Minis In Northern Illinois

2012-02-15T08:41:00.001-06:00

Upcoming Events
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February 10-19: Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive and 23rd Street. For more information, go to: www.Chicagoautoshow.com
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February 24-26: Spring Thing, will be in Wesley Chapel, Florida just North of Tampa.
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CLUB EVENT: February 26: 16th Annual British Car Swap Meet, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL (1/2 mile North of Rt. 38 on County Farm Road) General Admission $5. (NOT in large building.) Free Parking. February M.I.N.I. meeting will be held there at 11:04 am.
For more information, go to: www.britishcarswap.info
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HEADS UP! Annual Winter Picnic in March, probably at an aircraft museum near Glenview, Illinois.
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April 18-21: Classic Mini 53 by Classic Minis United, Cherokee, NC. Last chance to enjoy the Springtime colors, Mini friends, and twisty roads with a gaggle of Classic Minis before the Mayan calendar and world ends. For more information, go to: www.classicminis.org/mini53.htm
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NEW! April 21- 22: Annual Classics and Chrome Car Show – the largest indoor car show in Northern Illinois. Located in Loves Park, Illinois (just 4 miles North of Rockford). Display your car free. This is a fund raiser for the Keith Country Day School.
For more information, go to: www.classicsandchrome.com
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NEW! April 22: College of DuPage Car Show - See a variety of classic, hot rods, muscle cars, race cars, motorcycles and trucks.
For more information, go to: www.cod.edu/special_event/carshow
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May 2-6: MINIs On The Dragon, Fontana Village, NC.
318 curves in 11 miles in the fabulous North Carolina mountains. Note – our club now has a link on their website
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May 18-20: Road America Spring Vintage Weekend
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June 29th – July 2: Mini Meet East in Montreal. The Cheribourg Hotel in Magog-Orford, Quebec has been entirely reserved for Mini Meet East.
For more hotel information, go to: www.Cheribourg.com
For more Mini Meet information, go to: www.mainlyminismontreal.com
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NEW! July 4th – ??: MTTS – MINI Takes The States. From MINI USA Web site: “MINI owners and fans will hit the open road, crossing the country from East to West, stopping only to eat, sleep and have a blast along the way. Registration begins in April”. No further info available at this time. The original plan to end in Chicago has been scrapped.
For more information, go to: www.miniusa.com
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2012 Elections. Anyone interested in running for office for 2012 should contact Ferb or Andy. If no one is interested in running, existing officers may be re-elected. Consider yourself warned!
For the most up-to-date info, go to www.minisinil.com
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Reminder: 2012 Dues (still only $20.00)
Join or renew and you will receive a membership card good for a 10% discount on parts at Bill Jacobs MINI plus a M.I.N.I. key fob

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Upcoming Events

2012-01-01T07:46:00.004-06:00

Upcoming Events
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NEW! January 14:   Monthly meeting at Ferb and Michiko’s place in Oakbrook Terrace. Gathering starts at 2:00pm. NOTE: Michiko’s place is a no shoe, no pet environment. Please remove your shoes just inside the door - bring your own slippers or heavy sox if you like. Snacks and pizza will be served before the meeting.   If anybody wants something special to drink they are welcome to bring it plus any other snacks or food. If you need further info, contact Ferb.
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NEW! February 10-19:   Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive and 23rd Street.
For more information, go to: www.Chicagoautoshow.com
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NEW! February 24-26:   Spring Thing, Wesley Chapel, Florida
For more information, go to: www.flamemini.net
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NEW! February 26: 16th Annual British Car Swap Meet and February M.I.N.I. meeting, DuPage County Fairgrounds.
For more information, go to: www.britishcarswap.info
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NEW! April 18-21: Classic Mini 53 by Classic Minis United, Cherokee, NC. Last chance to enjoy the Springtime colors, Mini friends, and twisty roads with a gaggle of Classic Minis before the Mayan calendar and world ends.
For more information, go to: www.classicminis.org/mini53.htm
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NEW! May 2-6: MINIs On The Dragon, Fontana Village, NC.
318 curves in 11 miles in the fabulous North Carolina mountains.
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NEW! May 18-20: Road America Spring Vintage Weekend
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June 29th – July 2:   Mini Meet East in Montreal. The Cheribourg Hotel in Magog-Orford, Quebec has been entirely reserved for Mini Meet East.
For more hotel information, go to: www.Cheribourg.com.
For more Mini Meet information, go to: www.mainlyminismontreal.com
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Reminder: 2012 Dues (still only $20.00)
Join or renew and you will receive a membership card good for a 10% discount on parts at Bill Jacobs MINI plus a M.I.N.I. key fob
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Invitation from CMMC - Starved Rock Drive - November 5th

2011-10-24T11:09:00.001-05:00

The Chicago Mini Motoring Club has cordially invited members of Minis In Northern Illinois to join them on their annual drive to Starved Rock State Park on November 5th.

Please visit CMMC's website for more information. CMMC asks that all interested parties please leave a comment on their website so they know how many people are coming.

CMMC

Upcoming Events

2011-09-15T15:23:00.005-05:00

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September 24: First Annual Run To Wind Lake. Starts in Woodstock, Illinois and ends at Wind Lake, Wisconsin. Vintage Sports Car / Historic Race Car is holding the event.
For more information: http://www.vintagesportscar.net/RunToWindLake.html
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NEW! October 1: Annual trip to Jonamac (Apple) Orchard to pick apples and pumpkins (if any are left). Jonamac is located in Malta, Illinois. (19412 Shabbona Road, Malta, IL 60150). We will be meeting at Cathy and Gary's home in Aurora (email us for directions) at 9:00 am to cruise together to Jonamac Orchards. Our monthly meeting will be held that day. We may be having dinner at a restaurant to be determined after the orchard event.
DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF APPLES AND RASPBERRIES AT HONEY HILL ORCHARDS WE WILL BE VISITING JONAMAC ORCHARDS IN MALTA, IL INSTEAD.
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CANCELLED ~~NEW! November 2: Tentative date for club cruise to commemorate the very first auto race in America – held in Chicago. Trip will be from Chicago to Evanston. More later.~~ CANCELLED
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June29th – July 2, 2012: Mini Meet East in Montreal. The Cheribourg Hotel in Magog-Orford, Quebec has been entirely reserved for Mini Meet East.
For more hotel information, go to: www.Cheribourg.com
For more Mini Meet information, go to: www.mainlyminismontreal.com
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Invitation from CMMC - MINI of Chicago

2011-07-26T08:38:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Mini Motoring Club has cordially invited members of Minis In Northern Illinois to join them at the new MINI dealership - MINI of Chicago on August 6th at 10:30am.

Please visit CMMC's website for more information. CMMC asks that all interested parties please leave a comment on their website so they know how many people are coming.

CMMC

Upcoming Events

2011-07-11T14:50:00.003-05:00

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NEW!   July 16:   Monthly meeting at The Filling Station in St. Charles at 3:00pm. Discussion on future events plus recap of Mini Meet East in Chattanooga the previous week. The Filling Station is at 300 West Main Street – at the corner of North Avenue (Illinois Route 64) and 3rd Street. Weather permitting, we will be having our meeting in the outdoor patio. Parking available in the rear. For more information, go to: www.filling-station.com
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NEW! August 4-7:   MINIs in the Mountains in Winter Park Resort, Colorado. Registration open until July 22nd. For more info, go to: www.MINIsInTheMountains.com
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August 20:   59th Annual Club Picnic at Ahren’s in Sandwich, Illinois.
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August 21:   21st Annual Orphan Auto Picnic at Kendall County Fairgrounds . British cars are featured this year. However, Classic Minis are being excluded. The Kendall County Fairgrounds are near Yorkville, IL, at the intersection of East Highpoint Road and IL Route 71 – Just one mile West of IL Route 47. U.S. 34 (Ogden Avenue) goes through Yorkville. For more info, go to www.ccecorvair.com/oap
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NEW!   September 11:   British Car Festival presented by the British Car Union. Same location as last year – Oakton Community College. We will have our September club meeting there. For more information, go to: www.britishcarunion.com
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NEW!   June29th – July 2, 2012:   Mini Meet East in Montreal. The Cheribourg Hotel in Magog-Orford, Quebec has been entirely reserved for Mini Meet East. For more hotel information, go to: www.Cheribourg.com
For more Mini Meet information, go to: www.mainlyminismontreal.com
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Upcoming Events

2011-06-21T11:33:00.005-05:00

The Chicago MINI Motoring Club will be participating in the Oak Lawn July 4th Parade. For more information, go to:
www.chicagominiclub.com
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July 5-8, 2011: Mini Meet East, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Registration form now available.
For more information, go to: www.minimeeteast2011.com
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August 20, 2011: 59th Annual Club Picnic at Ahren’s in Sandwich, Illinois.
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August 21, 2011: 21st Annual Orphan Auto Picnic at Kendall County Fairgrounds. British cars are featured this year. Open to all classic Minis (which will be parked in the pavilion). For more information, go to: www.ccecorvair.com/oap
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September 11, 2011: 25th Annual British Car Festival at Oakton Community College. Open to Minis old and new. For more information, go to: www.britishcarunion.com
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Reminder: 2011 Dues (still only $20.00)
NEW! Join or renew and you will receive a membership card good for a 10% discount on parts at Bill Jacobs MINI plus a M.I.N.I. key fob
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Invitation from CMMC - New Glarus Overnight Trip

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Mini Motoring Club has cordially invited members of Minis In Northern Illinois to join them on their annual Spring drive to New Glarus, Wisconsin on May 21st and 22nd.

Please visit CMMC's website for more information. CMMC asks that all interested parties please leave a comment on their website so they know how many people are coming.

CMMC

Open Invitation from Chicago MINI Motoring Club

2011-03-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

The Chicago MINI Motoring Club has invited our club to attend several drives in the coming months.

Please visit CMMC's website for more information.

March 19th Spring Drive, starting/ending in West Chicago

http://chicagominiclub.com/2011/02/19/spring-drive-march-19th/

April 16th Wisconsin drive. We don't have the full route or start time details yet, but we will probably be starting in the Antioch area, and ending in Bristol Wi.

We'll have another post out as it gets a little closer

http://chicagominiclub.com/2011/02/26/save-the-dates-3/

May 21-22 We are doing an overnight drive to New Glarus Wisconsin. Right now we just have hotel info up, more details later

http://chicagominiclub.com/2011/02/23/new-glarus-hotel-info/

Upcoming Events

2011-01-10T09:49:00.001-06:00

NEW! February 18 - 20, 2011: Annual Spring Thing in Cocoa Beach Florida. For details and registration, see attached document.

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NEW! February 27, 2011: 15th Annual All British Swap Meet at DuPage County Fairgrounds 8:00am to 3:00pm. We will hold our monthly meeting here. Our club will have a table as usual in the building across from the Toy Show, which is in the main building (and a separate charge). For more information, go to: www.chicagolandmgclub.com/swapmeet

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NEW! July 5-8, 2011: Mini Meet East, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Upcoming Events

2010-11-09T08:08:00.006-06:00

NEW! November 13, 2010: Monthly meeting at Portillo’s.
Meeting starts 3:00pm. We will be meeting to discuss the Winter Picnic, Elections for 2011 (without negative ads), upcoming events and more.
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NEW! November 20, 2010: UnRallye 47
Point-to-Point Rallye
Start: NW Corner of Woodfield Mall Parking Lot, Pole B2, IL 58 West of IL 53, between TGI Friday's and Firestone.
Entry fee $15. For more info, call 708-280-3369 or www.brandxrallyeteam.com

