HPDE event- storage options

e92doc · 03-30-2014, 08:05 PM

Ok so I came to ask everyones opinion of storage options at the track for HPDE days.

I usually run at watkins glen and I am not an instructor so I don't get to use the garage. The past few years Ive used a canopy that we anchor down to the pavement with weights and tires. Both years the canopy has been destroyed due to high winds and breaking the metal supports. In addition it doesn't really keep anything dry and if anyone knows anything about watkins in always rains. The biggest issue is on the last day also having to bring luggage. My wife tracks too so her car and stuff is with me too.

This year Im trying a waterproof tent to keep my stuff (luggage, storage bins for torque wrench etc) dry and covered. Any other suggestions?

jphughan · 03-30-2014, 08:20 PM

Tents are a pain because there often aren't great places to hammer down the stakes (weighing them down doesn't work as well as it does with a canopy for some reason), and if it's windy even getting them set up is an ordeal. Ask me how I know.

You'd probably be better off using large waterproof bags or hard plastic tool chests.

Estoril Blue · 03-30-2014, 08:21 PM

I use Home Dept plastic storage crate with 2-peice folding tops. Half of tarp is on the ground and the other half flipped over the top of the crates, tool box etc..

MCPilot · 03-30-2014, 10:43 PM

I have done the canopy thing for many years now - our typical strategy is to not fully extend the legs to keep it lower to the ground - better sun/rain protection and to weight from the center with a heavy tool box. If it rains hard everything still gets wet.

This year I will be taking track wheels/tires with me. I am debating getting a Thule roof rack and storage box. The rack bolts directly to the roof of the car (under the 4 little doors between the carbon roof and the painted edge), so taking it off once I am at the event should be easy. The storage box is water proof and can hold all my stuff.

With a second person install or removal of the rack should be less than 10 minutes.

surlynkid · 03-31-2014, 05:51 AM

Tow rig.

DB · 03-31-2014, 07:50 AM

I use a canopy at most events, including the Glen. I've kept stuff dry during rain by putting it in on my folding chairs in the middle of the canopy. That doesn't answer the overnight question...I usually load everything back into the trunk and set up again the next day. I do know that some groups let you rent a garage space, so that may be an option depending on who you are going with.

bigjae1976 · 03-31-2014, 08:37 AM

I use plastic totes from Home Depot. One for oil, tools and dirty stuff. The other for clean stuff. I have some extra trash bags on hand. Otherwise, tow vehicle.

Sleeper519 · 03-31-2014, 12:10 PM

As others have said, waterproof plastic bins for tools and stuff, tent canopy down low and corners tied down to street tires. I usually have luggage on the second day too so to rain-proof put the rubber floor mat from trunk as a base, put duffle bags, etc on that, and wrap whole thing up in a $5 5x7' tarp. Anchor it with cooler and jack. Dry as toast.

WarrantyTracker · 03-31-2014, 01:08 PM

If I trailer the car instead of driving, I just leave everything in the tow vehicle.

If I drive the car: instead of trying to find a way to keep my luggage dry at the track on check-out day, I now just pack my personal stuff in another plastic storage bin.

bonus: Level 3 bedbug defense. Just sayin.

Gearhead999s · 03-31-2014, 01:31 PM

I find my friends with enclosed trailers or garages if it is wet out.

03-30-2014, 08:05 PM	#1
e92doc Hospital Slave 256 Rep 295 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '16 X3, 15 328, '15 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 i3 [0.00] 2014 X1 [0.00] 2013 BMW M5 [0.00] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 335xi Coupe [0.00]	HPDE event- storage options Ok so I came to ask everyones opinion of storage options at the track for HPDE days. I usually run at watkins glen and I am not an instructor so I don't get to use the garage. The past few years Ive used a canopy that we anchor down to the pavement with weights and tires. Both years the canopy has been destroyed due to high winds and breaking the metal supports. In addition it doesn't really keep anything dry and if anyone knows anything about watkins in always rains. The biggest issue is on the last day also having to bring luggage. My wife tracks too so her car and stuff is with me too. This year Im trying a waterproof tent to keep my stuff (luggage, storage bins for torque wrench etc) dry and covered. Any other suggestions? __________________ 2015 M3 Dakar Yellow, Full M performance, CCBs 2016 M3- Ferrari Red, DCT, competition pkg, Performance Exhaust, CCBs
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03-30-2014, 08:20 PM	#2
jphughan Brigadier General 621 Rep 4,473 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Tents are a pain because there often aren't great places to hammer down the stakes (weighing them down doesn't work as well as it does with a canopy for some reason), and if it's windy even getting them set up is an ordeal. Ask me how I know. You'd probably be better off using large waterproof bags or hard plastic tool chests. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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03-30-2014, 08:21 PM	#3
Estoril Blue Lieutenant 133 Rep 447 Posts Drives: 2006 M3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I use Home Dept plastic storage crate with 2-peice folding tops. Half of tarp is on the ground and the other half flipped over the top of the crates, tool box etc..
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03-30-2014, 10:43 PM	#4
MCPilot Private First Class 9 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I have done the canopy thing for many years now - our typical strategy is to not fully extend the legs to keep it lower to the ground - better sun/rain protection and to weight from the center with a heavy tool box. If it rains hard everything still gets wet. This year I will be taking track wheels/tires with me. I am debating getting a Thule roof rack and storage box. The rack bolts directly to the roof of the car (under the 4 little doors between the carbon roof and the painted edge), so taking it off once I am at the event should be easy. The storage box is water proof and can hold all my stuff. With a second person install or removal of the rack should be less than 10 minutes. __________________ \|ST BBK\|KW Competition\|Formula 43\|Dinan Intake-Pulley-Exhaust\|R888\|Schroth\|BPM\|UUC-SSK\|UCP\|Turner\|Racing Dynamics\|RRT\|
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03-31-2014, 05:51 AM	#5
surlynkid Major 134 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 Porsche GT3 [0.00] 1988 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 1995 Toyota T-100 4x4 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	Tow rig. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| PFC08 / Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| MCS 2-way with 700/1000lb springs \| Solid bushings and adjustable links \| RD front swaybar \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 NT01 \| Turner Race Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Alekshop Oil Cooler \| Performance Steering Wheel \| \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit Pro \| Turner Steering Rack Stops \| Vorshlag Camber Plates
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03-31-2014, 07:50 AM	#6
DB M3/Raptor 49 Rep 302 Posts Drives: to the track Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: near Philly iTrader: (2)	I use a canopy at most events, including the Glen. I've kept stuff dry during rain by putting it in on my folding chairs in the middle of the canopy. That doesn't answer the overnight question...I usually load everything back into the trunk and set up again the next day. I do know that some groups let you rent a garage space, so that may be an option depending on who you are going with.
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03-31-2014, 08:37 AM	#7
bigjae1976 Major General 2013 Rep 8,248 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [6.33] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [6.83] 2013 BMW 328i [6.67]	I use plastic totes from Home Depot. One for oil, tools and dirty stuff. The other for clean stuff. I have some extra trash bags on hand. Otherwise, tow vehicle. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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03-31-2014, 12:10 PM	#8
Sleeper519 Captain 82 Rep 869 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	As others have said, waterproof plastic bins for tools and stuff, tent canopy down low and corners tied down to street tires. I usually have luggage on the second day too so to rain-proof put the rubber floor mat from trunk as a base, put duffle bags, etc on that, and wrap whole thing up in a $5 5x7' tarp. Anchor it with cooler and jack. Dry as toast. __________________ 2008 M3 Coupe / DCT // StopTech BBK 380/355 / Pagid RS29 / Motul / Apex Arc-8 / BFG R1S / Ground Control / MS filter / Performance spoiler / BPM tune // Road Atlanta 1:39.70 / VIR Full 2:10.87 / Barber 1:42.20
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03-31-2014, 01:08 PM	#9
WarrantyTracker Track? What Track? I was just riding along . . . 54 Rep 694 Posts Drives: Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: An Undisclosed Location iTrader: (1)	If I trailer the car instead of driving, I just leave everything in the tow vehicle. If I drive the car: instead of trying to find a way to keep my luggage dry at the track on check-out day, I now just pack my personal stuff in another plastic storage bin. bonus: Level 3 bedbug defense. Just sayin.
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03-31-2014, 01:31 PM	#10
Gearhead999s Major General 997 Rep 7,887 Posts Drives: RR Velar R=Dynamic M2C R1200GS Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I find my friends with enclosed trailers or garages if it is wet out.
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