The Cooper Cast Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

 Join host Dale Blankenship for another exciting episode of The Cooper Cast! This week, we tackle the sudden rise in key fob problems and uncover the mystery of hidden keys and door locks—are they plotting against us? Introducing a brand-new segment: "Why Did You Buy Your 1st MINI?" Hear stories that range from practical to quirky to downright sentimental, and we’ll feature a few new tales in every episode for the next several weeks. We also share a top-notch recommendations for your MINI Club's 2025 calendar. Plus, we tease some exciting future content:

• Interviews with MINI club officers from across the U.S. and around the globe.
• A deep dive into the pros and cons of a national MINI club. Is it time for a united MINI Nation? And do we really need it?

Buckle up and hit play—there’s plenty to drive into this week!

In Episode 34 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, host Dale Blankenship tackles tire warning lights, auxiliary drive belts, and scammer antics straight from the wilds of Facebook MINI groups—because even MINIs need drama sometimes. We also geek out over shiny new options for the 2025 JCW Hardtop and chat about the fresh MINI Convertible. Plus, discover a clever, no-drill solution for mounting a front license plate—because who wants holes in their MINI’s pretty face?

JCW Options
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/22/first-look-new-jcw-accessories-for-the-f66-mini-cooper/

New MINI Convertible
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/19/review-2025-mini-cooper-s-convertible-brings-open-top-experience-to-the-new-mini-line-up/

CravenSpeed Platypus License Bracket
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/11/19/review-cravenspeed-platypus-license-plate-mount/

CravenSpeed (Lots of good MINI accessories)
https://www.cravenspeed.com/the-platypus-license-plate-mount-2/

Buckle up, folks! In this episode, host Dale Blankenship is back in the driver’s seat, navigating the twists and turns of the MINI world. First on the docket, we’re talking about the recent crackdown on racer-wanna-be drivers and motorcyclists who apparently missed the memo that the Dragon isn't their personal racetrack. After a local accident, police patrols are out in force, so keep that lead foot in check—or you might find yourself with an unplanned pit stop!

Next, we venture back into the wild, wild world of MINI Facebook groups where the advice is as free as it is questionable. Dale's got the scoop on the a couple of the latest eyebrow-raising tips and why you should probably double-check before you follow through on that DIY project.

We're kicking off the first of a multi-part series on planning the perfect run, rally, or drive for your MINI club. Whether you’re looking to be crowned the King or Queen of Motoring or just want to avoid a logistical nightmare, Dale’s got you covered with tips to keep your event running smoother than a freshly waxed MINI.

We’ve got a wrap up from the MINI At The Glen event in New York on October 10. Picture this: 150 MINIs descending on the track at the legendary Watkins Glen International Raceway. If that doesn’t rev your engine, we don’t know what will!

We’ll also give you a quick teaser for the upcoming MINIs Take Vermont event in October. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the fall foliage, though that’s a nice bonus!

In a more somber note, we bid a fond farewell to a beloved MINI owner who recently lost her courageous battle with cancer. Her legacy and love for all things MINI will forever be a part of our community.

And don’t forget to tune in next Tuesday, August 27, for a special episode dedicated to spotting scammers in the MINI Community. Think of it as a crash course in avoiding the sketchy side of the internet—no helmet required.

MINI Run route planning sources;
 Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine
https://blueridgemotorcyclingmagazine.com/

Road Runner Magazine
https://www.roadrunner.travel/

Motorcycle roads
https://www.motorcycleroads.com/

In Episode 24 of The Cooper Cast Podcast, join host Dale Blankenship and his trusty sidekick, Producer Kodi Monster, as they steer you through the world of MINI adventures with a dash of humor and a whole lot of enthusiasm. First up, we tackle the wobbly woes of wheel straightening—because driving straight is semi important. Then, we spill the beans on our Facebook survey results, revealing what our listeners wish they'd packed for MINI Takes The States 2024 and what items turned out to be less than useful.

Ever debated the pros and cons of car covers? We dive into whether they’re your car’s best friend or just an overpriced blanket. We also wrap up the 10th annual MINIs Take Mountain Lake in western Virginia, a tire-squealing success organized by the MINI Club of Southwest Virginia and sponsored by Flow MINI of Winston Salem, NC.

