The Cooper Cast Podcast

Dale and Producer Kodi are back for another episode of The Cooper Cast — the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community! And believe it or not, Kodi actually gets another speaking role! We're beginning to think he's taking this podcasting business seriously. Well, almost.

This week we're heading into the desert for a recap of the 2026 Rebelle Rally, where MINI entered its new Countryman Untamed Edition in one of the toughest off-road navigation competitions around.

And how did our little MINI do? Pretty darn well, thank you very much!

With more than 1,500 miles of rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, challenging obstacles, and NO GPS navigation, this isn't your average Sunday afternoon MINI run. Driver Felicia Killman and navigator Erika Ferrer, competing as the #NotSoMINIRebelles, took the Countryman to an impressive third-place finish in the X-Cross class!

But wait, there's more! They also earned Rookie of the Year honors in their class AND the Challenge Accepted Award!

Not too shabby for MINI's first appearance at the event! Apparently, the Countryman Untamed Edition can handle a little more than those pesky speed bumps at the mall. Who knew?

We'll talk about the rally, the challenges, and what this performance says about MINI's newest adventure-oriented Countryman.

Then we'll shift gears and catch up on some of the happenings around the MINI community. We've got a few recent events to look back on and some upcoming opportunities to get those MINIs out of the driveway and onto the road.

Because as we always say, the cars are what bring us together, but the people are what keep us coming back!

And yes, Producer Kodi contributes a little something to the conversation this week. We're not sure whether he's developing an interest in motorsports or simply reminding us that he's still on the payroll. Either way, it's always nice when the producer actually participates!

Another helping of MINI motorsports, MINI events, and MINI community fun, all right here on The Cooper Cast!

Motor safely... and don't forget to wave!

Links & Information Mentioned in This Episode

• 2026 Rebelle Rally Results: https://www.rebellerally.com/blog/2026-rebelle-rally-podiums-and-awards/
• MINI USA Rebelle Rally Recap: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0462014EN_US/mini-usa-celebrates-historic-rebelle-rally-debut-with-third-place-podium-finish-and-two-team-awards
• MINI Events: Check your local MINI clubs and The Cooper Cast Facebook community for upcoming motoring opportunities.
• Contact The Cooper Cast: [email protected]
• Podcast Partners:
• Cerakote Ceramics save 10% when using COOPERCAST10 at checkout https://cerakoteceramics.com/
•  OutMotoring save 5% when using COOPERCAST at checkout  https://www.outmotoring.com/
• Artistic Reflection Save 10% when using COOPERCAST at checkout https://www.artisticreflection.com/

Dale and Producer Kodi are back for another episode of The Cooper Cast — the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community! We've got listener questions, a brand-new podcast partner, and some seriously intense MINI racing action!

First up, we're wrapping up our latest Question of the Week, which was actually a question about questions! We asked, “What would YOUR Question of the Week be?” Apparently, a few folks didn't quite get the memo, because we didn't receive our usual flood of responses. But what we DID get was excellent! Several listener suggestions were so good that you'll absolutely be hearing them in future Question of the Week segments. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Next, we're excited to welcome Artistic Reflection as a new partner of The Cooper Cast! They offer grille badges, decals, stripes, and some of the coolest windshield sunshades we've seen. They're called Eyeshades, and for good reason! With a fantastic selection of expressive eyes, you can give your MINI that unmistakable CARS animated-movie personality. Because let's face it, our MINIs already have personalities. Now they can have the eyes to match!

Then we're heading across the pond for a look at the MINI Challenge Series in the UK. If you think MINI racing is a bunch of cute little cars politely following one another around a racetrack, THINK AGAIN! These drivers are there to WIN, and they're not shy about fighting for every inch of pavement. Close racing, aggressive passes, and plenty of door-to-door action. And the best part? They're ALL MINIs! We'll tell you a little about the series and why you should be following the action on their website and YouTube channel.

As always, Dale brings the MINI news, opinions, and occasional wisecracks, while Producer Kodi handles his usual critically important production responsibilities. We're still trying to determine exactly what those are, but we're pretty sure they involve naps.

It's another episode celebrating the cars, the people, and the fun that make the MINI community what it is!

Motor safely... and don't forget to wave!

Links & Information Mentioned in This Episode

• Artistic Reflection — https://www.artisticreflection.com/
• MINI Challenge UK — https://www.minichallenge.co.uk/
• MINI Challenge UK racing videos — [YouTube channel]
• OutMotoring — [email protected]
• Cerakote Ceramics — https://cerakoteceramics.com
• The Cooper Cast — [email protected]
• The MINIac YouTube Channel— https://www.youtube.com/@TheMINIac

Welcome to Episode 157 of The Cooper Cast podcast with host Dale Blankenship and every lovable Producer Kodi. (He makes us say that)

MINI has another Special Edition to talk about, and this one's celebrating Britain... in China! The new Celebration of Britain Edition has some pretty cool touches, but three of the cars are especially special. As in, THREE. For all of China! Talk about exclusive! We'll take a look at what makes those three stand out, along with the rest of this interesting Special Edition lineup.

Then it's time for another installment of the Cooper Cast Car Care Corner! This week we're talking PAINT CORRECTION. What exactly is it? What does it accomplish? Can it really remove those annoying swirls, scratches and other paint imperfections? And why should every MINI owner understand what it can — and can't — do? We'll cut through some of the detailing industry's marketing mumbo jumbo and explain what you really need to know.

And finally, the folks behind TOP TIER gasoline have introduced some new fuel standards. What's changed, why does it matter, and could it make a difference to your MINI? We'll talk about the new requirements and why not all gasoline is necessarily created equal.

We'll include links to the new TOP TIER standards and the other information discussed in this episode below, so you can dig a little deeper.

And yes, Producer Kodi actually makes a brief appearance! Apparently, he remembered he works here just in time for us to wrap things up. We're considering counting it as a full day's work.

It's another helping of MINI news, useful car care information, and a little fun from The Cooper Cast — the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community!

Motor safely... and don't forget to wave!

Links & Information Mentioned in This Episode

• MINI Celebration of Britain Edition
   https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/09/22/mini-gives-china-very-british-special-edition/
  
  
• TOP TIER gasoline and new standards — https://www.toptiergas.com/
  https://www.toptiergas.com/top-tier-plus/
  
  
• MINI Takes The States
  https://www.minitakesthestates.com/
  
  OutMotoring.com
  Save 5% when using COOPERCAST at checkout for all your MINI needs and wants. 
  https://www.outmotoring.com/
  
  CerakoteCeramics.com
  Save 10% when using COOpERCAST10 at checkout on some of the best car care products for your MINI. We use them, and we sell them, and we know they WORK!
  https://cerakoteceramics.com/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and...

Well, that's it.

Producer Kodi is AWOL. Again.

We're not exactly sure where he is, but for once Dale gets to record an entire episode alone and uninterrupted. No snoring. No demands for treats. No emergency potty breaks. You know what? We might actually get something accomplished around here!

We start Episode 156 on the West Coast with a wrap-up of MINI Takes The States California. From everything we've seen and heard, the California MINIacs had a fantastic time motoring through the Golden State. We take a look at how this new regional MTTS format kicked off and some of the fun had along the way.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country—and under considerably grayer skies—another group of MINIacs was having an adventure of its own.

MINIs Slay The Sleeping Dragon brought MINI owners together in the mountains of western Virginia and eastern Kentucky for some fantastic Appalachian roads.

Was it sunny?

Not exactly.

Was it dry?

Not particularly.

Did that stop a bunch of MINI people from having a good time?

You apparently haven't met many MINI people.

Rain notwithstanding, everyone seems to have had a great weekend proving once again that great roads, good friends, and MINIs can overcome a lousy weather forecast.

Then we pull out the calendar because fall MINI motoring season is getting BUSY!

We've still got two more MINI Takes The States regional events ahead, but there's plenty happening in between—including a MINI gathering up in Vermont and, closer to Cooper Cast HQ, the annual Hampton Roads club MINI Fall Colors Run.

So if your MINI has been spending too much time sitting in the garage lately, we're rapidly running out of acceptable excuses.

And finally, we've got another new benefit for Cooper Casters!

Hot on the heels of our recently announced discount on MINI parts and accessories, another company has stepped up to offer Cooper Cast listeners a special discount—this time on some great car-care products.

