Track

[lenrok]

Who has tracked their cars? I have an itch for getting mine out there, something entry level to have some fun and learn. Mine is 100% stock other than being on H&R springs. I might pick up a second set of squared 219M wheels on Bridgestone RE71R's.

Any feedback on your experience? Over time I know I'll need to upgrade the stock brakes as even on street use they tend to fade a bit.

[Bartledoo]

It's the must fun you'll ever have driving your car! But how can you be fading your brakes on the street!? Midnight Club?

[lenrok]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

It's the must fun you'll ever have driving your car! But how can you be fading your brakes on the street!? Midnight Club?

They feel like they fade a bit to me, I drive pretty aggressive

[InnerBlueSkies]

I'm about to embark on a 1700 trek from TX to Cranford, second time this month. Almost make sure I fill up in PA so no one has to touch my car. Full alert once I enter Dirty Jerzey, you guys are crazy.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by lenrok

They feel like they fade a bit to me, I drive pretty aggressive

Unlikely unless you are driving in unpopulated mountains or canyons. On the street, you are almost certainly not going to get brake fade because you can’t drive fast enough and brake hard enough repeatedly enough to overheat them without getting arrested.

[SYT_Shadow]

these are great track cars. Progressive, communicative, quite fast in the right hands

[lenrok]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Unlikely unless you are driving in unpopulated mountains or canyons. On the street, you are almost certainly not going to get brake fade because you can’t drive fast enough and brake hard enough repeatedly enough to overheat them without getting arrested.

You would have to see for yourself.

[lenrok]

What helmets are you guys using, is there a certain rating I need?

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by lenrok

You would have to see for yourself.

Fading the brakes on the streets of southern New Jersey?

[Bartledoo]

I remember the Jersey turnpike having some very long open straights, but not many heavy braking zones...

[lenrok]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

I remember the Jersey turnpike having some very long open straights, but not many heavy braking zones...

Sections of Upstate NY were I have relatives has amazing roads and I've pushed the car pretty aggressively.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by lenrok

What helmets are you guys using, is there a certain rating I need?

SA2020 is current.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by amrazM

SA2020 is current.

Yup. You can never go wrong buying the latest spec helmet as they are typically not a lot more money but will allowed for the longest period of time.

And my first helmet was an SA2000... faaaaak. Time flies sooo faaaast. Only thing faster is the speed at which my M3 hits empty after a fill.

Cheers,

[decimation1]

I love driving my e90 on the track. After my first couple of days came the Stoptech BBK and my KW Clubsports are being delivered today. Be careful, it's a slippery slope.......

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by amrazM

SA2020 is current.

Current, but with no helmets available to buy until at least October 2020 - https://www.smf.org/standards/sa/2020/SA2020_cover.pdf

Most HPDE organizations accept the current and the previous Snell helmet ratings, so you'll be fine with a SA2015 helmet for a while.

[lenrok]

I'm helmet shopping and appreciate the info fellas. I have a few items on the list for mods to start. However any suggestions?

[MiamiE93Vert]

Originally Posted by lenrok

I'm helmet shopping and appreciate the info fellas. I have a few items on the list for mods to start. However any suggestions?

Brake fluid upgrade, brake pads, BBK, track tires in order of cost. Can never have enough brake power, cars are heavy and brake fade is to be respected. Just do it! Lots of fun.

[lenrok]

Originally Posted by MiamiE93Vert

Brake fluid upgrade, brake pads, BBK, track tires in order of cost. Can never have enough brake power, cars are heavy and brake fade is to be respected. Just do it! Lots of fun.

I picked up a squared 18" set up with Bridgestone RE71's. Any specific set of pads? I've read up on a few. What brake fluid? BBK's will depend on how hooked I get on track days. I want to give it a shot and see how it goes.

[Spoff_E90_M3]

Minimum upgrades to get on track - Brake pads I recommend are Performance Friction PFC 08 on all corners with high temp Motul RBF600 fluid. Everything else can be stock. Go out and have some fun before committing to this VERY expensive hobby!

Just the safety gear alone is expensive:
The cheese grater rotors eat pads on high speed tracks. My front pads last only 2 days of HPDE and the rears go 12-15 days.

Stock front rotors last me about 15-20 track days and my rears have over 50 days and are still okay.

My Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will go 15-20 track days but will not have as much grip on the later days.

[lenrok]

Originally Posted by Spoff_E90_M3

Just the safety gear alone is expensive:

Do I need more than just a Snell2015 helmet?

[SAMM3Y]

If your gonna go do "driving school" to get your "solo" class your stock car will be fine. You can borrow a buddies motorcycle helmet if you like. Go get a baseline for your car and interest. Don't sink a ton of money into yet.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by lenrok

Do I need more than just a Snell2015 helmet?

Maybe, but some of that is a personal preference. You'll have a better idea after a few more track days.

RaceQuip makes fair quality and cheap helmets. I have the Pro15 and it works well enough. Just don't get an open faced helmet as they may not always be allowed to be used.

Once you're feeling like you need a head and neck restraint system, you should be approved to solo with all the groups you do track days through. Which specific system combo depends on your helmet and will need to a comfortable fit. So you'll end up with whatever the local race supply store sells.

Gloves will most likely be your next purchase and potentially narrow driving shoes as well. I picked a pair of very narrow shoes from Puma as my regular shoes overlap the pedals. Puma has a line for BMW Motorsport so pick up your Halloween costume early. They have monthly 40% off sales so wait to take advantage of that.

https://us.puma.com/en/us/pd/bmw-m-m...76648_color=02 - this jacket in white is my favorite.