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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Twitter – Mr_M1R

Instagram – d4rkhorse

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The post Castle Combe Circuit: Track Shenanigans appeared first on JCW Adventures.

My website has been a successful because of everyone who reads, comments and follows me.

I have hit another milestone of 15,000 views early this year

But like my JCW I am forever evolving and becoming better, stronger and faster.

But this time I need your HELP!

I want to know you opinions on what you LIKE & HATE about the website

I have set up up an anonymous comment box so you can help with the direction of the website. It will be undergoing a revamp to celebrate the 2 year anniversary and my JCW turning 3 this year.

The JCW will be undergoing some modifications soon…

I mean exactly what I am saying when I ask for your opinions on the website, so be as nice and nasty as you want…

Before that here are my plans for the website this year

1. Reviewing the F56 & All of R56 Model range
2. Charity Run – Its time to give back to the world
3. MIR RUN II – This is my own MINI run I plan over the UK
4. Manufacturing my own line of MINI Car parts
5. Instragram Meetup – 3 Meets in the year
6. Track Days
7. More videos – An insight into me and the JCW
8. Competitions/Giveaways (It will be open to everyone worldwide)
9. MINI Factory Tour
10. Behind the scenes of MINI & tuning specialist

Here is the link to the anonymous comment box to leave your advice and criticisms

Anonymous Comment box

Next Blog Post: Castle Combe Circuit – Track Shenanigans 

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Twitter – Mr_M1R

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The post MINI Roll Call appeared first on JCW Adventures.

This year’s show would be an interesting, as Surrey New MINI would be coming in force along with my JCW. I had developed a reputation with other MINI owners wanting to meet the dynamic duo. There were a few owners wanting to meet myself I couldn’t wait to line myself up with them and wax lyrically about MINI & modding.

Just before the event I got my oil & filter changed as I had hit the 10,000 miles mark to which I always change my oil. So please if you own a turbocharged or supercharged MINI make sure you check your oil levels and change your oil regularly around or before 10,000 miles or at least yearly if you do low mileage. It’s a simple way of keeping your MINI running smooth and efficiently.

Here is what an oil filter looks like after 10,000 miles

Like I said SNM will be came in force we meant it!!! 35 glorious singing and dancing MINIs with equally looney owners. I think Lohen, 1320 MINI and other MINI specialist had their work cut out the week before the show as everyone was keeping hush hush about their modifications or going completely silent on the boards.

There were a few SNM & MINI Torque members wanting to take me on so friendship might go out the window as pride, manhood and endless bragging right would be on the line.

So line them up so I can knock them down…

Like last year I headed up on the day to the meet point and as usual I was one of the first ones there so I nipped in McDonald for some breakfast nom nom nom.

As the SNM gang were all accounted for we headed out in convoy and ended up hogging up all the roads on the way to Santa pod. A short 15 minute drive we arrived and parked up at our huge club stand with other members putting up the gazebo and SNM Flags.

Once this was done I gave Monie Monies a call to catch up with her and meet up with the Full on MINIs crew for the first time. For a small stand their MINIs do stand out with Andy’s Cooper S aka The BATTLE TANK with his low and wide stanced TopSun body kit which has the artillery to match under that bonnet.

I had read up on this all dancing and bouncing MINI in Modern MINI Magazine as I spotted it at Castle Combe a year ago but never spotted the little purple minion owner. I had a look around this maritime MINI and noticed all the little touches Holly had made from the amusing stickers, wide body kit, sticker bombed trim, air suspension and twin coloured deep dish rims. A unique car needs an equally unique owner…

Monie had brought Mimi with her which had recently been spruced up for the show and it was good catch with the caramel crew. I promised to take monie down the strip and as always I am man of honour so I fired up the JCW for its first run down the strip to put in some practice.

Monie would get her ride along later but new SNM member Carina wanted to see what the fuss was about and learn how to launch off the line. I bumped into a few MINI Torque member most of whom I met at the Midlands meet lining up to race.

I was interested in seeing John’s Hartge R53 Cooper S down the strip as the supercharged MINIs were quicker off the line as I ran against them last year but as soon as the turbocharged hit mid way through 2nd the turbo has created its whirlpool of BOOOSTTTTTTTT and the torque limiter is off allowing the 2nd Gen MINIs to take off.

Supercharger noise is cool but…

Go Pro strapped on the window we rolled down to staging line…

As I watched John hurtle down the strip I eyed the 1/4 mile strip visualising the run from lights flashing down to green to the ultimate pin down of the throttle to eeek out the last few revs to the redline to be crowned a winner or loser.

I pulled into the burn out pad and dumped the clutch with full throttle lighting up the tyres with the onslaught of JCW exhaust howling for the crowd watching me.

The official inched me forward to the line to stage as looked over to Carina and said ‘You ready for this?? Make sure you listen to what I am saying and doing’ She replied ‘Hell yeah’. I got all nervous and the lights seem to take an eternity to change as I heard the muffled sounds of radio chatter as I built the revs up to prepare the launch whilst talking to Carina through all steps of switching off the electronic nannies to holding in the revs.

The lights flicked into actions as the light up and the magically green light appeared I released the JCW’s rampant ponies to what felt like driving on grass then on to tarmac the as Continental sport contacts 5s gripped and hurled us forward with the howl JCW exhaust expelling ozone layer destroying gases into the air. Whilst the crowd watching me were on slaughtered with a satisfying deep burble base line of combustion noises from my engine and exhaust.

I took every shift to the redline which was met with the furiousity of my quick shifting of the carbon and alcantara JCW gear knob as the wave of turbocharged power dispatched the revs with ever climbing speed as we soared past the time Santa Pod time gate. It was all over in a flash with me forgetting Carina was beside me thinking how am I gonna match that.

I backed off the accelerated just as the rear end of the JCW passed through the sign and called upon the 4 pot Brembos to slow us down to ease our way into the exit and cruised to cool down the JCW down for its next run.

I brought the JCW around for another round of 1/4 mile madness and to go through again with Carina exactly how I launched off the line with more details surrounding the process of staging at line. She was worried about breaking her MINI and all said was do you race people at the lights?? ‘Errrhhh yes’ was her reply and I met this with this is the exact same thing but there is no police or speed limit ; )

This time around we had competition in the form of a classic Mini clubman which didn’t looked or sound stock with its low and wide stance. So it was game time to get this JCW off the line as quickly as possible and not to embarrass myself to Carina after teaching how to drag race.

I eyed my competition noticing the slicker tyres and the race suit with helmet he was wearing. OK Mr Racecar lets see what you got???

My Alter ego ‘Rally Ali’ had decided to come out to play with Mr Racecar. So visor down Mr Racecar as you will seeing my rear lights soon…

I didn’t bother with any flamboyance of lighting up my tyres on burn out pad but ushered the JCW to line and focused on the launch as it very much a battle with the clock and Mr Racecar. I glanced over as I staged and slotted the JCW in first whilst building up the revs so I can screech off into the distance.

That green flash of light came and released the clutch with the wrong amount of revs which left the sport contact 5s smoking away grip on the recent surfaced Santa pod strip. I rode through the smoke and low traction as revs rocketed to 6,000rpm and I slammed the gearbox into 2nd with the sound of chirping from the tyres as the boost and torque limiters were lifted from the ECU allowing me to gain the ground I lost against my competition.

As turbo came into play the JCW wasn’t having this classic show it up neither was I as 208 bhp can’t be argued or reason with as the JCW strided forth cutting the air. The JCW splitter sliced the air with the GP2 front under tray sucking the front to the floor and GP2 rear diffuser completing the full flat under tray system creating the ground effect.

Today’s first victim was claimed by the Dark Knight but driver error could have made it a loss.

Like an addict I was back round to drop off Carina at the club stand so she could sign up to drag race down the strip. I gave monie a quick call to ask if she wanted to jump in as I would hit the strip again.

I picked her up near the grand stand and she slide into the JCW bucket recaros but the action was cut short as classic Mini drive shaft snapped and veered into the other lane just missing the MINI on the other side. Gratefully no one was hurt but like any motor sport we were reminded of how danger is always present.

I later read the owner saying ‘I remember going for 3rd gear – I would have been doing around 70mph, the gear stick came too far to the right which means it had lifted over the reverse lockout, in my fumbling effort to find neutral it hit reverse which snapped the left hand drive shaft. The right hand wheel which still had drive because of the LSD locked or turned backwards putting it into the clockwise spin’

We were cleared to head on after a short break but we were down to one lane which left room for practice but I wanted to race the 1st Gen GP. I guess I will have to wait until next year : (

I lined up the JCW for its next run and looked over to Monie who had her phone out to record it all with a grin on her face. As I launched off the line again not feeling the grip on surface but hoping for a good time as my next few race would be ones that count amongst friends.

My young grass hopper wanted to take me on down the strip so said ‘Line them up!!!’ but I did pre warn her that I would beat you. But like any master I had to show my student who was BOSS plus I couldn’t be shown by a GIRL. We headed up to stage for the lights as I glance over to Carina with confidence I slotted the JCW into first.

I held the revs for the launch waiting that sweet green light to signal the JCW to take its next victim of the day. Blink and you would have missed me as I got a perfect launch off the line whilst Carina fumbled her launch with slow reactions and all she could do is watch my tail lights as I hurtled towards the line at break neck speed.

I rolled back to my SNM club stand with my manhood intact awaiting Carina excuses for messing up her launch but my young grasshopper has much to learn but given its was her first time she did me proud later on with her few races.

I powered down the JCW to give her a rest and me to socialise & eat with my club friends.

I went to meet another member of MINI Torque and my IG follower Joseph with his Pepper white Cooper S auto with French blue touches

His Cooper S has been some inspiration for me for future mods on the suspension and induction route.

I caught up with double trouble GP owners GP Garry and Rogue Rob who were at the GP owners stand as Garry was talking about his recent track day at Brands Hatch. I sneakily stole away Liz for our lunch date and spoke about my future plans for the website, work, life and me aiming to be a motoring journalist.

All topped up I walked around with Liz checking out a few of tasty MINIs at the show and shine stand

Cobra seats had brought along their show car

Personally I think this is the best Classic Mini I have ever seen with its rat rod look

I want to shake the person’s hand who had the inspiration to do this. You are a LEGEND!!!

