Welcome to MPG Mini Performance Group is a car club for Coopers based in Upstate New York's Capital Region. Learn more, join, or be added to the e-mail newsletter. Contact Zeke for all website suggestions and complaints, if you want to contribute, or if you have a photo for the header.
Events Click on the event listing to read more about it. Meetings are at 7:15 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Albany Pump Station.
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May 19th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Hey MINI friends – Here is a great opportunity for fun (our middle name)!
Read and post the attached info for MINIS on the GREEN (and tell ALL your friends). Come have fun driving around cones, make some three-point turns, stack some cans for the food pantry, toss a frisbee through a hoop – all sorts of zany things can happen. It’s a great time in a green park with a beautiful view and cookout to follow – all for a good cause!
Reply here, on Facebook, or to mpgminis@hotmail.com to register or ask any questions.
Minis On The Green: A Skilled Driving Challenge
May 19, 2012
Beginning at 1:30 p.m.
To be held at the TOWN PARK in Greenville, NY
Cookout following
This adventure will include three timed runs on a challenging gymkhana course. Prizes will be awarded to the top drivers.
Please email mpgminis@hotmail.com to register for this event and obtain details/directions. The cost is $20.00 per driver, payable at the event (includes a dinner ticket). $5.00 of each entry fee will be donated to the Greenville food pantry.
Cookout note! Dinner for non-drivers will be available for $5.00. Two hot dogs or a hamburger, chips and soda (hopefully a cookie too). Please let us know how many guests we can expect so we can plan appropriately.
What is a gymkhana?
Gymkhana events are time and/or speed events in an automobile. These can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver must maneuver through a predetermined “track” performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of “obstacle” to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit.
NOTE that this gymkhana is more fun driving challenge, less competitive motorsport, as we aren’t looking to tear up the park.
May 4th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Hey MINI friends – How will you ever choose? I have a feeling, every weekend from now until Thanksgiving will be VERY full of fun MINI stuff (and if one isn’t WE will think of something……..!)
NUMBER ONE: Limerock Park Charity Event – for Make A Wish and Relay for Life
$15 per car at the gate. You can caravan (see below) or just arrive. Park with all the MINIs! There will be parade laps and a raffle for HOT LAPS in an M3, If you go early (9am-noon?) there is Vintage Car Racing – always cool to see the ‘old’ cars! The drive to Limerock is beautiful in itself. If you’ve ever had an inkling to get on the track – now is the time 
Logistics: Albany/Capital District contingent to meet at the intersection of Routes 295 and 41 in Richmond, MA @ 9:30am for a 9:45 departure. We will then pick up another contingent in Great Barrington at 10:20, and depart for Lime Rock at 10:30 for an 11 AM arrival. Parade laps @ 1:45.
Mike Roth, the guy in charge, can be reached for questions posting here or e-mailing him or Jamie.
NUMBER TWO: Keeler MINI Test Drive Challenge
Test drive a new MINI (any style) and a challenge vehicle (Nissan/VW – lol) and receive a coupon for $750 off a new MINI (see details there). If they don’t run out, you’ll get a free t-shirt too. Sign up on MiniUsa.com or Keelermotorcar.com 10am – 5pm
NUMBER THREE: Mo-Hud SCCA AutoCross dates
From www.mohud-scca.org/solo The first events of the 2012 season approach: this Saturday, May 5, our first test-and-tune at McCarty Ave. in Albany, and the following day, Sunday, May 6, our first points event at the same location. Plan to arrive before registration closes at 9:15 a.m. — preferably before 9.
Directions to McCarty Ave Lot: The Office of General Services parking lot is nestled inside the intersection of Interstate 787 and Route 9W. From the north, take I-787 to its end, the parking lot will be on your right. Make a right at the light and another right at your next light, into the parking lot. From the south / other points, take Southern Boulevard / Route 9W, the parking lot will be to your left traveling north.
“Solo events (also known as autocrosses) are an all forward motion driving skill contest. Each driver is individually timed to the thousandth of a second, over a short, miniature road course clearly defined using traffic cones. Cars compete one at a time, hence the name “Solo”, in a class with similar cars. An event can be held on any flat paved surface, usually a parking lot, or airport apron or runway.”
Questions for this event can be directed to Zeke at zekew1@gmail.com
Have a great weekend! Happy Motoring!
May 1st, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke MAY 1st – Regular meeting at the Albany Pump Station at 7:15 p.m.
We will talk TIRES
Please bring all your data. You know, which tires were ‘like,’ which were ‘dislike,’ how much did they cost, how many miles did you really get out of them, what wheels are you happy with, etc., etc….
—> Also get upcoming dates for Driving Schools and AutoCross at this meeting.
April 28th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke What everyone has been waiting for – ON TRACK KARTING — APRIL 28th.
APRIL 28th – Karting at On Track Karting (check them out). We need to know by TUESDAY if you want to join us so we can make a reservation – so reply to this post or email mpgminis@hotmail.com.
HiDeHo – All karting enthusiasts! Meet at the Albany Pump Station at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday. We will Mini on over to Wallingford, CT for some karting fun.
On Track Karting
984 North Colony Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
All the info you need is here: www.ontrackkarting.com
Let’s plan to drive three races (more if you can take it). Have an early-ish dinner, then head home.
If you live south or east, we can meet you there between 11:00 and 11:15ish. Questions? Reply to this post or email Jamie. We think we’d like to have an early supper with everyone after we’re done. Anyone know of a good restaurant? Maybe we should try the Irish Pub this year. Let us know. Cya Saturday
GETTING STARTED:
1. Sign Up
Complete the driver registration form/ waiver, then book your heat(s) at the front counter by purchasing a membership and any number of races. There is a $10 membership fee then it’s $20 per race. Three races is great. Four/Five might put you over the top.
2. Attend Briefing
Watch an 8-minute video explaining proper use of safety equipment, basic kart operation, and important rules and safety procedures.
3. Gear Up
Please dress comfortably with well-secured footwear, then head to the equipment area for a helmet and neck brace. Optional race suits are also available.
4. Hit the Track
Race the clock and all your friends through 19 turns and over 1,800 feet of track.
5. Check your Times
Get detailed race results with all lap times for all drivers in your heat.
April 3rd, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Regular meeting at the Albany Pump Station — 7:15. Stop in for a round and hear about upcoming events and chat mini.
March 31st, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke 
Flapjack Follies / Johnny Cake Jollies! Start in Clifton Park, drive the twisty back roads to a sugar house (where they make maple syrup…), then on to Rathbun’s famous flapjack brunch in Whitehall. Yum!
MARCH 31st
Details:
Meet Saturday 3/31 at 9am — leave by 9:15 at the Clifton Park Panera’s on Maxwell Drive off route 146 (exit 9 from I87). Our route will proceed eastward along 146, sticking to pretty much secondaries through Washington County zig-zagging to our destination of Rathbun’s for a pancake brunch in North Granville. It’s 1208 Hitch Hill Road. About 2-2.5 hours.
Here’s the prospective route. The roads are paved, twisty, and mostly smooth, and should be free of traffic if we get a good start. There are a few stomach twisters thrown in (good thing we eat after we drive). Ideal mini fun!!
If you have walkie-talkies, bring them. Any questions or last minute additions or cancellations can be sent to zekew1@gmail.com or posted here.
After brunch you are free to explore on your own – there is shopping in Lake George, covered bridges, a fiber mill — the possibilities are endless.
The endpoint is Rathbun’s in Granville.
Most maple syrup producers are already ending their seasons in a freakishly early year, but I’m trying to find one that’ll still be boiling sap for this weekend as a mid-point stop. (Couldn’t find any.) Rathbun’s said they were finished, but they serve pancakes all year round. That’s where we’ll be eating.
March 20th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Jamie Ipsen
I didn’t think my MINI could make me any happier but I made an amazing discovery whilst navigating the New York State Thruway on my daily commute.
Even though music is a huge part of my life, rarely do I listen to my radio – too many commercials. When I do it’s the classical station or ‘Car Talk’ on NPR with Click and Clack. Occasionally, I pick up a new CD and sadly, I’m as guilty as any teenager with volume and overplay! Most of the time, in my car, it’s just me and my driving thoughts.
Recently, I took on a beginning guitar student. Obviously, tuning the guitar has been an important task in our lessons. And while we haven’t discussed why the strings are tuned to E A D G B E , I ponder the answers to such questions.
On my way to my other job, with pitch and tuning on the brain, I roll onto I-90 and accelerate to 80mph. All MINI drivers know that a MINI is happiest running at 80. It feels good. It sounds good. Subconsciously, I’m humming along with the engine. I harmonize with the pitch and realize 80mph must generate a pitch somewhere near A (220hertz). Since I don’t have perfect pitch like some lucky people ~ I can’t be sure. The next Saturday, I’m driving my daughter to her cello lesson. (Yes, a cello easily fits into the MINI). We’re on the Northway driving 80ph. “Heather, “ I said, “pull out your cello and play the A string.” “What?!? Now? You’d like the Boccherini Concerto in B flat while I’m at it?” I explain my crazy hypothesis to her and she laughs, “Mom, only you!” Lo and behold, when she climbs over the seat, unzips the case, and plucks the A string – it is the same pitch as the MINI engine humming at 80mph!
Woa! Why is this important to us? Universal A (440 hertz) is the pitch to which most instruments are tuned so all the music we listen to and enjoy relates to this A. A gives us that contented feeling of being “in tune”. How funny that my car is capable of giving me the same vibes!
Did BMW do this on purpose or did I stumble upon some obscure coincidence? Do other engines sing A as well? Does my MINI hum other notes? I Google “musically tuning a engine” and find a very interesting video describing a partnership between the Lexus LFA engineers and Yamaha (the music division)! I email MINI to see if they may be of like thinking but have yet to hear. In the meantime, running-down-the-highway never sounded so good!
March 6th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Hi Mini Enthusiasts!
It’s March! Time for the monthly meeting at the Albany Pump Station. 7:15pm Tuesday, March 6th
I hear there are some new brews available so come on out and have a taste!
