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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My JCW faired well in the snow with me driving it everyday in -5 degrees weather on normal tyres. She started first time, defrosted quickly in the morning and passed a few cars doodling at 15mph with a few pops & bangs in the snow : D

Sadly I was messing around abit too much and caught the kerb on the back wheel causing it to bounce off the Kerb leaving a shiny silver kerb mark on my Black R112 rim

I feared the worst I thought I had bent the rear control arm or suspension. Off I went to the MINI Accident repair centre to get my JCW assessed. She is tough one but my suspension was out so a full KDS Alignment was needed.

What is KDS? Kinematic Diagnosis System is where by MINI punch in your Chassis number into the system to pull up the full specification of your MINI including all the options installed. They will set your suspension back to what it was at the factory and alter if options are fitted later down the line that will affect the balance of the vehicle. Therefore all MINIs have a different setup to each other e.g. a MINI with a sunroof will have a different alignment to one without.

It was well worth the £120 as the ride and handling was transformed and it felt even sharper. Hats off to MINI Oldbury Accident Repair centre

Enough doom and gloom!! Back at MINI UNITED 2012 i met this MINI couple – Rob & Liz and members of Merseryside MINI club who were a great laugh and discussed the GP 2 at some length. Rob talked about the route including the Stevalo pass and driving through the Alps and that he would heading the Nurburgbring in his WC50 shortly after MINI UNITED.

Rob told me about his club and wanted me to join in with their fun so I signed up for My 1st Run of 2013 would be the Dragon run which included the infamous EVO triangle. He let me know on a little secret of his that his WC50 would be traded in for GP2 so I was happy to see him & Merseyside crew again.

As always the JCW was made Shiney Shiney the night before and fuelled with Shell V Power and I headed to North Wales for the dragon run. The meet point would be a service station with plenty parking and places to Nom Nom breakie.

I rolled up to a nice selection of MINIs with the 1st & 2nd Gen GPs

A few minutes later Rob & Liz came in his new GP2  with Rob saying ‘Hey Ali, Nice seeing you, I would love to give you a lift but I have no back seats’ LMAO

With everyone together we headed to the Great Ome, Llandudno

There nothing like driving in a convoy of MINIs as every always stares and waves which is one of the many pluses of owning one

The road to Llandudno were great with the coast being on our right and not a pothole in sight

Up we went to the toll road to the top of the Great Orme was twisty with the cliff walls rebounding the sound of my JCW exhaust added with Pops & Bangs

We filled the carpark at the top with 27 MINIs all parked together and enjoyed the view out to sea

I got to speak to a few owners who i had never met but spoke with on the forums

DJ with his 1st Gen GP

I was surprised to realise his dad was the owner of the GP 2 which was brought from the same dealership and same person (Dawn) who I brought my JCW from

Jonta from Minis Unleashed with his sweeet British Racing green Cooper S with nice mods with coilovers and awesome four spots upfront

It was good seeing Kevin again after meeting him at MINI UNITED not as happy as he was to see my infamous hat again

We all headed back down and drove along the coast with the clear blue sky and ocean view aheading to Cerrigydundion

The roads on the way there were epic with the speed limit being higher and the scenery for some epic shots to be taken along the way

It was like skittles on the roads with virtually all the MINI colours and UK flag being drive on the roads. I say the road were amazing because they dipped and corkscrewed up when you come out the bend just like on the nordschleife. This reinforced especially when your chasing the MINI up front pushing them on to brake that bit later and get on the power sooner

I was grinning ear to ear appreciating my recently dialled in suspension with the JCW popping like MAD on each gear change. I managed to get pop on every change up to 5th  and i never heard my JCW  Pop & Bang so much EVERRRR!!!!

We stopped up at Betws-y-coed for some nom nom for lunch bringing this little village to a stop with everyone staring at us

We got all our MINIs all lined up in the car park as well filling up one whole area of parking hehe

I went into a cafe to get my lunch and tried to the vegetarian option which was chef special of vegetable pie with salad and handcut chips with real lemonade. I have to say it was very nice and filled me up nicely

During this time I got to speak with Steve & Ally who are owners of two 1st Gen GPs

They had been on a fair few MINI adventures with the GP and I was shocked to hear that the GP was their wedding car as well as the drove into the sunset for their honeymoon. Proper MINI die-hards with the GP winning a few concours awards and being in a few official MINI UK events as well

But its annoying when you never see a GP on the road and then 3 turn up at once

We all headed out to the infamous EVO triangle only to turn around 2 miles down the road because a local had crashed their car. It’s an reminder that you should always obey rules of the road and be sensible with manoeuvres and your spatial awareness as all it takes to think is 2 seconds and 1 second for it be game over.

