News
23/02 : Mini Run Rules
It has been mentioned on a few runs about the official rules for runs so thanks to Matt here is a good reminder:Run Rules
A few points to help the day run a bit more smoothly.
1. Before signing up for a run check the route. Check the start point, end point and the route itself. Make sure the run is within your abilities and you can get to the start point on time.
2. Print out the run map and run notes if provided. Bring them with you.
3. If you have a Sat-Nav you may be able to program the route into it. If you can’t program the full route then at least program the finishing point in case you get split from the group.
4. Most members have 2 way radios. They are a very important aspect of the run. Turn directions and warnings are relayed by radio. They are also used a lot for banter and jokes, for some this is the best part of any run! If you do not have a 2 way radio you can most likely borrow one, but please arrange this before you arrive at the run start point. There are not always enough radios to go around but don't worry you can still take part without them.
If you wish to purchase a set then please read this article first: http://www.appletheminicooper.net/PMR446.shtml
The Run itself
1. Leave an adequate braking distance. Lots of club members cars have uprated brakes and can stop very quickly, bear this in mind when following another car. Always leave extra room in wet or slippery conditions.
2. The run leader may ask you to drive with your headlights on dipped beam. This makes you easier to spot in traffic.
3. Make sure you can always see the person behind you in the convoy. If safe to do so then slow down to let them catch up.
4. Try to keep up with the person in front to the best of your abilities.
5. If you need the person in front to slow down then flash your headlights to get their attention. Use your radio to alert them to a problem.
6. The pace of the run is set by the leader. You will find the back of the convoy will be travelling faster in order to keep up. If you exceed the speed limit it is done so at your own risk. You are always responsible for your own actions.
7. If you are having a problem, you must let someone know. The best person to tell is the run leader. Most runs have stopping points, tell them as soon as possible in order for it to be sorted out. Most problems are sorted out quickly and easily, please don’t be afraid to say something.
Lunch or Pub stop
1. If you have not been on a run before you may wonder how the bill is shared. Don’t worry. You order the food yourself and pay at the bar. This way you only pay for your own food. Unless you want to pay for mine in which case that’s fine too!
2. You are always welcome to bring your own food although not all pubs will allow you to eat it on their premises.
3. Drink Driving. Needless to say we do not condone any sort of drink driving. If you are seen to be drinking you may be asked to leave the run.
The main point for the day is to have fun, so although the rules are there to help everybody please use your own common sense and enjoy yourself!
12/02 : The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
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MINI will unveil the world’s fastest small premium cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show on 03 March 2009. The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will take centre stage at the event and is on sale in the UK from 28 March 2009, priced at £23,470 OTR.
Featuring the same high performance engineering modifications as the Hatch model carrying the John Cooper Works badge, the Convertible’s 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed.
Performance data for both models is therefore equally impressive.
| MODEL | POWER (HP) | MAX TORQUE (Nm) | TOP SPEED (mph) | 0-62 (mph) | MPG (Combined) | CO2 (g/km) | Ins. Group |
| JCW Hatch | 211 | 260* | 148 | 6.5 | 40.9 | 165 | 17E |
| JCW Convertible | 211 | 260* | 146 | 6.9 | 39.8 | 169 | 18E |
The newcomer’s petrol power plant is a significantly revised version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit found in MINI Cooper S models, and the same as that in the MINI CHALLENGE race car. The engine is lighter, stronger and is supplied with a larger air intake and an exhaust system specifically designed for John Cooper Works cars.
The transmission’s gearing is strengthened to handle the extra available power; power that pushes the car to a remarkable output of 132hp per litre, yet still able to offer an amazing 39.8 mpg.
The lengthy standard kit list of every MINI John Cooper Works Convertible includes a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, John Cooper Works floor mats and glossy piano black interior. Air conditioning is fitted as standard, as it is now on every new MINI.
Performance of the Works car is underlined by an exclusive speedometer, which runs to 160mph to account for the car’s higher top speed than that of any other MINI.
A Sport button is located in front of the gear stick. When pressed it activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response. The gear knob featuring a red gearing diagram is unique to the MINI John Cooper Works.
Unique lightweight 17” alloy wheels in Cross-spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, feature on the exciting new Convertible. A John Cooper Works Aero kit is standard and the tuning brand’s logo is positioned on the boot, grille, brakes and door sills.
Extra-large disc brakes paired with upgraded bright red Brembo performance calipers are supplied. Chassis technologies ensuring a sporty and safe driving experience are also standard features of the MINI John Cooper Works:
ABS Brakes
EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution CBC
Cornering Brake Control
EDLC Electronic Differential Lock Control
DSC Dynamic Stability Control (incorporating Hill Assist)
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
Unique to MINI John Cooper Works models is EDLC. With DSC fully deactivated, the car’s Electronic Differential Lock Control delivers an even sportier driving experience. EDLC works when the car is accelerating hard out of corners or tight bends. In this situation, it electronically slows the spinning inside wheel to enhance grip and ensure that all available power is transferred to the road through the wheel with greatest traction. In contrast to the way DSC and DTC manage power delivery to the wheels, EDLC does not intervene with the throughput of engine power, meaning the driver is in near total control of the handling of the car.
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will be built entirely in the UK
With the new MINI Convertible now rolling off the line, several points of operation at MINI Plant Swindon and Oxford have been modified. BMW Group invested in new assembly stations for the Convertible tailgate at Plant Swindon. At Plant Oxford, the bodyshop installed and commissioned all necessary facilities and infrastructure to meet the high quality standards and geometrical accuracy for the Convertible body.
Associates in final assembly have transformed all work areas to integrate production of the new Convertible efficiently, and are now building the complete MINI model line-up once again on a single assembly line.
Jürgen Hedrich, MINI Plant Oxford’s new Managing Director, said: “The launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is incredibly important as it signifies that our complete model line-up is now back in production across MINI‘s UK production facilities.”
10/11 : In memory of Max, one of the founder members of SCNM
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You know it makes sense 
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