Welcome to Episode 51 of the Cooper Cast podcast, hosted by Dale Blankenship, with Producer Kodi Monster (who remains silent but ever-watchful) and surprise studio guest, Program Director Chassie (who may or may not have been bribed with treats).

This week, we’re tackling the big news that MINI USA has decided to play the ultimate waiting game with electric MINIs—pushing their arrival to the U.S. all the way to 2026 or later. So if you were hoping for a shiny new electric MINI soon, well... you’ve got time to start a whole new hobby while you wait. Meanwhile, 2025 will bring new colors for hardtops, convertibles, and the Countryman, so at least our beloved MINIs will stay fresh while we bide our time. Speaking of the Countryman—rumors are swirling about an off-road version. Intriguing? Yes. Necessary? Debatable. We’re just wondering which brave soul is taking their MINI rock-crawling...

In other news, HelenBlitz wrapped up, and from the looks of the photos, it was an absolute blast! MINIs, Sunshine, and good times—what more could we ask for? We also welcome a new MINI owner who got her first taste of the MINI community and was completely blindsided by the sheer joy (and possibly the amount of MINI waves and honks). Welcome to the madness!

Finally, we take a moment to say goodbye to a longtime Sunshine MINI owner from Florida—a fellow enthusiast who made the community a brighter place. Her MINI spirit will live on in every twisty road and every impromptu MINI parade.

So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage (preferably in a cupholder that actually fits), and join us for another round of MINI madness.

💨 Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!