Track Racing Information - Prep work, locations etc

[slikk66]

Hi guys, I picked up my e92 m3 this weekend, what a beauty. I really am interested in taking it to the track soon. The nearest track to me is Willow Springs near Bakersfield.

I read on their website all vechicles must be "race prepped", which I would assume may involve taping the lights up etc, so what that requires I need to know. I couldn't find that info on their website.

Also, I would assume most people change out the rims and tires to avoid damage to the stock set. I figured I would look into buying some cheap wheels + tires on ebay or local speed shops. Any info on tires/wheels would be great.

I saw a m6 at a gas station recently and spoke to the owner. He had bluish sticky tape all along the bottom of his car to avoid stone/rock damage. Is this required by the track or just preference. I would probabaly do the same.

Other tracks in CA are Infineon in Sonoma, and Laguna Seca in Montery. I couldn't find any info on those sites about open racing, it seems you have to go with part of a car club that reserves the whole track. Does anyone know of any?

Thanks! See you on the track.

[DJ9]

Originally Posted by slikk66

Hi guys, I picked up my e92 m3 this weekend, what a beauty. I really am interested in taking it to the track soon. The nearest track to me is Willow Springs near Bakersfield.

I read on their website all vechicles must be "race prepped", which I would assume may involve taping the lights up etc, so what that requires I need to know. I couldn't find that info on their website.

Also, I would assume most people change out the rims and tires to avoid damage to the stock set. I figured I would look into buying some cheap wheels + tires on ebay or local speed shops. Any info on tires/wheels would be great.

I saw a m6 at a gas station recently and spoke to the owner. He had bluish sticky tape all along the bottom of his car to avoid stone/rock damage. Is this required by the track or just preference. I would probabaly do the same.

Other tracks in CA are Infineon in Sonoma, and Laguna Seca in Montery. I couldn't find any info on those sites about open racing, it seems you have to go with part of a car club that reserves the whole track. Does anyone know of any?

Thanks! See you on the track.

Before you can drive out on a track, most of them require some sort of general inspection(prep); not sure how the site you visited is defining "race prepped" though.

BMW CCA holds mellow track days(which is what i do); that are geared more as driving courses, but they are a blast. For more race oriented events, you could always do Trackmasters or NASA.

As far as the painters tape, just get a clear bra and you wont have to deal with that.

[man02195]

Originally Posted by DJ9

Before you can drive out on a track, most of them require some sort of general inspection(prep); not sure how the site you visited is defining "race prepped" though.

BMW CCA holds mellow track days(which is what i do); that are geared more as driving courses, but they are a blast. For more race oriented events, you could always do Trackmasters or NASA.

As far as the painters tape, just get a clear bra and you wont have to deal with that.

+1, the first couple of bmwcca events you'll be in D-group and won't need (nor they recommend you use) R compound tires or expensive rims. After a few track days, I'd look into some high temp front brake pads to swap out for the school, and that's about all.

[DJ9]

Originally Posted by man02195

+1, the first couple of bmwcca events you'll be in D-group and won't need (nor they recommend you use) R compound tires or expensive rims. After a few track days, I'd look into some high temp front brake pads to swap out for the school, and that's about all.

I'm on the waiting list right now for Laguna Seca, I forgot this event gets full months ahead.

Funny (not really i gues), I recall a guy that put R compound tires on his M and did not have the skills to handle them....he ended up crashing into the wall right after turn 9 at Infineon. No injuries, just a really sad M3 owner...keep in mind he had DSC off and R compound tires.

[valeram]

The Porsche club run in Mid-Ohio, a form needs to be completed by a license mechanic. It practically check that all safety equipments are in good working conditions. A Porsche dealer can also do the check and sign the form.

[icemang17]

I also think you should run the stock wheels-tires for your first few events.....ya it will increase wear, but its still far cheaper than a set of rims with R compounds....the biggest feature is street tires are WAY more forgiving if you make a mistake..

On that note a great track for new drivers is Thunderhill in Willows CA...yes its pretty far from you...but there are NOT that many walls to hit if you go off...just dirt....which is nice for a beginner!!

I've driven Thunderhill 4 times in my 928 & LOVE IT....you really can't apperciate what a high performance car (even a 20 year old one) can do on the street.....plus during DE's your out there with an instructor (they help ALOT) for 20-25 minutes 4 to 6 times over the day!!! Thats some serious smile factor!!

I will track my M3 DCT Coupe when it is broken in..... drop me a PM if your interested, hopefully we can both track Thunderhill on the same day....just like anything else...track days are WAY more fun with friends!!

[sayemthree]

if you have not tracked before go with a group like BMW CCA - you get lots of instruction in car and classroom, otherwise you are out there learning bad habits. its one of the safer groups also. they are doing Willow Springs June1 and Cal Speedway in October.

[sayemthree]

oh - as far as the car - stock is perfectly fine. if nothing else track pads would help. I recommend clear bra.

also CCA has a one day friday at buttonwillow.

[clubspec330i]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

oh - as far as the car - stock is perfectly fine. if nothing else track pads would help. I recommend clear bra.

also CCA has a one day friday at buttonwillow.

Most M3 owner that has never come any where near the limit of the STOCK tire, brake, and the car itself.

I would say that stock E92/E90 M3 tire is more than fine. My stock '05 M3 ZCP with PS1 ran right up there with '03 Mustang Cobra with R-Comp at Street of Willow back in '06 when I used to track a lot.

BMWCCA AutoX is another good way to learn about your car in a safe environment.

Cheers,

Mack - E90 coming soon...

[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by clubspec330i

Most M3 owner that has never come any where near the limit of the STOCK tire, brake, and the car itself.

I would say that stock E92/E90 M3 tire is more than fine. My stock '05 M3 ZCP with PS1 ran right up there with '03 Mustang Cobra with R-Comp at Street of Willow back in '06 when I used to track a lot.

BMWCCA AutoX is another good way to learn about your car in a safe environment.

Cheers,

Mack - E90 coming soon...

agree that AX is a good way to learn. and "most" owners dont go past the limit. but rest assured, when you do it is great fun an really amazing what these M cars will do.

[smmmurf]

www.motorsportreg.com

That's a listing of a lot of track events (searchable by ZIP, event type, etc.).

You're welcome.

[Feffman]

Feel free to visit MVP Track Time at www.MVPTrackTime.com. Happy Motoring!

Feff

[DJ9]

Just did Track Master's last month..and will be attending their events much more going forward.

Fantastic and very well run org.

Will be doing Infineon on Aug 7th with TMR and the BMW CCA on Aug 9/10th at Thunderhill if any of you guys are interesting.

TMR link:

http://www.trackmasters-racing.com/

[skierman64]

I highly recommend BMW CCA.

Race prep for racing probably means installling a roll cage in your vehicle, which won't be required for BMWCCA or other driver's schools.

[skierman64]

Here's some video of me at a BMW CCA event at Summit Point, WV. This is in my '98 E36.

This was only my second session on this particular track, which is why my instructor is talking so much. After you get to know the track, the amount of talking is reduced to almost zero.