Most liked posts in thread: RSR Motorsports Adds a Honda Civic to the Daytona Lineup

They completely ignore the older buyer who loved the brand when it wasn't cool to love it. The demographic that can afford to buy a new MINI every two or three years. Repeat customers that spend money on dealer service and accessories. They think all MINI buyers wear skinny jeans, drink Starbucks and know nothing about how the car works. (OK, off my soapbox now, blood pressure back to normal for an old guy, I'll be better in the morning) :aureola:

 

I remember talking to Randy last year about racing an R56 and it seemed that he wasn't very keen on developing another race car for them without any support.

I don't blame RSR for moving on. I think they got two extensions to race the R53 (last season and this season) and showed MINI how competitive they could be. In the end, it would seem that MINI USA is showing that they would rather put their money towards other marketing ventures.

 

Or maybe they DO understand their buyer demographic and we don't?

If every single person who cares about MINI Grand-Am racing promised never to buy another MINI, how many sales would MINI lose?

I *wish* that there were more people who cared about it, but I don't think there are very many, unfortunately.

 

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 maybe you can use that Civic as a designated hitter on the Kia's.... :devil:

We may be bitchin a bit, but we are still with you.

 

My affection for MINI in racing has dropped dramatically over the off season. First there is support lacking from MINI with the WRC series and now our Grand Am team is moving on to rice rockets. One Civic this year and 3 replacement Civics next year?? That's my prediction.

 

This was not the replacement that I was expecting for the #197 car. Especially after listening to the Compass360 team complain all of last season about how Grand Am was crippling them with restrictions.

 

If ya can't beat 'em........?????

 

I have nothing against a Civic especially one that is raced. What really bugs me is my favorite driver is not on the MINI team this year. I'll be cheering Sarah on even though she now drives for another team.

 

Hopefully this car does better than the 2012 Civic that was in last year's finale at Mid-Ohio... That thing seemed to be bringing up the rear the whole time.

I agree with CHKMINI though, I hope this isn't an indication of where things are going for RSR.

 

I believe RSR got an extension to the life of their MINI's. They may be looking for another steed to race in the future. The Honda has been competitive when not saddled with the penalties the Honda's carried in the last race.

I too hope to continue to see RSR MINI's up front.

 

Considering all the time and money RSR has spent trying to race the MINI all this time, one would think MINI would have at least given them a Coupe to play with....

Either way, if Mini stops racing in Grand Am, Honda will not be where I hang my hat.

 

I was there during that conversation and agree with you Brian. MINI doesn't understand the racing stage any longer just as they don't understand their buyer demographic.

 

So what, this forum going to become "Happening Hondas"?

MINI COOPER FOR THE WIN!!

 

Great point Steve....

 

2 + 2 = ?

...and they may be doing what any smart team would do if they were contemplating a brand change to a more supportive brand. Run one and collect data this season in preparation for next...

 

Have some more BACON ... :crazy: