Finally, the cat (or so-called “David”) is out of the bag! What initially seemed like an outrageous, yet effective and invigorating publicity stunt for the MINI brand, has turned out to be a total flop with MINI USA’s announcement of the “track” where the race would be taking place.  MINI promised no tricks, no gimmicks and no jokes…a supposed real mano-a-mano, vis-a-vis confrontation, and the result is more like that of an after school fight, than a legitimate race.  In reality the “track” is more like an autocross layout (or minicross) as explained in Michael Harley’s post in Autoblog, resulting in a real flop and a total disappointment that in my view works against everything they tried to accomplish with this campaign.
I mean after all this, including this ridiculous “Mini Rocky IV” spoof video (shown below), you’re telling me that you aren’t even racing on the actual track at Hotlanta? Â What gives MINI?
Maybe MINI USA should take up Hyundai’s offer instead…
Thankfully for MINI USA, there is an old saying, “there is no such thing as bad publicity” (coined by Madonna of all people), but it takes a certain breed to be able to live through whatever backlashes result from bad publicity, even if only temporary.  What I can say after all this hoopla, is that as a Porsche enthusiast, I am prouder than ever by the brand’s brilliant handling of this MINI stunt.  As a MINI owner, I am very disappointed by the ridiculousness and hype that was all for nothing, making modern day MINI less of what it was in the good ole days of their Ralley Montecarlo wins, when it was a true David challenging the many Goliath’s of that time.
In the end, it seems more like a case of a disgruntled former employee with something to prove, rather than the good ole racing that both brands are historically known for (although much briefer history for MINI of course). Â For anyones who cares to see what actually happens, if anything, or to see how far down the rabbit hole MINI USA goes, then go here to watch it live from their autocross setup inside of actual Road Atlanta track.
All I can say is…..
Wha..wha..whaaaaaa!
Here is an aerial view of the real Road Atlanta track:
Here is more of Road Atlanta:
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It’s 3 minutes past 6PM EST and 1hr.57min. left on MINI’s countdown on their Facebook page…..almost time for MINI to bring this publicity stunt full circle (Thank goodness!). Apparently, they have found a Porsche driver by the name of Corey Friedman, who claims to have some decent racing credentials. We’ll be watching for you and will report back any news that’s worthy.
PORSCHE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
to be honest, the way you have covered all of the mini publicity is exactly what separates porsche from mini owners. anyone thats know how to start an engine would understand the mini would not be able to win, but the fun was in the challenge. the fact that you had to take this so seriously and still be stuck up about it further cements why people hate porsche owners. its a pity you have to exemplify the stereotype. shut up and drive. thats what mini and porsche owners are passionate about.
Wow, dude! Take it easy. I believe it is you, who are taking this thing waay too seriously. In case you hadn’t noticed, we own two MINIs, and we drive the heck out of them any chance we get. I am wondering though, where exactly do you get the idea that people hate Porsche owners? I think you just made that up to strengthen a really weak argument, but that’s ok. We forgive you.
In fact, we’re willing to settle this on the track if you like, passionate driver to passionate driver. And to make it fair, we’ll let you drive the Porsche.;)
If you read my previous post you will learn that I myself am a MINI owner…actually I own two and a third one if you count my wife’s MINI! As a MINI owner, my point of view is simple….I am a serious driver and I expected more from MINI than a whimpy parking lot autocross, especially after all of the hoopla! They used everyone…..us included!
One thing does come to mind….if it was a campaign in the name of fun, then why didn’t MINI accept the Hyundai challenge? That would have been “fun” as well!
To go deeper on our perspective read this post as well:
http://911nation.com/2010/06/mini-vs-porsche-another-case-of-david-vs-goliath/
I think that you will find a good-natured attitude towards the whole thing.
Thanks for sharing your point of view.
would Looooove to see the video!
We are working on it.
FYI – Official race video is up here:
http://911nation.com/2010/06/this-just-in-porsche-wins-challenge
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