(July 11, 2022) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) 2022, the legendary Mini owners rally hosted by MINI USA, kicked off this weekend from Farr’s Field in Waterbury, Vt. Over the next five days, over 2,000 Mini owners with over 600 Mini Cooper vehicles from across the model range will explore a nine states and eight cities, raising money for Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the euthanizing of dogs and cats in American animal shelters by 2025.

The kickoff also marks the debut of the MINI Motoring Club of America (MMCA), a new national Mini car club for Mini owners and enthusiasts open to Mini owners from across the country.

Making its return after four years, the biennial MTTS trek will cover more than 1,700 miles in total. Mini owners will be traveling down an inland route from Vermont to South Carolina on state and county roads, stopping in eight cities along the way, with more than 80 pets and their owners coming along for the ride.

“We’re so excited to be back for another unforgettable MINI TAKES THE STATES experience,” said Caryn Grun, head of experiential marketing at MINI USA. “After four long years, we have provided the Mini Community an epic road trip to reunite and rally together.”

A portion of each MTTS participant’s registration fee is donated to Best Friends Animal Society, and MINI USA will be hosting an adoption event at in Greenville, S.C., along with Century Mini, Greenville County Animal Care, and Greenville Humane Society.

With the all new MMCA, Mini fans will be able to connect more broadly with each other and with the MINI brand, taking advantage of a host of member benefits and activities. The MMCA will be present at the morning Rise & Rally events in all eight cities where MTTS will be stopping during the week-long road trip. Mini enthusiasts in attendance can learn more about the club and sign up for more information as the club prepares to launch its official membership drive in the fall of this year. More information on the club can be found at minimotoringclub.org.

In 2018, 3,600 Mini owners took part in a Rally to the Rockies, taking an adventure of over 5,000 miles through 15 cities and 14 states. Two groups drove on two separate routes for a three-day festival of all things Mini.

Mini owners looking to join in on the fun can still register at MINITAKESTHESTATES.com or on-site the day of the event in each city.