MINI Takes the States 2008 festivities continued today with a day full of sun, fun, action and entertainment, and obviously a lot of motoring – what a blast it was.
We started bright and early at Lincoln Park Zoo with a continental breakfast and all polished MINIs lined up to hit the road. We had the best attendance of all MTTS Rise and Shine rallies so far (we stopped counting MINIs after 350), with many more to join us during the rally and throughout the day. The lions were still sleeping when the police escorted us to scenic Lake Shore Drive. We enjoyed the view and drive… until we hit traffic. Rumors are they were going to repave the road for our rally but didn’t make it on time, hence all the construction sites… This part was less fun than we expected, but MINI owners wouldn’t be MINI owners if they’d lose their enthusiasm so easily. We soon reached Lambs Farm for much needed refreshments and ice-cream. Drivers and their copilots were able to pick up surprise and delight goodies such as awesometastic medallions. Back on the road, the traffic soon disappeared and we had enough road ahead of us to enjoy some serious motoring.
Everyone made it safely to Road America, where many more MINIs and their families were already awaiting us (we ended the day with more than 500 MINIs in the parking lot!). It was time to stretch our legs, eat some food and discover the many attractions for the afternoon. There was a lot to choose from: the rock climbing wall, carnival games, the MINI Market and boot sale, free massages, eurobungee, caricatures, tattoos, the remote-controlled RIDEMAKERZ MINIs… and your chance to send Jim McDowell and members of the MINI USA marketing team for a plunge at the dunking booth.
Jeff Lenosky showed his amazing Mountain Bike stunts on multiple occasions and the Talk to MINI! Video Log Stop provided everyone the opportunity to share some MINI stories and experiences. Many headed to the Go-Karting track and the MINI Cross Course to suck up some curves, especially aboard one of our ferocious street-legal race cars, the John Cooper Works and John Cooper Works Clubman.
One of today’s many highlights was the parade lap on the Road America race track. We did manage to get all MINIs who wanted to participate onto the same lap, and it was great to see that no car in the amazingly long line resembled another.
Back on the festival grounds, awards were handed out the tallest person in a MINI, the Road Warrior who travelled the furthest to our event, the most unique vanity license plate and others. A special award went to Harold Stanfield and his 2002 Silk Green MINI Cooper - 281,899 proud miles were spotted on his speedometer. Keep On Motoring Harold!
Various bands and great live performances were to be seen on the Rolling Stone stage throughout the day. Our headline band today was Blues Traveler. They rocked Road America and provided an astonishing conclusion to this wonderful day.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more action from Road America and a rally to the RIDEMAKERZ store at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL. Our friends will host the last event of this unforgettable weekend.
(Click on the images to see an enlarged view)
TO SEE A BUNCH MORE GREAT MTTS CHICAGO PHOTOS:
Just check out our Official MINI Takes the States gallery on Flickr
AND WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF THE EVENT TOO!
If you have a Flickr account, you can join the MINI Takes the States 2008 - Chicago Flickr group.
Or, you can email shots (or send via your cell phone) to us at chicago.photos@miniusa.com
Event Highlights
Copyright 2008