Dale has been using these products himself at the detail shop, he's impressed with what he's seen, and now Cooper Casters are going to be able to try them while saving some money in the process.

We'll tell you who, what, and how much in this episode.

From California sunshine to Appalachian rain, upcoming MINI adventures, and another way to save a few bucks, we've got plenty to talk about.

And somehow we managed to do the whole thing without Producer Kodi.

Hmmm... maybe don't tell him that.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

MINI Takes The States
https://www.minitakesthestates.com/index.html

Cerakote's Ceramics car care products
https://cerakoteceramics.com

Save 10% with discount code COOPERCAST10 at check out!

OutMotoring MINI motoring parts and accessories
https://www.outmotoring.com/

Save 5% with discount code COOPERCAST at check out!

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and Sleeping Beauty himself, Producer Kodi—once again demonstrating that apparently “producing” a podcast can be accomplished horizontally with your eyes closed.

We kick off Episode 155 by revisiting a subject we first talked about way back in the early days of The Cooper Cast:

BMW and hydrogen power.

Remember that?

Well, apparently BMW hasn't forgotten about it either. Far from quietly abandoning the idea, BMW is doubling down on hydrogen, and Dale takes a look at where things stand today and what it could potentially mean down the road.

Then we've got something we're really excited to announce—because who doesn't like saving money on MINI parts and accessories?

Our good friend Aaron at Out Motoring has stepped up with a special benefit exclusively for Cooper Cast listeners:

Save 5% on everything they sell by using the discount code COOPERCAST at checkout!

Will 5% save you enough money to buy a new timing chain for your second-gen MINI?

No.

How about that motor mount your third-gen will eventually decide it doesn't need anymore?

Probably not that either.

But it'll save you money on the parts!

Dale has been an Out Motoring customer for years, so this isn't some company that suddenly appeared with a discount code attached. It's a MINI supplier he already knows and uses, and now Cooper Casters can save a few bucks while supporting one of the businesses that supports our community.

From there, we take another stroll through the endlessly entertaining world of the MINI Facebook groups. As usual, there's plenty going on, and we check out some of the conversations making the rounds before looking ahead to several upcoming MINI events.

And finally...

We've got a MINI dealer with a used MINI JCW Coupe sitting on the lot.

It's a cool car. It's relatively uncommon. And we'll readily admit we'd enjoy having one.

But apparently this particular dealer thinks they have something VERY special.

How special?

Well... let's just say they're awfully proud of that little MINI.

Dale has a few thoughts.

Okay, maybe more than a few.

Hydrogen-powered BMWs, cheaper MINI parts, Facebook adventures, upcoming events, an optimistic MINI dealer, and a Producer who managed to sleep through most of it.

Yep. Sounds like another episode of The Cooper Cast.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

https://www.outmotoring.com/
Save 5% when you use COOPERCAST at checkout!

https://www.minitakesthestates.com/

MINIs Slay the Sleeping Dragon
https://www.facebook.com/HWY129MSSD


HR MINI's Fall Colors Run 2026
https://www.facebook.com/groups/690060417480549

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and the ever-vigilant—or perhaps just ever-sleepy—Kodi Monster occupying the Producer's chair.

We kick off Episode 154 with another Cooper Cast Question of the Week, but this time the question didn't come from Dale.

A listener tossed this one our way, and judging by the response, it was a pretty darn good question! The Cooper Casters came through once again with some interesting answers, proving that maybe Dale should let you folks write the questions more often.

Maybe.

Then it's time for another installment of the MINI Cooper Car Care Corner... or Cooper Car Care... or whatever we finally decide to call this thing.

We're still working on that.

But we definitely know what we're talking about this week:

Getting your MINI's paint REALLY clean.

And no, we're not talking about simply washing it.

Your soap and water can remove the everyday dirt and grime sitting on the surface, but there's a whole other level of contamination that washing alone won't touch. We're diving into paint decontamination—the stuff that's actually embedded in or bonded to the surface of your paint.

Dale draws on nearly 50 years around automotive paint, including decades in the collision industry and his experience today operating a professional detail shop—not a car wash! We'll talk about what can remain behind after you've thoroughly washed your MINI, how to recognize it, and the products and techniques that can safely get that paint truly clean.

