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WedJul 24

National Day of Motoring – July 24, 2024

The National Day of Motoring celebrated every July 24, is an initiative led by MINI U.S.A. to encourage the public to take their cars on the road and explore the world. Starting in 2021, one of the goals is to celebrate the road trip as a tradition that has defined American culture. While the event is directed mainly at Mini owners, it can also be celebrated by any car owner who has a penchant for the open road and a sense of adventure.

History of National Day of Motoring

The American road trip is ingrained in the culture. In both fact and fiction, it has been glorified and immortalized as the best way to see America’s sights. In the United States, there are up to 4.09 million miles of road, with over 276 million registered vehicles by 2020. It’s no surprise that the country’s road and motor culture is so widespread. These characteristics prompted the American branch of the iconic British automobile manufacturer MINI to establish a day to commemorate a traditional American pastime.

In 2021, the first-ever National Day of Motoring was held, with 4,000 MINI owners and 100 MINI dealers from throughout the United States participating in a statewide rally branded ‘MINI Together.’ The event is organized like a scavenger hunt and is self-curated by MINI owners who want to participate. Special tasks are assigned via a dedicated app that promotes exercise and a virtual gathering of MINI owners around the country.

The day was enacted as a way for MINI U.S.A. to give the American MINI community a chance to show their stuff in a rally. ‘Get lost and have fun’ is the main goal of this event as it also encourages communities to interact with one another and strengthen community bonds. MINI has prided itself in making cars that are ‘fun to drive,’ and building its cars to fit this purpose. This appeal is what attracts interest in the brand as data from the company shows that a customer’s main reason for buying a MINI is because it is ‘fun to drive.’

While the National Day of Motoring is originally geared for MINI owners, car owners of all kinds can be compelled to participate by taking their cars for a spin through America’s landscapes. After all, going on the road is the best way to understand the fabric of American culture.

National Day of Motoring timeline

1959
The First Minis Roll Into Service

The British Motoring Company (B.M.C.) produces the first line of “Mini” cars until its merger with British Leyland (later the Rover Group) in 1966.

1994
The Germans Buy A British Icon

BMW acquires the Rover Group, effectively owning the Mini brand.

1999
Influential In Every Sense Of The Word

The Global Automotive Elections Foundation names the Mini as the ‘second most influential car of the 20th century,’ behind only the Ford Model T.

2000
The Mini Stands By Itself

Mini becomes a separate marque under BMW.

2021
The National Day of Motoring Comes Alive

The MINI U.S.A. declares July 24 as the National Day of Motoring.

National Day of Motoring FAQs

Why is the Mini iconic?

The Mini achieved its iconic status due to its distinguishing design, innovative engineering, and place in British culture. For one, it was the first small car to have front-wheel drive and had 10-inch wheels. Its prominence in iconic British media such as Mr. Bean, and the 1960’s U.K. mod culture solidified the car’s place in pop culture.

Is the Mini FWD or RWD?

The Mini is a front-wheel-drive (F.W.D.), not a rear-wheel-drive (R.W.D.) car. It is one of the engineering aspects that made it distinguishable from other cars on the road at the time. The classic Mini was able to triumph in races and rallies due to this feature.

What year did the Mini change its design?

While the original design is still retained in current Minis, it was updated by present owners BMW in 2001. The rebrand presented the Mini as a more luxurious automobile that adhered to modern design. This didn’t stop consumers from flocking to the car in the millions, sustaining its success in the automotive industry today.

National Day of Motoring Activities

  1. Take part in the MINI Together rally

    If you own a MINI, why not take part in the MINI Together rally and cram in some extra fun in your drive? Aside from the tasks, you can also take the chance to meet with other MINI owners and build mutual bonds. By joining in, you can appreciate what your MINI has to offer and can make friends with people who share the same appreciation.

  2. Drive off!

    Take your car out for a spin! Be it a trip down the highway or just a stroll around your local area, there’s nothing better than a Sunday drive to cap off the weekend.

  3. Consult your local mechanic to keep your car healthy

    Whether you have a MINI or not, it’s important to keep your car healthy and running. Stop by your local mechanic to check up on your car, and identify what needs fixing. The best car to use on any journey is one that works right.

5 Interesting Facts About The Mini

  1. Don’t try this at home

    The record number of people that can fit into a Mini car is 27, achieved in Brighton, U.K. in 2014.

  2. How the Mini got its famous moniker

    The name “Mini Cooper,” which is mostly known around the world, comes from car designer John Cooper, who created a sporty version of the car in 1961.

  3. It was made following a fuel crisis

    The Mini was created as a response to fuel shortages in the U.K. following the 1956 Suez Crisis, which created a demand for smaller, more efficient cars.

  4. The Mini’s creator is a Sir

    Alec Issigonis, the creator of the Mini, was knighted for his contribution to Britain in 1969.

  5. A milestone for the world-conquering car

    Over 10 million Minis were produced between 1959 and 2019.

Why We Love National Day of Motoring

  1. It celebrates the joy of driving

    The National Day of Motoring celebrates the joy of taking one’s car out for a stroll and enjoying the outdoors. Driving provides an unmatched thrill that allows you to zip through landscapes and environments while appreciating and learning more about your locale. Not only is it fun, but it also makes you know more about the world around you.

  2. It honors an iconic motoring brand

    The MINI is a celebrated, iconic automotive brand that has captivated the world’s attention with its distinctive design and straightforward handling. By participating in the National Day of Motoring, you will grow to appreciate your Mini more, and understand why you made that choice.

  3. It doesn’t just benefit the automotive culture

    Taking part in the National Day of Motoring also has its charitable benefits. For the event, MINI USA partnered with the Best Friends Animal Society foundation to raise funds for their work to end the euthanization of cats and dogs in American shelters. Any event that benefits animals are one worth following.

National Day of Motoring dates

YearDateDay
2024July 24Wednesday
2025July 24Thursday
2026July 24Friday
2027July 24Saturday
2028July 24Monday

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