After this MINI Madness I caught up with another lunatic who might be even more of MINIac then me. Yes ino its hard to believe but she does put up a fair fight. I am talking about Holly with her air bagged cooper but I can’t win the front of being the most passionate owner ever given she has the MINI logo tatt’d on her arm

ps for the record Its the only time she will beat me

She showed me how the air bag system work and why she went down this modifying route of low and slow. Like me she wanted to be different from everyone else and set some trends but she did point out it is a Marmite car that people love or hate.

Personally I am a fan of it with custom touches and the funny as stickers that still gets me is the ‘short arse on board’ and ‘I am not SMALL I’m FUN SIZE’. I see Holly can match my wit as well and its finally good to meet a MINI owner who travels as much as I do to events and is the same age as me.

Had to show her the JCW aka The Misses and ran her through the mods and the adventures I had been on but I didn’t have to point out the small mods as she was pointing them out as I unlocked the JCW and opened the door wide open.

Holly went away for a while but we she was up for going down the strip in my JCW.

I was heading down the strip as I saw John with drop top JCW who wanted to run against me down the strip to which I was game to.

It would be an interesting match up as the convertible is slightly heavy yet has the same power. As we were about to head to the starting line Christine waved me down to ask if she could jump and I obviously obliged. Once she was all buckled up we headed to the line…

Me not being a fan of drop tops I didn’t want to be beaten by one whilst everyone looked on from the stands with the phones and cameras. Little did I know a few SNM members and Mersey side MINI owners were looking on and capturing the moment.

I knew I had a fighting chance as my Conti sport contact 5s would give me the better traction off the line if I launch it right.

The little light trickled down to green and with a slight poor reaction I let the JCW off the leash with some wheel spin and hop. I rode through the tortured squealing of the tyres in 1st and when slotted her home for 2nd to what felt like a cut in boost.

My heart sank as the corner of my eye spotted the red JCW which I left at the line caught up to my B pillar nearing on my A pillar. As soon as my head turned to see the JCW my turbo hit its sweet spot of 3,000 RPM and over boosted like jet fighter with afterburners as I slow but firmly started to pull away again. Leaving John’s & his son just looking at me in disarray as we were so evenly match in first 500 metres.

I had the edge as scorched past the speed trap certifying our times for the all the onlookers with no idea what we ran or how close we were. I think that was the closest race I have ever ran but I did feel like I let the JCW down and I was still pondering why it cut boost.

After looking back at the footage it was hell of close race

I let off Christine at the club stand and picked up Holly along the way to strip again for last hurrah for the day as MINI Torque member Sachin wanted to run against me and had been giving me some stick about the wheel gap.

While waiting in the queue a catch up with Holly and learned more about her and her passion for MINI and quickly learned she got into the scene the same time as me and how far she has to travel to any event.

I prepd the Go Pro for the double trouble JCW reading themselves for the battle of the wheel gap and honour for JCW supremacy.

My competition was asking what was under my hood just we went up to line

Just a sports cat and strut brace whilst he was on KW V1 coilovers and running a decat which would give him an edge on the power front and traction front.

I shut the windows so I could zone out and focus on calming my nerves and ran my brain through the process of doing a perfect launch. Holly could see me being all nervous and said you physic yourself up?

I jokily said Tyrese’s line from 2 Fast 2 Furious ‘I got to smoke him’  then I said I will do the drive and stare on you as well…

My nerves built up as I eyed up competition as slotted home 1st and staged the JCW for the battle ahead. I was determined to win for the Mile High Wheel Gap Crew as given I had been given name of wheel gap warrior from Adam aka Evil from MINI Torque.

All I wanted was this victory and no one would take this from me. I built up the revs and waited the lime green light. The lights flashed all the way down to Green and dumped the clutch and wheels chirped on the sticky tarmac scrambling for traction.

My sport contact 5s regained their grip before Toyo proxies on my rival as both shot forth from the line. The sheer volume of noise bellowing from a sport cat and decat 3′ pipes of the JCWs reverberated Santa Pod raceway as we gunned it to the finish line marker.

I grabbed 2nd just before I hit the rev limiter

3rd gear came quickly in concession with me hypnotised to my rev counter to get every last rev before the redline.

Middle way through 3rd Holly said ‘You got him’ as my JCW began to inch past the red top JCW symbolising my inevitable win and crushing defeat as he helplessly watched as my tail lights becoming his runner prize for taking me on.

The win was sealed with satisfying egotistic gear clenching fourth gear as we glided to victory across the Santa Pod sign.

This was the last run of the day and it was a hell of day as I never lost any of my race and put in some good times. My last run of the day was my quickest strangely!!! I guess I work better under pressure.

This show felt alot better than last years given the number of people I knew this time around as well as putting name/MINIs to faces. I will be returning to next years show supporting some more mods….

Given the recent passing of Paul Walker alongside his friend Roger Rodas I feel obliged to talk about it given this post is all about drag racing, 1/4 miles and car culture. When Fast and Furious came out I was only 12 and the UK car modifying scene was small and in its infancy with its ricer/chavastic looks of Civics and Vauxhalls with ridiculous spoilers, bodykits and speakers. It wasn’t really much about doing the interior, handling or performance but all for ‘looks’.

I watched the 1st fast and furious film at my cousin house in London with awe of the neon lighting as this young kid tried to take on Dom to run in his pack. My cousin had a Honda Civic with this god knows what wide bodykit, Huge rear wing, decals, full tints all around, neon lights and alpine sound system. I thought it was amazing at the time as the exhaust was obnoxious loud twin tailpipes which could fit a small child in them. I knew from then when I could learn how to drive I would modify my car with bodykits and neon lights and I dreamt of having my own crew to ride along with. Alot has changed…

But I do have crew now but they are my MINI family who I call the ‘Fast Five’ who I shared the time of my life with. We have got faster as time pasted with everyone owning a JCW within our pack as Phil made the leap to his JCW Coupe, Christine with her JCW, Mr & Mrs King both buying a 1st Gen JCW and 2nd Gen JCW and Garry with his GP2.

Paul Walker and the whole fast and furious scene left a big mark on me and I will truly miss Paul Walker as fan and Idol. It was tragedy to see him go out like this and I woke up to seeing the wrecked Carrera GT on my instagram and I didn’t want to believe that he was gone.

He was a real car guy’s guy as he raced outside of films with various race series and had an awesome car collection including stripped out track focused M3. He was even an honorary guest to Mine’s motor sports in Japan.

My JCW narrowly missed out featuring in Fast & Furious 6 after I put it forward for the film as filming was being done in the UK.

I jokedly said to Joseph at MITP that he was Dom from fast and furious given his build and I would be Paul Walker.

But all I want to say is thank you Paul for making me smile, laugh, cry and dreaming big of owning a GTR.

I hope you didn’t suffer and I hope your family and friends can cope with your passing knowing you tried to make the world a better place with your charity and that millions of people all over the world idolised you and loved you.

Here is a link to his charity – Reach Out Worldwide

I guess heaven needed another angel…

Rest In Peace

Next Blog Post: My MINI Story

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The post MITP 2013: 1/4 Mile Heaven 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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“All 1071 Cooper Ss are welcome and they will be given pride of place in a dedicated parking area by the main arena,” says event organiser Tony Salter.

There will also be a display of Cooper S models through the years from the earliest to the very latest MINI Cooper S.

Another annual Beaulieu attraction will be the rare collection of club members’ ex-Works and Special Tuning cars and coachbuilt classics from the likes of Radford and Wood & Pickett.

This another event I heard alot about by other members of Surrey new mini (SNM) and on my recent trip to Germany from motoring journalist Martyn Collins.

Like any other MINI event it was long drive to get there so it was another early start to get to Beaulieu Motor museum and it wouldn’t be a boring one as long the way I spotted another JCW the same colour as mine and I will leave you think exactly what happened with two JCW on empty dual carriageway…

I did say its wasn’t a boring drive up as spotted two classic Mini Cooper S – one red and one blue which were in racing and rally spec. I gave my thumbs as we lined up together than I roared past them both to cut the air in front of them and to clear the path ahead.

I got to the meet point at the service but went on the wrong side so I was service maintenance side with no path to drive to link up with everyone. So I called in and headed directly to Beaulieu and waited for everyone to arrive so I could nip into the convoy like I was always there.

With me making the entrance staff laugh for a while the familiar MINIs and faces turned as skittles that are SNM arrived in convoy. I got my club stand pass off Neil and headed in with the convoy on the gravel path to the pitch on the grass for our MINIs to reside as we went around the grounds.

This is would be the first time I would meet Bert which is Ian’s classic MINI and who is our admin of Surrey New Mini the home of the most UK MINIs who have graced the most magazines, TV screens and international known. Bert is a fine example of a classic Mini with its red paint with white stripes and under bonnet is a 1275 cc MPI engine, which was produced from 1996 to 2000. It was the last few classic Minis to be built before the reintroduction of the new MINI with the R50 in 2001. Ian says ‘After owning a red Mini as my first car, I longed to own another again. I found Bert, and I knew I had to have him – he’s not just a car to me, and everybody that meets him loves him!’ You will meet Bert again shortly in a forthcoming post or might have seen him recently taking centre stage at an established automotive event called Goodwood: Festival Of Speed. Their something about any Mini that puts a smile on your face… All together with my little brother we headed out in pack of SNM members to check out the other clubs. There were a few interesting classic with the owners unique twist on them which made a nice change from all the immaculate tucked away examples which only come out during the show season. I think this one is ready for the winter warfare If your up a gangster look, feast your eyes on this chopped roof Mini with Flat Beat Eric at the wheel The ridiculous Mini Moke which is a silly concept in the UK but you cant help but love it plus there is seating for four Here are some regular tasty examples of classic minis We moved into the tented section where the show and shines were ranging from classic to modern MINIs. As much as I love a perfect example of an immaculate car that still looks like in its original state when it left the factory. There is a point where this automotive examples are not DRIVEN and when I mean they aren’t driven they are lucky to see the light from the garages they reside from the 8 months of hibernation.This is a real shame and travesty to petrol heads as seeing a classic Mini always puts a smile on my face and its the reason why Jay Kay lead singer of Jamiroquai drives his collection of exotics all the time as he gets the enjoyment and so can onlookers to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deKJRU6Zh0U I personally brought my JCW to enjoy the POWER and to DRIVE IT HARD!!! I tracked mine a few times and gone through 3 sets of tyres, full set of discs and pads. I have chip stones on the front end and side of my JCW but all these marks add character that this machine that is driven and taken to its owner and car limit yet my JCW still draws a crowd at shows and intrigue from people seeing and hearing me coming on the streets. After some chit chat amongst ourselves we headed over to see my favourite automotive creation which I had seen on TV. Your probably wondering what I am on about but it will all make sense when I say the show included a tall loud man obsessed with POWEERRRR, another guy who is slow and has no sense of direction and little guy from Birmingham has white teeth and loves his Porsches. If you haven’t guessed what show I am taking about then you need to re-evaluate your life as you should know I am on about TOP GEAR!!! All of TOP GEAR wacky creations from all the seasons where on show from the reasonable price car to the infamous Toybota which crossed the English channel into France. Here is Top Gear’s personal take on an old person car James May’s Caravan Airship The Jezza’s V12 Jaguar sports train the TGV12 The Mercedes S Cottage The Legendary Indestructible Toyota Hilux The first reasonable priced car Reliant Robin Space Shuttle The snowbine harvester which destroyed a small town in Norway The convoy of British motors to India It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t see the lap time leader board and The STIG The 24 hour Britcar which all 3 presenters piloted from the exploits of the biofuel production The Winter Olympics sking classic Mini The 007 lotus esprit submarine The Top Gear’s amphibious cars The 3 wise man cars who went to meet the baby Jesus Oh no its the Top Gear Rozzers Fancy a lift? The epitome of the future of automotive industry distilled into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust which was fully tested by Autocar

