MINI of Peabody 2008 Spring Rally

Posted on by Ian C.

Another excellent MINI of Peabody driving event – once again, NOT spoiled by wet weather (it’s just as much fun, even if the scenery is a little damp!)
The wet weather encouraged everyone to wait inside the dealership this morning, while their MINIs waited outside; Paul welcomed everyone and explained the rules: follow the route, collect cards at each stop, try to get a winning hand and try not to get lost!
The route took us up to the Merrimac river, past spectacular scenery and incredible houses – but wet, wet, wet so no pictures … and just a couple of wrong turns 🙂 so GPMINI was one of the first cars back.
Hrach waved everyone back to the dealership (where people received their final card – we ended up with not even a pair!)

Back indoors, we had music from local radio station Mike FM, trinkets from Today’s Collision, and food (burgers and dogs, as always); there were also prizes, with the top prize (of a MINI fridge) going to Joe who somehow collected FIVE ACES in his hand!

Many thanks to MINI of Peabody and all their staff for another great MINI adventure, and to Margaret for being my perfect navigator!

See these previous years: 2006, 2007

GPMINI gets new rubber

Posted on by Ian C.

After spending the winter on runflat snow tires (and having discarded the original runflat performance tires due to wear), I recently took GPMINI up to Sublime Restorations to have the “real” GP 18″ wheels put back on, this time with non-runflat Michelin Pilot Sport tires on them … and Julian did a nice cleaning job on her too 🙂

The tires so far have performed extremely well in the seriously wet weather we’ve had the last few days … but they are NOT a quiet ride; they’re definitely noisier than the winter runflats, and while it’s hard to remember what the original performance runflats were like, I suspect these Michelins are noisier than them too! I’ve had no chance to test them for dry weather grip yet (but the wet weather grip is worth having, as the original runflats were terrible in the wet) …

MINIsOnTop 2008 Sponsors #1

Posted on by Ian C.

MINIsOnTop this year is a couple of weeks late, at the end of June – and I’m late getting this sponsor shout-out up too! Sorry.

Top of the list is once again the wondrous support of Herb Chambers MINI of Boston with the donation of a two year lease of a brand new MINI Cooper Clubman (see MINIsOnTop for details) – this prize is being raffled ($25 tickets) with the draw occurring on June 28th. You do not need to attend MINIsOnTop to have a chance to win this great prize.

MINIdoMore has again offered one of their trailer hitch kits (value $325) and a cargo carrier ($200) for 2008.

Texas SpeedWerks has offered a special carbon fiber engine damper (and maybe more – check back later).

American MINI Mates have sent several MINI-themed t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Asthetic Creations are offering several gift certificates. Their MINI roof graphics are well known for creativity and high quality.

Detailers Paradise has offered one of their Prima Car Care Kits.

Whalen Shift Machine will be sending two custom shift knobs — get that quick, smooth, and snappy feeling when you shift, without the hassle of installing a short shift kit!

Hamilton Brook Smith & Reynolds has agreed to donate two luxury sky box tickets to the Boston Red Sox game against the Anahiem Angels on Wednesday evening, July 30th. With the included parking passes and free food and drink, the value is about $400.
My special thanks to David (LePew) for his work collecting sponsorship for MINIsOnTop 2008 – and also for arranging this excellent prize!

Finally, an unusual but much appreciated sponsorship this year from MINI of Peabody:
Last year, after the drive up / back down Mount Washington, MINIsOnTop arranged a room and $10/head buffet for participants to get together and “recover” from the drive – this popular option returns this year, but MINI of Peabody are covering the cost of the food … we expect this will make the Saturday night buffet even more popular 🙂