It's not every day that someone re-incarnates a motoring legend, and it's even less often that the legend in question is something quite so
recognizable and radical as the Mini Cooper. Aside from go-kart handling, available "S" designated performance model and instantly adored looks, Mini owners all over North America get a little extra with the car that is hard to put a price on: membership to one of the largest communities of enthusiasts out there.
Not simply content to show off their cars and share stories in the parking lots of local coffee shops, Mini owners from all over the USA signed up online to participate in the "Mini Takes the States" road-trip event- which will take owners and their beloved compacts from Monterey California to Lakeville Connecticut. A special customer delivery event kicks off the rally, introducing the first of 415 limited production "Mini GP" performance models to arrive in the country. The event started Monday and concludes on September 4th.
Participants are able to take part in the entire trip, or in segments of it- the most popular being from Jersey City, New Jersey to Lakeville Connecticut. The event's secondary name is sure to delight tongue twister aficionados everywhere: The 2006 MINI TransAmerican Motortastic Road Trip To End All Road Trips Rally.
The event is being held to celebrate the enthusiastic owners community and the launch of the John Cooper Works tuned Cooper S package.
Additionally, Mini is the featured brand at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, the event that helps Mini kick off the journey.
Mini USA Vice President Jim McDowell is excited about the event. "MINI owners always bring an unparalleled level of enthusiasm and energy to whatever they do, and I am excited to spend two weeks on the road with them," he says. "We are currently planning a number of surprises and activities for participants along the route, and I encourage everyone -- MINI owner or not -- to keep an eye out for us in August and join in the fun for a day, a week, or even the full trip."
One of the trips major attractions is sure to be the free outdoor Mini Music festival held on day 8 of the trip in Nashville Tennessee. Jazz, country and blues acts are scheduled, as are local bands and food vendors, and the festival is expected to draw over 1000 people.
3350 participants registered for the Mini Takes the States event, with some 175 signed up to drive the entire duration.
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| (Photo: MINI) |
Not simply content to show off their cars and share stories in the parking lots of local coffee shops, Mini owners from all over the USA signed up online to participate in the "Mini Takes the States" road-trip event- which will take owners and their beloved compacts from Monterey California to Lakeville Connecticut. A special customer delivery event kicks off the rally, introducing the first of 415 limited production "Mini GP" performance models to arrive in the country. The event started Monday and concludes on September 4th.
Participants are able to take part in the entire trip, or in segments of it- the most popular being from Jersey City, New Jersey to Lakeville Connecticut. The event's secondary name is sure to delight tongue twister aficionados everywhere: The 2006 MINI TransAmerican Motortastic Road Trip To End All Road Trips Rally.
The event is being held to celebrate the enthusiastic owners community and the launch of the John Cooper Works tuned Cooper S package.
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |
Mini USA Vice President Jim McDowell is excited about the event. "MINI owners always bring an unparalleled level of enthusiasm and energy to whatever they do, and I am excited to spend two weeks on the road with them," he says. "We are currently planning a number of surprises and activities for participants along the route, and I encourage everyone -- MINI owner or not -- to keep an eye out for us in August and join in the fun for a day, a week, or even the full trip."
One of the trips major attractions is sure to be the free outdoor Mini Music festival held on day 8 of the trip in Nashville Tennessee. Jazz, country and blues acts are scheduled, as are local bands and food vendors, and the festival is expected to draw over 1000 people.
3350 participants registered for the Mini Takes the States event, with some 175 signed up to drive the entire duration.