So it begins.  First of all it was hot, really hot at the Motor Speedway so most people ended up with a popsicle & blue lips.  I was a little concerned about how Tink would do (Sue took Barrett) but she handled like a trooper.  Afterwards we hung out with some of our friends ending up at Gramboli’s Pizza after hearing comments of “not barbecue again.”  Tomorrow it is off to St. Louis.

As for being able to see the MINI Countryman up close (we had seen the Beachcomber in Detroit, but not allowed to get anywhere near it).  While there are people who still say it is too big, I would disagree.  It fits a market that MINI has had some difficulty reaching, but still is smaller than the majority of the cars out there.  This is definitely not a Ford Expedition.  I liked it and could see it becoming the new caching mobile since with a be it more clearance we won’t have mechanics look at us funny when they clean dead grass from the undercarriage.  But it is still a decision for the future.

As for our first day at MTTS- Like I said months ago when I was complaining about a lack of information… I knew it would all come together, as always the only thing that couldn’t be controlled was the weather…  it was hot and I think the veterans from 2006 were hoping for the air conditioned room MINI had set up for that stop- it was not to be.