If you've ever washed your MINI, stood back and thought, “Man, that looks clean!”...

We're about to ruin that for you.

Sorry.

And finally, we've got a little Cooper Cast listener bonus coming your way.

A couple of companies are stepping up with special discounts exclusively for Cooper Casters. One comes from one of the largest and best-known MINI parts and accessory suppliers, while the other comes from a company whose products Dale has recently started using through the detail shop.

And he's impressed.

Impressed enough that he's comfortable recommending them to you—and now they're going to help save Cooper Cast listeners some money, too.

We'll have more details very soon, so stay tuned.

A great Question of the Week, some serious paint cleaning, a sleepy Kodi Monster, and money-saving goodies on the horizon...

Sounds like another Cooper Cast.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and, presumably, Producer Kodi—whose actual contribution to this week's production will be determined after we've reviewed the security footage.

We start Episode 153 with yet another special-edition MINI, but this one definitely caught Dale's attention: the new 1998 GT. It's a sharp-looking MINI with a name and appearance that reach back into the brand's history, and we'll take a look at what makes this latest edition stand out from the seemingly endless parade of special MINIs we've been seeing lately.

Then we move from special editions to a situation no MINI club organizer wants to deal with.

Imagine having a long-standing monthly meeting location and, just days before your next gathering, discovering that you're no longer welcome there—with no advance notice whatsoever. Never mind it's because the place abruptly closed!  That's exactly what happened to one MINI club. We talk about what happened, how the club responded, and why relationships between local clubs and the Dealership they support, work both ways.

Next, we're back in the wonderful world of Facebook fakery.

This time it's personal.

One of our friends in the MINI business community has had his business spoofed, with someone creating a fake presence and actually pretending to be him. Even worse, despite the situation being reported, so far Facebook doesn't appear to be doing much about it.

It's another reminder that scammers aren't just targeting MINI owners anymore—they're impersonating the legitimate people and businesses we've learned to trust. We'll tell you what's happening and, more importantly, what to watch for.

But we're finishing this episode with some genuinely good news.

A beloved UK MINI parts vendor recently passed away, leaving the future of his business—and some very specialized products relied upon by MINI owners around the world—in limbo.

Now we have an update.

His wife has decided to carry on the business and continue what they built together.

That's especially welcome news for MINI Convertible owners who rely on the company's replacement components to keep their MINIs looking good. But beyond the parts themselves, it's simply a wonderful story about carrying on someone's work and continuing a small but important piece of the MINI community.

Sometimes this community frustrates us. Sometimes it makes us shake our heads.

And every once in a while, it reminds us exactly why we love being part of it.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

The MINI 1998 GT Edition
https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/09/10/mini-1998-gt-edition-confirms-our-scoop-from-last-year/

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a73689438/2027-mini-1998-gt-jcw-suspension/

MINIMAYHEM's Facebook group page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/582375729132639

The Cooper Cast's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555704866826

 Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and the one, the only, occasionally employed Producer Kodi!

This week we kick things off with what turned out to be our most popular Cooper Cast Question of the Week yet.

And boy, did the Cooper Casters come through!

The responses poured in, and you folks gave Dale and Kodi plenty to talk about. There were some great answers, a few surprises, and plenty of proof that when we throw a good question at the MINI community, you definitely have opinions. We go through the responses and share some of our favorites.

Then it's time to get a little dirty.

We head up to Minnesota for a wrap-up of the latest Ojibwe Forests Rally, where MINI had a pretty decent—if somewhat mixed—outing. But the weekend also produced a very special first for one extremely well-known rally driver, whose family name carries a rather impressive rallying legacy of its own.

If you're a rally fan, you'll probably know exactly who we're talking about. If not, we'll fill you in.

From there, we take a look at a couple more upcoming MINI events being squeezed into what is becoming an absolutely packed fall motoring calendar. Apparently MINI owners have collectively decided that staying home this fall simply isn't an option.

And finally, our friends at MINIs On The Dragon are digging into the archives.

They're looking for some of those great drives from MOTDs gone by that MINIacs would love to see make a return.

Was there a particular route you still talk about years later? A drive that disappeared from the schedule that deserves another shot? Or maybe one you never got the chance to run and have always wanted to see brought back?

Then you'll definitely want to stick around until the end of this episode to find out how you can help bring an old favorite back to life.

It's another Cooper Cast packed with listener participation, rally action, MINI events, and another reminder that sometimes the best new idea...

is a really great old one.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, whose exact level of participation is always subject to treat availability. Kodi even makes an appearance tonight and has one of. his famous speaking parts.

We kick off Episode 151 with another cruise through the MINI Facebook groups to see what everyone is talking about. And as we've learned by now, you never have to look very hard. Questions, problems, opinions, questionable advice, and the occasional post that leaves you wondering exactly what you just read—there's always something going on.

Then it's time for the second installment of Cooper Car Care Corner, and this time we're getting down and dirty.

Literally.

We're talking wheels and tires.

Dale draws on decades of experience from the collision and paint industry, along with what he's learned running a professional detailing shop and from some of the best people in the detailing business, to share practical advice for properly cleaning and caring for your MINI's wheels and tires.

Brake dust isn't just ugly. Tire sidewalls aren't always as clean as they look. And simply spraying everything with something shiny when you're finished isn't necessarily the answer.

We'll talk about proper cleaning techniques, products and procedures, some commonly overlooked areas, and a few tricks Dale has picked up over the years that can make the job easier and the results considerably better.

No detailing voodoo. No $300 miracle products harvested during a full moon.

Just proven techniques that work.

Finally, we wrap things up with some newly added MINI runs in Virginia and Maryland, giving MINIacs in the Mid-Atlantic a few more excuses to get those cars out of the garage and onto the road.

And that brings us to an open invitation for MINI clubs everywhere:

If your club has an upcoming run, rally, meetup, or other MINI event, let us know!

Send Dale a message through The Cooper Cast Facebook page or email [email protected] with the details. We'll be happy to help spread the word and get more MINI owners out doing what these cars—and this community—do best.

Another episode filled with Facebook finds, practical MINI care, community happenings, and hopefully a little useful information along the way.

Because clean wheels won't make your MINI faster...

but we're pretty sure it feels faster.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾

 Welcome to Episode 150 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and, naturally, Producer Kodi keeping a close eye on the operation—or at least the location of the nearest treat.

Yep. 150 episodes. Somehow they keep letting us do this.

We kick things off with MINI's latest special edition, the Rooftop Edition. Is it revolutionary? Nope. Is it particularly complicated? Not really. But sometimes simple works, and Dale has to admit it: he actually likes this one. We'll take a look at what MINI has done and why this relatively straightforward special edition manages to hit the right notes.

Then we're headed back to some of our favorite pavement on the planet.

Earlier this year, the Dragon got freshly paved, and now another legendary stretch of road in the area is getting the same treatment: Hellbender, the fantastic road connecting Fontana Village with the Dragon.

And here's where Dale might commit a little MINI heresy...

He likes Hellbender better than the Dragon.

There. He said it.

With fresh pavement going down, Dale is already looking forward to the next opportunity to point a MINI toward those North Carolina mountains and find out just how good one of his favorite roads has become.

From mountain roads, we shift into MINI motorsports and catch up with the folks at LAP Motorsports and their latest rallying endeavors. MINI and rallying belong together, and it's always fun watching modern MINIs getting dirty and being driven the way performance cars are supposed to be driven.

Then we head back into the online MINI world—but this time for a Facebook group that's actually worth checking out. Dale highlights an interesting MINI group that fellow enthusiasts may want to add to their Facebook rotation.

Finally, we take a look at several upcoming MINI events this fall. Summer may be winding down, but MINI motoring certainly isn't. There's still plenty of time to find an event, meet some fellow MINIacs, and put some miles on your MINI before the year winds down.

New MINIs. Fresh mountain pavement. Rally cars. MINI community. Upcoming events.

Sounds like a pretty fitting way to celebrate 150 episodes of The Cooper Cast.

Thanks to every Cooper Caster who's listened, contributed a Question of the Week answer, sent in a story, suggested a topic, shared an episode, or simply came along for the ride.

150 down... and we're nowhere near finished.

Motor safely… and don't forget to wave! 🚗🐾🎙️