Doesn't matter what Porsche's media guy says, I figure no one would call out a specific date for something like this unless they already agreed to it. This isn't just MINI throwing down for PR, it's a joint effort.....for PR. It's probably choreographed and not time for Porsche to take their turn yet.
from what I heard............they will do this in a parking lot and soak it if they have too...........:devil:
I was at a media event with Jim McDowell tonight and this came up. There is a real chance it will happen, and really, just the discussion is a win for MINI. If the Porsche wins, no one will be surprised, if the MINI is even in the same time zone, then it's still quite a statement for a car that costs so much less and gets such great gas mileage. Anyway, it's cheeky in your face marketing, I just hope the Porsche guys play along. Then it will be fun for all. Matt And remember, McDowell used to work at Porsche....
Yeah.......that makes a lot of sense. MINI loses but only by 2 seconds and everyone(in reality)wins. Jason
kudos to Mini and/or Porsche for brilliant marketing. Booooooo for closing it to the public. I live 15min from Road Atlanta. Dang!
I think if a good sized group of MINI's shows up and asks nicely, Mr. McDowell would be an idiot to turn them away. I for one, would do it. I only live a little over an hour from there. My parents live 3 miles from the track! I am already stoking the fires on the Atlanta Mini's site...
come to think of it... Jim did mention that he'd like to see a bunch of Mini and Porsche fans there... Matt
From the MINI Marketing Dept. The entire content of the bulletin is not being shown here as most of it we already know. Thanks to an anonymous source. MINI Marketing Department MINI Dealer Bulletin – social media event “The Porsche challenge†We all know how the social media space has grown over the past several years. There are millions of people using Facebook, watching YouTube and Tweeting on a daily basis. The viral aspect of social media can be a powerful medium if the message is interesting enough and at times “outrageous†enough. In an effort to generate buzz in the social media space, MINI is challenging Porsche to a race. We know that Porsches are fast, but the question is - are they nimble enough to beat MINI in a race? THE CHALLENGE: The challenge began yesterday with a full page ad in the New York Times newspaper (our only paid media driving traffic to our MINI USA Facebook page). And we’ve added a new “MINI vs. Porsche†tab with all of the event content, including a video that will officially challenge Porsche to a race (right around the corner from their offices at Road Atlanta) on June 21st. We will use a variety of social media tools such as video placements, photos, vehicle stats, a petition to encourage Porsche to accept the challenge and more. We hope to activate the online community and drive more fans to the MINI USA Facebook page. THE RACE: The race will take place at Road Atlanta racetrack on June 21st and the road course is being designed to showcase each vehicle’s best assets – MINI’s nimbleness and go-kart handling and Porsche’s horsepower. The MINI Cooper S will be driven by Brad Davis (SCCA Race Car Driver and General Manager of MINI of Charleston) and Porsche has been asked to bring their own car (a Porsche 911 Carrera S) and driver.
They're going for a tie... with the P-car pulling away on the straights and the MINI catching up in the twisties... Or they'll have a long course and an autocross-type setup, and each will win one... my prediction, I have no g2 on this.
So help me here. If MINI gets beat, they win because thay took on Goliath. Everyone roots for the little guy with attitude. OK, I get that. If MINI ties, MINI wins. OK, I get that. If MINI wins, then MINI wins BIG. OK, I get that. What does Porsche get out of any of the above, going up against BMW's little brother? Besides the air time?
If Porsche just DESTROYS the MINI on a long course, that plays to their buyers. If MINI wins by a bit on or keeps it close on an autocross-type course, P-car buyers won't care - "yeah, sure, that MINI is quick on a curvy course, but nobody really drives like that. That car is SLOOOOOOOW where it counts" MINI wins by even being on the same track with the P-car, and by doing part of the course on two wheels. And, if it rains.... then it gets interesting.
Dude... They have 28,000 race wins. I don't think they are worried. PR is PR, so long as the names are spelled right.
Well it sounds like they are designing the track to level the playing field. Anyway you look at it it's going to be fun.