We looked at the funny thing paper called a map and searched for a route we could go on to headed in the direction of the EVO triangle.

I am sure if going the other way would have been as good given I was in awe of the mountains, scenery and the epic winding asphalt as I managed to get some motion shots of all us heading into the mountains

When we got the EVO Triangle  we all parked up on the side to see a Frozen Blue M3 Performance Pack & Black 1M Coupe howl by. We all know why they came her for some proper Hoonage on the best roads with the UK

A few of you might be wondering why is it called the EVO Triangle

The EVO Triangle’s name comes from the writers over at the EVO Magazine. This route is what the writers use to test drive the cars for magazine features. The route has become very popular among driving enthusiasts, and seems to be one of the most talked about routes in the UK. The route starts on the A543 (just off the A5) heading North along tight sweeping bends and great scenery. You will then turn right onto the B4501 which takes you on some nice long sweeping bends with views of the Llyn Brenig Lake. This road then leads back to the A5 (going through the village of Cerrigydrudion) and back to where you started.

This perfection of asphalt is 20 miles long and ribbons like a dragon through the heartlands of North Wales with a steep inclines with tight challenging turns to work your suspension with every turn, torture to your tyres to limits of grip, boil your brake fluid and for you thirst after every gear shift to connect every turn with the exact steering and throttle input all of the feeling that I tamed this tarmac beast.

We all eyed up the tarmac that entered the woodlands and with a deep breath enter our machines pressing the sports button lifting off the safety nannies thus engaging the electronic limited diff as we didn’t want any interrupts of power

I had the perfect sparring partner up front as I would be chasing Geoff in his GP 2

So began the drive of my life with me chasing this GP 2 in my JCW and taking it to the limit to get every ounce of performance out her and slip streaming the GP to get right behind on each corner to keep the momentum going and keeping the turbo spooled up in its sweet spot

I have never been so focused and enjoyed a road so much within the UK and it was petrol head nirvana with me lynching for more! Constantly trying to get the racing line and getting the front end to kiss the apex coming in and out the corners.

It was challenge to keep up GP 2 as I could clearly see that he could get on the power much more earlier than me with the Kumho Ecsta V700 gripping the tarmac like claws and the Bilstein Coilover suspension eating up all the undulations like it was nothing with no visible sign of body roll at all. Plus he could get on the brake much later as those colossal 6 pot Brembos scrub the speed away at neck breaking force.

You clearly see the GP 2 has been setup dead on with its damping, rebound rates, braking and doesn’t waste any of the power from the engine which just goes to show power isn’t anything if it can’t be used

Later on the route I had to back off as I was getting brake fade only due to the fact my pads and discs were due in 2,000 miles so there wasn’t much bite left in them

When we finally came to a finish I was astonished by this piece of asphalt as my hands were sweaty, my pulse was racing and my pupils dilated. I felt a sign of accomplishment that I had come here and conquered that dragon of tarmac with my JCW pinging on cool down with the cool fans kicking in with added smell of brake pads.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I looked down upon the valley that we came from and said i would be seeing you soon with a few performance tweaks to my JCW

It was an awesome day out with Merseyside MINI & MINIS UNLEASHED and I made a few more MINI Mates

Look forward to seeing everyone again on the MINI Events later on in the year

I got to say I really like Liz & Rob as they always made me fell welcome and they are MINI loonies like me with Liz being no slouch with her Super Soov Chilli Red JCW

They recently got engaged so I wish them all the best and many MINI more years of happiness

Cant to see the MMC crew again on another meet where ever it maybe

Videos:

Next Post: GO PRO 3: Black Edition Review

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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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My JCW & Me had the time of our lives with my JCW appearing on the National Geographic channel, travelling to MINI UNITED 2012 and various MINI Events and visiting a different city every month

This year has been the best year of my life and actually alot of it to my MINI given i wouldn’t have done half things if i didn’t owe one

Through owning my JCW i got to drive a classic mini at TV Shoot for the National Geographic show and made some new MINI Mates

Dave – The owner of the Classic mini & Photographer

Michael  – Another awesome photographer with Degree in Automotive design

Becoming a proud member of Surrey New MINI (SNM)

Travelling across France to reach MINI UNITED 2012 in a convoy of 5 MINIs from the UK

Meeting the Monte Carlo MINI Rally winners –  Rauno Aaltonen & Paddy Hopkirk

Visiting Monaco & Paris – Still cant believe we drove the whole track of the Monaco F1 Circuit

Meeting Automotive Legends Russ Swift & Chris Harris at Brands Hatch

Pushing my JCW to its limits on various tracks across the UK & France – Brands Hatch, Castle Combe, Monaco Circuit, Paul Ricard, Goodwood & Santa Pod

Having Hot laps in the MINI CHALLENGE Race car

Holding the Olympic Torch

Being invited by MINI UK to see the New MINI GP

Modding my JCW and meeting some many new people and MINIacs

Meeting some of my followers & supporters : D

Becoming the Fast Five – Christine, Janet/Phil, Garry and Phil

Starting the blog as just away to share my passion and watching it take off beyond my expectations

I made so many great memories this year with liked mind people who make the most of life has to offer

But behind every smile there is a tear

But we rewind to 2011 which was the worst year of my life and towards end of the year i gave up as i couldn’t take the pain no more

What everyone doesn’t know or didn’t see was my pain both mentally and physically as i had so many problems and my BMW got written off as i travelling on a motorway and slowed down for an accident and the truck driver behind me didn’t pay attention.

I suffered alot from that pain in March 2011 with me having whiplash and unbearable lower back pains with unable to sit down for no more than 10 minutes. On top of that i had insomnia for months and when i did sleep to be suddenly woken like someone had stuck a knife in my back

I had lost alot at this point but this wasn’t the end as i had another two car accidents again people who weren’t paying attention

This was the time where i gave up and couldn’t see the end to my pain and suffering

I still battle with that pain to this day and i don’t think my back will ever be the same

On a last minute thing i went to London for New Year’s Eve to celebrate the beginning of 2012 with my cousin and close friends.

As i watched 2011 come to a close and watched 2012 begin with the fireworks, something clicked and this where i came up with my bucket list of things to do in 2012

I made a PROMISE to myself that i would do them all and i did

I have never been more happier in my life

The advice i have to everyone is stop putting things aside and there are no excuses

If you want to go do something just go and do it

Trust me you don’t want to be sitting there all old with no stories to tell

Always remember everything happens for a reason, you just cant see it at the time

Thank you Christine for 2013 Calendar & bringing me into the club xxx

There are BIG PLANS for 2013 for Me & JCW

Here is a sneaky peek for 2013 plans…

Next post: SNM Goodwood Meet

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We are not normal people, we are weird and wonderful people with stories to tell because We Live Life

MINI Owners are all different just like their MINIs

No MINI is EVER truely alike

I have made a community, friends and family through MINI

If it wasnt for my MINI i dont think i would do half the things i have done or met these people along my MINI Adventure

MINI MONDAY is a celebration of Everything MINI for all the MINIacs across the globe show their MINIs and their MINI Adventures

Every Monday without fail millions and swillions of owners post on Instagram and twitter pictures of their Pride & Joys hash tagging the word #MINIMONDAY

While everyone is having Moaning Monday, us MINI Owners are smiling and meeting new MINIs and Owners to join our MINI Family

This event is founded by a loyal supporter and fellow MINIac Andy Singer who has helped the blog from day one and was an inspiration for me to setup the blog

Andy has a very interesting MINI which is very recognisable 

Andy is from Passaic NJ USA and owns a custom 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible that

He transformed it into a Mr. Bean tribute car for my special needs son Jayden who along with his sister Dakota are the biggest Mr. Bean fans ever.

Laughter is the greatest medicine and this car reminds us and those who see it to just laugh and enjoy.

Its got Mr.Bean’s stuff all inside and out and of course its custom painted the same colour as the Classic Mini Mr Bean drove with Teddy.

Go follow him Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and KIK @Mr_Beanmobile

Why not join us Every Monday and buy the MINIMONDAY Decal on minimonday.org

Andy is a LARGER than Life guy and his posts and images always make me smile

I would say he is a BIGGER MINI LOONEY than ME!!!

This is the kind of passion i love

As I have this simply saying

‘The way you treat people is the way you feel inside’ Ali Mir

I live by this hence why i am always smiling and happy to help anyone

All your likies, tweeties, comments, tags and messages make me smile : )

I love all you guys and more so the girlies hehe

Thank you for all your continued support and love from all over the world

Here are a few of my Followers & MINIacs

Merry MINI Christmas & Happy MINI New Year from JCWADVENTURES.COM

This Blog is in dedication to my Grand Mother who died on December 19th 2012 from Cancer

Next post MINI Memories

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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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