camera detectors or sat nav speed camera warnings are illegal
11. Legal drink limit is 0.5 mg/ml
12. Breathalysers will be compulsory from 1st July 2012 – You need have a breathalyser in the car
13. When Overtaking dictate and level the dictator on until you have overtaken
14. France has toll roads therefore have some change or buy Liber Tag (Allows you to drive throw tolls without stopping and you can pay the bill after a month with a discount)
15. All times such as travel documents, insurance and safety equipment must within hands reach and not in the boot

I wanted a bit more noise from my JCW so went for ITG Filter. I wanted to keep the car looking standard so I just changed the panel filter only. The ITG Filter allows the air to flow more freely which in turn gives a few Bhp but nothing to shout about or real gain in performance. However after fitting the filter I got more Pops n Bangs and more induction noise from the Dump value & Turbo : D

My Xenons didnt need adjusting and cool thing was that on the MINI you can switch over to KMH by changing the setting via your indicator stalk

I brought a EU Driving pack with had all the stuff I need all in one bag which made life easy off amazon for £25 Delivered

I decided to upgrade my JCW exterior light as i would need spare bulbs anyway.

I brought some Chrome/Silvertech sidelights and indicator bulbs to get rid of the egg fried look. They look chrome/silver but when you indicate they flash orange.

Next was the Front Fogs as i didnt like the yellow light they gave off so i brought some Ice Blue Xenon HID Fog lights which give off a brighter white light.

I brought the Aero wipers as they look cool and they actually remove the water off the windscreen much faster

I brought suction mount for the HD Camera I brought for MINI UNITED : D

Finally I brought some sexy metal pressed number plates which i think look sooooo COOL

I met the wonderful Christine another JCW Owner on the Surrey New MINI forums who had spare room in villa for MINI UNITED. I jumped up and grabbed the room as the Villa looked fantastic from the pics plus it was only 10 minutes away from the Paul Ricard Circuit where MINI UNITED was happening!!!!

I joined the new Surrey New MINI Club (SNM) to which I am now a proud member & supporter (AM_AUTOS) – www.surreynewmini.co.uk

Everything was now set for MINI UNITED!!!

Next Post – The Road to MINI UNITED

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The post Preparing for MINI UNITED appeared first on JCW Adventures.