Photo Log Part 1 - Mini Mania Crosses America
Don Racine, owner and founder of Mini Mania, is now traveling across the US towing his infamous 1960 Mini to take part in three exciting races: Glenora Wine Cellars US Vintage Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, NY, the Historic Festival at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT and the Vintage Grand Prix Au Grattan XXVII in Grattan, MI.
The Mini is the featured marque at the 2013 Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival and Mini Mania is pleased to represent the marque in a single piece of Mini history. Don acquired the Mini in 2009 from racing champion John Unsbee.
Don is joined by his partner Shirley and their lab, Bella. Here we will chronicle their adventures. You are invited to visit the trio and check out the 1960 Mini. Click here to see the current itinerary of their trip.
August 8
They have departed! Don, Shirley and Bella left Nevada City, CA in the dark of morning. Here they are heading east as the sun rises on the first day of their exciting adventure!
Here the trio just crested the pass overlooking the salt flats and crossed into Utah. There was a lot of wind blowing the rig around; Don did a great job keeping them in their lane. Bella caught up on her beauty sleep and Shirley is navigating (stay on 80 East!). Don is reminiscing about coming to the Bonneville Salt Flats in the 80's when he sponsored a Mini that set a land speed record for its class! (read about it here and see photos here)
Thursday afternoon they drove right into a high wind cell. The weather map showed a red light in I80 ahead of them. They pulled off at a truck stop; the coach and trailer were rocking in the 40 mph wind! Here are Shirley and Bella taking advantage of the opportunity to stretch their legs:
After a long trip to their KOA Campsite in Salt Lake City Don and Shirley were excited to have a visitor! Ron came and checked out the 1960 Mini with his own classic Mini in tow:
August 9
Hit the road at 6 a.m., leaving Salt Lake City behind. Don and Shirley had a nice visit last evening with Mini Enthusiast Ron Dickonsln and Mrs. D; they delivered his Mini Mania order personally! Here they are driving on the high mountain plateau Highway 6, between I80 and I70. Had a couple of 7% grades already..more to come, for sure.
Wine country...Colorado style
I70 on the way to Minis in the Mountains! Here they are passing through Rifle, CO, along the Colorado River...
Bella's view...
Arrived in Avon in time for afternoon mountain thunderstorm!
Read More About the 1960 Mini
MY RECOLLECTIONS OF 1971 RACING THE MINI COOPER - by John Unsbee
First Race on the Unsbee Mini Cooper Motor - by Don Racine