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03-23-2010, 09:56 AM | #1 |
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How to start tracking.
Well, I have to admit that I am 19 with no track experiences. My friends are idiot that drives fast on canyon roads and surprisingly haven't died yet. I for one am not idiotic like them as they have been pushing me to take my M3 with them... no. I feel like starting to go tracking and hopefully lure my friends away from their "home grounds" and hopefully they will not be dangerous for not only themselves but others as well.
As of now I am planning on purchasing a e36 M3 and will be modifying it for track specs because I am afraid of destroying my e92 M3. I have a few questions below and if anyone may answer them that would be great. 1. What are track days/events like. 2. Since I have no experience with track days I assume it is best to find a coach first. 3. What do I need to bring to track. 4. Can't think right now so any advice/tip would be great. Yes, I know I am still young and you may question liability but I just want to know the information, doesn't mean I will be tracking anytime soon. Thank you.
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03-23-2010, 11:11 AM | #2 |
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First, congrats for making a good decision on visiting a track, and to participate in a HPDE. There are several threads relative to your questions, however, I am happy to provide some input.
1. Track days / events - There are many club chapters, BMW, Porche, Audi, Mazda, etc which sponsor events (refered to as HPDE, High Performance Driving Education) at tracks all over the country. Many are held in Calif. A typical event will usually comprise of several track periods, and as a novice which you will be, accompanied by an in car instructor who will be your event coach. Along with in car training, there is normally several class room sessions to underline what your instructor is coaching you in the car. Speed is not the issue, car control and situational awareness is the number one point with will be stressed during your first events. As you progress, driving skills will improve, and your training will advance also. A good source to find events: www.motorsportsreg.com 2. No need to look for a coach. Any HPDE event will provide very qualified instructors. 3. What to bring to the track, number one, an open mind, and willingness to learn. Any event you sign up for will provide you with information on what they recommend you have. Some of it is personal, most is required. Speaking for the events I participate in: You will need a "S" helmet, long sleve shirt, long pants, confortable shoes, (I used tennis shoes initially), driving gloves (are nice but not required), and personal as desired - i.e water, food/snacks, hat, jacket etc. 4. Sign up, relax, and go have a good time - no have a great time. This will be a good experience, so be ready, it is very habit forming. vz
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03-23-2010, 11:12 AM | #3 |
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First, congrats for making a good decision on visiting a track, and to participate in a HPDE. There are several threads relative to your questions, however, I am happy to provide some input.
1. Track days / events - There are many club chapters, BMW, Porche, Audi, Mazda, etc which sponsor events (refered to as HPDE, High Performance Driving Education) at tracks all over the country. Many are held in Calif. A typical event will usually comprise of several track periods, and as a novice which you will be, accompanied by an in car instructor who will be your event coach. Along with in car training, there is normally several class room sessions to underline what your instructor is coaching you in the car. Speed is not the issue, car control and situational awareness is the number one point with will be stressed during your first events. As you progress, driving skills will improve, and your training will advance also. 2. No need to look for a coach. Any HPDE event will provide very qualified instructors. 3. What to bring to the track, number one, an open mind, and willingness to learn. Any event you sign up for will provide you with information on what they recommend you have. Some of it is personal, most is required. Speaking for the events I participate in: You will need a "S" helmet, long sleve shirt, long pants, confortable shoes, (I used tennis shoes initially), driving gloves (are nice but not required), and personal as desired - i.e water, food/snacks, hat, jacket etc. 4. Sign up, relax, and go have a good time - no have a great time. This will be a good experience, so be ready, it is very habit forming. vz
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03-23-2010, 11:12 AM | #4 |
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First, congrats for making a good decision on visiting a track, and to participate in a HPDE. There are several threads relative to your questions, however, I am happy to provide some input.
1. Track days / events - There are many club chapters, BMW, Porche, Audi, Mazda, etc which sponsor events (refered to as HPDE, High Performance Driving Education) at tracks all over the country. Many are held in Calif. A typical event will usually comprise of several track periods, and as a novice which you will be, accompanied by an in car instructor who will be your event coach. Along with in car training, there is normally several class room sessions to underline what your instructor is coaching you in the car. Speed is not the issue, car control and situational awareness is the number one point with will be stressed during your first events. As you progress, driving skills will improve, and your training will advance also. 2. No need to look for a coach. Any HPDE event will provide very qualified instructors. 3. What to bring to the track, number one, an open mind, and willingness to learn. Any event you sign up for will provide you with information on what they recommend you have. Some of it is personal, most is required. Speaking for the events I participate in: You will need a "S" helmet, long sleve shirt, long pants, confortable shoes, (I used tennis shoes initially), driving gloves (are nice but not required), and personal as desired - i.e water, food/snacks, hat, jacket etc. 4. Sign up, relax, and go have a good time - no have a great time. This will be a good experience, so be ready, it is very habit forming. vz
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03-23-2010, 11:13 AM | #5 |
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First, congrats for making a good decision on visiting a track, and to participate in a HPDE. There are several threads relative to your questions, however, I am happy to provide some input.
