I've been to several MINI dealers across the country during the last year, and it seems like all of them sponsor local events - some large and some small - but I know I haven't seen a lot of the really good local promotions. So, what's the best local event your local MINI dealer has sponsored, either as a one-shot deal or on a continuing basis?
No longer my local dealer... When I lived in the Dallas, TX area, MINI of Dallas would open their shop one Saturday morning every quarter. Metroplex MINI members could bring in their own cars to use the lifts along with the advice and expertise of the MINI techs to work on their cars. They still do this...and from what I understand it is very well attended. My local dealer now, the best thing they sponsor is Motoring Alliance!
My local MINI dealer, NW MINI, hosts a Xmas party every year, they supply the seating and the main course and the rest is Salish Sea MINI Motoring Club members potluck. I've made beer for the last three years. They also let the club hold their quarterly meetings in their meeting room and give us 10% off on the price of parts. Dave
Not my dealer, but Classic MINI rented Nelson Ledges racetrack & threw a picnic / track day. I can't imagine having more fun at any other dear event. What a hoot!
Well, if we HAD one, it'd likely have been their Grand Opening!!! Maybe someday.... In the mean-time we wait.
Otto's Mini in Exton PA is a sponsor of PhillyMini and they even sponsor events. They also open the huge garage for Christmas Party / Deck the Mini's and Toys for Tots events and supply food prizes. Its a good time.
A great dealership event was the Barbeque at Dreyer Reinbold MINI in Indy after the IMS day during MTTS IN 2010. If I remember correctly Gnat also got a tire replaced during that event.
Yep, I did. That was fun. Had a flat, was staying real close to Mark LaRocco's home, was there for dinner the night before. I called him asking for a tire store recommendation. He sent his son over to the hotel with a wheel/tire and jack for a quick pit stop.
PittStopMINI Club puts on 1-2 "track" (driver's education) days/year, sponsored by Mini of Pittsburgh. Autocross, gymkhana events, and open lapping. GREAT times. The fall event is GyMINIkhana...
When I lived in Tampa, Ferman MINI in Palm Harbor would have several outstanding events a year! They have a great motoring advisor named John Crapper (isthisjohn on the boards) who would plan the most fun and outstanding runs and events. The best that I attended was the Beam Beach Bash and BBQ. A run to a catered party on the beach in St. Petersburg Florida. Gourmet food and open bar...
Dave: Thought we might see you at DTM this year! Sorry you didn't make it! Agree: it's one of my favorite events. Another of my favorites is the PhillyMINI Meet. MINI of the Mainline sponsors it. Their place is small and we don't visit during the event but they very generously sponsor it. It goes through the city (not a high-speed drive by any means but a fun way to see Philly) and ends at the Simeone Foundation for lunch, a tour, and a huge silent auction. You can't beat lunch among those historic race-winning cars.
Flow MINI of Raleigh sponsored MINIPalooza @ the Beach this last year. I thought they did a great job. We even had dinner on the US battleship USS North Carolina. If you look close at the mast the Union Jack and a MINI flag were hoisted.
Last year, the Vancouver BC area MINI dealers, MINI Yaletown, MINI Richmond and the newest dealership MINI of Langley set up a ski day for all MINI owners to go skiing and to see the new Paceman, GP2, and customized Countrymans (Countrymen?). MINI owners were invited to a day of skiing for a very discounted price for ski lift tickets, and there was food and partying going on in the Chalet.
Few years ago ( maybe 5 ) Flow MINI took us to VIR for free track time on the Patriot Course. Sponsored our MINI Palooza at the Battleship in Wilmington this year. The whole Boat was ours and had catered in food free for all...
So HERE"s one not to miss: Our dealer has always sponsored the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, a 10-day festival of speed and great cars - and racing! It benefits the Autism Society and Allegheny Valley Charter School (school dedicated to people with Autism). Last year, nearly 200 Minis attended, and THIS year MINI is teh Marque of the Year! Registration opens soon, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix | Presented by Shop 'n Save, and for a donation you can even get a ride around the track at either venue with a "tame racing driver"... and Mini's get a "parade lap" in Schenley Park this year.