Sorry Randy but this isn't exciting news...a Honda racing at RSR is like the proverbial turd in the punch bowl. :thumbdown:
I read somewhere that you can only use a particular car for a specified max number of years from the last production date of that particular model. On the other hand I thought the limit was five years and if that was true RSR's R53s would already be past the limit..... If they need a replacement for the R53 -- whatever the reason -- I imagine lack of corporate-level support from MINI is a rather strong deterrent from starting over from scratch with the R56 or R59.
I agree as I posted in the other thread, MINI has made me a lot less enthusiast about the brand, first with their lack of support with the WRC Team (which has the prospects of serious podium exposure) and now with their percieved continued lack of support to RSR. I can't get excited about a brand that doesn't compete on Saturday/Sunday to make me smile while driving on Monday.
Daytona 2012 Hi Guys . . . on my way to Daytona. The real 197 WILL be back for Barber in March. It's still being rebuilt after the crash at Mid-Ohio last year. It was hard to get a replacement tub. It's 75% done right now. We will still run 4 Mini's for the 2012 season. We are running a Honda at Daytona. We may run 5 cars the rest of the season. We have no plans to leave Mini at this time but support for 2012 has been rolled back. Racing is a business for RSR. We all love the Mini's and there is nothing I would like better than to continue with the Marque. . . But, it's hard enough to race WITH factory support. It's darn near impossible without it. Stay loyal! We value your support very much. Randy
Randy thanks for stopping in & letting us know what is up with RSR. I'm sure your MINI fans will be there this year to support you. Good luck at Daytona!
Randy it is great to hear you're back in the seat! I echo what Crashton says....we will be there cheering RSR on whatever you're racing . It's people not cars that makes all this worthwhile.
Did anyone watch the race last Saturday on Speed? I thought it was a good one from a spectator standpoint. Unfortunately the RSR MINI's were barely mentioned. The only TV time the MINI's got was for a pretty ugly looking crash between 2 MINI's drafting & a BMW. I sure hope all involved are OK. :fingerscrossed: I was hoping Randy would fill us in on his perspective on the race. Barber should suit the MINI's well. Onward to the next race.
This year Speed replayed all of the races. You will most likely have to wait for next December. Hope I did not spoil any ones DVR'd race.
A pleasant surprise: SPEED to Broadcast Complete Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Season in 2012 (Grand-Am.com) The schedule in post #1 should be up to date now.
Barber is next week. 76 cars entered (so far) - 36 GS and 40 ST. :yikes: [only 58 cars started the race last year]
Man is that going to be a tough race. With a field like that they will always be in heavy traffic. I hope the weather is cooler this year. Good luck Team RSR!