AMVIV 8: It’s almost time

Posted in AMVIV — by db on 04/30/11

Oh, the AMVIV logo. How I have missed you! With the moving to May, it has thrown me off just a bit, but I’m catching up.

Turns out, it’s a good thing that I did! Did you know that the good room rate closes May 1st? That’s Monday gang! If you haven’t booked your room at Palace Station yet, now would be a very good time to do exactly that. Go ahead, click over and do that now. It only takes a minute and you don’t get charged until you actually arrive.

There have been quite a few updates lately. here is the latest, including an update on the Dam tour, a deal on AutoCrossing with SCCA and information about the car show (which I’m a shoe-in to win this year, no matter what any of the DMC kids say.

It’s looking like WRR will be there too! While we probably won’t be putting on a huge song and dance number like we did last year, we are working on doing something. Just as soon as we know what that is, we’ll share it with you.

So go get registered. Do your part to help stimulate the economy. A weekend in Vegas is exactly what you need.

Besides, I haven’t seen you guys since MTTS. We’re way overdue for a pint at Jack’s.

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MINI vs. Fiat 500

Posted in Op/Ed,Other Cars — by db on 04/07/11

You saw the story already. A blog post by the President of F.L.U.C.C., posted at Motoringfile.com and to be talked about on the podcast. It’s a “list” of 75 reasons why, essentially, the Fiat 500 is better than the MINI.

If you have taken the time like a proper MINI owner, you already know that most of that list is rubbish. By our counts, there are only 3 or 4 actual facts in that article. Nice way to do research Mr. “So Called” President of a “So Called” Fiat/Lancia Club.

Sure the MINI costs more. Sure you have to pay for metallic paint. And you don’t get Bluetooth connectivity for free. But here’s the thing.

The Fiat 500 is not a MINI.

While the car is new, I don’t hear anyone clamoring to go to Fiats on the Dragon or A Fiat Vacation in Vegas. Not to mention anything like a MTTS style event.

I might be speaking out of turn because I haven’t actually driven a Fiat 500 yet, but based on everything that I have read, it is not anywhere near as fun to drive as the MINI. Sure it’s a looker and the interior is pretty nice, but I don’t buy a car to look at it or sit in it.

I buy a car to drive it.

Now, before all ya’ll start talking about the Abarth, just stop. That’s a car that’s not available in the States yet. We can burn that bridge later this year. Rumor is that it is a hoot to drive, but we don’t know how it will be priced.

Now to add my bit to the 150 reasons why to buy a MINI.


From one former Car Club President to another, it would suit you fine to do a bit of research before making a post such as yours. There is a good chance that you could steal some MINI owners and I can tell you from experience that they appreciate accuracy, among other things.

Finally, a PS. With the prior rep that Fiat has in the States, covering your blog with ads from Fiat garages might not be the best idea.

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