Every driver gets that itch every now and then. Its the NEED FOR SPEED. Petrol heads look for the empty road where driver and machine come together just like double clutch down to 2nd just to hear that engine rip.

A driver don’t pick the car, the car picks the driver. It’s a mystical bond between man and machine.

This thirst for speed would be settled on the Castle Come circuit.

Castle Combe Circuit opened just 18 months after Silverstone in the summer of 1950, making it one of the longest established circuits in the UK. Until 1999, the circuit followed its original layout, around the perimeter of the old air base. In that first year, a young Stirling Moss won a race and over the next few years, names like Mike Hawthorn, Colin Chapman, Les Leston, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees thrilled huge crowds.

By the 60’s, several planning constraints had seen the circuit become run down and although the old Brands Hatch company, Motor Circuit Developments tried hard to develop meetings in the early 70’s with Formula 5000 and other major events, planning problems prevented long-term development. However in 1976, the circuit lease was obtained by the current owners and the long road to developing the circuit as a modern national racing venue began. Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, and David Coulthard all won races in the 70’s and 80’s, and by the 90’s, the circuit hosted rounds of most of the national championships.

Today, the circuit boasts modern facilities for competitors and spectators, and the resurfaced and now reshaped circuit providing what is generally recognised as providing the closest circuit racing in British motorsport.

For those who watch the DRIVE TV will notice Chris Harris is regularly hooning about here.

John aka Joda who works at Castle Combe track and Mercedes-Benz world needed some help getting some MINIs to the show so I was more than happy to help.

We follow each other on IG and he regularly post some awesome pics at work with all the tasty motors he drives on track and road.

Everyone had seen the pictures I posted up on my blog last year and the fun I had so a lot more members were willing to pedal to the metal this time. This would which add to the excitement on the day.

I helped organise the event but I was last to arrive at the meet point to a plethora of MINIs awaiting for some HOONING.

We all headed out together in convoy to Castle Combe circuit to what is a mainly classic Mini event as its organised by Mini World.

There was a new upgrade to the Fast Five

Phil had decided to leave THE BEST CLUBMAN Ever behind and step up his game

Mr Kitchen was always the odd ball out of the Fast Five but in a good way given his different tastes and preferences. Mid afternoon I received a text off Phil saying he is buying a new MINI!!! I was like WHATTTTTTTTT

It’s a JCW!!!!

Hatch or Roadster??

Coupe : D

Should I get Harmon Kardon?? Hells Yeah

Phil was interested in my stand point of Roadster as he looked for to my 1st car review – MINI Cooper S Roadster

I was glad he got JCW given the problems he had with tuning with Cooper S

I am sorry but the JCW is better than S in its power delivery and performs effortlessly compared to the S. The JCW has the stopping power to match and that Extra 20bhp makes a huge difference in light car.

Like I said Phil likes being that bit different so he went a NOT NORMAL colour choice this time around – Metallic Kite Blue

(Photo credit to Felt Tip Felon aka Lee with a UNIQUE Clubbie – Feature coming soon)

The banter had already begun as we parked up on our stand as everyone was gunning for GP Garry plus Mr King had bone or two to pick with him with their long-standing grudge after MINI UNITED 2012 Go Karting racing antics. No hair nets getting in the way this time LOL

I had promised Jay that he could ride shotgun with me when I went around the track to show him what the JCW was made of and for him to step up his game to get one.

We all headed to sign on for some track time to get our safety briefing and helmets

On the way back I noticed these three familiar Minis from a BIG film which involved a trip to Italy for some gold bullion

Hang on guys I got an Idea…

There was no messing around this time as we all dawned our helmets and I suction mounted the Go Pro to bonnet

My Co Pilot was ready to

GP Garry was already

The Bandit aka Mr King was right behind him

Christina aka Wifey No. 1 was ready

MINI Toque member Overboost was primed and ready

Here is the complete line for the MINI heading on the track

Time for a quick selfie before I headed out #NoFilter

The Sussex road and race crew we were up front leading the pack

I rolled out expecting the 1st lap to be a sightseeing/warm up lap but the pack up front thought otherwise as I sat behind track keeping to track etiquette of not overtaking on the corners and sat back for the back straight to let the JCW loose.

