The biennial Mini Takes The States coast-to-coast rally is set to kick off on July 9—and we now know the event's sponsors. Helping to make this fun and exciting event possible are Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium gasoline, Pennzoil PurePlus Technology, InterContinental Hotels Group, Pirelli Tires, Kem Krest, and Aquafina.
Mini Takes the States will leave the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Georgia on July 9. From there, hundreds of adventurous Mini drivers will travel through fifteen cities. The rally finishes on July 23 at the Thermal Club motorsports complex in Palm Springs, California.
“Mini Takes the States is a great opportunity to engage with the Mini community in a way that is very unique to our brand,” said Tom Noble, Department Head, Brand Communications, Mini USA. “We look forward to having our sponsors and partners on board for the journey, which will surely be an epic adventure.”
There is still time to get in on the fun. There are no special requirements other than participants must be in a Mini. Rallyists can join the route for a single city, or they can do the entire cost-to-coast trip. Registration for those planning to hit more than one city is $75 per person for as many cities as they want. Entrants just doing one city will pay $40 per person. Children 12 and under and pets are free.
Paid registration gets participants a special goodie bag and access to Mini Takes the States events. All supplementary costs including hotels, gas, food, and other incidentals are the responsibility of the participants.
Before the event, Mini motorers can download Shell's Fuel Rewards app and then visit the Shell tent during Mini Takes the States to find ways to earn additional Fuel Rewards. Fuel Rewards is Shell’s rewards card that provides Shell fuel discounts to cardholders based on previous fuel and other dining and shopping purchases.
“We’re pleased to partner with Mini for this cross-country journey. Shell has a history of providing premium products for drivers who demand the best, no matter whether they’re driving on or off the track,” said Heidi Massey-Bong, Sponsorship Manager for Shell.
Pennzoil PurePlus Technology is another sponsor that is already close to Mini. PurePlus Technology is used in Mini Original Engine Oil.
Mini Takes the States participants will have the chance to win a set of Mini spec, star-marked Pirelli tires.
InterContinental Hotels Group is the Official Hotel Partner of Mini Takes the States.
Kem Krest is the official Mini aftermarket chemical supplier. Aquafina will probably be found in many, if not most, Minis on the rally to keep the drivers and passengers hydrated and healthy.
Feeding America, the country’s largest hunger-relief organization dedicated to fighting domestic hunger through a network of food banks is the Official Charity Partner of Mini Takes the States. Part of the proceeds from each registration fee will be donated to Feeding America.
This year’s route will include stops at: Charlotte, NC; Richmond, VA; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Detroit, MI; St. Ignace, MI; Green Bay, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; Sturgis, SD; Cheyenne, WY; Park City, UT; Las Vegas, NV; and Palm Springs, CA.
For more information or to register for the event, visit http://www.minitakesthestates.com.
Traversing the USA in a Mini along with a herd of other Mini nuts. This is the kind of event that makes us wish we had a Mini.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of Mini USA.]