Need not worry petrol heads when you become slow with old age here is Top Gears answer Time for some famous UK mini which have graced our TV screens for generations to adore and smile at and which formed the basis of my childhood laughter and my passion for anything with a steering wheel and a gas pedal. The loveable Brum, Mr Bean’s classic Mini and Del boy’s reliant robin On a short note I pestered my parents sooo much to buy a car like BRUM and I wanted him as my first car (I smiled for a while when I saw that car so many found childhood memories came back). Then we all moved on to the Beaulieu’s motor museum its crown jewels which houses collection of over 250 automobiles and motorcycles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day, the award winning National Motor Museum appeals to all age groups. From World Land Speed Record Breakers including Campbell’s famous Bluebird to film favourites such as the magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There are alot of ground breaking automotive legends housed here so I will allow you to enjoy the pictures. Who are you Sir? Bond, James Bond was there to show off his collection of motors which would see Q happy as they weren’t wrecked Personally my favourite Bond is Pierce Brosnan given his look and the way he carried himself and the best shake and not shirred moment for me was the car chase in Tomorrow Never Dies car with BMW 7 series. Next up was the magical world of automotive history on a four seater kart which showed you how automotive industry developed through the ages. Lets say its good if your about 5 and I wish I had a gas pedal to make it go faster lol Everyton Seena’s F1 Honda with Manual gearbox Woke up in a Bugatti After all the automotive goodness we head to the Beaulieu estate and explored it grounds Yes I know this a MINI website so don’t worry about the lack of Minis but I am petrol head at the heart of it all. We departed and jumped onto the magnetic rail which was the slowest thing I have ever been on but it was at the end of the day so meh. It was another great day out with the SNM Club plus there was Ice cream so I was a happy chappy. Next Blog Post: Cholmondeley – Pageant Of Power

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Here are some fun facts:

2009: the event broke the world record for the longest convoy of Minis with a Guinness verified total of 1450 cars.

2010: The event celebrated its 25th anniversary

The Event is believed to be the largest one make car show in the world attracting over 2,500 Minis both classic and modern

Now back to business, having just finished my own organised MINI Run the MIR Run the following Sunday I would be joining the Largest MINI event on the calendar. I have personally always wanted to do this run and I wouldn’t be in bad company with my 2nd family Surrey New MINI.

Just before the event or any MINI Madness I gave my JCW the weekly check over. Having finished the MIR Run I was shocked to see the level of oil left so I topped the oil level with Castrol’s finest 0-30w oil.

MINI Shrewsbury offered to fit my GP2 front under tray for free but might want to ask why I was getting the front under-tray??

I had been doing personally doing alot of reading and research into the GP2 before its release then following up all the information from owners and when I drove one after my local dealership phoned me to ask if I wanted a test drive. One thing I noted was how planted it felt and I went about seeing how it did it but for argument’s sake least but the coilovers to the side and look at the aero on the GP2. MINI clearly state the GP2 reduced lift at the rear axle by 90 per cent because of the aero package (roof spoiler, rear diffuser and underside panelling).

Alot of people have wondered why MINI didn’t inter cooler even this a track orientated vehicle but the front under tray is a clever bit of kit as it as aerodynamic shield underneath reducing drag by the slits which let out hot air out of the engine bay while the NACA ducts suck in cold air creating a vacuum thus cooling the engine further with the benefit of the front end being sucked to the floor at the same time (ground effect).

Not bad for a £58 part?? Given a bigger inter cooler costs £500

My tyres were on their way out and so I brought some Continental Sport Contact 5s after my exploits in Germany testing them on Continentals test facilities. Once I got them fitted I was astonished by the extra grip in the wet and dry and the fact I could take corners much faster with them allowing me to fully put down the power at any given moment.

JCW all prepared for the journey it was time get down to cleaning her, out came the snowfoam and pressure washer all top off with a layer of Reload.

I set off on my 2 and half hour journey to Croydon, London to my hotel and to meet up with Surrey New MINI (SNM). It was grinning whilst I set off to do the L2B run knowing my JCW is being part of the biggest and longest running MINI event over the world. I sat back in my JCW Recaros with Harmon Kardon system playing out the white roof radio podcast. It was genuinely nice driving down this time as traffic was low and the weather was perfect  #RayBansMoments

I planned on meeting up with Christine at a service station so we could convoy down to the hotel together and also we could have our usual giggles over the walkie talkies. We parked up at the hallmark hotel which was opposite our meet point in the morning. I put my cameras on charger and headed down to meet up the SNM gang over the road in Pizza Hut.

There was some new faces at the table with Harry aka Nortonski. He is another young JCW owner in the club who genuinely thought was some old guy given he talked to me on the forums.

With any SNM gathering there is plenty laughs, giggles and stories to listen for us all but god was the service was beyond a joke in this pizza hut with them giving us the wrong orders on the starters, running of food we ordered, 45 minute wait, drinks, main course and final nail in the coffin the incorrect bill.

All feed we retired to our hotel rooms for some Zzzzz as it would be an early start to go pick up our L2B run items from Crystal Palace. I loved the fact my room overlooked my JCW and before I knew it the day came with an early start at 5 in the morning to get ready.

I am not drunk but I parked like this to avoid getting door dings and then a van comes along and parks next to you *face palm*

The usual suspects were ready and waiting – Neil, Sarah, Dan and Christine with the rest of the team. We decided to take a few MINIs down to collect L2B Goody bag whilst the others got breakfast or enjoyed the extra lie in. I had to keep an eye on Dan and his craftiness as he has been after some official MINI sun blinds.

We headed out in convoy down the streets of Croydon to Crystal Palace for the starting point of the L2B RUN to where I would meet two of my Instagram followers Mike aka Twelve_75 and Charlotte who both own classics.

I picked up my run pack which includes a Run Plaque, Run Sticker, Run T-Shirt and Official Program. I have been waiting sooo long to get that plaque as its something I wanted my JCW to wear with pride and I brought some flags to have for momentum sake.

Mike came down to meet and introduced him to some of SNM and pointed down to our MINIs all parked up all in a line. Mike was a nice guy with a near on perfect example of a classic mini and you could see still he had passion for minis all this time which made me happy knowing it doesn’t fade away.

We swapped some stories for a while and then pointed out where Charlotte and her mini was. I couldn’t wait to see Charlotte’s mini as it was fully decked out in the golf livery and even the interior was in the infamous light blue and orange colour scheme as well, not bad for a first car!!!

I spoke with Charlotte for a while and she was telling me about her mini and the other IG followers she met and how this was her first mini.

We head back out to my clubs meet point for breakfast and catch up with everyone who would be joining our convoy for the run. We were twenty plus MINIs strong and I was greeted by the elegant Carina who had never met before whilst I enjoying my breakfast. The first words she said to me were ‘ I have been told your quite the MINI fanatic?’ I laughed and replied ‘I am more of a MINI Lunatic to be fair’

I showed Carina around the JCW and told her all the stuff that had been done to it and took for a quick spin around the park lot as we waited to see how my JCW sounded and to enjoy the bucket Recaro seats.

She then proceeded to show me her Cooper S with the JCW power kit aka ‘Alfie’ and it was nice meeting some my age who shares the same passion and does all the nick picky things like I do e.g. parking away from any other car, having rules for passenger in your MINI and that your MINI is more than a machine but an extension of you and your personality.

We saw the L2B convoy rolling by so we decided to add our new MINIs to ranks of classics. The roads of Crystal palace and Croydon were skittles which all the minis taking up all roads as far as you could see and your rear view didn’t look shabby either. Once we hit the motorway we left the classics behind and connected back to one another with the radios crackling with chatter of our mini owners on the same channel.

I saw the signs for Brighton and a smug grin came on to my face as it still didn’t dawn upon me that I am doing this event given the amount of times I haven’t thought about it or heard about it. Being a car enthusiasts ever since I could remember and as a child I carried around this booklet of cars and when I spotted them I would tick them off and rattle off specifications and technical details if anyone spoke about any car. I guess we don’t really change much…

We stopped at a service station to get everyone back together again given the traffic that ensued which gave us chance to admire the classics and new MINIs together. I don’t think there has been a time when we arrived to any car park without causing everyone to stop and stare.

There were some tasty classic all lined up at the service station.

We hit the road again and followed the signs to Brighton well I mean signs but it was more like follow in the mini ahead lol

It was the most amazing sight that I could see MINIs as far as the eye could see over the horizon

I love how someone who made the signs for L2B run has a sense of humour

I met a familiar face behind in Cooper S Roadster it was Ashley from the MINI Store that I visited last year during the Olympics.

We were finally there in Brighton and were heading down Madeira drive and it was like Moses has parted the sea with minis and MINIs all lined up the seafront.

We parked up and watched the continuous follow of classic and New MINIs drive by us. It was just pure car porn as we walked all the seafront of Brighton.

There was awesome stand of TV show themed minis

 We later hit the show and shine stand

I have always wondered with show and shine show that the majority of these cars are not driven which defeats the point of our a CAR its meant to be DRIVEN!!! Thank god that L2B says that you have to do the run and you’re not allowed to transport it there and that’s how it should be.

I am going shut up for a while and show you all the pictures from the event

Talking about photos one of SNM member is a keen photographer when I say keen photographer, I am probably under rating her alot as she is truly talented and absolute enjoy to be around. I am talking about the Samieeeeeee who has her own website and Facebook page of all her work.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MiniMadnesss

Website: http://www.minimadnesss.co.uk/

She is a proud owner of an R50 MINI One aka Stripes and classic mini aka Winnie P.

Can anyone guess what this mini is???

The 1962 Ogle SX1000 based on a Mini with the first cars were built by grafting glass fibre body to a customer supplied Mini. The conversion costed £550 plus the customer supplied base car. Later in 1962, complete cars became available with the 997 cc Cooper version costing £1176. Any of the Mini engines could be specified up to the Mini Cooper S unit which topped out at 110 mph (180 km/h). It is thought that 66 were made.

The day came to a close and it was an amazing time being apart of this historic event. I headed back to Birmingham with my JCW wearing the L2B plaque with a sense of pride. My JCW still wears that plaque but it sits on my back window so you can admire my derrière as I pass you ; )

This is dedicated to my best friend’s dad who passed away from Cancer on 02/09/13

RIP Mr Douglas

Next Blog Post: Beaulieu – National MINI Cooper Day

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This annual event takes place in Horsham Town Centre on three days over the Easter weekend and offers visitors and shoppers to Horsham an exciting taste of Italy in the midst of a very English medieval market town. Packed full of fabulous cars and bikes, tasty Italian foods, lively street entertainment and a huge choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants – Piazza Italia is fun for all the family!

We would taking centre stage on Saturday in Horsham town centre and we were allocated 100 space for all our MINIs I head down to London on the Friday to stay over at my cousin house and i thought driving my JCW in Birmingham was bad!!! There were the mother of all potholes, speed bumps and undulations within the road and my JCW isn’t even lowered and I was struggling not to make it scrap!

I recent put the sports cat on my JCW so it was quite loud but more so much amongst the concrete jungle that is London. I was getting onlooker fascinated the looks of my JCW and the noise it made through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I can see why a friend of mine gets 18mpg out of his JCW given all this start stop traffic.

Lets not be all doom and gloom, it was nice seeing my mum’s side of the family up in London. My younger cousin wanted to come along with me to the MINI event as bit of car nut like and he is always telling his mates about my JCW. I wanted to give him some pictures and videos to brang about at school.

It was a nice change not driving a million miles early in the morning and driving through London city I must woken up a few people as we rolled through London’s tunnels and narrow side streets. The closer we got the dealership the more minis we spotted a few familiar MINIs from our club and they were driving in convoy so I accelerated and nipped in between them.

I caused quite a steer at the meet point as everyone could hear me coming and this DINKY blue thing was in my rear view ; ) I had sure they hear the backfire on the overrun as I lifted off the accerelator

We drove into the dealership carpark and soon filled it up MINIs leaving us to wondering where everyone else would park. We headed inside for our goody bag and door vinyl for our MINIs.

There were some new faces at the meet with Emily with her brand new Cooper S

Billy’s Refreshed Cooper S

Ashley with his Pepper white Cooper S (There is alot more mods now)

Mr & Mrs Swan with their Countryman WRC Edition

Dave in his Olympic Edition MINI

Phil aka Bandit his John Cooper works with lots of carbon trim

There must have been easily 100 MINIs there alongside classic ones which is very unusual sight given we were at BMW/MINI dealership all chatting together.

Even thought it was very cold this time of year in March it was worth seeing both classic and new minis people getting on. I grabbed some breakfast with wifey number 1 Christine whilst my cousin and little brother were blowing their brains out with all the minis present.

Garry decided to arrive at the last few minutes before we handed out which was ironic as he brought along his factory fresh GP2 the fastest MINI buy can buy. I bet he did it to show off to everyone!!!

All done with the poser and his GP2 we all headed out to Horsham town centre with a Police escort. Yes i did say police escort, they were holding up traffic for us and waving us through red lights and whizzing ahead on bikes to block traffic off for us.

I felt like an ambassador with the police riding alongside us and the temptation to wind down the window and wave to my discipline as we passed by

As we arrived into Horsham town centre we were ushered on to the high street with SNM taking centre stage along the busy side of the high street

We managed to get both a GP1 & GP2 together

Me and Christine and few others pulled on to other section of the High street just in front of the classics

It was a really busy day with alot of families out enjoying the event and looking at all our MINIs. But it was a little nervous knowing people would be touch, brush along side it and walking around my JCW whilst I was away from it.

I finally got dragged away by little brother and cousin and showed them around pointing out all the members i know and introducing them and point out all the models and details on each MINI we saw.

There was some unusual classic minis and some mint examples which makes me want have a classic even more

We had a spot of lunch with GP Garry and asked him how he was finding owning a GP2 and the livability of it all. Most of his answers involved the word UNBELIEVABLE with him saying I remember taking this corner in my WC50 at this speed but now in the GP2 I taking it 15 – 20mph quicker!!!

The event was coming to a close so we headed back to our MINIs and waited for all the classics to leave in a parade as they were being let loose first to onlookers gathered along the Horsham streets. It was nice having people waving and little children being all excited by the departure of all us.

Once we were let out I made sure my JCW gave them something to remember me by letting a few Pops & Bangs on the overrun.

I waited for GP Garry to arrive as he wanted to go for a little hoon around the back roads. It was great fun playing between us on the backroads as we keeping braking down to its bare minimum and carrying the speeds in the corners. But GP2 was better sorted and the GP slightly left me at the roundabout : /

It was great fun as always with the SNM crew and I would be staying in London longer as I had a wedding to attend the next day so London had to put up the sound of the Birmingham Beast living it all up. My JCW gave my cousins E92 M3 something to quite down abit after I gave him a rev off ; )

Next Blog Post: London to Brighton Run 2013

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For once in the UK it was a beautiful summers day so couldn’t wait to see my JCW after 3 long days of not driving her. The shutters rolled up from Midlands Care and there she was gleaming and flake in the metallic paint was really popping. It was like when I pulled the cover off my JCW in the dealership, I had that stupid smirk like it was love at first sight all over again.

I looked around at every panel with Russ spoke to me about the work that went into the paint correction and how shocked he was with all cheap local hand wash had blemished the paint. He said ‘ I have never seen 50/50 comparison shot of paint correction so glaring obvious’ and I replied ‘ I will never allow my paint to be like that every again and I will be washing it myself every week’.

I fired her up and exhaust burble echoed in the unit causing everyone to look up, I thanked Russ and his team for all the work they had put into my JCW. Russ joined me in my JCW to take some piccies for his library of work and for his Facebook page.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves

I dropped Russ back off and headed the long way home enjoying my JCW and the weather. I couldn’t help myself on the way home not to take some pictures for myself

I mentioned the JCW had a special coating on the top of the paint called C Quartz and I am sure you’re wondering what is and what it does?

CQuartz Finest is an evolution in paint coatings. With Finest, stronger more condensed nano particles with better cross linking were designed utilizing a new proprietary nano material to create a “3D” structure which creates a very tough nano structure.  One group(O+Si+O) links to another by a special cross linking agent which produces the cellulose dense joint nano 3D structure coating, giving an extremely durable layer of protection. CQuartz Finest achieves an amazing increase Mohs hardness up to 2H. Unleash the amazing protection and Anti scratch effect and retain a super high gloss clear coat.

What CQuartz Finest does to your paint:

1. Increases the toughness and glossness of your paint
2. Gives your paintwork insane beading qualities
3. More anti scratch protection on paint surface
4. Offers a deep rich gloss with self-cleaning properties, making future washing of your vehicle, faster and easier
5. This protection comes with a  2 year warranty

Before I headed to Germany I got a sneaky but distinctive upgrade to the front of my JCW. MINI officially launched the day time running lights aka DRLs for the R56. I had to have them so I was straight on the phone to MINI Shrewsbury who supply and fitted nearly all my MINI JCW accessories. No dealership around where I live can beat them on service or price, even thought it 40 miles plus trip to get to them I have always left feeling like I am important and value customer.

The DRLs replace where the existing fog lights where and perfectly match the Xenon lights but still retain the fog light function. Yes it was an expensive option to have at £370 fitted but my JCW is two years old and want refresher like I did with full detail of the paint work. I like keeping my MINI looking lush using genuine MINI parts as I know if anything goes wrong with them its covered under warranty, plus at the time in the UK only 400 units were shipped. My JCW was one of the first to have them fitted as a lot of dealership didn’t have a clue what I was taking about until I gave them the part number (63122338554).

Lets get back on track about The M.I.R Run

This is the 1st MINI run I planned and it would be a thank you to my club Surrey New Mini

I wanted to take them to roads I love in the UK and for them to enjoy their MINIs to the fullest. Plus I wanted everyone to come down to Birmingham again so we could get everyone together to do Go karting.

With everything planned out and meet Garry S before the run so I could see his new purchase…

The Green Monster had gone but what would it be replaced with I wonder

The lunatic went and brought a GP2 after months of annoying me with ingenious texts, Chinese whispers and rumours.

I gather he brought one a few weeks back as he said ‘I have had enough of tuning and your right Ali for leaving yours alone and making subtle tweaks here and there’ Then all the cryptic messages on the forums and how quick his new car was built. There could be no other answer than a GP as one of his texts said ‘It got built fast because it doesn’t have many extras’

I think I was more happy for him then he was after woes with the WC50. It was nice seeing a friend being happy and enjoying what I love so much about my MINI – The way it makes you feel every time you unlock it, driving it and that moment when you turn back to admire it after locking it.

The Fast Five got given faster now and GP Garry would be turning up with a fully run in GP2. I was looking forward to seeing him go at it down some twisty roads. I think I could hear the pack from Surrey as the traffic reports on the radio were going bonkers as I am sure they caused a stir on the motorways on the way down.

They all arrived together at the hotel near my house and I greeted them with my brother little Adam who wanted to see everyone again. We all caught up in the hotel lobby over some dinner and filled them in with all the shenanigans of Germany.

The next morning my road was awaken by the sounds of the SNM crew as they filled up my drive way for a quick morning washing our beasts. The pressure washer and snow foam was out to get 4 MINIs quickly washed and dried so we could head out to do some go karting.

I lead the pack to the Cannon Raceway in Wolverhampton for the karting but we arrived late due spending a little too washing the beasts so we headed straight into the briefing room and given our video and personal safety briefing. We dawned our racing overalls and proceed to track to get our helmets and look at the track.

The track looked perfect for some tight races between us all with sweeping bends, chicanes, hairpin turns, long fast straights, a hump-back flyover, a switch back tunnel, “S” bends awaiting us.

We picked our kart of choice but it didn’t really make a difference as these were race tuned 270cc engine karts with slick racing tyres on aluminium wheels and hydraulic disc brakes. I opted to jump into the middle of the field so I eye up my competition and see what lines they would take then go in for the overtake.

Engine and brakes checked we all rolled out one by one from the watchful eye of the marshal. Phil went first followed by Garry then me and Christine for sight seeing laps to get a feel of the track to get the line right and learn the track. Phil and Garry where are it already will me just hooning around for the first laps to feel where the level of grip and what speeds I could take the corners at without too much slip. Christine was at the back holding everyone up as we lapped her, I guess she was really sight-seeing the track.

With our practice laps over we pulled back into the pits for the first of our 2 x 25 lap sessions so cue the F1 Music (The Chain by Fleetwood Mac).

Murray’s Walker voice came into my head as soon as that flagged was waved – GO GO GO for the Monaco Grand Prix!!!

I slammed the gas pedal getting a little swirm as I pulled away with Phil ahead and Garry in hot pursuit. I went Into the 1st the first bend hot and overbraked to get some heat into the front tyres as full throttled up the hump-back flyover not lifting off as it dives down into a hairpin bend.

I caught some air as I aimed my kart for the apex and eased off the gas pedal as the back wheels grabbed contact again with the track and left foot braked whilst backing off gas to scrub the speed off for the bend. I turned into early causing me to reduce speed but this was useful for next section of the track which is a tight set of S bends which require me to get braking and throttle perfect in order to carry speed on to the back straight away.

I weaved into the S bends tapping the brakes to keep right side for the corner as I found it hard to find the best line to track through the S bends. I entered the last section of the S bend kicked the tail out with fully throttle to go wide out to run along side inches away from the crash barriers so I could gain more momentum for the hump back bridge. It paid off as caught a good half-foot of air on the way down from the bridge.

I proceed to savagely hunt down GP Garry & Phil who had the early lead but I gaining on them every corner I took. On the 5 or 6th lap GP Garry  had spun out helping me gain some ground on him after his speeding antics in the infamous Monaco tunnel it would it mount to battle for biblical magnitude.

Now it was game time with GP Garry & Rally Ali going head to head for glory and bragging rights all weekend. I made it clear to Garry that I was right behind him by braking late so he could see and hear me so I could start mounting psychological pressure on him. After tailing him for a lap and pressuring him to make an error he doesn’t seem to buckle from my advances, so driver skill is where I will take him.

As went through the S bends again and on to last the corner I keep my kart centimetres away from as we accelerated away from the corner and we lock eyes to the bridge. Garry was following his own line as he kept away from the barrier whilst I tailgating whilst remain next to the barrier, as we climbed the hill I moved over to right on the crest. Garry backed off the accelerator whilst I keep my foot planted and moved across him to block the corner ahead, we catch air with me half a length ahead. We both lock the brakes as we both make contact with the track I instinctively move left even more to finish overtake and completely blocking him to take the cutting point on the apex leaving him behind.

With Garry dismissed I focused on keeping on the racing line for the next few laps to keep him at bay whilst stalking my next prey called Phil. I learned how to carry more speed through the S bends through precise throttle inputs and leaving the brake pedal alone but there was some debris on the track called ‘Christine’ which doodling along (I am only joking Christine please don’t kill me).

Christine was beneficial to me as she slowed down Phil for me to pick him off next. My hands were getting cramped as I was holding the wheel too firm as I looked for a line to take Phil. My chance came just after the S bends as Phil had tucked in a little too much, allowing me to glide by on the outside with the extra speed I was carrying. I was on pole but there was no time relaxing as I wanted to come close the track lap record and not allow anyone to overtake me.

Sadly my talent might have run out on S bend as just nipped the barrier causing me to crash a little bit and my kart leak fluids on the track which allowed Phil and Garry to gain some significant ground tag team against me. But it didn’t matter as they actually spun out on the little bit of fluid from my kart, which nearly caught me out on few laps later.

I took the chequered flag and took a parade lap to cool down my kart, sadly there weren’t any sexy pit girls waiting for me just blokes and kids looking at me thinking he can’t half drive as the times for each us came up on the boards. I was fastest but a few seconds with Phil and Garry putting in similar times and you can gather who was slowest.

After a short 2 minute rest we were back into our same karts as we were previously raced in. I decided to aim for pure speed and better lap times this around whilst gaining pole position but I wouldn’t be sacrificing lap times just for an overtake.

It was bad decision for me pick the same kart as felt fatigued on the back straight like I had lost power some how and I was acting like Jeremy Clarkson shouting COMMMMEEE OONNNNN!!!! I NEED MORE POWWWEEERRRR!!!!

The battles between us weren’t as epic as we lap time chasing which resulted in a few spinning out. However I did make a dumb move with trying to overtake Phil as I didn’t think he would be braking so I needed up shunting him into the barrier. Sorry Phil but you were in my way! My driving pedigree shone again with me coming first and putting in the fastest time again. Everyone else improved their times with Garry only being about 1 second behind my time.

All pumped with adrenaline we hoped into our little road legal go karts called MINIs and head to Wales to begin the M.I.R Run. The MINI adventure would start off with us meeting a few MINI Mates from Merseyside MINI – Rob & Liz in their GP2 and Si & family in his new factory fresh JCW.

The weather was perfect but the traffic wasn’t on the way to Wales however once we cut across the border we could open the taps on the smooth winding asphalt with the raised speed limit. Sport mode was activated and the hills were alive with the sounds of MINIs poppin and banging on the over run as we arrived into the little village of Betws-y-Coed.

We met up with fellow MINIacs Rob & Liz and Aldo and family for a quick catch up, laughs and photo ops in the carpark. We hadn’t started the Run yet and we were giggling like 5 years olds as we catched up and took some silly pics but I forgot my belt so my chinos were constantly falling down.

Rob wouldn’t lend me the keys to the GP so I took matters into my own hands

After some forgiveness we sat down for lunch together to fuel up for the MINI Madness ahead!

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.

Rob’s GP2 led the pack to the EVO Triangle so we could line up to begin the run and look down on the ribbon of tarmac.

As I was setting up my Go Pro I realised I made amateur mistake of leaving the memory card at home. With me feeling like an idiot, Si son Olly was messing around the field and stumbled upon a rim which reminds you that this road can catch you out. This is where Olly nickname was created with Si getting annoyed with the constant questions and called ‘Alloy come here!’ which ensued laughed amongst us all.

It was like looking at a familiar adversary like Senna was meeting Prost for the ultimate no hold barred rematch to see who was the better driver. My foe would be more kind to me this time as the asphalt had recently been resurfaced and my JCW had its upgraded JCW discs and fresh set of pads however my tyres were down to 3mm all round.

It was bad enough catching a GP in cold winter months but we had to leave distance between us as the freshly laid road had small stones littered all over it and those Kumhos tyres would be at operating temperatures making it my work harder.

So it begins!!! 1220 BHP of MINIs in convoy head down the ribbon of asphalt called the EVO Triangle. The GPs cleared the path like to two scouts heading forth into battle with the full battalion of JCW heading to finish off the stragglers.

The two GPs were off like a flash and the extra gap between us just made it harder to catch up as my grip wandered in the corners as there were a few moments of squirming where power wasn’t being put down.

That extra gap for the GP was enough for them to leave in me literally in their dust as I was at least a full corner behind them all the time. I couldn’t keep up to my annoyance as I was entering a corner they were a full 5 car lengths ahead and powering away from me. I felt bad for my JCW as I pushing her to the point she was skipping and ABS coming into play due to the lack of traction in the breaking zones.

Me only consolation prize was Si who was trying to keep up with me and I had no idea how far behind Christine and Phil where. I had to wait with the GPs in a lay by for them to be anywhere remotely visible to us.

Don’t you worry GPs my JCW will be matching you in the bends soon after some coilovers go on to my JCW next year…

You can’t say I wasn’t trying to keep up with the GPs as when we pulled over our first lap of the EVO triangle my tyres were LITERALLY melting!!!  The GPs left me in the bends and had a corner advantage over me : /

JCW decided to roll back as the brakes were hot as I left it on the hand brake and Si was left very impressed with the sound of my JCW and thought the overrun pops were immense. I was shocked for him as he was trying to keep up with in a JCW with only 400 miles on the clock!!! I guess everyone has their own run in procedures ; )

We went back around again to shrub some more rubber off tyres and to be greeted with the smell of baked brake pads.

I still cant get over how well sorted the GP2 is. Alot of people say it’s too expensive, it’s not special enough, it looks like an R56 JCW with silly stickers and why doesn’t it have more power???

For the doubters the GP2 was in development for 2 years where it was honed for both the track and road, where the already well sorted chassis was given the fundamental upgrade of coilover suspension system. That difference alone makes it a formidable foe to dance with as I found out again pursing the GPs over the run.

The suspension just absorbs the bumps and gives the tyres the greater contact with the road for those compound specific Kumho tyres. You can physically see it at work as my JCW bouncing around whilst the GP was composed like it flattening the undulations in the road.

Garry loved the road and his GP even more and the SNM crew could see what I banging on about early in the year. The smiles and grins said it all when we pulled over half way on the way back to our cottage in a small car park and caused a little commotion like we normally do when we drive in convoy.