Upcoming Events

2010-09-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

September 12, 2010: This Sunday! BCU presents The British Car Festival. Same location as last year – Oakton Community College. We will have our September club meeting there. For more information, go to: www.britishcarunion.com
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NEW! September 19, 2010: The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming! Volo Car Museum, Volo, Illinois. British Car Owners: Driver and one passenger get in free. For more information, go to:
www.volocars.com/british.htm
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September 24-26, 2010: Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally. A car show and rally in Lake Geneva at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge. For more information, go to: www.GenevaLakeClassicCar.com
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October 2, 2010: 1st Annual KNOT YOUR NORMAL ROAD RALLY – a Road Rally for BSA. Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, which is 5.5 miles Northeast of Koshkonong Mounds, Wisconsin.
For more information, go to: www.glaciersedge.org
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UPDATED! October 9, 2010: The annual trip to Honey Hill (Apple) Orchard to pick apples, raspberries and pumpkins. Honey Hill is located in Waterman, Illinois. We will be leaving from the First Merit Bank located at 2430 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506 at 9:00 am for a country drive to Honey Hill Orchard.
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Upcoming Events

2010-07-27T10:12:00.005-05:00

July 31, 2010: Trip to Wind Lake, WI - We will be meeting at Historic Race Car at 930am- 1114 Rail Drive Unit D, Woodstock, IL 60098 and travelling on back roads to Wind Lake, WI for lunch and some relaxing on the lake. Please contact us for more information. Cancelled due to lack of numbers, will try again for either a Fall Trip or next year.
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August 7, 2010: 57th Annual Club Picnic at Ahren’s place on Lake Holiday in Sandwich, IL.
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August 21-22, 2010: Korn Fest in DeKalb at Taylor International Airport will feature free corn on the cob, free music festivals plus a car show. Last year, the club had our Minis/MINIs included in their show.
For more information, go to: www.cornfest.com
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August 21-22, 2010: Micro/Mini Car World Meet in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.
For more information, go to: www.worldmeet2010.com
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NEW! August 27, 2010: Downers Grove Friday Night Classic Car Show – Import Night. Downtown Downers Grove. Only Classic Minis can be entered, but all new MINI owners welcome to party.
For more information, go to: www.downtowndg.org/carschedule.pdf

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August 29, 2010: Orphan Auto Picnic will be held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds near Yorkville, IL, at the intersection of East Highpoint Road and IL Route 71 – Just one mile West of IL Route 47. U.S. 34 (Ogden Avenue) goes through Yorkville.
For more information, go to: www.ccecorvair.com/oap
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NEW! September 12, 2010: BCU presents The British Car Festival. Same location as last year – Oakton Community College. We will have our September club meeting there.
For more information, go to: www.britishcarunion.com
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September 24-26, 2010: Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally. A car show and rally in Lake Geneva at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge.
For more information, go to: www.GenevaLakeClassicCar.com
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Reminder: 2010 Dues (still only $20.00) can be sent to:
Kevin Bailey, 520 Sarah Court, Wood Dale, IL 60191
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M.I.N.I. Picnic - August 7th, 2010

2010-06-24T08:01:00.002-05:00

WHAT? M.I.N.I. Club Picnic

WHEN? Saturday, August 7^th 2010

WHERE? At Lake Holiday in Sandwich, IL

812 Lake Holiday Drive; Sandwich, IL 60548

TIME? The festivities at the lake begin at 1 P.M.

If you would like to meet and drive with other members out to Sandwich via a scenic route; Meet at Cathy and Gary’s in the 1st Bank parking lot BY 12:30 p.m. The crew will leave promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Bring your MINI/Mini, swim suit, beach towel, and a dish to pass.
Meat, soft drink, and water will be provided by the club.

We hope you all can make it and look forward to an enjoyable time out at the lake.

Please contact us if you would like detailed directions

Upcoming Events & June Meeting

2010-06-07T16:15:00.004-05:00

NEW! June 12, 2010: Monthly meeting at the Tilted Kilt at 3:00 pm. The Tilted Kilt is located at 6320 Illinois Route 53 in Woodridge, Illinois. That is about 2.7 miles South of Interstate 88 for those coming from the East (I-88 does not have an exit at Rt. 53 from West). If you’re coming from the West, exit at Naperville Road and take either Warrenville Road or Ogden Avenue East to Rt. 53. Tilted Kilt is located 1.5 miles North of 75th Street on the West side of Route 53, just North of the Cinemark movie theater complex.

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June 19, 2010: The Illinois Saint Andrew Society Highland Games will take place this year at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds. British cars are welcome at the event. Past M.I.N.I. members have displayed their Minis in the show.

For more information, go to: http://www.chicago-scots.org/car-show.html

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July 1-3, 2010: 36th Annual Mini Meet East, Fairborn, Ohio.

For more information, go to: http://www.mme2010.com/mme10_ver2_001.htm

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July 17, 2010: 5th Annual Country Car Show, Elburn, Illinois.

For more information, go to: www.countrycarshow.com

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July 18, 2010: 3rd Annual Medinah Shriner Car Show.

For more information, go to: http://medinah.org/pdfs/2010_car_show.pdf

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August 21-22, 2010: Micro/Mini Car World Meet in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.
For more information, go to: http://www.worldmeet2010.com/

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August 29, 2010: 20th Annual Orphan Auto Picnic, Kendall County Fairgrounds Yorkville, IL
For more information, go to: http://www.ccecorvair.com/OAP/

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September 24-26, 2010: Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally. A car show and rally in Lake Geneva at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge.

