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MTTS 2008 - Miami Day 2

June 14, 2008 on 11:00 pm | In MTTS_2008, Recent Posts |

Before heading over to Bicentennial Park for the kick off of the Rally to Homestead I took a morning drive to Miami Beach for a cafecito but made a few stops along the way for some photo ops.  Don’t ask how I got the MINI under the tree.  Good thing for run flats and the fact that it was a Rental!

Then it was off to Bicentennial Park where what looked like over 100 cars got together in preperation for the Rally.

Blue Bear met up with his old friend Nigel and they spent some time reminissing about good times and in attendance were a lot of the Sunshine MINI folks that we met last year at Mickey and MINI.

About 10am it was time for the Rally to Homestead where Rauno was the marshall waiving us on.   Miami-Dade Police escorted us through Miami and blocked cross streets which I’m sure made quite a few folks a little warm under the collar.  Glad I had a convertible as I was able to hop up on my seat and take shots when we came to stops.

The setup of MTTS 2008 is very similar to last years MINI United.  They had the go-karts, auto cross; climbing wall, bungee thingy, car wash and concert stage amongst other activities. 

They had a bike stunt show running throughout the day and some few folks were preselected for a photo shoot of up and coming MotoringGear and like MINI United they had a car wash but unlike the MINI United car wash this one had high school kids washing your car not long legged models.  Kids looked like they were having a good time.

After registering and getting the swag bags I headed for the autocross where I took the new Clubman S around the course and was pleasantly pleased with it.  Handles like a MINI but has a much more comfortable drive then your standard S.   Mine was finished in Chocolate with a nice chocolate fabric trimmed in ivory interior.  Perhaps the nicest fabric combination I’ve seen to date and much nice then the ordinary blah black.  I took a walk over to the go-karts and thought about it for a second but it was just too bloody hot to put on a balaclava and helmet on.

The new JCW Clubman was on display and got a chance to chat about it with Thomas of MINI USA. The new bigger Brembo brakes fill the wheel nicely as does the matching (bigger then stock) rear red calipers.  Took a peak underneath and the exhaust is not much to look at and no longer stainless steel or at least it doesn’t look like it is.  Looks like something out of the back of a Chevy honestly but forget the looks Thomas started it up and let me tell if you like throaty this one sounds more awesome then the older JCW Exhaust.   Blue bear found a spot to rest while I chatted.

Todd was at his booth selling his badges which he sold out in two hours and Rauno had a tent where attendees could talk to him about his racing history and get autographs.

No Florida event would be complete without the afternoon downpour and lightening storm though it move through relatively quickly.

I bought a new MINI a red one and limited edition #22 of 50 and one of only two signed by Rauno! (Todd has the other).  Was able to get Rauno to sign it right before his WRR interview which was a good one.  He’s such a wealth of information and great stories.

 

I think the storm scared a few folks away but they must have all come back for the Track Parade lap as there were hundreds maybe thousands of MINI’s lined up for a photo at the end of the laps.   The track laps was one of the days highlights as the banks are so high you get the feeling your going to just slide down.

And the weather held up and we finished off the day with a great concert by Michelle Branch!

Back home and heading up to MTTS Boston next weeked.

For all the days Pictures