This time we attracted another MINI owner who circled back round to see us and ask a few questions about what we had been up to and that he engine light on his dash. I got my diagnostic tool out of my boot and told him the error code and fault it had with his MINI which was an error code related to him putting a sports cat on.

We said our goodbyes to the MMC crew and head back to our cottage, we didn’t expect to have some awesome roads along the way but we did!!!

We arrived at our cottage and it was amazing with nice furnishings and ambles amount of space for us to kick back chill out and just catch up. We all freshened up a little and head down to the hotel restaurant to taste some of the local food to find a couple of muskets above what was once the fireplace.

After we eat we all head back and caught up with one another after we hadn’t been together as a group in a while, plus a few things had changed in our lives and we wanted the verdict off Garry how living with the GP2 is compared to WC50. We were all laughing and merry as they cracked open the complementary bottles of wine whilst I sipped on my ribena. We all reminisced that this time last year we had all met for the 1st time and we were in France for MINI UNITED 2012.

We woke for day two for the MIR Run resulted me getting up early to try to steal Garry’s GP keys so I could take a cheek spin around the block. Sadly Garry knows me all to well and hid his keys which was really annoying as the lunatic parked outside the front door.

We had the perfect fry up breakfast in the pub restaurant next door then proceed to pack up our bags and check up on our MINIs before we headed out to do some more awesome roads.

The next road up road for taming was in the Pass of Llanberis in Snowdonia and the weather was immense for the UK with temperatures hitting 26 degrees for those ray bans moments to continue.

We all parked up alongside the lake across the pass for some piccies as the water looked mesmerising with the sun glistening the ripples alongside the back drop of the mountains and evergreen forests.

We leisurely cruised through Llanberis pass with clear blue skies with the windows down taking pictures were we could and enjoying the pothole free smooth tarmac.

It always been moments like this where I wonder if I didn’t have a MINI would I be doing this? Would I have met the people who I call friends but are family to me? Is this motoring heaven? Why am I smiling so much?

We just cruised the whole journey taking in the beauty of Snowdonia with the waves and smiles we got from onlookers by.

After all the waving to our subjects we grew hungry and retired to local pub opposite Swallow Falls in Betws-y-Coed which was once again another sweet lunch. The Welsh have got three things nailed on the head; scenery, food and roads which happen to be best things in the world.

After the delightful lunch we crossed the road to Swallow Falls to take in the natural beauty of the falls with the sound cascading water which brought an aura of calm to the bank holiday weekend mini madness.

Like all good things it had to come an end and we gave other hugs and wished each other a safe journey home as we would diverge on the motorway away from one another. But we would meet again next week for the legendary London to Brighton Run.

I want to close on a few words on this posts as the website turned one & my JCW turned two years old.

Its been two years of continued MINI Adventures with the world’s greatest friends with my most pride possession my JCW. I look at my JCW every morning and think ‘Thank you for all the MINI Adventures, smiles and connecting me with people who I wouldn’t have ever met otherwise’.

You may think I mad that genuine love my JCW, as it’s truly an extension of my personality but I often call her ‘the misses’. Sure she cost me a small fortune with £1,000 being spent on her before I went on the MIR run with brakes, disc, tyres, DRLs and a full detail but she is worth!!

The messages, comments and looks I get every time I drive her on a daily basis is still a new every time people tell me. The FACT people some say I am driving their Perfect MINI or their Dream Car humbles me that I am fortunate to own my JCW. This is the reason why I write this blog so you can see WHY I brought my JCW to DRIVE and to take you on the drive of your LIFE…

Next Blog Post: MINI Vines: Piazza Italia VII

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Whilst they were out hooning on the rear wheel drive BMWs my half of the group was learning about how continental develops a tyre from the compound to the thread pattern and all the research and development that goes into the process.

I asked the question – What if I or tyre company copied your thread pattern would it perform the same or better?

Reply – Even if you copied the exact thread pattern, the compound of our tyres is very different and that’s where our extensive R&D developments goes into

I have always been a preacher about buying good tyres and brakes as these are the only things that keep you on the road. People forget that contact patch between you and the road is only the size of your palm. It was our time for some rear wheel drive shenanigans in the white BMW 1 series and they were fitted with cheap import tyres. I mounted my Go Pro 3 to the back window to showcase my driffftttoooo ability whilst on the wet handling track. I jumped into the driver’s seat unaccompanied and put the paddle shift gearbox and car into sport mode.

We followed a pace car upfront with radios on board which talked us through the lap and how to push the tyres to the limit to feel the difference. To be honest I was being a right yob with me hanging the back out on every corner for a continuous drift.

It was laughable how easy it was to induce over-steer all the time with the cheap import tyre being very loose in the wet handling track and gave no confidence what’s so ever when you pushed the car. When you reached the limit of grip you were met with snap on over-steer which is fun on track but deadly on public road.

All these characteristics are stupidly fun on a closed track which makes you wonder why doesn’t someone offer a track day like this?? Joking aside these handling threats of the tyre would deadly on the open road. Still grinning from ear to ear fun, I suction mounted the Go Pro to the grey BMW fitted with ContiPremium Contact 5s to see how Continental’s tyres could fare better even with the worsening wet track. Into the first corner the difference was evident with the BMW front end would not wash into under-steer and the rear end refused to swing out as I mashed the loud pedal middle corner.

I was being a right lunatic to get the BMW to over-steer as I had to go specifically out of my way to do it. The difference with the Conti tyre was it told you exactly before it let go whilst being controllable.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/wreXP1uB9WY]

It was a no contest between which tyre you would buy.

Tread carefully was the next station which was designed to show you how much a difference tread difference can make

We would drive 3 VW Golfs with different levels of thread – 8, 3 and 1.6 mm at different speed starting at 60 kph (37 mph) then 70 kph (43 mph) and finally 80 kph (50mph) to see the difference. My Group elected to learn the theory behind changing your tyres at 3 mm opposed towards the legal limit of 1.6 mm. 1.6mm is the legal limit for tread depth on tyres. But tests show that at this tread depth, tyres are only performing at 55% efficiency, meaning stopping distances are greatly increased in wet conditions.

We learnt about how the efficiency of the tyres decrease when the thread reduces and about the structure of the compound, side walls and thread pattern make a difference. With the theory dusted off we head towards the car to which there were two people per vehicle because it made easier to switch seats.

I was joined by the motoring journalist queen aka Geraldine Herbert the founder of wheelsforwomen.ie  who has written for newspapers, magazines and websites including the Sunday Independent. It was an honour having her on-board and we had some good discussions about the event and wider car industry. My driving skills had to be at their A game with her on board so no pressure at all. We entered the first car which had 3 mm thread and went around the oval track building our speed up to 60 kph and keeping it steady at that speed whilst we drove through about a 2 metre long patch of standing water. At 50 kph there was a slight slow down in the vehicle but nothing that really phased the tyre.

Next we built up 60 kph and felt the car slow as you noticed the tyre was trying to move the water but with a slight struggle. Once again we ramped up the speed and noticed the car twitched by it moving it to the right which was nothing uncontrollable. It sort of felt like torque steer with reduction of speed of about 5 kph. The Golf fitted with 8 mm tyres was up next so everything was going be fine due to the thread depth and it was true. The car never struggled with the standing water at the different speed and the only teeny tiny difference that was felt at 80 kph even then we were pointed straight ahead.

Next up where the 1.6mm tyres and me and Geraldine gave each other that look, were we we going slide into the barrier plus she elected me to do it first such a Lady. Sadly at this time we were being rushed as our allocated time at this station was coming to a close.

Therefore we dashed into the other Golf and began our first run at 60kph and as soon as we went through the stand water the car aquaplane. It felt like the car was being pushed sideways I was temporary stunned by how the car acted but my reflexes kicked in with me adding opposite lock to steer the car through the cones. We looked at each after it happened and we were like ‘WOW, are you OK?’ Then the radio crackled again saying we need to speed things up so we were moving up the speed to 80kph.

You should have seen my face, WHAT!! An extra 20kph (17mph) we are going hit the barrier at this speed or I am going spin it front of all these motoring journalists. Great I am gone tonight’s topic of laughter at the bar.

We went back around again and I held the speed steady at 80kph and in the corner of my eye I saw Geraldine clutch the door pull so I told her ‘I got this and you got your seat belt on right?’.

Around the bend we went on to the stand water and everything went into slow motion with the car being violently throw to the right like we had just been T Boned by another car.

My fingers buried into the contours of the steering wheel as reacted to the aquaplaning and I meet it with an equal force to correct the car to stop it under steering into the barrier. I caught the car and the grip returned the dry asphalt so I powered it out the cones in front of me. I looked over and said ‘I genuinely thought we were going hit that barrier as didn’t think the front tyres would regain grip’. We were in slight state of shock with the adrenaline still pumping for a while after that encounter. The message was clear from this test – change your tyres before or on 3mm thread is only left

We have been drilled in by the theory test and motoring laws saying 1.6 mm is legal limit. Therefore we have been miss education to change the tyres when its close to legal limit which is completely wrong thing to do. Next up is all the track time madness I have spoken and promised everyone by telling them to wait for Part 2.

We arrived at the next station called ‘Driving Performance For You’ where there was a line up of some tasty cars – 2 x Audi RS3, A Class AMG, BMW 335i, Porsche Panamera GTS and a Porsche GT3 RS.

I looked at these tasty motors and thought – ‘Oh yes time for some track action and they are not my tyres’. Someone had to come over to shuffle us into the white tent for the briefing about the performance tyres made by Continental. We were shown the Sport Contact 5s, Sports Contact 5P and Conti Force Conacts with the 5s being for a fast car/road tyre and the 5P being more of a lower profile track orientated tyre which can be used on daily driver but wont grip as much in the wet as the 5s given the thread pattern and compound.

The Force Contacts are a track bias tyre will with them being lower profile and the compound being suited to a dry track but they were still street legal if you wish to drive around on them a daily basis. It was ironic as this was the dry handling track but it was wet and still pouring down. So I wasn’t sure how to handle the cars on a wet track with ridiculous amounts horsepower on a track I didn’t know.

First up was the Audi RS3 and strangely Geraldine came with again after the ride in the Golf, I guess my recovery of the aquaplaning impressed her.