For more information, go to: www.GenevaLakeClassicCar.com

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Upcoming Events

2010-04-19T10:47:00.009-05:00

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NEW! Monthly Meeting - May 15, 2010: Grand Opening of new Bill Jacobs MINI Showroom - 6PM
Please contact Andy for more information: president@minisinil.com
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June 4-5, 2010: Friday night road rally and Saturday car show. West des Moines, Iowa. For more information, go to:
www.midiowacarclassic.com
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NEW! June 19, 2010: The Illinois Saint Andrew Society Highland Games will take place this year at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds. British cars are welcome at the event. Past M.I.N.I. members have displayed their Minis in the show.
For more info, go to: www.chicago-scots.org and click on Scottish Festival & Highland Games, then Car Show.
A group of members who have British cars have formed a subgroup within the Society, called the Scottish Motor Club.
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NEW! July 1-3, 2010: Mini Meet East, Fairborn, Ohio.
Hosted by Ohio Mini Owners. For more information, go to: http://www.mme2010.com/mme10_ver2_001.htm
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July 17, 2010: 5th Annual Country Car Show, Elburn, Illinois.
For more information, go to: www.countrycarshow.com
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NEW! July 18, 2010: Annual Medinah Shriner Car Show.
For more information, go to: http://medinah.org/pdfs/2010_car_show.pdf
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NEW! August 21-22, 2010: Micro/Mini Car World Meet in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. For more information, go to:
http://www.worldmeet2010.com/
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NEW! September 24-26, 2010: Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally. A car show and rally in Lake Geneva at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge. For more information, go to: www.GenevaLakeClassicCar.com

Upcoming Event - Spring Drive with Chicago MINI Motoring Club

2010-04-05T10:49:00.000-05:00

Chicago MINI Motoring Club has invited M.I.N.I. club members to participate in their annual Spring Drive on April 17th.

For more information please see CMMC's website LINK

Upcoming Events

2010-03-22T14:55:00.005-05:00

Upcoming Events:

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Weekends in April - Free Technical Inspections @ Historic Race Car in Woodstock, IL - See this post for more information: Link

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April 10, 2010: Monthly meeting at Portillo’s at 3:00 pm.

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April 17 - 18, 2010: Annual Classics and Chrome Car Show – the largest indoor car show in Northern Illinois. Located in Loves Park, Illinois (just 4 miles North of Rockford), they have a raffle this year in which the grand prize is $35,000. This is a fund raiser for the Keith Country Day School.

For more information, go to: http://www.classicsandchrome.com/

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June 4-5, 2010: Friday night road rally and Saturday car show. West des Moines, Iowa. For more information, go to: http://www.midiowacarclassic.com

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July 1-3, 2010: Mini Meet East 2010 - Fairborn, Ohio

For more information, go to: http://www.mme2010.com

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July 17, 2010: 5th Annual Country Car Show, Elburn, Illinois.

For more information, go to: http://ww.countrycarshow.com

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July 18, 2010: Annual Medinah Shriner Car Show.

For more information, go to: http://medinah.org/pdfs/2010_car_show.pdf

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August 21-22, 2010: Micro/Mini Car World Meet in downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. For more information, go to:

http://www.worldmeet2010.com/

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September 24-26, 2010: Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally. A car show and rally in Lake Geneva at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge. For more information, go to: http://ww.GenevaLakeClassicCar.com

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Reminder: 2010 Dues (still only $20.00)

Download a membership application here.

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Club invitation for free Vehicle Inspection from Vintage Sports Car

2010-03-05T10:46:00.005-06:00

Yves Boode from Vintage Sports Car and Historic Race Car has extended an invitation to our club members to receive a free vehicle inspection of their car at his shop in Woodstock, IL.

From 9:30am to 3:00pm on the following dates Yves will open up his shop to anyone interested in having their classic car inspected:

April 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th

Ever wondered what the bottom of your car looks like? This is a great opportunity to have your car up on a lift and see the underside of your car.

There will be coffee and some great car videos to watch.

Please print out this inspection sheet and bring it with your car. LINK
Here are directions to Vintage Sports Car's facility in Woodstock, IL. LINK

For more information please contact Yves@vintagesportscar.net (815) 337-4001 or minisinnorthernil@gmail.com

View Larger Map

Upcoming Events

2010-02-23T13:17:00.005-06:00

Upcoming Events

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February 28, 2010: Fourteenth Annual All British Swap Meet and Auto Jumble. For details see CMGC Website

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March 7th, 2010: Annual Winter Picnic - Maggiano's Little Italy in Schaumburg. Please contact for more information. RSVP's due by March 3rd

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2010 Elections. Anyone interested in running for office for 2010 should contact Ferb or Andy. If no one is interested in running, existing officers may be re-elected. Consider yourself warned!

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Reminder: 2010 Dues (still only $20.00)

Download a membership application here.

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Annual Winter Picnic - March 7th

2010-01-22T11:26:00.005-06:00

The Annual Winter Picnic has been scheduled for March 7th starting at 1pm at Maggiano's in Schaumburg.

Please contact for more information.

View Larger Map

Upcoming Events

2010-01-11T10:21:00.008-06:00

Upcoming Events

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NEW! January 31, 2010: Annual indoor karting event hosted by Chicago Mini Motoring Club. For details, go see CMMC Website

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NEW! February 19 - 21, 2010: Annual Spring Thing in Cocoa Beach Florida. For details and registration, see FLAME Website

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February 28, 2010: Fourteenth Annual All British Swap Meet and Auto Jumble. For details see CMGC Website

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2010 Elections. Anyone interested in running for office for 2010 should contact Ferb or Andy. If no one is interested in running, existing officers may be re-elected. Consider yourself warned!

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Winter Picnic: The club is soliciting recommendations for the location of the 2010 Winter Picnic. Please send suggestions to Andy or Ferb or Jeanne or Kevin or the Webmasters.

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Reminder: 2010 Dues (still only $20.00)

Download a membership application here.

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January Meeting

2009-12-30T18:31:00.002-06:00

The January meeting will be held in Aurora @ Gary and Cathy's. They will be having Sloppy Joe's for everyone. Bring what you would like to drink and if you would like to bring any snacks or other food you are welcome to do so. Meeting will be @ 2:00pm on January 9th. Contact cathy@ cathylynn127@gmail.com or Gary @ garman64@gmail.com for directions.