And just when you thought we couldn't pack more into this episode, we kick off a brand-new series about setting up a MINI club in your area and organizing runs for your members. If you've ever dreamed of rallying the troops and hitting the open road together, this is the series for you. Buckle up and enjoy the ride with The Cooper Cast!

Car Cover websites:
California Car Cover Co.
https://www.calcarcover.com/

SealSkin Covers
https://sealskincovers.com/

Cover Anything
https://www.coveranything.com/

Welcome to Episode 23 of The Cooper Cast Podcast with your host, Dale Blankenship! In this fun-filled episode, we’re wrapping up the epic MINI Takes The States 2024 that concluded in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. We've got the final attendance numbers and some impressive stats from this unforgettable journey.

We start with the final stats and numbers from MINI Takes The States 2024. Find out just how many MINIacs joined us for this incredible event. Spoiler: it was a lot! And don’t forget to drop a Google review for the places you stayed, dined, and visited along the way. Your quick review can make a big difference for these businesses.

Next, we dive into a hot topic from the MINI groups on Facebook. Seems like those Roadster convertible top back glasses have been causing some headaches by coming loose. Tune in for some insights and advice. And yes, those pesky scammers are at it again. But don’t worry, Dale’s got a new Facebook group in the works to help combat these scoundrels. Stay tuned for details on how to join and stay safe online.

We wrap up with a look ahead to the next big MINI event happening in New York! MINI at the Glen is set for August 10 and 11 at the beautiful Watkins Glen International Raceway. We’ve got all the details you need to make the most of this exciting event.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of The Cooper Cast. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more MINI adventures!
 
Motor Safely, and don't forget to wave!

MINI Takes The States is over for another year! What a great finish to a great event. Even though the run from Yakima to Seattle was the shortest, it was one of my all-time favorites. The roads, the scenery, the MINIs, all were amazing. 

Thanks to every single person from MINI and their support staff, that helped make the event so memorable. And another big thanks to all of the participants, from those that have done them all, to those who were MTTS newbies. This event is all for, and about, YOU. I hope everyone has a safe trip back home. Whether you’re going straight back like we are, or going on to further adventures, I wish nothing but good weather, light traffic, and lots of fun. 

Welcome back to The Cooper Cast for Episode 21 and Day 8 of this adventure. Your host Dale Blankenship wraps up the awesome drive from Spokane to Yakima, even though he can’t remember what city he’s in from time to time. MINI USA and the Roadside Assistance Crew, get some well deserved kudos for their work, and yes, some of the attendees still feel the need to use MTTS as their springboard to garnering a ride with a NASCAR or INDY CAR team. Even drawing the attention of MINI USA and getting a much nicer than deserved mention at the morning Rise and Rally announcements. 

Welcome to episode 20 of The Cooper Cast, the fun podcast for the MINI Motoring Community, with host Dale Blankenship.  

In this episode we catch up on the last two legs from Bozeman to Missoula to Spokane. Today’s route up to Spokane was probably my favorite of the entire event. Our JCW is being a little bit of a pain, but seems okay for now. I hear there’s another podcaster in our midsts that I’d like to meet. And like I said in a previous episode, there’s some bad (and dangerous) etiquette when it comes to passing, out there. Use your heads. If you’re going to do some passing, do it safely and smartly. Remember, your actions can reflect poorly on the rest of us. 

Until next time, Motor Safely and Don’t Forget To Wave!

Episode 19;
In this episode of the Cooper Cast, your illustrious host, Dale Blankenship gives us a warp up on Day 3 of MTTS with 600+ MINIs and over 1000 MINI owners head out of Grand Junction Colorado headed up to Salt Lake City, Utah. Because nothing says “road trip” like a convoy of little British cars causing stares and minor traffic jambs. 

We braved the monotony of the Interstate, where the driving is as exciting as watching paint dry. Thankfully, the boredom was broken by a great departure from the highway to a nice little loop around the Electric something-or-nuther loop. Great twistiest and some cool elevation changes added some excitement in the day’s drive. While the highway might have been less than spectacular, the mountains we passed through certainly were. 

They next two days as well as Tuesday night, are “on your own” time. YOU decide what you see and where you go.  It’s all up to you! Just be in Bozeman, Montana for Thursday’s Rise and Rally. 

In the meantime, motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!

More motoring adventure from MTTS 2024