I tucked in behind Overboost on camp corner before the back straight to slipstream him as knocked it down to 3rd and winded out the revs to redline to 4th.

With 4th gear dispatched I roared past him and eyed the familiar rear lights of Christine’s JCW who slowed down to let me pass as she knew I wouldn’t be messing around.

Now I had some time to make up some for lost ground behind traffic and my warm up lap. So it was time to keep it nice and neat and keep to the racing line as it was more a race with the clock and skill to catch up Garry & Mr King.

I headed around with full concentration and only asking Jay if he was alright when it reined in the JCW on the brembo brakes on the back straight to see if he was ok with the speeds I was going at.

All was well as I went around when I spotted an R53 Cooper S in my rearview trying to pass and with this being an open track day there was no passing on a corner. I found this numpty mounting the kerb trying to overtake me on last corner before the back straight.

He went to overtake then found out the JCW is no match on the back straight leaving him behind. I braked after doing 110mph on first corner and following the racing line to find this time this bonehead next to my door mid corner.

What happened to track day etiquette??? It was made crystal clear in the briefing not to overtake on the corners on multiple occasions

So I back of the accelerator and let them him pass because the last thing I wanted was accident on track with a passenger onboard. I slowed down and short shifted to leave a gap before building the speed up again.

It was back to chasing down the lads upfront.I don’t know what happened to this Red Cooper on track as the owner either lost their sense of redirection or get scared of my arrival of the JCW in their rear view as they drove into the run off section of the track.

Was James May driving???

Having passed the Cooper next up was another MINI Mate Dawn in her JCW called ‘Sapphire’ which is gracing the front cover of Modern MINI Magazine now!!!

She is another owner who loves her JCW  to bits and coming from an R53 Cooper S she has been the MINI family and community alot longer than me.

However she was passed on the back straight with me taking the JCW to 120mph before braking for the 1st corner. But sadly time is cruel mistress as after completing this lap and seeing Phil & Garry in my sights the chequered flag was waved signalling an end to the session for a cool down lap.

I had a little natter with Jay on the cool down lap asking if was scared at any point as he held on to the overhead handle most of the time around. Well at least he knows now that I can DRIVE and that he needs to hurry up and buy a JCW!

I noticed I was alot quicker this time around and given I got more speed on the back straight and what I was taught at Goodwood sank in from the instructor. But there is still room for improvement in technique.

Well if any of my readers want to jump in the JCW for a quick spin I am always more than happy to oblige so don’t be shy

Next up was walk around the club stands to see what tastes were about

All of these are photos below are from my very close friend of mine who I love to bits. Sammieeeeeeee has been awesome friend to me and has taken the BEST photos of my JCW to date. She has that MINIac enthusiasm like I do when some utter the word MINI. But for the love me I don’t know how she wears those shorts all year round???

Here is a link to the facebook page and website for her MINI photography called MINI Madness

So please go over send her some MINI Love

MINI Madness – FB Page

MINI Madness – Website

I will be doing a full post on her very soon…

Enough talking here there are MINIs

I had promised earlier in the day Phil my carbon fibre rear diffuser off my JCW for his coupe so I handed it over. He asked if I would install the carbon fibre door handle overlays which I was more than happy to do. To be honest the fit and finish was fantastic on them given he only spent around £60 for the pair which left me thinking at some point I will have to get some on my JCW at some point.

Phil has been loving his JCW Coupe so far as it gets way better fuel with pops and bangs on demand. I asked him how it felt to make the move over from the S to the JCW. He reaffirmed the JCW just has that more effortless power delivery to it and more eager to get up and go.

I unwittingly have his Coupe a name when I called it the ‘Blue Turtle’ because of its roof, so now the JCW Coupe is called Leonardo after the blue mutant ninja turtle.

All of the fast five all have JCWs now so no hanging around even more now ; )

Eagle eyed readers will be wondering about Mrs King aka wifey no.2 R53 Cooper S? Lets say she made the upgrade to an R56 JCW to (more information to follower later with lots of piccies)

All that was left now to do was watch the professional take the classics Minis around and make it look easy as they were full throttle all the way around.

The angles they were coming into cause trail braking was insane as it did result in a few spin offs which is all part of the fun.

