MINI United 2009 - 50th Anniversary Official Celebration!

[Owen]

Watch this space!

[ONED]

Watchin :scratch:

[Owen]

Just got some more details on this from MINI, they're completely blowing the budget on next year's 50th anniversary event, I'm told it'll be 3 wild days with the MINI Challenge race series for people to watch, and there are some top international bands and DJ's being lined up.

We're looking into setting up our Marquee at the event, and providing a hospitality area for all the Irish MINI and Mini owners. This event is also completely open to Mini owners, something that's encouraged this being the 50th anniversary.

Also, if you're a MCOI member, this event is where we'll be hooking up with our long term UK friends too. We have hotel rooms reserved a stone's throw from the track, and are well on our way to planning one of the MCOI's biggest events yet!

[iwanagofast]

Throw down me and grace for a room if its not there already lads, off to sea on tuesday

[jimskater]

I'm coming over again. It's an odd numbered year.

This one sounds like it might be the winner.

[Owen]

This is going to be huge Jim

[Bawnee]

Just wondering, is the club going to do a Group booking for MINI UNITED? Might be worth inquiring into! !HINT HINT!!

[Step_7]

The MU 2009 site seems to be live now - taking ticket bookings etc. I'm all paid up already!

[Owen]

I have huge news about this ... I'll be posting lots of details, but this event will be of special interest to Classic owners too

[inny1300]

Hello Owen sound's very interesting regard's jon

[jimskater]

C'mon, Owen, post up! Some of us have to book airline tickets.

[Owen]

Below are the details released in the official MINI Press Release. The key things to highlight in this, is that there will be a Music Festival along with the 50th celebrations, there'll be activites for the kids, and most importantly as it's the 50th anniversary for the classic Mini, there'll be a race at the Silverstone track with 50 classic Minis going head to head.

You'll also be able to take your own car out on the track - always good fun

MINI United 2009 to Take Place in Silverstone, United Kingdom, in May
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 5, 2008... After Misano, Italy, and Zandvoort, Netherlands, MINI is moving the celebration for its third MINI United Festival to the land of its birth. Silverstone, United Kingdom, with its legendary racetrack, will play host to the largest MINI fan event ever from May 22-24, 2009, marking the brand’s 50th birthday in grand style.

MINI enthusiasts, many of whom will be driving their own cars from countries all over the world, can look forward to a weekend full of MINI’s on display, motorsport action and musical performances. Other festival highlights will include stunt driving demonstrations, go-karting, a lounge area with DJs, and an exhibition of key products and milestones of MINI’s storied history.

The International Race Series, MINI CHALLENGE, will also be part of the festival, racing its third and fourth heats before an international audience. Additionally, the Mini Seven Racing Club will present a race with 50 classic Mini race cars, and festival goers will have an opportunity to take to the track in their MINI’s either alone or with a MINI CHALLENGE driver.

MINI United will feature food, drink and fun for MINI lovers of all ages, including a special Kids’ Area with activities ranging from Bobby-Car racing to climbing to face-painting.

The MINI Club of Ireland will indeed be attending this event, and we have block booked accomodation only a stone's throw from Silverstone. We are looking into the possibility of having a hospitality marquee setup for all members, and guests from the Internation clubs to kick back and relax in. If we get the go-ahead to setup the Marquee, we may also be putting WiFi access in place for those who are just addicted to miniclub.ie

Here are some photos from MINI United 2005 to give you a feel for what's there.

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/04entrance.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/05marqueeinterior.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/10raunoaaltonen.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/13paulsmithclassic.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/15jcwshowcar.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/16limo.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/17carpark.jpg[/img]

[img:200:300]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/18pitlane.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/23castagnapickup.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/24thefirstlittleclassicagain.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/25lambodoors.jpg[/img]

[img:400:267]http://owenkelly.com/blog/images/miniunited2005/27soniqueatminiunited.jpg[/img]

[1lightningd]

They are really throwing the money at it

[oliver]

Sounds like some good craic. Hope I can make it.

[MiniMpi]

Brilliant!!!
Can't wait.