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

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

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

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

The car parking is always full of eye candy

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

Have a guess where my 1st stop was…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now Just build it!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nissan brought along their GT3 GTR with a V8 nom nom

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

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

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

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

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

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

That poke tho

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pistonheads brought along the fan specd M4 for the petrol heads

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

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

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

Here are some details on this track weapon:

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

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

I am sure you get the picture

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mad hatter pike peak cars

Rallying legends of different generations but all around giant killers

Some because race cars

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

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

LEGEND!!!

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

Ferrari F12 TRS

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

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

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

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

Pagani Huayra in candy paint red with carbon touches

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

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

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

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

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

Track only Lotus Elise Cup-R

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

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

The Ferrari Enzo based MC12 with airbrushed paint job

Maserati Alfieri Concept

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

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

Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale

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

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

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

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

Something for my American followers

Dodge Challenger T/A

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

AMC Mark Donohue Javelin

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

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

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

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

Here is my twist on the challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember I told you all about Bert???

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

Your never gonna guess what happened?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wouldn’t mind have a 507 Edition C63 AMG

Black Series, enough said…

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

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

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

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

SLS AMG Electric drive

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

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

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

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

If you ever wondered why I say AHHHHH DRIFFFFTTOOOOO –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It wouldn’t be true car show without a Bugatti

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

Ferrari 512 and 25O GTO

An early 911 in race spec

For my MERICA the Camaro

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

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

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

Uber rare and under appreciated Porsche GT1

Still my all time fav the Ferrari F40

Mercedes 540K spezial roadster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nismo felted 370z

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

Running Jaguar concept called Project 7

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

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

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

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

F12 berlinetta & 458 Italia spider

Another Italian stallion the Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale

Ruf GT5

The under appreciated Spyker C8 Aileron

Koenigsegg Agera

Close one of the M4-12C GT

Pagani Huayra

Peugeot Onyx concept

McLaren had its own stand with its road & race cars

Long tail Mclaren F1 in Gulf livery

Mclaren F1 LM

Mclaren P1

Formula 1 Mclaren

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

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

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

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

I was selected from numerous old & new MINIs and i was invited to Chobham Test Track in London where Autocar test drive cars and do their 60 seconds Video reviews.

Alot of high speed testing happens at this track as well as lot of TV & film stunt scenes – The most recent being for Top Gear & the new Bond Film Skyfall.

I cleaned, polish, hoovered and cleaned the engine bay for the TV Shoot and sent off from house over 120 miles away. To my luck it started to rain heavily – Thank you British Weather.

I arrived at my hotel which Attaboy TV provided for me.

The next day I sent for bright and early for the shoot and i spotted another JCW – Chilli Red with a Black Roof & JCW Rear Spoiler (later found out they were a member of Totalmini).

I arrived at the Test Track to find a BEAST of Mitsubishi Pajero that looked liked it had ever been cleaned but still it had this MAGIC to it – guess it was the LEGENDARY owner – Kavin McLeod (Great guy).

Then about 5 mins later a Old School Range Rover, P1 Scooby & Evo 6 Tommi Makinen Edition GSR turned up!!!

Then just after that a Classic MINI turned up. Everyone was great to talk to and everyone spoke about the mischief they had been up to with their cars.

Whilst this was going on i was trying to get my JCW all shiney again : D

We were taken on to the test route to the Photoshoot location which was epic drive with an Leguna Seca like corkscrew bend.

We are driving at 60mph and this Mclaren MP4-12C blew past us at least 150MPH it actually shook our cars.

We lined up our cars for the shoot to become stars, actually scrap that my car is more famous then me : /

A Koenigsegg CCR turned up for a potential buyer and it sound biblical at full throttle!!

After some nice lunch it was back to TV Shoot which was really fun as we drove around the test track and a Camera car drive in front of you.

Me being the Joker i am i wanted to sit in the back and i have a go in the camera car to which i was allowed. I was smirking and giggling all the way around, when they took me for a spin round the track.

I finally got to drive a classic MINI that day and i really want one now!!! There is so much room in them plus all the bits and they very easy to work & tune (the saving pot has begun). Made a MINI Mate that day Dave Itzy – the owner of the Classic is a professional Photographer as well (Dave Itzy Media).

Dropbox Link for More Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/im_sSTbdii/TV%20Shoot

Next Post – Preparing for MINI UNITED 2012….

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My Youtube Channel is starting to take shape….

The post National Geographic MINI Photo & TV Shoot appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I caught the modding Bug again : /

First on the list was to get rid of the CHROME GRILL Surrounds

It was previously Black on all JCWs but with mine being a LCI (Facelifted model) they changed to minimise the different parts needed at the factory to keep prices down : O

Cost me £45 plus fitting for the Black Grille Surround

This made my JCW look alot more Aggressive GRRRRRRR

It was off with The Standard Chrome Side Vents to JCW Mesh Vents

To a nod to my old R56 MINI One, I fitted my Cheeky Little Handcuffs to the sun visor

I am not gonna say anything about them but instead let you ponder about that…

I am HUGGGGEEE Motoring fan and Car Lover so got some new window decals for the rear windows as i would be soon be visiting the place where JCW was developed and honed the Green Hell aka Nurburgring

I hated the yellow light coming from the front side lights and changed them to LEDs for a Bright White Light to match my Xenon Lights.

A MINI road trip to Shrewsbury again was needed for Carbon Fibre Goodness and to Sharpen up the JCW’s Go Karting Handling.

I ordered the Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel Insert to match my JCW Gearknob

I also purchased the JCW Strut Brace to which i wasn’t sure about as i know modern cars have alot stiffer chassis now and not like the old Ford Cortinas where the body would flex.

If it did make a difference it would be to cornering ability. If not it would be just be some under the bonnet BLING!!!

Yet I read on the forums that it eliminated some of the torque steer that would be of benefit to my MINI Adventures.

I Love how the JCW Logo is engraved on the strut brace

I am happy to say that i was shocked with the difference given the JCWs Huge pedigree on the handling front. Turn in is sharper, Torque steer has been nearly eliminated, the ride actually improved with it feeling alot the less crashy over poor roads and at high speeds the car is alot more stable.

Next Post – Smile for the Camera….

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I was told to arrive by 8 at the dealership where we had Breakfast

We weren’t told where we were going and just given a Postcode then we all set off

The Mystery Tour Began

There was a convoy of around 50 MINIs – This was actually my 1st MINI run

Everyone was nice and everyone was interested in my JCW and the Eclipse Grey paint

The roads on the way were fantastic and we made a right noise in the small town we drove through on the way : )

I love the way we stopped people as 50 MINIs rolled through the little town

The final destination was actually Black Rock Sands in Morfa Bychan  (North Wales)

Morfa Bychan has a beach known as Black Rock Sands which stretches for two miles from the eastern end of the National Trust’s Ynys Cyngar on the Afon Glaslyn [River Glaslyn] estuary along Tremadog Bay to Criccieth beach which is accessible at low tide.

It was kind of cold day but hey thats the British summer for you

I couldnt resist drving around the corners you see and i started a little Gymkhana course behind all the MINIs where i set cones out.

We would drive to one cone do a handbrake turn around the cone then back to the other cone and do the same.  So much FUN!!!!

The roads back where even more amazing with tight S bends that went into mountains with steep drops down the sides.

I stopped at a Moor to take some shots

Moments like this make you love your MINI with community, the passions the owners have and the Go-karting handling through the A & B roads.

Videos of Mystery Tour: http://youtu.be/HWMd4QZ3yvU  &  http://youtu.be/DIXUJnKhjoo

More Images from The Tour: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/6cKssIEobb/Mystery%20MINI%20Tour

Next Post – Time to Upgrade the JCW

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Well with my JCW fully run in I was off to Goodwood with my little brother and my close friend Simon who got me into MINIs.

We set off nice and early as it was an 3 hour drive from my house and the MINI Adventure began…

On the way we saw a Rosso Red 458 Italia lucky guy had a hot chick as well

We arrived in good time and parked up on the Goodwood estate – It’s hard to believe someone owns the estate and all the land surrounding it

There was 5 Fields like this full of cars and further 15 at least

There was tons of Uber exotic on show such as the Lexus LFA (Nurburgring Edition), Aston Martin One 77, Pagani Huayra, Koenigsegg Agera, Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 and the Beast of the Moment Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

This year’s theme was Jaguar’s 50th Anniversary with an Over 175 Tonnes Sculpture of an E-Type which is arguable THE best looking car ever made.

Dont worry everyone I went straight to the MINI stand and there was the whole line up of MINIs from the One to JCW and the Goodwood Edition was unveiled that day as well. There was an extra treat of the actual Countryman JCW Rally Car being on show.

I was fortunate to see it been driven down the Goodwood Course. MY GOD does it fly and sound Biblical

This has been the best car show I have been with the most exotics, atmosphere, WWII bomber flying over head and the supercars, rally cars, race cars flying down the Goodwood course.

On penny pinching note i managed an average Fuel economy of 48mpg with Air con at 22 degrees with cruise control set at 70mph. I left with a full tank of fuel and returned with 392 miles travelled with a range of 89 miles to go not bad indeed.

Link for the photos from the Event – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/gm-1ENta1F

Next Post – The Mystery MINI Adventure…

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After having it for two days it would make this metallic clicking sound when i accelerated and there was an hesitation and jerkiness and complete loss of power like someone had switched the car off

I took it back to the dealership who said the octane of the fuel was low so it was cutting the fuel to the cylinders. I was only putting in normal unleaded Shell Petrol and I was advised to use Shell V-Power

This cured the problem for about a week then the problem came back

This problem went on for months with my JCW going back and forth to the dealership

With no solution in sight and demanded a full refund or a new car built to the same spec

Arguments ensued with MINI UK & the dealership as they said it was the way I drove it

Finally after alot of aggro my MINI was taken in and MINI Head Engineer from the Oxford plant came to see my MINI

I was given a Brand New Fully Loaded Pepper White JCW Clubman as Loan car for a period of over a month – it had 80 miles on the clock when they gave it to me and I gave it back with 2,000 plus miles on it *insert cheeky grin*

This JCW felt and drove better than mini : (

I explained this to the dealership and finally after a long wait the fault was found

JCW had an faulty an faulty DME Unit – It basically controls all key aspects of the engine’s operation, ensuring optimum reliability, maximum performance and the lowest possible fuel consumption and emissions.

Link to below if you wish to learn more  http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/technology_guide/articles/digital_motor_electronics.html

I was offered compensation for all my hassle over 7 months to which i was going to receive a 500 voucher on MINI parts & track day

I rejected this shameful compensation since I brought the car outright with no finance

I demanded something better given my level of patience and i asked for Recaros for JCW as I wanted them on my car but the price went way too high

MINI UK & Dealership listened to my request and they were fitted

They are Half Leather & Half Alcantara. YES they are soooo comfortable and hugging when you drive fast (I have driven 4 hours non stop in them and never had any discomfort)

Next Post – The 1st MINI Adventure…

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I had all my documents and MOOOSSIVEE Grin on my face all the way there

I took my little brother with me as he didn’t come with me to spec it up

Hand over was smooth and Dawn was Perfect with her run through of the car given all the updates on the LCI models

I pulled off the cover of my MINI and started her up for the 1st time

Believe it or not my number plate isn’t a private but Dawn searched for a plate for as i didn’t like the original one i was given (nice freebie from her)

I brought Alot Carbon Fibre parts for the car during the long wait whilst it was being built

Funny thing I actually brought all the parts from another dealership as they were cheaper by miles with Free Shipping (MINI Rybrook Shrewsbury)

Here is the lovely list of parts i brought – Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps, Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop, Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser & Carbon Fibre Gear Knob

There is something about the weave and gloss finish that is really sexy about Carbon fibre

I would recommend to anyone that owns a MINI to buy the JCW Gear knob as transforms the gear change make it much more snappy with fantastic grooves for grip

The Gear knob was a gift from someone very close to me at the time who will never be forgotten

Next Post – The Adventures Begin…

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I drove BMW 321i for a while it was a good car but no FUN!!!!

The aim was to get a JCW because i test drove one a while back it was a FULLY LOADED Pepper White JCW

I was SOLD on the noise alone (there was a Tunnel involved in the test drive)

The POPS & BANGS!!!!

After driving my BMW for a while and my 22nd Birthday coming up i thought i would treat myself

I went around to a few dealerships and i wasn’t impressed with the service I got

Finally found a nice person to deal with. The lovely Dawn at Benham MINI

I promised to buy a MINI off her after the way she dealt with me – I am man of my word

In March 2011, i went down to spec up my JCW and yes countless hours were sent on the online configurator to get her just right

I went for the CHILLI Pack, Harmon Kardon Sound system, Full Leather, Black Rims, Black Roof, Black Bonnet Stripes,Chrome Line Interior, Roster Red Interior Colour Line,  Metallic Eclipse Grey (Newly Launched Colour at the time).

I should have spec’d the No COST OPTION of Sports Suspension – FAIL by Me

Delivery Came in June and I was very happy to see that my MINI was the one of the 1st Eclipse Grey MINI’s in the UK, never minding it was one of the 1st Face lifted (LCI) JCW.

Various updates inside and outside such as LED rear lights

The idea of buying the car was to go to MINI UNITED but it was cancelled that year

Next post on me catching the Modding bug & alot of Carbon Fibre was involved…..

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I have HUGE Passion for MINI and i am on my 2nd MINI

My 1st MINI was an 2007 R56 MINI One and this was my 1st Car

Many MINI Memories were made with that car. I had the privilege of going to MINI UNITED (2009) for MINI’s 50th Birthday and i took to the Silverstone Circuit and i managed to keep up with the Coopers.

I drove my MINI hard and i finished the Pads & Tires within 10,000 miles since new : )

To this day there is something about that MINI, it wasn’t the fast but it always put a smile on my face. I guess it was all those MINI Adventures and all the smiles per hour.

Sadly I had to sell her to invest for my future and it was a deep regret selling her. However i have promised myself to buy her back when the timing is right.

I missed everything that car held for me and it will never forgotten – BP57 NBD

I wanted to tell everyone how my MINI Madness began and my next post will be the introduction of my JCW – BT11 WRK for me ordering her to the MINI Adventures that ensued after.

Quick Sneak Peek – JCW Exhaust Sound

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MINI ADVENTURE IN PROGRESS TRY TO KEEP

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