Upcoming Events - December 2009

2009-11-30T20:34:00.006-06:00

Upcoming Events:
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NEW! December 5, 2009: Monthly club meeting that was postponed from November. This meeting will begin semi-promptly at 3:56pm (time requested by Andy) at Portillo’s on Butterfield Road, ½ mile East of I-355 in Downers Grove. Agenda includes Winter Picnic, Elections, British Car Swap and Spring Fling, plus whatever serious or extraneous club business you want to bring up. If it snows, we will hold the meeting inside this year.

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NEW! December 12, 2009: The Christmas Light Tour. A cool Toys For Tots Rallye. See Wheels Rallye Team Website for more information: Link (Scroll down a bit)

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2010 Elections. Anyone interested in running for office for 2010 should contact Ferb or Andy. If no one is interested in running, existing officers may be re-elected. Consider yourself warned!

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Winter Picnic: The club is soliciting recommendations for the location of the 2010 Winter Picnic. Please send suggestions to Andy or Ferb or Jeanne or Kevin, or come to the December meeting with your ideas, suggestions, offers, thoughts, plans, schemes, notions, concepts, strategies, opinions, deals, recommendations, submissions, theories, designs, proposals, assumptions or inspirations.

Cancelled - 3rd Annual M.I.N.I. Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-04T08:06:00.006-06:00

CANCELLED ~~Announcing the 3rd Annual M.I.N.I. Thanksgiving Dinner~~ CANCELLED:

Unfortunately we have to cancel this year's M.I.N.I. Thanksgiving Dinner.
Stay tuned for a possible event in December.

Minis In Northern Illinois will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner, Saturday, November 22, 2009 in Burr Ridge. The club will be providing the turkey, stuffing & gravy and would club members are asked to bring the "go with's". The time is tentatively scheduled for 3 PM for Dinner. Suggestions for what to bring are: pies (Pumpkin, apple or what ever??), vegetable casserole, rolls & butter, potato dish, Jello mold, relish tray & dip and don't forget cranberry sauce. This will be a BYOB ( bring your own bottle ).

Please contact us at minisinnorthernil@gmail.com or secretary@minisinil.com for directions and more information.

Apple Picking - October 10th

2009-09-25T08:45:00.005-05:00

We are planning our 3rd Annual Apple Picking Trip to Honey Hill Orchards for October 10th, 2009.

We will be meeting at 930 am at Cathy & Gary's house in Aurora, IL and then departing at 10am to the orchard in Waterman, IL about 20 miles south of Dekalb.

The orchard has apples that you can pick yourself from the trees as well as pre-picked apples for sale. They also have donuts and other baked goods for sale.

In addition to apples, the orchard also has raspberry and pumpkins for picking as well.

We will be having dinner at a restaurant to be determined after the orchard.

http://www.honeyhillorchards.com/

11747 Waterman Road

Waterman, IL 60556

Please let us know if you are coming.

British Car Festival

2009-08-27T15:27:00.006-05:00

Reminder:
The pre-registration deadline for the British Car Festival is tomorrow August 28th, 2009!

This assures availability of reduced entry fee, and guarantees T-shirt orders and commemorative pin. Day of the event registration fee is $25.00 (cash or check only).

This year the colors of the British Car Festival T-shirt and Polos were selected by our club! The T-shirt color is True Royal Blue and the Polos are Forest Green.

We will be having our monthly meeting at the Festival.

We will also have a grill available so bring something to grill!

Please click here for meeting minutes from the BCU meeting on August 19th.

Upcoming Events

2009-08-11T13:24:00.008-05:00

August 22, 2009: The 32nd Annual Corn Fest at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport will feature free corn on the cob, free music festivals, an air show (featuring a Douglas C-47), plus a car show. We will be meeting at The Andy Museum in DeKalb at 9:30 am, then cruise down to the Corn Fest. The plan is to park together in the same area as the classic U.S. cars in the car show if there are enough of us. For more info, go to: www.cornfest.com

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August 23, 2009: The annual Orphan Auto Picnic will be held at a new location this year – Kendall County Fairgrounds near Yorkville, IL, at the intersection of East Highpoint Road and IL Route 71 – Just one mile West of IL Route 47. U.S. 34 (Ogden Avenue) goes through Yorkville. For more info, go to www.ccecorvair.com/oap

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September 13, 2009: The British Car Festival. New location – Oakton Community College. Cathy & Gary will bring their grill again this year, so if you want to cook something, bring it. We will have our September club meeting there. For more info: www.britishcarunion.com

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October: Annual trip to Apple Orchard and/or trip to a winery. Dates to be determined.

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October 3rd + 4th, 2009:

The Chicago MINI Motoring Club is planning an overnight trip to the New Glarus Area of Wisconsin for October 3rd and 4th and they have invited members from our club to join in the event. Details are still being finalized so check our website and the CMMC site for more information.

For more info, go to CMMC's website

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Reminder: 2009 Dues (still only $20.00) can be sent to:

Kevin Bailey, 520 Sarah Court, Wood Dale, IL 60191

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M.I.N.I. Picnic - August 8th, 2009

2009-08-03T06:51:00.008-05:00

WHAT? M.I.N.I. Club Picnic

WHEN? Saturday, August 8th 2009

WHERE? At Lake Holiday in Sandwich, IL

812 Lake Holiday Drive; Sandwich, IL 60548

TIME? The festivities at the lake begin at 1 P.M.

If you would like to meet and drive with other members out to Sandwich via a scenic route; Meet at Cathy and Gary’s in the 1st Bank parking lot BY 12:30 p.m. The crew will leave promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Bring your MINI/Mini, swim suit, beach towel, and a dish to pass.

Meat, soft drink, and water will be provided by the club.

We hope you all can make it and look forward to an enjoyable time out at the lake.