I mounted the Go Pro to the back window and enter the larger leather bucket Seats of the RS3 which were very comfortable. I fiddled with the seat and adjusted the autobox to sport and put the car into sport mode and eyed up the line the track and listened to the instructions coming from the walkie-talkie.

This was my 1st time in the RS model and everyone raves on about them but I honestly don’t like Audi’s at all! I actually loathe them with them all looking the same with them just being a longer and shorter of themselves with their boring driving feel and input. I wanted to keep objective so I set aside the my dislike and I hunkered down in the RS seats and gave the throttle a few blips to hear the exhaust note which was nice. Off we went following the lead car a black BMW 335i and mashed the gas pedal as soon as we left the lay-by area with the four-wheel drive hooking up and all 335 ponies from the forced induction 2.5 litre TFSI engine propelling us forward with a jot to push us back in our seats.

I went into the first bend all cautious as I wasn’t sure about the how the car would handle in the wet but I soon realised that you didn’t have to do anything but press the loud pedal as the car did everything and all that was left was for you point the thing in the right direction.

The Audi was quick with it reaching 140kph on the back straight but my god was it boring it drive with no feedback to the wheel at all. I could have driven it one hand and texted my mates to telling them what I was doing and take a few snaps whilst I was there. I left the AUDI unimpressed by its driving feel and here is my summary of the car – If you want a point to point fast car the RS3 is perfect, actually it should be THE getaway car of choice if you want to rob a bank. If your after driving involvement, road feel and laughs then don’t buy it, sure it fast but it’s so uninvolving I would rather go shopping for door mats. Into the much incapacitated A Class AMG which had nice subtle menacing look from the outside and was very tasty inside. SLS AMG air vents and carbon fibre look dashboard with some nice subtle red accents around the cabin. So far good, I looked to the console to turn everything on to get it to sport mode which took a little longer than I like but minor grumble given the performance on tap.

Now I would have another 4 wheel drive vehicle but with 2 litre four banger developing a laugh out loud 355 BHP. Again this would be my first time driving the hot version of normal Mercedes as I had only driven the C Class CDI C220 a while back.

I have always wanted to drive an AMG given how loony the division is with copious amount of power they extract from engines and the noise they make which sound like the heavens have opened up and THOR has arrived. Again I blipped the throttle to her what she sound like but it was slightly muted but I wasn’t sure about the reason given how new the car was but meh.

Off we went around the track again with me being directly behind the lead car so I could push on more as we would setting the pace of the other cars behind us. Straight way I felt the AMG feel more eager to rev and pull harder in the corner but I didn’t like the driving feedback but it was significantly better than the RS3.

I had a lot more fun the AMG with the feedback and it was more playful with it reaching 147kph on the straight way which made me wonder what it would be like in the dry.

I left the AMG impressed as this was their first proper attempt at hot hatch and I would definitely recommended one over the RS3 as its faster and roughly the same price – WIN WIN!! Next up was the blacked out BMW 335i which looked menacing as hell and me being brought up in BMW and owning a 323i for a while I looked forward to testing performance variant of the 3 series. Into the 335i I went with a big grin as I knew some sideways drift action would have happening with the rear wheel drive power.

It’s very dangerous coming out four-wheel drive vehicles as you got used to giving the car full throttle mid corner. This pre mindset was evident in the first corner where I pressed the loud pedal mid corner resulting in the back-end of the BMW going into 60 degree slide then finally me realise and catching the slide with opposite lock and powering out of the corner.

I looked over to Geraldine and said ‘Do not worry I will make sure we will stay on track as I know you have two kids but I will be pushing it hard’. I proceed to get use to the 335i making sure I was getting the most out of the turbocharged 3 litre in-line six developing 300bhp and 300lb ft of torque to tail happy rear wheels. It was quite tricky getting used it due to the conditions of the track and the seat time I would have.

This is what made it way more fun than the Merc or Audi as you the driver had to work learn the cars behaviour and find the levels of grip instead of the electronic nannies and clever four-wheel drive vectoring power behind the senses.

The BMW was the quickest on the back straight with an indicated 160kph but the brake pedal feel was worrying as the consecutive pounding was showing in my time around in the track. Minor grumble as this isn’t a fully fledged skunk works of the M division unlike the RS & AMG as I am sure the forthcoming M3 would have power slided to victory.

Time was now running short and I had to make a tough decision drive the Panamera GTS with Ferocious V8 putting out 430BHP or jump into the Porsche GT3 RS for some hot laps.

By the time I had decided to take the GTS some had nicked it from me so GT3 RS was awaiting me to dawn a racing helmet and to climb through the full roll cage to hunker down into the racing bucket seats. I gave the thumbs ups to the driver who actually worked for Continental on tyre development. Off we went and hell he could drive with his braking and feeding the power in and never letting the power being wasted even in the wet. Not once did miss a clipping point or apex and he drove the GT3 RS like the track was dry. The GT3 RS was fitted with Conti Force Contacts.

I was told later he is very fuss about driving as drove the track first early in the morning and adjusted his tyre pressures then went back out again. When it rained during the day he took it out again to find the better line in the wet and adjusted the pressures again. I got told by the guys that Mercedes C63 AMG would have been out today buy didn’t due to the rain as it would be too lairy, plus the other day one person decided to leave the track in one and go off-road. Typical I have always wanted to drive one as well.

The next experience was up next called ‘Chill Out’ but I didn’t think we would be literary chilling out as we were taken into the where the winter tyres were tested. It was freezing in the testing area and we were told now how a winter tyre were made.

The silica is key to grip in temperatures below 7 degrees due to the properties of it being a soft compound and the tyres have snipes/groves to increase traction on snow or ice. Continental had a novel way of showing you the difference between a normal tyre and winter tyre with slippers.

Yes slippers!!! They had made slippers out of a tyre which looked amazing when you flipped them over – 1 slipper was a normal tyre and the other made of a winter tyre We all rolled out to get our slippers on to the long sheet of ice and you felt straight away when you stepped on the ice with one leg sliding forward to rip your trouser and your other leg staying put like it was glued to the floor.

My left leg had a mind of its own on the ice and it was good thing I wore slightly baggy chinos at the time.

The day was coming to close at 5 and we were all called back to the press room where last parts of the brand experience would happen. We would sit down and listen about Continentals history and developments/partnerships through a presentations.

We learnt how Adidas approached Continental for their expertise to develop a outsole with a strong grip ideal for trail and outdoor sports shoes. The first range of trainers with Continental technology was the Adidas SuperNova Riot 3, featuring Continental’s Traction Compound Technology – which allows confident grip on all surfaces and conditions. Continental has strong brand relations within football industry with sponsoring the UEFA Euro 2012, FIFA World cups and Champions league.

Now most recently with St. George’s Park, the national football centre in Burton-upon-Trent. The new partnership will see Continental Tyres become an ‘Official Supporting Partner’ of St. George’s Park.

With a focus on preparation for driving performance, the Continental presence at the National Football Centre will include a 60-metre indoor ‘high performance’ running track, a goalkeeping ‘stopping zone’ and a bespoke ContiWarmUp area to enable all players to prepare before a game or training session. I have personally visted the grounds and I was genuinely astonished how gigantic they place. You have to drive down a short road network and then it all opens out to Hilton Hotel and the training grounds with 5 areas of parking. Continental has been a partner in excellence with Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands by supplying them with tyres for both on and off-road driving experiences. The Brooklands site offers an interactive world full of the passion, heritage, values and innovation of the Mercedes-Benz brand. These include a wet circle and a 10-acre off-road course, a high-speed handling circuit and acceleration and braking strips.

I missed the chance at going to an event there as I have friend who is driving instructor who works at the Brooklands site. He messages me every now and then with pictures of what he will be driving today!!! I got jealous when he said I have driven the Black series AMG C Class and we have the SLS AMG Black series coming soon to which I will be putting it through it paces! : O

The final presentation of the day was about all the compounds that go into a tyre and how some are natural, synthetics, oils, rubber and how various elements are added to give the tyre compound different properties.

A tyre is a complex high-tech product made up of up to 15 different compounds.  Each compound contains 20 ingredients and up to 30 different components. The tyre is not just made up of rubber compounds; engineers also employ reinforcing materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon and steel to perform varying functions depending on where they are used. For example, nylon and steel cords are used under the tread to restrict tyre distortion and minimise heat build-up in the tyre, whereas rayon or polyester is used in the plies to withstand the inflation pressure of the tyre.

The brand experience was over so we headed back into the coach and head back to the hotel to freshen up for all us to head back out to have dinner together. We went to a local restaurant in Hanover which was couple of kms away which was nice and where I spoke with other motoring journalist about the experience we had during the day and the other events they had been to. It was a pleasant way to end the antics over the 3 days. Thank you Continental for inviting me and I had good laugh on the experience and went away with in-depth knowledge about tyres and stories to tell for years to come. But don’t worry Germany I will be coming back soon….

Next Blog Post: Cooper S Roadster Review 

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The post Continental Brand Experience: The Contidrom Part 2 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I had written to Continental on the off-chance I would be able to see their facilities and they obliged by inviting me down to their Brand Experience and they would be paying for everything with flights, hotel etc.

I received their email back within 24 hours saying I was going which was fantastic given I would turn 24 and then 2 weeks later be heading to Germany : D

One week before leaving I would make a small trip down to Northampton to meet another MINI Looney – Simone aka Work experience girl and her unique R50 Cooper ‘Mimi’

I had only seen her MINI on instagram and it has always been amazing to meet my followers who are now like family to me.

Why is her MINI so unique given its Orciari Bodykit which I had never heard of or seen in my life

It’s now sitting on Coilovers suspension with Porsche D90s rims going on very soon

I have been into the ‘Low N Slow’ or ‘Hella Flush’ look as it’s not performance orientated but after sitting in her ‘Mimi’ I was shocked how good it rode. Thats the day my coilover fund began for GP suspension/B14 Bilstein as I wouldn’t mind my JCW sitting 15mm lower for better handling and ride.

I made a bet with Monie that if she got a certain job I would allow her to drive my JCW. Guess what she got that job : /

I hand her the keys after she beat up me and she loved every second driving my JCW at some speed around an industrial estate.

Had such a laugh up in Northampton with her & Matt who made me feel so welcome and it felt like we are like old mates catching up

It still amazes how my MINI has introduced me to the most amazing people ever!!!

