Would be nice to see MINI USA back local clubs and perhaps set up a standard for clubs to meet in order for them to be accepted into their circle. All it does is endear people to the brand. So far, it seems they have been very hands off.
Really, every club should require each member to eat at least one donut per year as tribute. That, and some ice cream.
I've heard nothing in any grapevine that I hear things on for quite some time. I did ask the Ex Director of the BMW CCA when I met him at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix just why the CCA doesn't embrace MINI owners more. It seems there is a directive out of BMW HQ in Germany not to. Now does that mean the Germany might be spearheading some sort of International MINI Club like they have with BMW? Keep in mind that BMW CCA here in the US is a part of the International BMW Clubs thing, but is also autonomous and BMW US has nothing to do with the CCA in any official capacity. Who knows...
Lone Star Mini Club If anyone is looking for a club that is free form to the max...check out the Lone Star Mini Club. It is comprised of k-huevo, me, and about 4 or 5 others that used to post on our club forum which was owned by the original LSMC guy who moved away about 10 years ago but kept making the payments to keep the forum alive. He stopped. So, no forum. All three or four of us now post on MA. But, we all have fun anyway. Actually, I think it is down to just k-huevo and me. Tom, you out there??
I agree with you completely Jim. OK enough of that when are you going to change the oil in your car? :smilewinkgrin:
Interesting as both my wife and I (I have a 2011 R56 S, she has the awesome R58 coupe JCW) are members of a local BMW CCA group (Blue Ridge) and they are welcoming to MINI owners. I guess it's hit and miss.
Well... there is welcoming as in "Oh... yeah... I guess you can join too" and welcoming as in active out-reach programs and membership drives/benefits aimed at MINI owners. I've seen several clubs with policy #1 and none with #2 yet. Technically anyone can join the BMWCCA (I joined for a few years when I thought I was going to buy a BMW and wanted the BMWCCA discount)... you don't even need to own a car, let alone a BMW. The local Dallas BMWCCA will allow any cars to run in their DE or Auto-X events, so it's kind of a moot point.
Some good points there. I can attest to #2 with the Blue Ridge BMW CCA as some of their officers are also MINI owners. But to your point on #2, there isn't an active MINI outreach program at all.
Though they do (or at least they DID a few years ago) have a regular MINI article/feature in the Roundrel (the monthly BMWCCA Magazine). As a MINI owning member, I did appreciate that.