MINI Coopers drive bonding relationships

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 23, 2008 by Heather Caliendo

Angela Stogsdill never anticipated when she bought a MINI Cooper that she would end up meeting the people who would stand by her during her hardest moments.

But she credits the members of okMINI.com for providing the support system she needed when battling kidney problems and her son's fight with lupus.

"They sponsored this big event at a park and raised money for me and my son," she said. "If it wasn't for the MINI Cooper people - they saved us more than one way."

Stogsdill, a medical coder for Emergency Physicians Billing Service, got involved with the Oklahoma MINI Cooper club by stumbling on the Web site and now says she couldn't imagine life without them.

"When I bought a car, I pretty much bought a family," she said. "I can call them at any time and they will be there in a minute. They're not just that way with me; they are that way with everyone in the group."

David Watts started the okMINI Web site that eventually grew into a full-blown club in 2002.

In typical automobile club structure, he said after purchasing a MINI Cooper he was so enthusiastic about the product he wanted to find other MINI enthusiasts.

"I have owned a Porsche and they did get-togethers, but they aren't quite as enthusiastic as the MINI Coopers," he said. "I have never seen this kind of enthusiasm - we just enjoy it."

He said it didn't take long for Oklahomans to show their MINI Cooper pride. They currently have 650 members on the forum and about 30 who meet in person for events the club holds. Club members come from all areas of Oklahoma. Events include long trips across states on curvy roads with ideal scenery.

Watts, a manager at Royal Sign & Display Co. in OKC, said it is quite a sight to see all the MINIs drive up when they meet for monthly dinners.

Naturally, conversation is dedicated to their MINIs, such as technical points and new designs that can be incorporated.

"We are all age groups and ethnic backgrounds, we are all different but we are all strange," he said with a laugh.

"I feel like all I have is MINI Cooper friends - I really don't have that many friends outside the MINI Cooper ones."

Randy Walker said he heard about the club while purchasing his MINI. On a whim, he and his wife went to a club dinner and became hooked instantly.

"My mom and aunt have been to some of the events so we are a three-MINI family," he said.

"I think any kind of unusual car has its following."

Walker said the appeal of the MINI is that it fills so many niches: speed, look and still somewhat practical.

Since Walker is an auto mechanic in Oklahoma City it has turned into a convenience for the MINI club.

"I have done some work for some of the club members on their MINIs - I enjoy working on them," he said.

So, the little car that made its way to America in 2001 has bonded Oklahomans from all walks of life.

"We are kind of a weird little eclectic group, except for our cars we don't have much in common," said Walker.