Houston M Club Invades TWS 8/17

[bigjae1976]

I don't know about TWS having tons of run off. Outside of T15-13 there's a big ditch that will make you look like Bo Duke. Then the outside of T9-7 there are trees if you get really out of shape. A relatively common one is dropping 2 wheel on the outside of T7 and then trying to get the car back on track. There's a big drop off on the edge so your wheel will catch and throw your car across the track if you're lucky...you'll roll the car if you're unlucky. Outside of T4 there's a tire wall on the outside. Then a big ditch on the inside along with a fence. Outside of T2-1 there is a steep drop off and a ditch. You could roll down the hill and/or launch the car. Get sideways out of T1 onto the front straight over the bump, you either go down into the hot pit wall. Or start oscillating and go into the outside wall.

CW has more potential issues since its faster and most the danger areas are on corner exit. CCW has most of the danger areas on corner entry so you're slowing down vs speeding up.

But CW is more fun!

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I don't know about TWS having tons of run off. Outside of T15-13 there's a big ditch that will make you look like Bo Duke. Then the outside of T9-7 there are trees if you get really out of shape. A relatively common one is dropping 2 wheel on the outside of T7 and then trying to get the car back on track. There's a big drop off on the edge so your wheel will catch and throw your car across the track if you're lucky...you'll roll the car if you're unlucky. Outside of T4 there's a tire wall on the outside. Then a big ditch on the inside along with a fence. Outside of T2-1 there is a steep drop off and a ditch. You could roll down the hill and/or launch the car. Get sideways out of T1 onto the front straight over the bump, you either go down into the hot pit wall. Or start oscillating and go into the outside wall.

CW has more potential issues since its faster and most the danger areas are on corner exit. CCW has most of the danger areas on corner entry so you're slowing down vs speeding up.

But CW is more fun!

IMO, these only come into play if you're really pushing it. Compared to other tracks that I see that have barriers everywhere, TWS is relatively benign.

[bigjae1976]

There are some places where there's run off. The thing to be careful with at TWS is that the high speed and tricky turns have potential disaster on the other side if you're not aware. That's what makes TWS unique...those unprotected ditches. It really doesn't take much to miss those turns.

But do let me know if my tire marks in the grass on the outside of T10 are still there!

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by VMcV3y

El Bimmer replied, but I'll add-on.

1. You won't wear out that stuff in a day. As an example, I made four track days, plus 16,000 of other miles before it was time to replace the tires. This will just give you a good excuse to get a second set of 18" or 19" (whatever you don't have now) wheels and then run cheaper 18" tires for track days.

2. This is the place to learn! Nobody, and I mean nobody, will "push" you to do anything more than you want to do. The "novice" group is about learning...learning your car, and learning driving skills.

Often in new situations, I suggest that people go "look" to see if they want to try a new sport/adventure/etc. But in this case, if you came to TWS to watch, after about ten minutes' time you would say, "Damn, wish I had signed up for this!"

- V


.

good post

driving on the track is easy......driving well on the track......well that's another story!

m club is good for novices because they limit the number of cars on track, which makes things a lot less nervous out there.

typically they run with 10-15 or so cars per run group.......for comparison, my last Drivers edge event had 29 cars in the same run group. a lot more dicey in that situation. I have more experience now so it was manageable, but m3club events are a good place to test the waters.

plus, the m3 is a whole lot more fun and better on the track than the street.

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

I'm up in Austin, and I'm really thinking about trying this if there are any novice spots still open. Just haven't been able to convince myself to commit.

So here are some rookie concerns that maybe y'all can help me with... and if there are still spots open maybe I can convince myself to go for it.

1. The M3. Don't wanna wear out the tires in a day and buy new ones, tear up the clutch, brakes, etc... so is it possible for a new guy to go easy?

2. My skill level. I mostly ride a bicycle to begin with. I drive OK out on the roads, but as far as any real driving/racing experience I have ZERO, and honestly I'm not looking to be the next AJ Foyt.

So: Anyone willing to put my fears to rest and help me sign up for this thing?!

I think you are worried for no reason at this point. Once you have more time on the track and understand the limits of your car you'll need to worry a little more. That's when you really start to push limits that might not be there.....as a novice you should really worry about enjoying the day and learning as much as you can about your car and your driving skills. With an instructor with you, the chances of wearing out tires and brakes are slim. The instructor will keep things very safe and manageable.....and all of his directions will be based on your level of comfort and skill. No one will ask or encourage you to do anything unsafe......you have my word on that. We run a very safe event and we try to make it enjoyable for every participant. So check your insurance and get signed up...............Phil

[stevenc]

TWS is probably the fastest track around, but I agree that its pretty safe if you just drive your skill level. Listen to your instructor and do what feels comfortable. Don't over do it and you will have a great time.

[surlynkid]

I was hitting 140 at the end of straight CCW and that is coming out of the last turn with a lot less speed than I should. The E9x M3's can easily be up to 150 in the straight, so be careful if you don't have insurance. Sally watched a Mazda run out of brakes and shoot right off into the grass coming down off the bank. I swear it looked like that falls off into a black hole.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

I swear it looked like that falls off into a black hole.

It does...recommend opting for the lap of shame on the NASCAR oval.

[surlynkid]

Originally Posted by ///M Ryder

I think you are worried for no reason at this point. Once you have more time on the track and understand the limits of your car you'll need to worry a little more. That's when you really start to push limits that might not be there.....as a novice you should really worry about enjoying the day and learning as much as you can about your car and your driving skills. With an instructor with you, the chances of wearing out tires and brakes are slim. The instructor will keep things very safe and manageable.....and all of his directions will be based on your level of comfort and skill. No one will ask or encourage you to do anything unsafe......you have my word on that. We run a very safe event and we try to make it enjoyable for every participant. So check your insurance and get signed up...............Phil

ask the 2012 Mustang GT 5.0 owner in the blue group on May 4-5 about how is instructor kept him from driving through T14 straight into the wall wiping out his car. it can happen to anyone. again - drive safe and within the limits of the car. cars with stock brakes need to slow down or they will leave you in a bad place. that track allows you to be uber fast in a E9x M3. respect it.

the stoptechs and pagid pads might have squealed all weekend, but they brought the car to a screeching halt when needed.

[track_warrior]

Aw poo, i wont be in the country those dates . Ill make the next one for sure.

[///M Ryder]

Back to the top........Phil

[Black Gold]

in for the new date, will sign up today

glad the M club is back at the track!

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

in for the new date, will sign up today

glad the M club is back at the track!

Got your registration info.......can't wait to checkout the 997 TT.............Phil

[Kong Sheng Han]

I signed up for the Houston M Club, but I was never contacted back. :

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by Kong Sheng Han

I signed up for the Houston M Club, but I was never contacted back. :

PM sent...........Phil

[///M Ryder]

Bump for beginner/novice group update..............Phil

[2012 Boss 302]

I think I'm number 15 on the list. I also assume I will be the lone Boss at this event so I'll just paint that bulls eye on my back bumper right now.

Question, will there be a parade lap around lunch time??

Second question, refresh my memory, what class did I sign up for??

Thanks, Robert....

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by 2012 Boss 302

I think I'm number 15 on the list. I also assume I will be the lone Boss at this event so I'll just paint that bulls eye on my back bumper right now.

Question, will there be a parade lap around lunch time??

Second question, refresh my memory, what class did I sign up for??

Thanks, Robert....

Robert you are registered in the beginner group. We are planning a parade lap prior to the start of the day......Phil

[disapr]

Phil, do you have a schedule for the event yet?

What time will the facility be open for setup? I'll probably get there pretty early.

[Richard@M-World]

Originally Posted by disapr

Phil, do you have a schedule for the event yet?

What time will the facility be open for setup? I'll probably get there pretty early.

We are still finalizing the schedule based on the final number of sign ups. Will let you know once we know!

[Richard@M-World]

We are completely full for the following groups:

1. Beginner/Novice
2. Intermediates who have NEVER attended an event at TWS

Thanks!

[scott@bmwhn]

Our annual physical inventory falls on the 18th so I'm not gonna make this

-Scott