Upcoming Events + Updates

2009-07-13T13:25:00.016-05:00

July 18, 2009: Elburn, IL - 4th Annual County Car Show

2 South 111 Green Road, Elburn, IL

400+ cars & trucks.

30 CLASSES -ALL CARS & TRUCKS WELCOME

GREAT FOOD, FRESH ROASTED CORN, BEAUTIFUL ALL GRASS SHOW FIELD

www.countrycarshow.com

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July 25, 2009: Sycamore, IL, Turning Back Time Cruise Night.

500-600 cars, mostly American. Downtown Sycamore, 4p.m.-8p.m.

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July 26, 2009: Sycamore, IL, Turning Back Time Car Show

Downtown Sycamore

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August 8, 2009: The 27th annual M.I.N.I. Summer Picnic in Sandwich, Illinois. A nice leisurely cruise to picnic site from Gary & Cathy’s in Aurora. Members should bring a food dish for a pot luck picnic meal. Cathy will take them directly to picnic site to avoid spoiling.

Meeting time at Cathy & Gary’s to be announced shortly. Contact Ferb for directions directly to picnic site.

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August 22 and 23, 2009: The annual Korn Fest at DeKalb International Airport will feature free corn on the cob, free music festivals plus a car show. The club is seeking to have our Minis/MINIs included in their show if there is enough interest. More info to follow.

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September 13, 2009: The British Car Festival. New location – Oakton Community College. For more info: www.britishcarunion.com

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BCU Meeting Minutes for June can be found here.

BCU Meeting Minutes for July can be found here.

If you have not already paid your dues for 2009 please download an application here.

2009-06-15T13:14:00.001-05:00

British Car Day

Kane County Cougars Baseball Game

Sunday July 12, 2009

What:

Minor League Baseball Game - Cougars vs Great Lakes Loons
Special area to park our British cars. (Non-British cars will also be accommodated.)
Reserved Seating with other British car enthusiasts.
No tailgating or charcoal. No outside food or beverages allowed in ball park.
Possibility of a parade lap of British cars around the warning track.

Who:

British car folks and their friends

When:

Sunday July 12, 2009
Game starts at 2:00pm. Lot opens 2 hours before game.

Where:

Kane County Cougars - Elfstrom Stadium (Kirk Road, just south of Route 38/Roosevelt Road)
34W002 Cherry Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-8811
www.kccougars.com

Cost & Commitment:

Reserved Seats - $10 each, parking is free.
Must commit and pay no later than June 22.
Commit through our various clubs. Get info to Jack by 6/29.

Contact:

Jack Billimack - Illinois Sports Owners Association (Triumph Club)
jbillimack@comcast.com

If you are interested in attending this event, please email us! minisinnorthernil@gmail.com

Details for the Poplar Grove Air Museum Cruise

2009-06-09T19:44:00.005-05:00

Details for the Poplar Grove Air Museum Cruise:

For those of you in Illinois, you have the option of traveling from the Andy Museum to the Air Museum. We will meet at the Andy Museum at 10:05 am this Saturday and cruise up to Poplar Grove together.
For all others on their own path, please try to get to Poplar Grove by 11:00 am. Lunch only served from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Andy Museum is located at 201 Knollwood Drive, DeKalb IL.

The museum's address is:
5151 Orth Road Hanger 16, Poplar Grove, IL 61065

The monthly club meeting will follow lunch.

Next Meeting - June 13th, 2009

2009-06-01T11:51:00.014-05:00

June 13, 2009: The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum has invited our club to their monthly Dogs N’ Brats Day lunch at the museum. If enough club members attend, they will provide special parking and an opportunity to tour the aviation museum. They are located just North of Belvidere, Illinois (East of Rockford). This was the site of the East Meets West photo in 2004. We will probably meet somewhere further South and cruise to the museum (unless you live in Wisconson). We will hold our June club meeting at this location.

Go to: www.thevintagemuseum.com for more info. (Note: Web site may say first Saturday – this is not correct.)

Meeting Minutes for the May 20th BCU meeting have been posted online. Please see the link below.

BCU Meeting Minutes

Are you going to Mini Meet 2009? Please let us know!

MINI MEET 2009 Are You Going?

2009-05-17T12:01:00.005-05:00

If you are going to Mini Meet 2009 in Minnesota please email the address below with the details of your travel days and times. We are working on getting caravans of minis to do the drive as groups.

In your email please identify who you are, where you are located, if you driving a classic or a new mini or using a trailer. We will then send an email to those that respond to work out the final details.

motoring@minisinil.com

Next Meeting - May 9th 2009 @ 2:30pm

2009-05-06T10:08:00.001-05:00

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday May 9th, 2009 @ 2:30pm at The Farnsworth House in Plano IL. The tour is $15.00 per person(minimum 10 people) and will be at 3:00pm for approximately 1 hour. After the tour we will be motoring to a local establishment for dinner.

Please contact either Ferb or Andy ASAP if you are going to attend.

www.farnsworthhouse.org

See the link above for location.

Meeting Minutes

2009-04-26T13:17:00.002-05:00

Meeting Minutes for the April 11th M.I.N.I. meeting and the April 15th BCU meeting have been posted online. Please see the links below.

M.I.N.I. meeting minutes

BCU meeting minutes

Proposed Summer Event for British Cars

2009-04-26T12:59:00.003-05:00

British Car Day

Kane County Cougars Baseball Game

Sunday July 12, 2009

What:

Minor League Baseball Game - Cougars vs Great Lakes Loons
Special area to park our British cars. (Non-British cars will also be accommodated.)
Reserved Seating with other British car enthusiasts.
No tailgating or charcoal. No outside food or beverages allowed in ball park.
Possibility of a parade lap of British cars around the warning track.

Who:

British car folks and their friends

When:

Sunday July 12, 2009
Game starts at 2:00pm. Lot opens 2 hours before game.