This brought the day to a close with a parade laps to finish off this track action filled day and it being the UK it had to rain. But this didn’t dampen our spirits as the classic & modern MINIs all rolled out together : D

After the track day I was left with a dilemma as I wasn’t happy with the JCW suspension and brake feel. So I had a quiet word with my wallet and we came to agreement to give Lohen at visit for enhancements and coilovers.

Next Blog Post: MINI Factory Tour – The Last R56

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The post Castle Combe Circuit: Track Shenanigans 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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The post Cholmondeley: Pageant Of Power appeared first on JCW Adventures.

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.

The Black Line kit is consists of Black Headlight rings, Smoked Lenses indicators, Blacked out rear LEDs and smoked rear fog lights. Mine being a JCW the rear fogs are not apart of the kit because of the different light fitment/size and hence the reduced price.

There was a two week wait for the parts which would come from Germany.

The Black Line Kit can now be spec’d from the Factory as well as Black Headlights first seen on the Camden and Hampton MINIs.

First I decided to clear some parts out from the JCW ranging from the JCW Handbrake to the stainless steel pedal set from my MINI One.

I could have easily gone done the black out mods myself with the ‘Joey Mod’ whereby you dissembling the headlight unit and paint the housing black. I decided against given that the JCW is less a year old and i like having a warranty.

I like to keep my JCW factory fresh and any mods that have been and would be done would be subtle and from the JCW catalogue or renowned MINI Specialists.

I finally got the call from MINI Shrewsbury and I headed down to get the parts installed

It was just over an hour wait for the parts to be fitted and the JCW to be washed & vacd as well (No Swirl marks). I was handed my keys back with the service desk lady taking me to my JCW saying “It looks REALLY GOOD with the Blacked out bits”

I had to pause for a second when i saw it for myself and had a good look around all the car

The blacked out bits are soooo subtle but match perfectly with the Metallic Eclipse Grey paint

I love the Rear Blacked out LEDs

The Side Smoked Lenses indicators are a nice and subtle

Black Headlights rings are another nice touch

Even though this is not a performance modification, i personally believe this the best mod i have done to my JCW

With all this preferential treatment my iPhone got all moody with me and Siri stopped talking to me

I set my sights on matching my iPhone with my JCW .

I found out that MINI themselves were selling a iPhone Hardcase and it would match the paint colour of my JCW as well : D

On a side note – All is now well with me, Siri and JCW

Black Grill Surrounds Part Numbers:

51130417135 – Upper
51130442011 – Lower

Next Post: MINI IN THE PARK @ Santa Pod

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The post JCW Black Out appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I was told this was a MINI Festival for people who didn’t go to MINI UNITED.

This would be my first time at the Brands Hatch circuit and this track has a legacy behind with F1, WTTC & BTTC racing through out its history.

I looked on Youtube to see the track layout before I went to see where the racing line, braking points and where to push hard or back off. Learning a track is key to driving safe and fast without causing damage to your car or others on the track.

I was interested in seeing the ‘Fast Five aka The MU Gang’ and introducing everyone to my little brother (Adam).

We met up with SNM to go as a convoy before we drove down as club to brands hatch as we had a club stand.

20 MINIs strong we headed to Brands Hatch all in convoy grabbing looks and waves as we drove down to the circuit. Its one of things i love having a MINI and being apart of a club we always stop traffic when we roll up.

We all ushered into the circuit and officials showed us to the club stand. We put up our Club flag together and got to meet the few characters in the club.

Rich & Mandy with their Chequered Cooper S which appeared in Modern MINI Magazine

Paul with his Tuned Cooper S with Evolve Hybrid Turbo

Chris’ Alice Cooper Themed Cooper S

Jelster (Steve) with his Eclipse Grey JCW with a Red Top

Smiles and jokes where had with the SNM crew again and meeting the members who i only spoke to online.

I saw a few tasty MINIs whilst i was there, in case of this Chocolate brown JCW Clubman which must be expensive made to order one. I remember i wanted the White Silver paint on mine at the time of ordering mine and MINI wanted another £4,000 (White Silver is now an option on JCW now for £500).

MINI Craft brought their bonkers R53 Time attack which was pushing 300BHP at the time and set a time of 11.6 Second at 123MPH at Santa Pod.

