Any Amateur Mini Racers?
 

I'm considering a Mini Cooper S for amateur road racing and track days. I've previously raced heavy, high powered cars (Corvette C5), heavy medium-powered cars (Ford Mustang GT), and medium weight, low powered cars (BMW 3 series), but am now looking into a lightweight, low-powered car and don't want a Miata. Any suggestions from the forum on challenges that the Mini presents? I've heard transmissions are weak, but these observations seem to come from CVTs or non-S owners, as well as power steering unit failures. Any suggestions would be welcome.