Where:

Kane County Cougars - Elfstrom Stadium (Kirk Road, just south of Route 38/Roosevelt Road)
34W002 Cherry Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-8811
www.kccougars.com

Cost & Commitment:

Reserved Seats - $10 each, parking is free.
Must commit and pay no later than June 29.
Commit through our various clubs. Get info to Jack by 6/29.

Contact:

Jack Billimack - Illinois Sports Owners Association (Triumph Club)
jbillimack@comcast.com

If you are interested in attending this event, please email us! minisinnorthernil@gmail.com

We will discuss this further at the May meeting.

British Car Union Finalizes T-Shirt and Polo Colors

2009-04-20T16:04:00.002-05:00

The British Car Union finalized the t-shirt and polo colors for this year's British Car Festival at Oakton Community College September 13th, 2009.

The M.I.N.I. suggestion of true royal blue was selected along with a forest "British Racing" green polo!

You may preorder t-shirts and polos when you register for the event. Online registration is at: www.britishcarunion.com or you can mail it in!

Upcoming Events + Meeting Minutes + Other Updates

2009-04-16T11:00:00.008-05:00

There are a number of events coming up this summer and our Secretary has compiled a list. Please click here. If you know of any other events please email us!

We have tentatively scheduled our monthly meetings to take place at a number of events throughout the summer, for more information will be posted here as the schedule is finalized.

We have also added a number of cruise nights to the events calendar for this summer. Please click here. If you know of any other cruise nights please email us!

The meeting minutes for the February meeting are available online. Please click here.

The March minutes should be ready soon.

Don't forget to register for Mini Meet East Meets West by May 15th to avoid a $35 late registration fee. Go to www.minimeet09.org for more information. UPDATE - the registration deadline has been moved back to the 15th of May.

Next Meeting - May 9th 2009 @ 2:30pm

2009-04-13T14:30:00.006-05:00

www.farnsworthhouse.org

See the link above for location.

We are tentatively planning the June 13th meeting to take place at the Poplar Grove Airport.(thanks for the idea Jeanne) Expect more information to be posted here in the after the May meeting.

Thanks to those who voted for the BCU T-Shirt color! The top 3 picks were True Royal, Tennessee Orange and Kelly. We will be submitting those picks to the BCU board at the next meeting on the 15th.

M.I.N.I. Invited to CMMC April Drive!

2009-03-23T11:06:00.003-05:00

The Chicago MINI Motoring Club has invited M.I.N.I. to take part in their April 5th, 2009 drive to the Great Lakes Dragway!

CMMC has teamed with the MilwaukeeMinis club to offer a drive through sourthern Wisconsin. You can find details on the drive on the CMMC website with links to maps and other details!

Where: Start at Silver Lake County beach
(Enter the park from Silver Lake road, and bear left towards the beach. Continue left towards the lake and meet in the large parking lot)

Finish at Great Lakes Dragaway

When: Sunday April 5th, departure at 10:00 am

What: A fun drive of about 50 miles, and a driving quiz for sharp eyed navagators (and pilots), ending with a stop-in at Great Lakes Dragaway to watch a bit of opening season racing.

What to bring: Your MINI or Mini with at least a 1/2 tank of gas, a camera, your favorite Chicago or Milwaukee MINI gear, optional FRS radio tuned to Channel 1, Subchannel 1, a clipboard and pens for the driving quiz, earplugs for watching the Drag Racing, and a smile!!

BCU Meeting 3/18/09

2009-03-19T12:30:00.003-05:00

The British Car Union met yesterday for the monthly festival meeting. Minutes from the meeting are published online. Please click here.

There are two main highlights to report.

1. The BCU is looking for a location to store a 4 ft x 8 ft enclosed trailer. The trailer is to store and transport festival items instead of a storage facility to save on costs. It will only be accessed once a year in September for the festival. If you are able to help the BCU please contact the BCU reps.

2. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Mini, the British Car Union has asked the M.I.N.I. club to assist in picking out the t-shirt color for this year's festival in September!

The color options available are here.

Please select your top 3 color choices and email them to minisinnorthernil@gmail.com by April 10th. We will be putting the top 3 choices to a final vote at the next meeting on April 11th. If you cannot be at the meeting we will post the top 3 choices on the website (www.minisinil.com) and you can email your vote to minisinnorthernil@gmail.com by April 14th. We will submit our final choice to the British Car Union board for consideration on April 15th. If there is a tie in the voting we will submit both choices to the board.

Your BCU Reps,

Brian + Steph Quirk

(e-mail us with any questions!)

Update for Winter Picnic

2009-03-04T14:00:00.007-06:00

Chicago Mini Motoring Club (CMMC) is holding it’s Spring Drive March 15th. If that date seems familiar, it’s the same date as our Winter Picnic. Your club is joining forces with CMMC that day as follows:

They are inviting us to join them for their drive near Elgin the morning of the March 15th.

We are inviting them to join us at our Winter Picnic after their Spring Drive.

So, members of both clubs can sign up for either or both.

Here’s the link to the CMMC’s Spring Drive. All are welcome.

http://chicagominiclub.com/2009/02/16/spring-drive-march-15th/#more-879

M.I.N.I. Winter Picnic

2009-02-20T13:15:00.003-06:00

Winter Picnic Invitation

You are cordially invited to a Winter Picnic on Sunday, March 15, 2009. This is the date that Minis In Northern Illinois will host their annual banquet. We will start at 1:00 pm in the afternoon. The event will formally end at 5:00 pm. Here are the details of the event:

Location: Village Squire Restaurant. They are located at 480 Randall Road, South Elgin, Illinois – about 4 ½ miles north of Illinois Route 64 or 3 ½ miles South of U.S. Route 20. Randall Road is just West of Illinois Route 31. Maps available from Ferb upon request or at the Village Squire web site (see below).