We decided to go look around the Open Paddock to see all the race cars that would be running today ranging from Classic MINIs to Radical SR3

We saw some tasty exotics parked up in Paddock whilst we looked at the race cars

The New flagship Lamborghini Aventador

Black & Yellow Ferrari 458 Italia

McLaren MP4-12C with a nice numberplate

Classic American Muscle – Camaro SS with the keys attached to the bootlid

We continued looking down the paddock for me to shout like a star struck girl when I spotted Chris Harris (Former EVO magazine writer, Online blogger and DriveTV showhost). I have always loved the way he wrote about cars and they way he Hoons about in them especially AMGs. I have a soft spot of the V8 Burble and the looneyness of the AMGs Ethos of POWWWWERRR!!!

Even though he was busy preparing his Radical for racing today he took the time to talk to me and take a photo with me. It was much appreciate meeting a living Legend and Idol of mine – It made my day : D

With me still all star struck we went to watch the GT3 class race around the circuit on the bank curve where alot of overtaking occurs due to its high speed nature of this corner following the back straight away.

There was good battles going on during the races with the Porsche GT3 RSR being down on power from the rest of the field but this keeping its own with the Ferrari 458 & 430, Mosler and Ginetta race car.

Next up the Classic MINIs came up and there was some few crazy moments with a few going off and one crashing. You could see the MINIs were being pushed as you could see them hop on the banked curve and the odd lock up of the brakes.

With the racing all done, we went down to see the other club stands and spotted a Cooper S from the Netherlands with the Fully JCW Kit fitted with brakes, wheels, JCW tune, Red JCW side stripe, Black Line Kit and Challenge R1 Wing (GP replica).

There were a few classic with this Classic with a rear Trailer made of Half a MINI

Next we lined up to watch Russ Swift do this thing!

Russ Swift is Synonymous with Handbrake turns, stunts and MINIs. He is a bigger promoter of the brand and the car and many of his stunts and records have been done in a MINI.

He put on an amazing show bringing the two cars closer and closer to do handbrake turn in between and at one point there was just 40 cm in total from either of each car.

I was amazed by the last stunt he did by putting a Cooper S on two wheels and driving a FULL lap of the Brands Hatch Circuit!!!!

I managed to speak with Russ Swift at some length and I am still amazed I got to speak to him. He was more than happy to take a picture with me.

Next up was our Parade lap with all the other clubs with a mixture of classic and New MINIs

After seeing all these Classic MINIs I wanted to start a saving pot for a classic where I would buy a unloved and build it back to its original states with a few modern upgrades here and there.

Another Modern MINI Magazine star was there at the show with the R53 Speedster being present with Two seats and bubbled rear with Roll Bars.

My little brother is quite the car enthusiast like me and can name most cars within a flash. He wanted to put some laps of his own after I went around in my JCW on the parade lap. He jumped into the F1 Simulator to try his hand at F1 Superstardom and lets say there is some promise there.

This was my First outing with the SNM which was the 1st of many future events.

Next meet up was MITP at Santa Pod

Next Post – JCW Black Out

Videos

Russ Swift doing a lap on Two Wheels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD3QfmUPZEQ

Russ Swift Handbrake Parking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD_SPhb_5i4

Parade Laps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRVAlXrTaYM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WdAuf9UKp4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtxR8E_Rk0

Classic MINIs Racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFECmDbhx38

DropBox Link for more Pics – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/BdIOsynHzr/Brands%20Hatch

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The post MINI Festival Brands Hatch appeared first on JCW Adventures.

This was it for the SNM gang as they headed back to the UK while me and Tom headed to Paris for some sight seeing.

We said our goodbyes and headed into Rush hour French traffic with my EYES WIDE open as I saw a few cars with some dents.

Nous sommes arrives en Paris to which it was raining and the roads where all funny with faded arrows and not knowing which lane to be in for turnings or to go straight on. I solved this problem with my right foot : p

I have to say the JCW did sound really good in Paris because the exhaust note was bouncing off all the tight alley ways and roads hehehe

Tom was looking at the TomTom to see exactly where our hotel would be. Good thing to as I was rusty on my French vocabulary plus I had 3 Toms in the car lol

We had to stop to ask for the road as the 3 Toms couldn’t find the hotel but we knew we where close. After getting some directions we had to find a place to park as i booked the hotel because i knew there was a underground parking near by. Having found the car park we unloaded all our stuff and tucked my JCW in for long deserved rest.

Hotel Mistral in Paris would home for the next 2 nights. I booked it for a old school French vibe and plus it was 10 minutes walk to the train station.

Next on the list was getting some food!!! I get hungry every two hours and it had been a few hours drive so my tank was on empty. We found a local takeaway place where we both order a full platter of lamp chops, chicken fillets, chicken tikka, plain rice, peri-peri rice, salad with chips.

With food devoured like cavemen, we headed to the train station to check out the sites on foot. The train station looked amazing itself with it architecture, statues and clock tower.

Its GO GO GO for the Paris Grand Prix

We looped around the roads near out hotel and me being a car loony i loved the chequered road markings. It just made we wana take the JCW out and join the Paris Midnight Club to race between the lights.

Walked on down La Rue De La Paix to see the momentum

We came across this majestic Cathedral

I came across this cheeky bit of French Graffiti/Street tagging

I noticed in Paris there was an awful lot of restaurants and it always hard to pick a place to go to eat. But me and tom decided that night to get some Chinese food before midnight before everything shut. The restaurant had this awesome Purple lighting you seeing in clubs in the movies.

Morning came and it was time to explore Paris with the Tour bus heading over the river Seine where we given insight into Paris making and history over earphones. There was a library with was shaped as an open book.

We passed some beautiful building and i noticed that French building has a real presence about them with a Victorian Royal stone feel to them.

There is something about the air there and the vibe i was getting from the people and atmosphere as tourists and residence went about their business.

We got off the tour bus to grab some breakfast in a cafe. I thought it was the coolest thing about the cafe was the menu was done in a layout of a new paper.

With my hot chocolate drank we headed back on the next tour bus which headed to the Infamous Arc De Triomphe which was like close quarter battle with cars entering at every exit and darting between each other.

The bus went around the famous French Art gallery Louvre then on to Place de la Concorde is at the foot of the Champs-Élysées, built as the “Place Louis XV”, site of the infamous guillotine.

The Egyptian obelisk is Paris’ “oldest monument”

I am sure you can guess what came next…

The Eiffel Tower which was erected in 1889. Its primary use was for science experiments and in 1910 – Father Theodor Wulf measured radiant energy at the top and bottom of the tower. He found more at the top than expected, incidentally discovering what are today known as cosmic rays.

We got off the bus and headed to the Top of the Eiffel tower to which i wanted to do but i am not a fan of heights you see

What cant tell from this picture of me. I am holding on the side rail like Lord Dark Vader with a Death Grip

The View from the Top was EPIC!!!!!

Then we went shopping like two little girls buying everything we liked

This where I brought my Infamous Black Hat

Some say he wears it to look mischievous

And that given the chance he will chat you up

All we know he drives JCW

The real reason why I brought it because i was in the fashion capital of the world and i wanted take some style with me. There is something about that Hat when i wear it my alter ego/persona is amplified!!!

You have been warned!!!

As the sunset in Paris we knew our time in France would be over the next morning so we snapped up all of Paris with our iPhones and headed back to our Hotel.

Bye Bye France

All packed and ready to leave the next morning we took the JCW out of the underground car park and headed for the Channel Tunnel. Thinking about all the memories we had made at MINI UNITED with people who never met before and laughed all the way back.

Our MINI Adventure was over and Tom would be heading back to China after this trip but the MINI Adventures would continue for me…

Thank you France, MINI & BT11 WRK for making this the best moment in my life. For creating these memories I will cherish forever with people who mean the world to me now.

Thank you for being apart of My MINI Adventure

“Money comes and goes, But Memories are forever” – Ali Mir

DropBox Link for more Pictures – https://www.dropbox.com/home/Public/MINI%20In%20Paris

Next Post MINI Festival Brands Hatch 

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The post MINI In Paris 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.

The sun rose hitting our MINI Badges and there was a smell of burning rubber from last night.

The Fast Five left the hotel leaving and headed forth to the airport to pick up Nicole – Christine’s niece from the airport.

Back on the Toll roads which was great fun with the smooth asphalt and the booths to stop at then race off at full throttle, they never got boring.

Having picked up Nicole we headed into the horizon with our little wavy UK flag on our aerials. The destination was the Villa which would be our home for the next 4 days which was located only a 5 minutes away from MINI UNITED at the Paul Ricard Circuit.

