It's been a tough year and a half for everyone. Lockdowns, closures, sickness, and outright boredom have taken a mass toll on America's psyche and Mini intends to do something about that. Mini USA has just announced it is declaring a new American holiday on July 24: the National Day of Motoring. The name says it all.
Its aim is to celebrate the American road trip and encourage others to get out and do the same. Celebrations are open to everyone regardless of whether they own a Mini Cooper or Countryman, but the brand does intend to host a nationwide rally exclusively for its owners called, very appropriately, the Mini Together.
It'll consist of the driving experience itself, a digital app-based experience with tasks, trivia, and even a scavenger hunt, and a national virtual gathering at the end of the day. Mini simply wants all of its customers to get in their cars and drive that day and, if they want, participate in the online events as well.
Mini stresses all driving participants must abide by all national and local health guidelines because Covid is still out there waiting for new hosts to infect. Those who decide to take part in the scavenger hunt portion of the day will be required to download that app beforehand. Mini has also teamed up with the Best Friends Animal Society charity and rally participants can help fundraise on July 24 as well.
"Our customers buy a Mini because it's fun to drive and comes standard with friends," said Patrick McKenna, head of marketing for Mini USA. "With Mini Together, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to provide a modern twist to the traditional road rally so that our beloved Mini Community can come together safely."
Whether this National Day of Motoring takes off beyond Mini remains to be seen, but what's for certain is that life is slowly getting back to normal. This August, Detroit's Woodward Dream Cruise is back following its official cancelation last year. Additional auto events, such as November's LA Auto Show, are also slated to get back up and running once again.