Heather - please don't let these discussions on the national BMW CCA organization or Roundel Magazine put you off. We have a great local DelVal chapter, if you are interested in attending a HPDE event. That said, I am also interested in hearing the response, if it can be shared.
Ours used to, but attendance began to drop off, so they waived that. Our local chapter has close ties to the Audi club and PCA, and there's a lot of crossbreeding between the chapters, so much so that we're all allowed into each others events as long as we're a member of one of the clubs, which is nice. But as people have alluded to, there are plenty of other ways to get on the track. That being said, the level of instruction with the BMWCCA (and other car groups, the instructors tend to instruct in more than one car club too) is better than any other organization in my region, hands down. In our area, it's the best way to get started, I go to several other groups now too, but I consider Badger Bimmers my "home". But the BMWCCA also offers social stuff, drives, cleanups, etc., it's more than just the track, it would be very cool if we could support it, grow it, and see where all that leads. It's going to take effort on both sides--MINI owners, as well as the BMWCCA, to make that happen. I'm not that optimistic that it will, I've been screaming until I'm blue in the face trying to grow MINI owner involvement in the BMWCCA locally, with very little to show for it. Still gonna keep trying though. What I think would be a great idea, if the CCA is serious about getting more of the MINI crowd, would be to dedicate a regular issue of Roundel to the MINI, and MINI crowd. A MINI on the cover, and a few articles about the car and the MINI crowd along with standard columns in a regular issue of the magazine, and how MINI relates to the rest of the BMWCCA may go a long way to mending some fences, and opening some eyes. That way some non MINI members may actually read about us. Writing an article like this for the MINI page at the back isn't going to do it, I suspect very few, if any, non MINI BMW owners bother to read that column. It'd piss regular members off, but one issue wouldn't kill them, and maybe we could determine wether there's any chance of a closer relationship. Guess it depends on how much BMWCCA really wants us.
This reply came from Satch Carlson, editor-in-chief, Roundel Magazine I have to admit I was shocked to get a reply, much less from Satch. I've been reading his material since Auto Week was printed on newsprint. I've replied to this and we have a dialog ongoing. I've replied to this and we have a ongoing dialog.
Blah blah blah..... Nothing really new there, it seems that he's calling it a singular problem...only time will tell if they really are interested...
Very surprised the esteemed editor of roundel satch carlson replied to you. This is just lip service & IMHO means little to nothing.
I understand the cynicism, but you have to start somewhere.... Nate's stuff gets posted in letter page, or posted as an editorial, and it's more than has been done since the MINI came out. Than in and of itself is something.
A dialog has been opened. We've traded a few emails now and I've made some suggestions. One being I think it would be a good idea to publish MINIs R/F Codes like they do with BMW E/F Codes. The reply to that item... It may be little, but it is progress. A door may be opening here.
Changes won't happen overnight, but sounds like they are listening and progress can be made. Great job Nathan on raising this concern. Feel free to share any of the feedback in my prior post as well. To me, this is not a local chapter issue, and I hope Satch doesn't spin it that way. Local chapter dynamics can vary. It is more about the 2nd class treatment MINI receives from Roundel and BMW CCA. This is NOT a perception, it is a reality. Through your efforts, they may begin to realize this and make positive changes.
Attitudes of the local chapters will mirror the attitudes of the National board and Roundel. Real change will come from there.
Jack - dont worry...i wont...I was jsut surprized to find out - after I joined - how little MINIs were involved - like in the discounts and stuff. SO I will keep an open mind....but am curious as to why MINI's are not treated fairly...we are like the younger, cuter, sibling...
oh and I also think its great that a dialog has been started....maybe this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.... :wink: