First Track day coming up. These videos scare me.

radiantm3 · 05-23-2011, 07:39 PM

I'm doing my first HPDE at Laguna Seca in a few weeks (through BMWCCA). I'm really excited, but stumbled across some of these track day videos. Getting kind of scared. I have no problem with car control at autox speeds, but I'm sure it's much different going 50-80mph (or faster). I'm sure BMWCCA puts safety first, but I really hope those in my run group play it safe and smart. Just thought I'd share some of the videos I found.

PINHEAD · 05-23-2011, 07:53 PM

friends of this OP:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534563

you should be scared of idiots like that. Those are the type of people who think they are having fun, and cause accidents, and death.

this video shows exactly why fooling around like hanging the tail out for some "fun" is prohibited. The conception that "i know how to handle my car", nobody knows and even pros makes mistakes.

Z4dave · 05-23-2011, 07:59 PM

Damm! I been dieing to get out to a track day but, im scared too.

I think I can handle driving on a track but I know Ill just try to push my self to far.

Be safe.

m3heaven · 05-23-2011, 08:00 PM

PINHEAD: I don't think the drive in that last video intentionally kicked his tail out...you can see that he just lost control of his rear.

Track days are fun and safe as long as you are aware of the other drivers around you and don't push yourself to the limit.

Asclepius · 05-23-2011, 08:02 PM

Sick drifting in the second vid...too bad he lost it.

PINHEAD · 05-23-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3heaven

PINHEAD: I don't think the drive in that last video intentionally kicked his tail out...you can see that he just lost control of his rear.

Track days are fun and safe as long as you are aware of the other drivers around you and don't push yourself to the limit.

yes i clearly saw that. what happened was the driver lifted off at a slightly off camber uphill thats why his back end went out and he over corrected which he couldn't recover from. Nevertheless, pushing the back end out by powering over, can cause the same thing to happen, which is why it is strictly enforced.

DTM-POWER · 05-23-2011, 08:14 PM

Ohh, I don't think anyone mentioned yet... I tell everyone CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY before you come to the track. It seems its 50-50 with people for insurance to cover you on the track being an "educational" event or not. Don't take your car on the track unless you are willing to completely write it off and not see a penny from anyone.

bavarian19 · 05-23-2011, 08:15 PM

That does make me think twice about going to track days

BMWN55 · 05-23-2011, 08:27 PM

this will scare you.

AMPowerJ · 05-23-2011, 08:52 PM

Being a bit scared is good. It will make you focus and not do anything stupid. Just don't try to drive at 10/10 and you will be fine.

chili cheese · 05-23-2011, 09:14 PM

OP, don't sweat it man. BMWCCA puts on a VERY safe event. You will be in a beginner group driving with others on the track with your skill set. Passing will most likely be point by only if at all. You'll only go as fast as you're comfortable with. Relax and have fun!

The HACK · 05-23-2011, 09:34 PM

BMW CCA probably has by far the BEST track records with regards to on-track incidents. I've seen fewer accidents at the local Pacific Region events (and this includes the Golden Gate Chapter) in the last 10 years than I've seen in a typical day commute. Not saying they won't happen, but typically they happen to people who have alternative agendas to learning how to drive fast in a safe environment, or people who don't listen to the IN CAR instructors.

If you manage to do what those cars in the video did in your very first track event, especially with the BMW CCA? You probably don't belong in this sport.

spdy330 · 05-23-2011, 09:59 PM

That is scary and I don't think your insurance will cover that!

aus · 05-23-2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chili cheese

OP, don't sweat it man. BMWCCA puts on a VERY safe event. You will be in a beginner group driving with others on the track with your skill set. Passing will most likely be point by only if at all. You'll only go as fast as you're comfortable with. Relax and have fun!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

BMW CCA probably has by far the BEST track records with regards to on-track incidents. I've seen fewer accidents at the local Pacific Region events (and this includes the Golden Gate Chapter) in the last 10 years than I've seen in a typical day commute. Not saying they won't happen, but typically they happen to people who have alternative agendas to learning how to drive fast in a safe environment, or people who don't listen to the IN CAR instructors.

If you manage to do what those cars in the video did in your very first track event, especially with the BMW CCA? You probably don't belong in this sport.

What they said. GENERALLY speaking, it's a more mature group with the CCA and EVERY CAR has an instructor. You'd have to be an IDIOT to mess up a car in the "D" group.
Most of the accidents with the CCA are in the A group where guys are really pushing it. They'll tell you to keep your DSC on and it'll save your bacon, but honestly, as a beginner, you probably won't even activate it.