1. Track days / events - There are many club chapters, BMW, Porche, Audi, Mazda, etc which sponsor events (refered to as HPDE, High Performance Driving Education) at tracks all over the country. Many are held in Calif. A typical event will usually comprise of several track periods, and as a novice which you will be, accompanied by an in car instructor who will be your event coach. Along with in car training, there is normally several class room sessions to underline what your instructor is coaching you in the car. Speed is not the issue, car control and situational awareness is the number one point with will be stressed during your first events. As you progress, driving skills will improve, and your training will advance also. 2. No need to look for a coach. Any HPDE event will provide very qualified instructors. 3. What to bring to the track, number one, an open mind, and willingness to learn. Any event you sign up for will provide you with information on what they recommend you have. Some of it is personal, most is required. Speaking for the events I participate in: You will need a "S" helmet, long sleve shirt, long pants, confortable shoes, (I used tennis shoes initially), driving gloves (are nice but not required), and personal as desired - i.e water, food/snacks, hat, jacket etc. 4. Sign up, relax, and go have a good time - no have a great time. This will be a good experience, so be ready, it is very habit forming. vz
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03-23-2010, 12:19 PM | #7 |
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i'm much older but i started tracking after i got my hopefully "last" ticket.. that was a $430 tic and i was thinking "man.. on track i will have more fun without worrying about cops"..
it's pretty addicting to say the least.. have fun!
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03-23-2010, 12:32 PM | #8 |
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i'm much older but i started tracking after i got my hopefully "last" ticket.. that was a $430 tic and i was thinking "man.. on track i will have more fun without worrying about cops"..
it's pretty addicting to say the least.. have fun!
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Future mod consideration: exhaust, pulley
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03-23-2010, 05:17 PM | #9 | |
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Drives: 2010 BMW M3 E92 | 2008 Z4M E86
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03-23-2010, 05:36 PM | #10 | |
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Drives: 2010 BMW M3 E92 | 2008 Z4M E86
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03-23-2010, 05:41 PM | #11 | |
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Drives: 2010 BMW M3 E92 | 2008 Z4M E86
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03-23-2010, 07:33 PM | #12 | |
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Yes, there will be novice drivers at the event. Most events have various classes based on skill and experience, these classes are called "run groups," and drivers are assigned to them according to their ability. Normally, each class will be on the track by its self. vz
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03-25-2010, 03:07 PM | #13 |
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You will be addicted. I certainly am. Two great resources I use are www.motorsportreg.com and www.bmwcca.org There are plenty of other organizations, but you can start with these two and then look for others.
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03-25-2010, 04:09 PM | #14 |
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BMWCCA is your friend.
There's an event coming up in May at the Autoclub speedway in Fontana, which isn't too far. They'll also loan you a helmet for $10/day.
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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03-29-2010, 04:28 PM | #15 |
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Get out there and have some fun! I have met great people and I have had some of the most exciting drives. Looking at racing in the future.
Go to Auto club next month with BMWCCA. That will be a great turn out and you can run your E92.
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04-02-2010, 08:48 PM | #16 |
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There are certainly lots of threads on this and other forums about what to bring to the track, etc... but in my opinion for an absolute beginner I would just emphasize:
- besides the age of the break fluid, the tread left on your tires and the amount left on your break pads, you absolutely do not need to worry about anything else on your car... especially if you have a brand new car like us. I say this because looking at all the posts here, you might get worried that going to the track is soooo complicated when it fact it is not. You simply need to take your time to learn and the terminology, driving technique, etc... will come naturally if you listen to your instructor and be patient. - don't be shy to ask experienced people at the track for tips, help, tools (eg, torque wrench to check your lug nuts, ....)... all the people who go there, with the exception of the few "forever grumpy" folks, are all passionate about piloting and will be happy to coach/help you. Go out there, listen and as many people said... HAVE FUN!!!
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04-02-2010, 11:16 PM | #17 |
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Thanks for the response guys. I think I will go to a track event my friend is going to and watch and observe first since mine is still in the break in period. Really helpful to know that it isn't as complicated as I originally thought it was.
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04-03-2010, 12:17 AM | #18 |
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hey HuangYiChao , if you have 599 to spare, go register at "orange county Racecraft" for first timer, you need to do the School + track day. first half of the day you will go thought few exercises to learn the concept of car dynamic. They have a lot of instructor that currently still racing. You gotta have the concept of what is auto racing before you head to the track. Next event on May 29th. i will be there doing the lapping day.
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04-03-2010, 02:33 AM | #19 | |
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Drives: 2010 BMW M3 E92 | 2008 Z4M E86
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04-03-2010, 02:54 AM | #20 |
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I started tracking 6 years ago when I was 16. I was the slowest dude on the track when I first started (2005 Subaru STi). After many track days, I became an instructor when I was 19. Then, I went on to 3 years of racing and won a Spec Miata championship with the SCCA.
The best thing to do would be to track your street car while it is stock. Then, if you want to continue getting faster after 5-7 trackdays, buy a slower and cheaper car like a Miata, S2000, or an E30/E36. That will let you push harder and not worry about damaging the car, and you will learn more about driving because you will not have driving aids and power to make up for lack of skill. PM me if you have any more specific questions. I actually do private coaching but for a beginner the best bet is to do a few days with a local trackday group. Good luck! |
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04-04-2010, 11:57 AM | #21 | |
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If not already addicted by looking for information many times a week.
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04-08-2010, 01:41 AM | #22 | |
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Quote:
http://www.bmwclubla.org/media/docum...ation_2010.doc
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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