7 replies to this topic

[Mike Asselta]

Team SafeRacer is building two Mini Coopers for B-Spec World Challenge, Majors, and National competition. We have a learning curve in these little cars, but the class has terrific support from the manufacturers.

One big bonus for B-Spec is the participation in support races at COTA for the debut of the Australian V8 Supercars in May. Throughout the year, World Challenge supports Indy Car races and concludes with a street course in Houston.

The schedule alone is worth the ride.

Just wondering who else is building or planning to race anywhere in the country this year.

Let's shake things up!

[davew]

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Advanced Autosports Mazda2 B-spec will be going up for sale. 2011 ARRC winner. Priced to sell. Race ready. Email me at the address below.

[MPR22]

Mike,

Why did you decide to go with Mini vs others?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

why does most interesting man in the world choose Dos Equis...

[Mike Asselta]

Mike,

Why did you decide to go with Mini vs others?

I think the effort that SCCA has made to equalize the cars in the off-season makes the decision of what car to bring a little less important, but here are some reasons that we chose the Mini:

1. Cost - the older model Mini's that are permitted (2007 and up) made our donor costs around 10K each. We wanted to get cars from Mazda (to stay in the family) but it was going to cost more. In a year or two there will be more used cars from other manufacturers with some depreciation on them, and this factor will equalize too.

2. Suspension - almost all of the cars in this class use a version of a rear torsion bar suspension to save weight and help make the interior roomy. It's also commonly used in tanks and pick-up trucks. The Mini has an independent suspension with coil-overs, which we are more familiar with from SM racing.

3. Related to number 2, I think the Mini's power has been choked down to compensate for better handling characteristics. We are making a gamble on our ability to use the handling to get the job done. The Chevy has more power and less restriction, for example, and I don't imagine that Heinricy showed his hand at the test!

4. The Italian Job - there are no movies starring the KIA Rio yet.

[MPR22]

Mike,

Cool, I would love to race the Texas events but don't want to build a car for 2 events this year.

[Charlie James]

B-Spec should be interesting this year, quite a few new kits have been sold by many different manufacturers, so hope to see some decent sized fields.
The straightaways at COTA and RAm might get a little long in these 100hp cars, but the corners are going to be a blast!
We've been approached by a handful of racers on building them cars, but right now the only 2 are for Mike and myself. And everyone knows we're old and slow!

[Derrick Ambrose]

I should be at Sonoma World Challenge this year with a 2 along with various west coast regional and national events.

-Derrick