Food & Drink: We will be occupying a private room and have a great menu planned. Choice of: Berry Nut Salad OR Village Cheeseburger OR Smothered Chicken Dinner OR Fish & Chips OR Prime Rib. All 5 dinner choices will include soup or salad, all menu beverage choices (except alcoholic), and ice cream. Cost to members will be $10.00 with a $15.00 cost to non-members. The club will pick up the balance. Cash Bar for booze. Members can order appetizers before dinner at their own expense.

Special Guest Speaker: We are attempting to book ex-Governor Rod Blagovich or Senator Roland Burris for a humorous and entertaining evening.

Grab Bag Gifts: We will be raffling away some items for the evening.

Any donations to the club for the raffle will be appreciated. Please contact President Andy Vanko to donate.

Please note that this banquet is Sunday afternoon, not Saturday night. For additional information, go to: www.thevillagesquire.com/about.html

Please let Ferb know by March 5th if you are attending as we need to give the manager a head count.

For further information, contact Bill Ferbrache (aka Ferb), Secretary for 2009 at:

MINIsecretary [at] Comcast [dot] net

CMGC Annual Swap Meet 2009

2009-01-24T19:54:00.001-06:00

The Chicago MG Club is holding the Thirteenth Annual All British Swap Meet and Auto Jumble on Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL.

Brian & Steph Quirk will be staffing the M.I.N.I. table so stop by and say "Hi!" if you are not lucky enough to be heading south for Spring Thing!

Info about the event is on the CMGC website.

Spring Thing XIV 2009

2009-01-24T19:38:00.000-06:00

Florida Mini Enthusiasts (FLAME) are hosting Spring Thing XIV February 20 - 22, 2009!

Info on the event is at http://www.flamemini.net/events.htm

The History of Mini

2009-01-24T19:06:00.002-06:00

Originally designed in 1955 by Sir Alec Issigonis the Mini was in continuous production from its introduction in 1959 until the last one rolled of the line in Oct. 2000. With over 5.5 million sold in its 41 year run the Mini was voted the European "Car of the Century" by an international panel. It represents the first use of a transverse mounted front wheel drive configuration in a production car. Over the years the engine size has increased from the original 848 cc engine to 1310 cc and the body has been upgraded to improve creature comfort and safety. However, the basic appearance is unchanged, in fact many body panels are interchangeable between the Mark I and the Mark V models. Minis have also been produced as pick up truck, a "woody" wagon, and panel van models as well as a jeep like vehicle called the Moke. Specially prepared Mini's have won innumerable races and road rallies, including 3 consecutive overall wins at the Monte Carlo rally.

In the 60’s British fashion designer Mary Quant named her newly introduced skirt after her car, as "neither was any longer than absolutely necessary". Mini's owners include: Peter Sellers, Tim Allen, Princes Diana, and of course Mr. Bean. Minis can be spotted in numerous TV shows and movies such as the recent feature "Borne Identity" with Matt Damon. Three Minis starred alongside Michael Caine and Noal Coward in the 1969 movie "The Italian Job"

The Mini, voted European Car of the Century and second only to the Model T as Car of the Century, is not very common in the U.S.A but enjoys a nation wide following of enthusiastic owners.

In the fall of 1983 some Illinois Mini owners started working to organize Minis In Northern Illinois (M.I.N.I.). In February 1984 the first meeting was held on a snowy Sunday afternoon at Russell's Barbeque in Rolling Meadows.

In the following years M.I.N.I. has provided fellowship for the Mini enthusiasts at monthly meetings and activities. The club holds an annual dinner in February and a picnic in August. Other activities have included technical sessions and scenic tours. We have attended Mini Meets, vintage car races at Road America, Mid-Ohio, Blackhawk and other tracks as well as the annual British Car Festival and local car shows and cruise nights. In 2004 M.I.N.I. and the St Louis Mini club M.A.D.M.E.N. co-hosted MiniMeet2004-West Meets East in Rockford IL . With over 500 attendees and 250 + Classic Minis and New MINIS, this event proved to be one of the biggest Mini get togethers ever held North America.

For more info about a complete history on the Mini check out this site. .

British Car Union Announces the 2009 British Car Festival

2009-01-24T18:56:00.000-06:00

Every year M.I.N.I. participates in the British Car Union's British Car Festival!

This year's Festival is September 13, 2009 . The location is Oakton Community College, in Des Plaines, Illinois, easily reached from major expressways. The forest preserve setting provides ample paved parking for both participants and spectators. Vendors and local marque clubs will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

For additional information and registration form go to: http://www.britishcarunion.com/

M.I.N.I. Winter Picnic 2009

2009-01-24T18:51:00.001-06:00

The Annual M.I.N.I. Winter Picnic has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 15th at the Village Squire restaurant in South Elgin.

Meeting time to be determined.

http://www.thevillagesquire.com/

Mini Meet 2009 - East Meets West! "The Mini-sotan Job"

2009-01-24T18:17:00.000-06:00

Registration for Mini Meet 2009 is now open!

Members of M.I.N.I. who are interested in attending the meet should reserve their hotel rooms as soon as possible and send in their registration. A group will be traveling north for the event!

From the official website:

"Please join the Mini/MINI enthusiasts of Minnesota for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the classic Mini and the 9th birthday of new MINI.

The theme for this year’s meet is "The Mini-sotan Job"; homage to both “Italian Job” movies and the 40th anniversary of the release of the 1969 film – a favorite of all Mini/MINI enthusiasts!

We hope you can join us for what will be a special celebration marking this significant milestone in Mini history! Set in a splendidly beautiful location with plenty of activities for all, plus some of the best touring roads around – especially when motoring in a Mini/MINI!

Registration is now open!

Minnesota United Minis (M.U.M.)"

For more information visit http://www.minimeet09.org/

2009-01-23T21:53:00.000-06:00

Meeting Minutes for January 2009

2009-01-23T15:24:00.002-06:00

M.I.N.I. Meeting Minutes for January 2009