Before I headed out I dropped my JCW off to Midlands Car Care to be detailed whilst away as too many cheap hand car & dealer washes had dulled the shine on the metallic eclipse grey paint.

I had seen Russ’ work first had whilst visiting him before to get quotations and recommendations on the work i should i get down. When I was down the local Phantom Drophead Coupe was there and it seems like every Ford Focus RS ever made gets detailed there

My JCW would be getting a full paint correction, dent/chip removal and C Quartz protection. I looked forwarded to the results when I came back and forecast was good on the day I came back – Sunny 16 degrees which is classified as take your top off in the UK

I got dropped off by one of  Russ’ detailers in an Audi A3 which is sooo low we scrapped a few times on the drive back to my house.

I started on packaging everything and making sure everything was charged for trip as I wanted to capture all the moments and report back everything back to my readers. All done off I went to sleep

The day dawned and I had to catch this long tubey metal thing called a Train to London Heathrow. Wheeling my suitcase I took to MINI UNITED 2012 with my MINI Dog Tag on it I waited for the train to arrive so the journey could begin. It actually arrived on time and I settled into my seat and popped on my headphones to zone out House of Balloons by The Weeknd.

With the train stopping at Paddington station and then I jumped through the underground system to get to Heathrow connect line. I was hungry at this time and fancied some nom nom so off I head to search for a restaurant in London Heathrow – decided on this Italian cafe and ordered a tuna wrap with fries and some pepsi.

With checking time nearing I head back to check myself in and to see who I would be going with on the plane.

I met up with a few traders and motoring journalists in the departure lounge and introduced myself. There was a few from Ireland but this one guy called Sean was hilarious with him cracking jokes all the time and selling stuff as he seemed to know a guy for everything.

We boarded on the Airbus A320 and waved the UK goodbye for motoring testing shenanigans

A few hours later we landed in Germany and went through customs and collected our bags to be greeted by Mark aka Continental Man to usher us on to the coach to depart to our hotel.

Whilst on the coach it was interesting viewing look at Germany architecture with everything clearly being built to last with stone building and open green spaces around homes. Everywhere I look there were German vehicles with VW, Audis, BMW everywhere and odd Europe car. Their dealerships were MASSIVE I guess stock or choice isn’t a problem there.

Our coach pulled up Courtyard Marriott Maschese Hotel which would be home for our short stay in Germany. We collected our bags and we were guided to into the conference room to be briefed about our stay and given our keys to our rooms.

Once briefed it was time for some nom nom and I picked grilled salmon, steamed vegetables and slice of whole grain bread from the buffet and enjoyed the view whilst the sunset on the day in Hanover.

At this time I bumped into another one of my Instragram follower Martyn Collins who is actually a Motoring Journalist and owner of the original GP. We had some interesting conversations over dinner and all the events he had been to and then a whole load of MINI talk.

Later I retired to my room to dump my bags up in my room and put my cameras on charge for tomorrows Hooniganism. I head back to meet up with everyone at the open bar we had to talk and learn about motoring journalism. We had some great debates about the industry, how cars have changed over the ages and various press/launch events. Also for me to talk about my JCW and the shenanigans and events I get up to.

Whilst at our table and enjoying our drinks and laughing away, the lovely Lorna came up to me to ask if she could borrow my Infamous hat for some piccies. I obliged as I laughed but didn’t want to be in any pics given my hat hair. We talked for a while about what we would get up to in the morning on the Contidrom visit and she made it sound epic with the tasty motors we would driving.

It was prompt start in the morning with me heading down at 8:30 am for breakfast and then to collect my Continental lanyard with itinerary on back along with a press pack memory stick.

On to the coach to head Continental’s Test facilities called the Contidrom. We then taking into the briefing room to have some light breakfast snacks and juices. We were given overview of brands history and developments through their 140 years in business. We were spilt up in groups and I was in the Red group.

Immaculate VW Camper Van

Here are some Facts for you

Continental is more than just a tyre manufacturer

1.  Continental is one of the top 3 automotive suppliers in the world
2.  Continental is spilt into 5 divisions – Chassis & Safety, Interior, Power Train, Tyres and Contitech
3. Over 170,000 employees worldwide
4. 291 Locations in 46 Countries

We were bundled into blacked out VW Transporters to our first station which was ‘The Future in Motion’ I thought this would marketing spiel but then after a short ride I saw VW Passat CC, Porsche Panamera and Renault Fluence EV all lined up the grass with Toyota IQ sitting by the white tent.

There was no messing around and we headed into the normal look Passat with a vinyl saying ‘Simplify your drive’ but once inside the dash was a LCD screen with buttons on the right. The tech guy spoke about continental makes various vehicle parts ranging from dashboards to ECU calibrations.

The idea was to showcase how continentals systems could fundamentally changed the cars feel and drive ability. Hit the prancing horse for sport mode the ride instantly firmed up, the throttle and steering became sharp and it blipped down two gears. I was shocked as I drove as car felt completely different as the body roll reduced and I felt the road more plus it made some naughty noises on the up shifts and down shifts.

As you can guess the feather turned the car into wafting car with the suspension absorbing the bumps the DSG box finding the higher gear to make it silent in the cabin with the throttle and steering slacking but still responsive to inputs.

Last but not least was the Flower button which ECO mode which made it near on impossible to stamp on the gas pedal as felt like it pushing your leg back saying if you press down on me again I will set off the airbag in your face.

This time I was chauffeured like A BOSSSSSS in Panamera which was fitted with Continentals air suspension which could drop and raise the height of the car by 20mm at a stand still or on the move.  The difference was apparent from the back seat as we hit the oval track and when going over the varied road surface which included the lovely cobbled surface. Even its sport setting it wasn’t off-putting but you knew that it soaking the bumps well.

Next up was an education of the tyres & air pressures sensors on cars and most people don’t have clue what pressure their tyres should be and rarely check their pressures. Modern air pressures are lacking technology to be fair with them only ever telling you they are low when hit a certain threshold by then you wasted fuel and increased wear on a under-inflated tyre.

Continental developed at sensor which would inside the tyre which would rely information to an app or in-car systems to inform you of your tyre pressure and even send you a message if one tyre was loosing pressure. Another way of integrating it into the Toyota IQ would to have car flash or horn when the correct tyre pressure was reached when you fill your tyres with air. I would personally welcome this tech as I have come back to my MINI to find I had a slow puncture but having this system I could have been pre-warned about checking my tyre and even ask for mobile tyre fitter to come to my work to check or replace my tyre.

Now for a step into the Future with the Renault’s EV

A problem that has plagued all EVs is it range and finding a source to charge up. The idea of conti’s system was to increase the range of the car by shutting down systems within the vehicle on low power and the sat nav to take you charge or even the car to inform you inside or by a message the car is low on juice. The proposal wasn’t world change technology but a common sense approach of how to get driver home or safely to a charge without it dying out on you – As always the greatest ideas are simplest ideas.

Back into the transporters we went for the next stage called ‘Mixed Up’ where I would be in my element with MINIs on a wet handling pad.

I went to the right side of the door of the MINI to find no steering wheel, so I went to the other side of the MINI Cooper D. All 3 of the MINIs looked the same but when you saw the lower graphics down the side everything made sense -The idea was to showcase not mix tyres or makes.

Mixed Tyres – Continentals upfront and cheap imports on the back

The first MINI had Continentals with an Asian import tyre on the back. There was a radio inside the car and guy on the other end guiding you in what to do. It felt weird changing gear with my right hand but I wouldn’t need to change-up or down on the wet handling track. I built up my speed on the oval pad and the back-end slid out around 30 kph as I turned for some sideways Hoonage.

As much as I was giggling and holding the slide this would be dangerous on the public roads as they are not always smooth and there obstacles and traffic so the room to correct or recover from a slide is down to a bit of luck and driving ability.

The second MINI had the cheap imports upfront with contis on the back but this time the handling was the direct opposite with the massive under steer occurring with the only way to correct it was too slow right down to get it turn properly. It’s interesting to see how on these two tests how the continental tyre is doing its up most to keep you on the road while the import tyre is trying to kill anyway it can.

The last two MINI was fitted with either 4mm or 8mm continentals upfront and 8 or 4mm on the back. All I wanted to was it to get it lift off over steer and god how I tried but it refused me to even with a Scandinavian flick but the ESP kicked when I did that. The contis just gripped and gripped the harder I pushed with me literally falling on of the seat before I could reach the limits of grip.

After all this madness we went cold down in the white tent and they informed about the limits of grip and how continental develops it tyres – how the tread pattern and compounds make a difference. The clear advice from this test was not to buy cheap tyres and if you need to change only two tyres on your car make sure you put the new tyres on the back because in the event of you losing control of the vehicle you will be correct it more easily and your less likely to aquaplane.

If you compare 4mm continental tyre to 8mm import tyre on this test it clearly show how it still trying to keep you on the road while the import tyre is not even working when it’s at optimum thread. Therefore for the sake of £20-30 more per corner having better tyre is always best as it only thing that keeps you on the road.

Continentals crown jewel was up next, the award-winning AIBA (Automated Indoor Braking Analyser) which is the world’s first fully automated weather independent tyres testing facility. This was the only place where camera were not allowed given the technology in this room and we were the only people outside of continental who had ever been access to AIBA.

AIBA is housed in a hall which is 300 metres long and up to 30 metres wide. It allows fully automated unmanned testing all year around irrespective of weather with testing being able to done both in wet and dry road surfaces. The facility has the capacity to carry out 100,000 individual braking procedures on wet or dry interchangeable road surfaces at different temperatures hot or cold without human error for optimum precision.

I was astonished by how they could interchange the road surfaces at push of a button to a different road surfaces such as a poorly surfaced road or smooth autobahn service. If thought that was mind-blowing they accelerated the vehicles on high-tech roller coasters which can linearly accelerate anything from VW Golf to 3 tonne Truck from 0-100 Km/h (62mph) in 4 seconds.

I got a real insight into Continental during the first half of the day. This behind the scene look showed me how day in and day out continental tyres are doing everything to keep you on the road.

There is still more to come in the part 2 of my visit to the Contidrom and there is more things to come like High speed testing and shenanigans on track

Next Blog Post: Continental Brand Experience: The Contidrom Part 2

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