Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community with host Dale Blankenship. This week, however, Producer Kodi is AWOL. He was feeling pretty rough Monday night but bounced back by the following evening—back to whatever “normal” looks like for an 85-pound Staffordshire Terrier who believes he owns everything he can see.

In this episode, Dale kicks things off with a discussion about a growing trend in the auto industry: manufacturers trying to charge subscription fees for features that are already built into the car you bought. From heated seats to software unlocks, it’s a concept that’s raising eyebrows among drivers who feel like they’ve already paid for the hardware once.

Next, we hop across the Atlantic to Europe, where safety regulators are starting to lose patience with the touchscreen takeover in modern cars. With so many essential controls buried in menus and screens, regulators are considering penalizing manufacturers whose designs distract drivers. Could this push automakers back toward knobs, buttons, and switches? It’s starting to look that way.

Then we take a look at a new MINI that’s turning heads—though maybe not for the reasons the designers hoped. The latest model has sparked plenty of reactions from enthusiasts, ranging from curiosity to outright confusion.

And of course, the Cooper Cast Question of the Week returns once again. Dale does his usual stumble, fumble, and bumble through the segment, proving that professionalism is overrated. And for the record, alcohol wasn’t even involved this time… which might actually explain the problem.

It’s another episode full of MINI news, community chatter, and the kind of off-the-cuff conversation that makes The Cooper Cast feel like a garage hangout with fellow MINI enthusiasts.

Motor safely… and don’t forget to wave! 🚗

MINI GP Inspired Edition

https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/02/26/mini-gp-inspired-details-photos/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, the FUN podcast for the MINI motoring community, with host Dale Blankenship and his faithful sidekick Producer Kodi, who remains fully committed to quality control… as long as treats are involved.

This episode kicks off with the unveiling of a new limited edition MINI Cooper. Dale walks through what makes this one special, what MINI got right (and maybe what they didn’t), and why limited editions continue to spark strong reactions from enthusiasts on both sides of the fence.

Next up, we look ahead to the first big MINI gathering of 2026 — the 19th annual Helemblitz in Helen, Georgia. It’s one of the longest-running and most beloved events on the calendar, and we talk about why it continues to draw MINI owners year after year. From scenic roads to small-town charm, Helen always delivers.

Then we circle back to the hottest topic in the U.S. MINI world: MINI Takes The States. The speculation, the anticipation, the questions — it’s all still swirling. Dale shares perspective on where things stand and why this event continues to dominate conversations across the MINI community.

Finally, we wrap things up with a brief but important MINIs On The Dragon update, keeping everyone in the loop as that iconic event approaches.

It’s another lively episode filled with MINI news, community buzz, and plenty of motoring enthusiasm.

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

2026-1965 Victory Edition 

https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/02/25/minis-latest-special-edition-rewinds-to-1965-monte-carlo-glory/

https://emptytank.ca/2026/02/25/mini-unveils-1965-victory-edition-car/

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/mini-builds-special-edition-to-honor-historic-race-victory/

https://www.captainelectro.com/cars/a-50000-mini-for-a-61st-birthday

MINI Takes The States

https://www.minitakesthestates.com/index.html

MINIs On The Dragon

https://minisonthedragon.com/

Episode 121 of the Cooper Cast podcast with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi. For some weird reason, Dale is the voice of reason, and it's unfamiliar territory. MTTS isn't what a lot of people were looking for. But it's far from the end of the world. MTTS has had several versions over the 20 years of MTTS, and this really isn't as bad as all the doom and gloomers are whining about. Tune in and listen to Dale's spin on MTTS 2026!

MINI Tale The States 2026

https://www.minitakesthestates.com/

Welcome to our Breaking News segment. Host Dale Blankenship, along with a sleeping Producer Kodi, tells us about a new name at the head of MINI USA. Sean Green. A 30+ year BMW/MINI employee. Started turning wrenches at a dealership and was previously with MINI China. Mike Peyton is gone, and Sean Green officially takes over officially May 1, 2026. 

Good luck Sean, we're here to help. Just let up, PLEASE!!!!

Meet Sean Green:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0455755EN_US/bmw-group-announces-new-executive-appointment-for-mini-in-americas-region 

 Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and fur-covered, Milk Bone–chewing Producer Kodi, who continues to contribute commentary between snack breaks.

This week, we kick things off with a quick but important conversation about an announcement concerning MINI Takes The States… maybe. Is it concrete? Is it speculation? Is it MINI being MINI? Dale breaks down what we know, what we don’t, and why patience might still be required from the MINI faithful.

Next, we take a thoughtful look at something that occasionally pops up in the community: MINI owners who aren’t fully aware of the brand’s history. From rally roots to cultural impact, Dale talks about why knowing where MINI came from adds depth to ownership — and why history still matters in shaping today’s enthusiasm.

Then it’s time for the always-popular Cooper Cast Question of the Week, and this week’s response was nothing short of outstanding. The Cooper Casters showed up in force with insight, passion, humor, and perspective — exactly what makes this segment such a staple of the show.

And finally, there’s a quick addendum at the end of the episode, tying up a loose end and making sure listeners have the most up-to-date information before signing off.

It’s another well-rounded episode packed with perspective, community voices, and just enough intrigue to keep things interesting.

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

 Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, who slept through the entire episode, but will likely still want a treat. 

This episode starts with a look at MINI’s decision to discontinue the diesel power plant, marking the end of an era for MINI’s evolving lineup. From there, we talk about something that many drivers will be happy to hear—the return of knobs, buttons, and switches to dashboards. After years of everything moving to touchscreens, it seems the tide may be turning back toward tactile controls that drivers actually prefer.

Next up, a quick community win: a MINI owner was recently saved from falling into the clutches thanks to a few post made by your host. It’s a good reminder of how valuable these networks can be when people look out for one another.

Then we shift into MINIs On The Dragon season, kicking things off with an overview of this year’s event. It’s shaping up to be another strong gathering, and while this episode sets the stage, we’ll be diving deeper into the details, happenings, and stories in the weeks ahead as the event draws closer.

Another well-rounded episode filled with MINI news, community moments, and a look ahead at one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.

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

Diesle demise:
https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/02/11/mini-diesel-countryman-mount-fuji-photoshoot/

Buttons Return:
https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/02/12/head-of-mini-design-on-touchscreens-vs-physical-buttons/

MINIs On The Dragon! :
https://minisonthedragon.com/

 Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and the ever-intrepid Producer Kodi, who continues to earn speaking parts and snack privileges in equal measure.

This episode kicks off with some exciting news: MINI is returning to professional rally racing—and in a big way.Dale talks about what’s happening, why it matters, and why seeing MINI back where it made so much of its reputation is great news for the brand and the community alike.

Then we roll into something a little closer to home with an idea sparked by Dale and the Cooper Casters: Worldwide Love Your Mini/MINI Day, coming up March 7th. It’s a simple concept—take a day to give your classic Mini or BMW-built MINI a little extra attention. What that looks like is entirely up to you. Maybe it’s a wash and detail, maybe it’s a scenic drive, or maybe it’s an all-day rally with your motoring friends. There are no rules other than making sure your Mini/MINI would approve.

It’s all about celebrating the cars, the people, and the community that make MINI ownership such a unique experience. Expect to see photos, posts, and plenty of participation from around the globe.

And of course, we wrap things up with the ever-popular Cooper Cast Question of the Week, where the community once again delivers thoughtful, funny, and enthusiastic responses that never fail to entertain.

It’s a fun mix of big news, community spirit, and MINI enthusiasm—exactly what The Cooper Cast is all about.

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

MINI Goes Rallying:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a69416726/mini-new-factory-rally-team-grassroots/

Worldwide Love Your Mini/MINI Day Facebook group. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/886396737351747

 It’s another episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, who once absent this week at Cooper Cast HQ. Very likely asleep near a heater duct somewhere. 

We kick things off with a look across the Pacific at a new, dark-themed Countryman headed exclusively to the Japanese market—and it comes with a twist nobody saw coming. Dale breaks down what makes this special edition interesting, why certain markets get the fun toys, and what it says about MINI’s global strategy.

Then we take our usual stroll through the MINI Facebook groups, where the content ranges from helpful and insightful to downright head-scratching. As always, the groups provide plenty of conversation fuel—some good, some questionable, and some that remind us why the MINI community is never dull.

We also check in once again on MINI Takes The States, as we’re still waiting on official dates and cities for the next installment of MINI USA’s big road-trip celebration. Patience continues to be the theme.

And finally, a quick but important reminder: sign-ups for MINIs On The Dragon drives open February 14th—Valentine’s Day. If you’re planning to attend, that’s the date to mark on the calendar before those drive slots fill up.

It’s a fun mix of global MINI news, community chatter, and event updates—another classic Cooper Cast episode.

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

Motoring File story on the Shadow Edition Countryman

https://www.motoringfile.com/2026/02/02/mini-countryman-shadow-edition-a-diesel-special-edition/

BMWBLOG Shadow Countryman story

https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/01/31/2026-mini-countryman-shadow-edition/

MINIs On The Dragon

https://www.minisonthedragon.com/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and Producer Kodi, who once again makes a surprise speaking engagement and clearly feels very comfortable sharing his thoughts these days.

This episode kicks off with a deep dive into MINIs On The Dragon, quite possibly the longest continually running MINI Cooper event in the United States. Registration is well underway, and one stat really stands out—first-timers already make up nearly one-third of registered MINIacs just two weeks in. Dale talks about what that says about the event, the community, and why MINIs On The Dragon continues to attract new faces year after year. We’ll also be touching on additional MotD happenings and related events in future episodes as we get closer to the big weekend.

Next, we check in on MINI Takes The States. As of now, we’re still waiting on official dates and host cities for MINI USA’s biannual, coast-to-coast celebration of all things MINI. Dale shares what we know, what we don’t know yet, and why patience is once again the name of the game.

We then pivot to a few interesting tidbits coming out of MINI USA’s recent dealer meeting. While details are still limited, there are hints that some noteworthy news may be on the horizon for the MINI community. No wild speculation—just thoughtful discussion about what these early signals could mean.

To wrap it all up, we roll into the always-popular Cooper Cast Question of the Week, and once again, the responses deliver. Insightful, funny, and unmistakably MINI, this week’s answers remind us why community interaction is such a big part of the show.

It’s a forward-looking episode packed with event buzz, industry whispers, and community voices—another solid installment of The Cooper Cast.

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

MINIs On The Dragon

https://www.minisonthedragon.com/

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast Podcast, with host Dale Blankenship and his ever-faithful producer Kodi—faithful, of course, as long as the treat supply holds out.

This episode kicks off with a deep dive into a Road & Track review of the new MINI Cooper JCW hatchback. And when Road & Track weighs in, it’s worth paying attention—they’ve reviewed more performance cars than most of us will ever drive. To say they weren’t impressed would be an understatement, and Dale breaks down what they said, what it means, and why this review matters for MINI fans who care about the brand’s performance heritage.

From there, the conversation shifts into something every car club needs to think about: the responsibilities of club members. Is paying dues and simply showing up enough to keep a club healthy, active, and growing? Dale takes a hard, honest look at what actually sustains a club—engagement, participation, contribution, and community—and why strong clubs are built by more than just attendance. With over 40 years of organizing events and building automotive communities, Dale brings real-world experience and perspective to the conversation—not just opinion.”

Then, as always, we wrap up with a casual stroll through the MINI Facebook groups, pulling out a few interesting nuggets, conversations, and posts to discuss—some useful, some entertaining, and some that remind us why scrolling can be such a mixed bag.

It’s an episode that blends honest discussion, MINI news, community insight, and everyday observations from the MINI world—classic Cooper Cast energy.

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


Road & Track JCW Review

https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a69646181/mini-john-cooper-works-drive-review/