My "MINI on the Mack" Experience by Jami Hall
A sense of belonging - one of mankind's most basic and innate desires. Being a part of something and having connections with other people gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling that you can't find anywhere else. Some people find it within their role at work, others seek it out within a church or political setting. However, one place you might unexpectedly find your group is in the automotive world. No matter your brand of preference, you could find a group of like-minded enthusiasts across the automotive spectrum.
From my experience, no motoring group in the world has a fandom like MINI Cooper drivers.
Hi, my name is Jami, and I am a proud MINI owner and “Extraordinary MINIac”.
MINI drivers often live and breathe MINI Cooper madness. Our rules include, but are not limited to, parking next to other MINI owners whenever possible, waving at each other in passing, and giving our MINI a name as soon as they enter our possession (my MINI’s name is Mo). The MINI lifestyle is a thriving culture where we can join multinational Facebook groups, sign up for dealership driving events, and attend a plethora of rallies where enthusiasts congregate to show off their vehicles and chat about all things MINI.
One of the most notable local events is MINI on the Mack: a bi-yearly rally where MINI owners cross the Mackinac Bridge to show off their vehicle and support fellow enthusiasts. MINI on the Mack began as a competition to beat out the current world record for the longest rally of MINIs, which is currently set at 1,450 by U.K.-based London & Surrey MINI Owners Club.
MINI enthusiasts across the country congregated in the Upper Peninsula’s St. Ignace days before the event to bond over dinner, drinks, and most importantly, our vehicles. On the morning of the event, MINIs began lining up at 6 AM, preparing to rally together around the lakeshore, and then across the Mackinaw Bridge. After opening words from sponsors, we started our engines and took off one by one, honking, waving and causing quite the commotion (and surely some confusion) for anyone who might have encountered our caravan.
The rally ultimately lasted a few hours, and it was, without question, one of my most exciting experiences. Although we didn't break the record (only missing the mark by less than 100 MINIs!), the fun came from meeting and speaking with hundreds of passionate “MINIacs” who love their cars.
When I first bought my MINI I thought I was just getting a cute, little car. Little did I know, I received an all-access pass to one of the coolest and most-inclusive motoring groups, as well as an invitation to motor with my friends on the “Mighty Mac” and beyond.
