I finally got into the one ride I wanted...how to drive an automatic on the Dragon. Only 3 people- WaHoo !!!
Just practice on your paddles as you wade thru the Cincinnati traffic [NOT on the interstate] and you'll be more than experienced.
These figures are offset by the people who come with their cars and NEVER register. Besides, to me, a MINI event should be about the cars and not the people. After all, this is MINIs on the Dragon...NOT MINIs [and the whole family including the pets] on the Dragon.
100% agree, Barry has turned this into a “Attendance” matters event. This is an event for ADULTS not a family vacation.
The truth of the matter is that MOTD is Barry's event. He can do with it what he pleases. Whether people like what it turns into, and keep going, is another story. I hate to say this, but LXM is taking its toll. It's really sad when things change and they just aren't the same anymore.
Actually, the non-paying public [although being MINI enthusiasts] were a problem at MOTD before Barry took charge. It's not his fault, but rather, the fault of the area's economy. It doesn't cost a thing for people to come and take a look see, and especially if it doesn't hurt the wallet. Besides, "free is free", and I do not see anything changing there...unless Fontana puts up a gate and charges admission.
Sorry, Teddy, but you are wrong here. MOTD was doing great before Barry took over. However, he has made it a more powerful venue by keeping people informed with his newsleters. He runs around like a madman during MOTD, making sure the schedules run on time, and he has done a wonderful job at that. MOTD has changed so much from the original groups of Generation 1 participants. Way too many participants have little or no knowledge of how/when it all began...nor could they care less. They are not Gen 1 owners, and as such...have their own agendas and THAT has affected the popularity of MOTD, IMHO.
What agenda do you feel non-gen 1 owners have? This almost sounds like the old Mini vs MINI thing. Are only gen 1 MINI's welcome? I was last there with my wife's gen 2 clubster & everyone seemed friendly & happy. Even the kids there looked like they were enjoying the family car hobby. As you know everything was better in the good old days. We were younger weighed less & our cars had fewer miles on them.
Yea! but is it Modded?? Jeff that's Whitie (Vetsvette) he changed his avatar. I know it through me off the first time I saw it. By the way I like it! Ok short highjack. During the time of the Gen1 cars they were few on the road.The were different and fun, breath of fresh air. So when you saw one you would naturally wave. The mini turned a lot of noncar people into car guys. During both Gen1 and 2 mini even prompted the be different team. I thank this kept the same type of people buying the Mini. Now Mini is more interested in mass marked. Different people are buying the car. Now the Gen 1&2 cars are on the used car market and a lot of people are looking for a cheep car and thats all they care about. There are enthuses in all three Gens just not as many. @VetsVettes has an great Gen3 car nicely modded. Because of this changes we need to stick together as enthuses. If everyone hasn't seen they have announced the new GP. It will have 300hp out of the box. Guess who is calling the dealer today to see about pricing?
I could care less about the old Mini vs. MINI thing. I have 3 "new" MINIs. One of the first British car shows I attended, a Classic Mini owner told me I didn't belong as my car was not British made. I told him if Rover had not gone belly up and allowed BMW to take over the reins, there would be no problem. He shut up and I won my class. I have never had a problem since. I've owned a Classic and now 3 Gen 1s. I don't care if you want to pick a bone about my opinion. After all, it's MY opinion and I have the right to express my thoughts...or do I?
Just asking you this question > What agenda do non-gen 1 MINI owners have? I'll await your answer. No bone picking here, just trying to understand what you mean by that.
Your answer is in the sentence in my post right before you asked about agendas. I'm happy that they come to MOTD because times change as do the Generations of MINIs. However, that does not mean that I like some of their antics, or some of those in Gen 1, either.