Since I’ve posted last I’ve add the R113 JCW 18″ rims only with some NittoNeoGen rubber.  The most dramatic move was moving my back C Pillar to Black.  At AMVIV Todd from ToddsModds added some carbon fiber vinyl to the front headlight rings.  Also at the event I added a NM-Eng short shifter w/cover and a Craven Speed shift well cover.  Photos courtesy of db from WRR

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AMVIV8 – The Ocho

It’s that time of year again. In a few short weeks the Mini community will be gathering for the infamous AMVIV event in Las Vegas.  Last year was the first opportunity I had to attend, and I can’t see ever missing it.  I leave Tuesday the 17th and return to the Mile High City on May 22nd.  I’ll bring a few MotoringShirts along with some of LostCoffee’s MotoringBlend coffee.

If you head over before May 10th use the coupon code AMVIV.  This will get you 20% off every bag of MotoringBlend you buy.  We’ll also bring it with us to AMVIV8.  This will save you the shipping costs too.  Get your orders in now.  Remember to choose whole bean or ground when you order.

Here is some more info about AMVIV and a link to register.

A MINI Vacation in Vegas (AMVIV for short) is an annual club-run event hosted by the Sin City MINI Club for MINI and Mini Cooper enthusiasts. It’s a chance for folks to take time out of their busy schedules to head out to the desert and schmooze with fellow Miniacs.

If your dream is to rally through the streets in and around Las Vegas with a bunch of MINIs and Minis, we do that. If your goal is to drool over the latest and greatest mods and accessories for your trusty “steed”, we can help you. If your wish is simply to share a meal or some drinks and compare rally stories until the wee hours of the night, we definitely have you covered.

We’re gathering back at Palace Station the weekend before Memorial Day in 2011, and we’re hoping you’ll make the trek out to join us. To refresh your memory, or stir your fantasies, we’ve put together a little mosaic below with some snippets from past AMVIVs. If you click the photo, you’ll be taken to our AMVIV photoset on Flickr which contains hundreds of fun photos. We can’t wait to add some more next year!

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Our standard rooms are Characterized by the clear line of “Bauhaus” architecture in the old airport building. The larger rooms in the “old shipyard” are devoted to various topics related to the automobile. Motor-racing, V8 camp, drive-in cinema, tuning, or the like. With great charm, a breez 20s and an exclusive view of the classic car trade hall of the Meilenwerk experience in the unique themed rooms impressive days. Our 120m² Zeppelin suite is the highlightof our V8 HOTEL. In a beautiful location on three  floors. There lies the Meilenwerk world to your feet.

The swap meet was cool.  The wife summed that up perfect, “Nothing we can’t live without”.

Now it was off to the car show portion.  We tripped over bugs and busses, but had to hunt down the Ghias.  We saw 5-6, and only two verts.  I think we’ll be driving her’s up next year.

Click on the picture below to see the rest of the photos.

I also received a phone call today around 5:00pm from M7 Tuning.  I was driving back from camp with my son and was out of cell range so a voice mail message was left.  It was from one of the owners.  She wanted to personally apologize for the issue I had with my catch can.  She said that most of the time they get it right but sometimes they don’t and would like the opportunity to make it right in the future.

It was a very nice gesture.  Apology excepted.

<link to Jim’s YouTube Channel>

Check out Mini5280′s very own Kim Stone getting interviewed by Kurt on KNUS 1510.   Are you thinking about registering?  Better get it done before 6:37pm on July 25th.

Click here to listen to Kim’ Interview

It takes me back to one of the first Porsche Cayenne ads I saw.  The one where a guy is on his cordless phone and places it under the exhaust then starts it.  He gives it a couple of rolls on the throttle then picks up the phone and says, cool huh?  Porsche, well done.  Lexus that is how you sell Super Cars.  Selling us a car the same way you would sell us a home entertainment center is not going to make us think you’re cool.  Your brand is still for old dudes with coin.

YouTube via Gizmodo

The greatest shirt company in the world is about to launch.  Yeah, I know, I run the company but that just makes me biased, not a liar.  It is going to be the “greatest thing since after market exhaust”.

“Hey that could be a t-shirt”.  Do you ever find yourself saying that?  If so, you have the chance to be famous…well famous amongst your peers. MotoringShirts is about to roll out.  Why not roll out your shirt idea too?  Head over here and follow the instructions.  Fill out the form and attach your napkin sketch.  If your idea is chosen, you get a shirt with your idea, in all it’s glory for free!  Plus we’ll include another shirt from the shopping cart for free as our thanks.

Here is the best part.  Your shirt, and only your shirt will have “Owners Club” on the left sleeve.  Now you can slide that big beautiful shirt over your hairy back every morning and tell the world you made it.  All your friends will stare in awe at your sheer genius.  They will utter those words only a guy wearing it can appreciate.  “Why didn’t I think of that?”

submit your shirt idea —>

Loveland gave privy to the Ghia’s first showing at a Euroberge GTG.  My wife did not want to spend 4 hours in the sun so she drove the Mini Clubman as the chase vehicle.

The boys over at WhiteRoofRadio [iTunes Link] have been talking about this issue for a few months now.  These oil starved engines are really starting to become an issue.  I’ll do my part to spread the word.  CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL PEOPLE!

The video and their take after this jump.

This year the Mini In The Mountains (MITMS) team is mixing things up.  The venue has been changed to Winter Park Resort.  This venue is going to be incredible.  Monday night I saw some Summer time pictures of the resort.  The drive to get there is thrill on it’s own.  It’s 20 miles of tight hairpins.

Look for more information from the promotions team.  Oh yeah, I’ve been recruited for that team so you’ll see a ton of updates here.