--- title: FCP Euro - Mini Cupper Sundar Cup Racer description: FCP Euro - Mini Cupper Sundar Cup Racer image: https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2023.jpg --- ![328si_logo](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/Cupper_Logo-1.svg)     ![orange_Line_2](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/328si/orange_Line_2.jpg?width=2000&height=52&name=orange_Line_2.jpg "orange_Line_2") ![image 6](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%206.jpg) ### Taking an R56 Mini Cooper from "Zero" to "Hero" GRIDLIFE's "Sundae Cup" Time Attack series promises "motorsport for the masses," utilizing a strict rulebook built around inexpensive cars to promote track time and heavy competition at a price point accessible to all. Traditionally, the class is dominated by the car it was built upon, the Honda Fit. But as a European alternative that fit perfectly into the class's power-to-weight restrictions, we surmised that a base-model R56 Mini Cooper may be the Sundae Cup stone left unturned.  ![image 21](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2021.jpg) ![Mini_Cupper_Side_View2 1](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/Mini_Cupper_Side_View2%201.jpg) ![image 8](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%208.jpg) ![image 9](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%209.jpg) ![image 5](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%205.jpg) ### The MINI Cupper Build at Gridlife To prove our hypothesis, we set out to find an R56 MINI for our build. Opting to grab a rather rusty 2009 model from a scrapyard for $2,000, we brought the car back to our Milford HQ for a once-over...and learned it would need a front subframe, a rear subframe, and some calipers and control arms that had fallen victim to heavy corrosion. After a bit of extra labor and a full cooling system overhaul with parts from Rein Automotive, we rolled up to GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends at Lime Rock Park. The goal? Compete in Time Attack with the car on fully stock equipment and original tires for Day 1 of the event, tear it down and build it into the "Mini Cupper" overnight, and run it in Day 2 as a class-competitive racecar; Bilstein B14 Coilovers, Hotchkiss antiroll bar, Falken RT660 tires, full rollcage, and racing livery included. ![image 10](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2010.jpg) ![image 7](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%207.jpg) ![08.16.22_GoldenEra_WrappingTheCar_A7IV_04285](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2016.jpg?width=2552&height=881&name=image%2016.jpg) ![image 3](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%203.jpg) ![image 20](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2020.jpg) ![image 19](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2019.jpg) ## The Build, At a Glance: ### Body Bilstein B14 Coilovers, Enkei Compe 15x7 Wheels with Falken RT660 Tires (205/50/R15), Vorshlag front camber plates, Hotchkiss 25.5mm Rear Sway Bar, Carbotech XP10 Brake Pads, Rein Automotive Cooling System Overhaul, Meyle HD Control Arms, Custom "Mini Cupper" livery from RabidWraps. ### Safety Sparco Sprint seats, 6-point Sparco Harnesses, NRG R56 Cooper Steering Hub, Sparco R325 Steering Wheel, Autopower Bolt-In Full Rollcage, Rennscot RSPro Harness collars. ![image 17](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/MINI%20Cupper/image%2017.jpg) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3867393/766e4f83-4c79-498a-ae54-072a5ac1d0da.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3867393/766e4f83-4c79-498a-ae54-072a5ac1d0da) ## Special Thanks to our Friends, Partners, & Parts The MINI Cupper wouldn't exist without the assistance of some incredible partners along the way and we extend a special thank you to out friends at: ![328si_logos](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Landing%20pages/328si/328si_logos.png?width=500&height=54&name=328si_logos.png)   ## MINI Cupper Sundae Cup Racer In FCP Euro's "MINI Cupper" project, the team sets out to challenge everything you think you know about motorsport. Can building a street car that doubles as a race car be…affordable? Taking a ~$2000 base model R56 MINI Cooper purchased from a scrapyard, some tools, and a full trunkload of quality parts from partners Bilstein and CRP Rein Automotive, the team arrives at Lime Rock Park for GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends with a single goal—drive the car in stock trim for a full day, build the car overnight, and attempt to dethrone the Hondas at the top of the class. Will the rapid-built MINI Cupper reign supreme as the new class leader for Sundae Cup? Watch to find out! ## MINI Cooper Blog Articles [![5 Modern European Sleepers You Need To Know About](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Header%20(2)-4.jpg) ](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/5-modern-european-sleepers-you-need-to-know-about) ## [5 Modern European Sleepers You Need To Know About](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/5-modern-european-sleepers-you-need-to-know-about) ** 12/14/23 ** 15 Min Read By: Christian Schaefer Not everything fast and fun has to be shouty. With a little bit of work, these five cars can rival the best-performance SUVs and sedans without a sweat. [Read More](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/5-modern-european-sleepers-you-need-to-know-about) [![A Few Hours, Friends, & Dollars: All It Takes To Build A Fun Driver's Car](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/08.22.23_GRDLFE_CIRCUTLEGENDS_ER-141%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/building-the-fcp-euro-mini-cupper) ## [A Few Hours, Friends, & Dollars: All It Takes To Build A Fun Driver's Car](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/building-the-fcp-euro-mini-cupper) ** 9/15/23 ** 9 Min Read By: Danny Kruger Competing in a car doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. Sometimes even the rattiest starting points are just a few bucks and friends away from glory. [Read More](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/building-the-fcp-euro-mini-cupper) [![How To Pick The Right Coolant For Your Car ](https://info.fcpeuro.com/hubfs/Images/Blog/active/20191218_GUIDE_HOW-TO-PICK-THE-RIGHT-COOLANT-FOR-YOUR-CAR/the-right-coolant-for-your-car-header.jpg) ](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-pick-the-right-coolant-for-your-car) ## [How To Pick The Right Coolant For Your Car ](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-pick-the-right-coolant-for-your-car) ** 7/17/23 ** 12 Min Read By: Christian Schaefer Do you know which coolant is the right coolant for your car? Inorganic, organic, G11 coolant, G12 coolant, there are a lot of variants. Learn more. [Read More](https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-pick-the-right-coolant-for-your-car) ## MINI Cooper R56 Upgrades [Explore MINI Parts](https://www.fcpeuro.com/current_car?) Easily maintain and upgrade your MINI Cooper ## Watch the latest DIY's and FCP Euro content  Explore our youtube channel full of DIY's, drifts, and downshifts. [![Watch Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3867393/d7130704-1680-477f-8f78-733ce1289366.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3867393/d7130704-1680-477f-8f78-733ce1289366)