You can also get some track insurance if you're concerned.
It's a BLAST!!! I'll be there too- first time at that track for me. Hope to see you there.

.

FrenchBoy · 05-23-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

Being a bit scared is good. It will make you focus and not do anything stupid. Just don't try to drive at 10/10 and you will be fine.

+1. I always think about what could go wrong when I'm at the track. Which probably slows me down a bit. But that's good thing.

Erhan · 05-23-2011, 10:59 PM

I did my first track day last Thursday. I was a little nervous about it too. Just start with slow pace, learn the track and get visual cues. Listen your instructor carefully. Stay hydrated.

radiantm3 · 05-23-2011, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the vote of confidence guys. I have pretty decent car control at lower speeds. I've recovered countless oversteers at autox events and car control clinics. Taking corners coming from higher speeds is where my fears are. That along with the fact that I could potentially get hit by another car. But I guess that shouldn't be an issue in the beginner group.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

What they said. GENERALLY speaking, it's a more mature group with the CCA and EVERY CAR has an instructor. You'd have to be an IDIOT to mess up a car in the "D" group.
Most of the accidents with the CCA are in the A group where guys are really pushing it. They'll tell you to keep your DSC on and it'll save your bacon, but honestly, as a beginner, you probably won't even activate it.

You can also get some track insurance if you're concerned.
It's a BLAST!!! I'll be there too- first time at that track for me. Hope to see you there.

.

Will you be getting track insurance? I'm thinking I won't need it in the beginner group if I don't have to worry so much about cars passing or me passing them. I'll look for your car!

zsapphire7 · 05-24-2011, 12:08 AM

just remember when you go to the track, its nothing like autoX. You should just throw most of that out the door and start from scratch.

Actually i think the beginner group is one of the most dangerous groups. You never know when you get crazy ppl in there.

paradocs98 · 05-24-2011, 12:28 AM

This is exactly why a lot of us got annoyed by the post in the Photos/Video/Media section from the other day "Drifting M3, Instructor Doesn't Like." Some see this kind of thing as "cool" and "badass," but your above videos show the potential consequences.

Overall, it's a fantastic experience at a track day. Just learn to identify the idiots and stay away from them.

saeedg48 · 05-24-2011, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PINHEAD

friends of this OP:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534563

you should be scared of idiots like that. Those are the type of people who think they are having fun, and cause accidents, and death.

this video shows exactly why fooling around like hanging the tail out for some "fun" is prohibited. The conception that "i know how to handle my car", nobody knows and even pros makes mistakes.

that last video was scary! damn - stay safe out there.

aus · 05-24-2011, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsapphire7

just remember when you go to the track, its nothing like autoX. You should just throw most of that out the door and start from scratch.

Actually i think the beginner group is one of the most dangerous groups. You never know when you get crazy ppl in there.

Have you run with the CCA? They won't tolerate any of that, especially in the D group. You inevitably get behind some really slow person and it slows things down until you can get a point by.

Quote:

Originally Posted by saeedg48

that last video was scary! damn - stay safe out there.

That guy was driving super aggressive since he got on the throttle when the Boxster lost the back end; looks like he was trying to blow by him. His car also has a full cage, so it's a totally different level of driving.

.

ThunderMoose · 05-24-2011, 08:08 AM

OP - I highly recommend you take a look through each of the Track section Stickies.

While there is an extremely low probability of having an accident in the beginner's group with instructor, but if you want some peace of mind, I highly recommend OnTrackInsurance.com.

You'll have a blast and will sleep like a baby that night as the adrenaline wears off.