Come here about a karting date and Drive and Dine info….the season is fast approaching – weo!!
Cya soon!
Cheers
February 7th, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke Hey Mini Friends!
Our next meeting is Tuesday, Feb 7th at the Albany Pump Station at 7:15pm. We will be looking at the 2012 calendar and marking it up with all sorts of awesome Mini adventures. Please come and put in your two cents! Better yet, you can volunteer to organize an event of your choosing. At any rate, it will be a great year for MPG!
Cya Tuesday
Cheers
Jamie and Dan
PS – If you missed January’s meeting – we had a wonderful dinner by the fireplace (thanks Neil!) followed by a most remarkable Trivia Contest with everyone winning a prize (thank you Keeler MINI for donating some great MINI stuff!). Thanks to all who attended!
February 3rd, 2012 :: Posted by Zeke TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES
By Jamie Ipsen
Neil Evans sits across the table from me at his ambiance charged brew pub, The Albany Pump Station. We’re here to celebrate his 200,000 mile relationship with his MINI Cooper S. You don’t just drive 200,000 miles in a MINI, you experience them, all of them. “How many zeros is that?” I ask him. He simply grins.
After a lot of investigative questions about his car and those miles I begin to realize Neil and his MINI are indistinguishable. I’ve heard, ‘We are what we drive’ but in Neil’s case it’s, ‘We drive what we are’.
In 2004 Neil was looking for a car with great gas mileage, with enough room to transport kegs and was fun to drive. He had a long daily commute and lots of beer deliveries to make. A test drive in a “justa MINI” left him very interested, but at the suggestion of the salesperson, a test drive in the “S” made it clear a MINI (S) was the car he needed and wanted. He ordered one that day in Liquid Yellow with a black roof and black bonnet stripes, a cool sunroof for summer and heated seats for winter. Soon after receiving his new MINI, Neil found that with the back seat taken out (back seat delete), five kegs could fit on a delivery run. (I imagine the MINI was regularly airborne on the trip home sans kegs.) Neil said there was never an occasion when he had to say, “Darn, we have the MINI!” Everything he needed always seemed to fit. In addition to using it as a daily workhorse, the MINI has enjoyed excursions to Boston, Montreal and Michigan’s outer peninsula. For the last two years Neil and his MINI drove up Mt Washington, NH participating in the Make-A-Wish fundraiser, MINIs-On-Top. No matter how far the distance the MINI never felt cramped or uncomfortable.
Neil says he isn’t an aggressive driver but definitely a “spirited” one. With thousands of miles on back roads and thirty track days under the bonnet, obviously the spirit is alive and well. “What prompted you to track your MINI?” I ask in wonder. Apparently, the local MINI dealer was sponsoring a ‘demo day’ at Lime Rock Park. If you bought the John Cooper Works kit (which provided an additional 43hp) you were eligible for track time at the ‘demo day’. This was too good to pass up (and yes, as a bonus, the beer could be delivered faster if the MINI was a JCW!) Eight weeks after his car came home, it went back to the shop for its first mod. A month after that, Neil was driving at Lime Rock Park. Although the track time was essentially a parade lap at forty mph, it was enough to spark the fire that would take Neil and his MINI to driving schools at Watkins Glen, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Monticello, Lime Rock Park and Calabogie Motorsports Park (and a MINIless detour to Laguna Seca.)
Neil and his MINI have a strength and a calm about them. They have a just-keep-going attitude. The MINI has only required two significant repairs, a new power steering pump (because a stone got stuck in it) and a new clutch at 180,000 miles (because it was time). The MINI has also suffered three accidents. On two occasions it was hit while parked (in the same spot!) and once it was hit head-on by a Jeep Cherokee that was going the wrong way on a thruway ramp. (Interestingly, the Jeep sustained $6000 worth of damage, the MINI $2300 – no people were hurt). Neil has had two major surgeries that would have taken most of us down (and probably out), but he just viewed them as a short detour on the highway of life. Neil and his MINI aren’t out to beat the world. They simply want to provide it with happiness, good cheer, and a great beer, perhaps in return for a brisk wind over the bonnet. “MINIs just make people smile. Why wouldn’t I drive one?” He laughs, then adds “I think it’s the sexy rims that really turn heads.”
“So out of all those miles, which were your favorites?” I have to ask. There is no hesitation in his answer, “That would have to be the last track day we did. It was the (Patroon/NYC Chapter Driving School) – The Longest Day at Watkins Glen (June 13, 2011). I drove from 8am to 8:30pm – almost ran out of gas – twice! There was late passing, the weather was beautiful (a sunrise & a sunset), the MINI was at its best, the camaraderie was excellent – what a day!”
“What will happen next, Neil?” (I’m thinking trade-in). A tremendous smile lights up his face. “We’re just warming up ~ I can’t wait to see 222, 222 then 300,000 miles. Eventually, the MINI will become a dedicated track car.”
Actually, his MINI is already dedicated. 200,000 miles is a lot of time spent with your alter ego.
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