Cruising in our convoy we passed numerous MINIs old and new to which we later met at MINI UNITED and spoke with the owners at let. More interestingly we spotted the MINI Trophy Truck on the motorway to which we honked our horns but didn’t get any reply : (

We got off the toll roads and hit the back roads for the nice scenic drive but more importantly for some French cuisine. We stumbled on this small French restaurant which its pebbled and stone car park.

I was sceptical about the food with me being all picky and i didn’t think French food would be that good. God how wrong i was about it all. I had a beautiful three course meal starting with a simple salad & some fresh baguette slices. The main was grilled fish with a white sauce and French gratin potatoes and a chocolate moose for desert.

All fuelled we headed to Villa passing some beautiful scenery along the river the flowed across this little town we passed threw.

The Villa stayed in was fantastic with 6 bedrooms, fine furnishing, swimming pool, BBQ and plenty of space to park all of our MINIs behind a motorised gate.

The next MINI Adventure was to head to Nice airport to pick up my friend Tom from China (close university friend of mine) then reach our the glamorous destination of Monaco.

There is even a MINI on the Nice Airport Parking Ticket : D

Having pick up at Nice Airport we headed to Monaco along the coast with 32 degrees heat with clear blue skies and clear water. We headed up the hills to Monaco and stares insued as we headed into Monaco in a convoy.

Nice’s Coast

We all eyed up the casino with Ferraris, Rolls Royce, Bentleys all lined up outside. We had a better location to head to being the Infamous Monaco tunnel. We all entered the tunnel with Garry’s WC50 aka The Green Monster leading the pack. We all gunned it down the tunnel only for Garry to get pulled over by a waiting officer with his hand out with a speed gun.

Monaco Police – License & Registration Please

We feared the worst as France has very strict laws on speeding with hefty on the spot fine. We heard over radios that the fine 2250 Euros over the radio thinking that everyone would have to chip in for the fine. To our amazement it was only 22.50 Euros plus Garry got a cheeky snap with officer who caught him.

SNM Crew on the Monaco Circuit

We parked our MINIs up along the Monaco grand Prix circuit to nose around and take some piccies. We adventured around Monaco looking for somewhere to eat but we stumbled upon a Ferrari Dealership.

We set next the circuit having our lunch with these little tinnie tiny deserts which were to die for.

We managed to drive all the way around the whole circuit but we tried to do some shots at the starting grind but we couldn’t do the traffic. So I decided to leave my own mark there by leaving some 11s on the starting grid.

The day had dawned and it was the 1st Day of MINI UNITED!!!!

So got up early and washed the car with the arsenal full of cleaning products and pressure washer and snowfoam lance from Phil’s Clubman.

Snowfoaming our MINIs for MINI UNITED

All cleaned and polished we head up the hills to the Paul Ricard Circuit seeing MINIs from all places of the global waving and honking their horns. Forgot what it was liked to receive a MINI Wave off another owner but then again i will always shout MINI!!!! when I see another MINI.

MINI UNITED 2012

We all rolled up on the circuit and parked up on the grass and walked to the Check In Hanger where we received your free MINI UNITED 2012 Lanyards, bottle of water and wrist bands. We then had to walk  the long way around into what was called the Blue Zone.

There was bit of pavement where we go write our names and where we came from in chalk and this were we bumped into a MINI Group from Turkey

MINI Club From Turkey

There was this AWESOME MINI Rickshaw it was a Cooper S with 17 Inch rims and full leather seats. It was actually quite little to roll about in as i took for a flying lap on the pavement and the turning circle is good as well only downside its powered by what you eat in the morning.

MINI Rickshaw

There was this GIANT SLINGSHOT with a MINI on it

MINI Slingshot

There was HUGE Concert stage and 3 White tents which a food court, bar, internet cafe, MINI Accessories & Parts shop, MINI Show room ranging from the Cooper to JCW Roadster.

Mini MINI Showroom & Accessories Store

This is where I met Stefan from MINI Belgium who was the manager of the parts department where i probably left a mark with him with my wit and legendary blagging skills. While i was at the MINI shops i brought the MINI Flap Clock, Some Tees, Carbon Fibre Handbrake, Alcantara gaiter for the handbrake and JCW Side Stripes.

We jumped at the chance to go into MINI that were DRIFTING!!!!!

Drifting a MINI you say. Yupp!!! Its done by having special tires on the rears whereby when you break the back end slips out making the MINI handle like a rear wheel drive car

Easy Drift Tyres

How much are these tyres? £1,000 EACH

DRIFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

We then had a good nose around looking at the MINI Collection ranging from R53 Carbon Fibre Roof Cooper S to Calvin Klein Countryman.

R53 with Carbon Fibre Roof

Calvin Klein MINI aka Drug Dealer ‘Car of the Year’

We booked some track time one with a control lap where there was a lead car who you followed but you were not allowed to overtake

This wasn’t even for me so i booked ‘Race Your MINI’ – what i call no holds barred racing where RallyAli comes out to which Garry wanted to see plus secretly he wanted to sit in my Recaros.

Sport Button Engaged and All electronics safety nannies switched off and as Colin McRae said “If In Doubt, Go Flat Out”

At the end of this madness my new tyres were tourched with serious scrubbing on the side walls and i must have worn off at least 2mm off a new set of tyres which my dad brought me as a going away present.

Sorry Dad : /

I clicked through the settings on my mini to see what mpg we were getting on the track

We got wait for it ……………………………………13MPG!!!!

After all this MINI Madness we headed back to the Villa for a swim in the pool and BBQ  NOM NOM NOM NOM

After all the mischief in the pool and nom nomin some good food. The Lads got ready for the 1st night of the Concert with Gossip, Iggy & The Stooges and Martin Solveig headling the nite.

Everyone jumped in my JCW as i dont drink and you should have seen everyone scrambling for a front seat in my JCW for the Recaros

With Harmon Kardon system blarring, windows down and exhaust note burbling we head up the hills to the Concert in 26 Degrees heat at 9 at night

Everyone got a little merry after a few drinks and we danced away with other MINI Owners and a small group from Belgium

MINI Concert

The concert was amazing with Martin Solveig having some serious skill on the decks at one point he was controlling 3 decks all the same time

Still buzzing after the concert, we all drove down the hills blaring some TUNEEEESSS.

We were stopped by the Police for a standard breathlyser test along with 5 other cars. The French police officer recognised it was UK car and moved to the right hand side of the car and politely asked to me breathe in the machine. I have never been asked to do one and he explained everything to me and asked where I had been. You should have seen his face when the machine came up with nothing. He must have thought it was broken and he spent the next 10 seconds checking it LOL

This was all done within 30 seconds if that with no attitude or anything. I have to add it was actually a nice experience to be fair. Hats off to the French Police they were very good, i wish UK Police were more like them. Even when I was told i could drive off he was still looking at the machine like it was broken.

With the 1st Day of MINI UNITED over I still couldn’t believe that I had drive 1,200 miles across another country I have never been before with people I have never met in my life and i was having the time of my life. I never of thought i could ever go to Monaco let alone drive around the circuit and meet all these MINI Owners from across the Globe and stay in a beautiful Villa.

I stayed up that night for a while looking outside my window thinking if I never had a MINI I would have never done any of this.

Surrey New MINI aka The Fast Five on the Monaco Circuit

Thank you BT11 WRK – Your worth every penny I spent on you

Video of Noisy SNM En route to MINI UNITED – http://youtu.be/NLImG3UYVZA

SNM Arriving at MINI UNITED – http://youtu.be/oL-xcLfTJrI

MINI Drifting Action – http://youtu.be/GbMAPDFTtHw

Parade Lap – http://youtu.be/M31r9JScssU

Racing my JCW – http://youtu.be/M470UnY0qVo

More Pictures of MINI UNITED 2012 – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/Yhk22N9Tzv/MINI%20UNITED

Next Post The Road to MINI UNITED PART 3 – The Final Lap

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With my Birthday just passed I turned 23 and a week later I would be travelling over 2,400 Miles off to Another country with 5 other MINI owners who I had never met before.

With the MINI Prepared more than me, I set off from my house and headed to Dover where I would meet the people I would be sharing this MINI Adventure with.

It was a long drive there so I set the cruise control on at 70mph and just relaxed with the Harman Kardon sound system providing the sound and the Recaros providing the comfort.

I drove past Oxford on the way to Dover with the beautiful yellow fields of buttercup flowers and windmill in one. Hopefully I would be taking my MINI one day to the place where it was born at the Oxford MINI Plant.

With miles racking up and the sunset in the UK the JCW was eating up the miles with ease. I hit the motorway here London Heathrow Terminal 5 and the traffic started to mount up on the 5 lanes with variable speed limits being imposed due traffic and accidents : /

Darkness fell and the Xenon lit up the road ahead of me perfectly given i had never driven so far south before. I called Christine to see how far they were from the Hotel and they had stopped for some dinner but would be setting off again in 20 minutes. Lets say i was lagging abit so SPORT BUTTON was engaged and every gap exploited for clean overtaking to maintain a constant velocity.

With only 5 miles remaining to the Hotel i thought i wouldn’t catch up but in the distance I saw familiar looking rear lights, so i put my foot down to catch up and it was Christine and Phill & Janet in their MINIs so i flashed and tucked in behind Janet’s Fully Loaded R53 Cooper S infront of Christine’s Tasty Hyper Blue LCI R56 JCW which had only 2,000 miles on the clock at time.

Christine’s JCW & Janet’s Cooper S

We parked up at the Hotel and spoke in the the lobby about each others MINIs, MINI UNITED and how each their journey had been.

The next day we all drove down in convoy to meet Garry with his WC50 at Dover where we would drive on cars on to the train to Channel Tunnel to enter France within 30 minutes. Garry’s WC50 is no ordinary JCW or WC50 by a long mile and earned its nickname of the ‘Green Monster’ during this MINI Adventure. With the stock look of an WC50 there is FMIC Intercooler, Sports Cat downpipe, Alta Blow off valve and remap which brings it up from the standard 208 BHP to 280 BHP & 320 Ft Lbs of Torque.

Garry’s WC50 aka ‘The Green Monster’

We lined up the cars to board the train to which would taking us to France in 30 minutes and then drove on to the train parked inside up whilst listening to the on-board safety announcements.

Boarding the Channel Tunnel Train

With this time we had onboard we spoke about each other MINIs and all the adventures they had and what mods they had done to their MINIs. These owners were all member of Surrey New Mini (SNM) who knew each previously but made me feel at home the moment i met them (they are like a second family to me now).

MINI Laughs all around with SNM Crew

We rolled into France and disembarked the train and reminded ourselves to drive on the wrong side of the road. Sat Navs set and Radios sorted Top Gear Road Trip style and we headed for our half way point hotel in Dijon to enroute to the Villa near MINI UNITED.

MINI Convoy

With being a national holiday when we arrived, the motorways were completely empty and we only passed one car after 2 hours of driving. We stopped at a service station to fill up the cars and grab a snack at which point we met up with another member of SNM – Phil with his Clean R56 Clubman Cooper S with JCW Exhaust system. All fuelled up and feed whilst causing a stir at the service station with all our MINIs we left to reach our hotel before night.

Phil’s Cooper S Clubman

We reached our hotel and freshen up only to find Ian (118) on SNM/TotalMini Forum Moderator and Mark from Ireland with his Uber cool MINI Hampton Edition Clubman arrive. I just adore the Hampton Edition with its Reef Blue metallic paint and the WHEELS with the burnished lip Damson Red touches centres. Its just not the exterior of the car i am mesmerised by its interior with the Lounge leather seats with Damson red piping and custom dash board trims make this MINI the apple of my eye. Given i have a soft spot for the Clubman and especially Hampton Edition would make a perfect 2nd car to me given i have driven a JCW Clubman extensively as well as the Hampton Clubman SD as a loan car.

Mark’s MINI Hampton Clubman

We all then went over the road from the hotel to a lovely little pizzeria where I introduced myself and my JCW. We had a beautiful meal sharing stories & few jokes and I made two new MINI Mates.

MINI Mates aka My M&Ms

This is the story so far!!!! Given I had just turned 23 travelled from the UK and into France with 5 people i have never met in my life. I was having the time of my life with people i wouldn’t have never met if i didnt have a MINI

SNM Crew Fly By with Their MINIs – http://youtu.be/WKdFUfQo_a8

The tagline for MINI UNITED 2012 sums everything up perfectly FRIENDS.FESTIVAL.RACING

Next Post The Road to MINI UNITED PART 2….

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