05-23-2011, 07:39 PM	#1
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	First Track day coming up. These videos scare me. I'm doing my first HPDE at Laguna Seca in a few weeks (through BMWCCA). I'm really excited, but stumbled across some of these track day videos. Getting kind of scared. I have no problem with car control at autox speeds, but I'm sure it's much different going 50-80mph (or faster). I'm sure BMWCCA puts safety first, but I really hope those in my run group play it safe and smart. Just thought I'd share some of the videos I found. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-23-2011, 07:53 PM	#2
PINHEAD Motorsport Passion!!! 103 Rep 1,111 Posts Drives: 991 GT3RS/911R Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12)	friends of this OP: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534563 you should be scared of idiots like that. Those are the type of people who think they are having fun, and cause accidents, and death. this video shows exactly why fooling around like hanging the tail out for some "fun" is prohibited. The conception that "i know how to handle my car", nobody knows and even pros makes mistakes. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 07:59 PM	#3
Z4dave First Lieutenant 40 Rep 392 Posts Drives: 2012 STI Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Damm! I been dieing to get out to a track day but, im scared too. I think I can handle driving on a track but I know Ill just try to push my self to far. Be safe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:00 PM	#4
m3heaven Major 180 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: 2003.5 E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (10)	PINHEAD: I don't think the drive in that last video intentionally kicked his tail out...you can see that he just lost control of his rear. Track days are fun and safe as long as you are aware of the other drivers around you and don't push yourself to the limit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:02 PM	#5
Asclepius Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,861 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	Sick drifting in the second vid...too bad he lost it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:14 PM	#7
DTM-POWER Debonair 2 Rep 68 Posts Drives: e39 M5, 650hp Evo X Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Moving to FL iTrader: (0)	Ohh, I don't think anyone mentioned yet... I tell everyone CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY before you come to the track. It seems its 50-50 with people for insurance to cover you on the track being an "educational" event or not. Don't take your car on the track unless you are willing to completely write it off and not see a penny from anyone. __________________ Wait and euro delivery a 2012 E92 Alpine white on Fox DCT or get a 2011 now?? UGH
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:15 PM	#8
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	That does make me think twice about going to track days
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:27 PM	#9
BMWN55 Private 16 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	this will scare you. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 08:52 PM	#10
AMPowerJ One mod leads to another ... 416 Rep 2,900 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Blythewood, SC iTrader: (10)	Being a bit scared is good. It will make you focus and not do anything stupid. Just don't try to drive at 10/10 and you will be fine. __________________ Current: 2014 F10 M5 Previous: 2015 F80 M3, 2013 E92 M3, 2013 F10 M5, 2009 E90 M3, 1998 E36 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 09:14 PM	#11
chili cheese Major 101 Rep 1,086 Posts Drives: '16 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southern CA iTrader: (6)	OP, don't sweat it man. BMWCCA puts on a VERY safe event. You will be in a beginner group driving with others on the track with your skill set. Passing will most likely be point by only if at all. You'll only go as fast as you're comfortable with. Relax and have fun!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 09:34 PM	#12
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	BMW CCA probably has by far the BEST track records with regards to on-track incidents. I've seen fewer accidents at the local Pacific Region events (and this includes the Golden Gate Chapter) in the last 10 years than I've seen in a typical day commute. Not saying they won't happen, but typically they happen to people who have alternative agendas to learning how to drive fast in a safe environment, or people who don't listen to the IN CAR instructors. If you manage to do what those cars in the video did in your very first track event, especially with the BMW CCA? You probably don't belong in this sport. __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 09:59 PM	#13
spdy330 Major General 530 Rep 6,149 Posts Drives: 05 Tundra, 15 FIT, 17 CRV Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA iTrader: (163)	That is scary and I don't think your insurance will cover that! __________________ If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2011, 10:59 PM	#16
Erhan Colonel 87 Rep 2,464 Posts Drives: Cooper S Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I did my first track day last Thursday. I was a little nervous about it too. Just start with slow pace, learn the track and get visual cues. Listen your instructor carefully. Stay hydrated. __________________ 2011 MINI Cooper S previous cars: E92 M3, Z4MC, Z4 Roadster, E36 328 Sedan
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2011, 12:08 AM	#18
zsapphire7 Colonel 104 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	just remember when you go to the track, its nothing like autoX. You should just throw most of that out the door and start from scratch. Actually i think the beginner group is one of the most dangerous groups. You never know when you get crazy ppl in there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2011, 12:28 AM	#19
paradocs98 Lieutenant Colonel 394 Rep 1,519 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: May 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	This is exactly why a lot of us got annoyed by the post in the Photos/Video/Media section from the other day "Drifting M3, Instructor Doesn't Like." Some see this kind of thing as "cool" and "badass," but your above videos show the potential consequences. Overall, it's a fantastic experience at a track day. Just learn to identify the idiots and stay away from them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2011, 08:08 AM	#22
ThunderMoose Lieutenant Colonel 746 Rep 1,848 Posts Drives: PY E46 M3 and SG E46 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: League City, TX iTrader: (0)	OP - I highly recommend you take a look through each of the Track section Stickies. While there is an extremely low probability of having an accident in the beginner's group with instructor, but if you want some peace of mind, I highly recommend OnTrackInsurance.com. You'll have a blast and will sleep like a baby that night as the adrenaline wears off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote