thanks.. i hope all the guys im out with on the track are like that bit but im worried about that one guy driving a beat up civic that doesnt care about anything...

thanks guys i do want to go to a race school ASAP.

 

With suspension mods, the GS handles fine out there, it'll hold its own. Other drivers, and passengers, were surprised how well the GS handles on the track for a larger sports luxury sedan. Keep in mind it is not a sports car, so it will not handle like a Porsche, S2000, Z, Supra, NSX, etc. Besides suspension mods, a brake upgrade is a requirement for anyone who tracks their car regularly. The stock brakes on a GS are good, and initially I used them on the track a couple of times, but I did not go all out for fear of overheating them. I don't believe I spent a lot of money for my mods for the track, because I see a lot of CL members with similar mods who do not track their car. Without mods, the GS would not be fun to drive at all on the track.

Specifically for the GS, one must be proficient in using the e-shift. You want to keep the engine revs high as compared with street driving, and I do most of my driving in M3 gear, downshifting to M2 for corners and M4 for fast straight aways.

For first timers, I highly suggest participating in a High Perf Driving Event (HPDE) rather than an open track event. HPDEs are organized by SCCA, NASA, etc. HPDEs have instructors to teach you in your car, and the run groups are separated according to driver experience and car performance. That is how I learned, and now I occasionally instruct.

The organization for the track event will have specific requirements, such as type of helmets, fire extinguishers, car numbers, etc. They may even have a handbook for your review.

Most often they will have a technical inspection for your car, either at the track or prior at a shop. Either way, it is best to run any mods for a week or more on the street prior to bringing the car to the track: 1. to get accustomed to the new handling characteristics of your car, 2. assure mods were completed correctly. Prior to any event, I have a mechanic verify and tighten all suspension hardware. I once had sway bar, and alignment extentule hardware come loose on me.

First time to a specific track, try to find and study the tutorial for it. It would show the best line, the brake and acceleration zones, corner apex, etc.

Bring all the tools and extra fluids your car may need, and also cleaning agents for your windows, etc. Bring some duct tape or similar to tape up your fog lights. A tarp is especially helpful when you empty your interior and trunk for safety and weight savings. A tire guage is essential to monitor tire pressure after each session; I use a dial type with a short hose with a bleed/reset button.

If you run with an experienced organized group, I would not worry about passing and other track etiquettes. This is explained in detail to all drivers. You will learn to read the flags, etc. Remember that most drivers on the track are more competant than those you meet daily on the street. Don't drive beyond your capabilities, and remember it is not a race, and it is in fact OK to drive 7/10s as they recommend.

These are my basic recommendations. Good luck and have fun.

 

thanks man this was very helpfull!!

i think cayuga is a less "professional" track and i odnt know where i'll be able to find the track layout with apex's and braking points and what not... i dont even think they have a driver training either.. i'll have to call and find out. If not i'll just go to shannonville or mosport where im sure they have lessons there.

 

Calvin,

I have been visiting this board looking for a post from you. I should have gone up and introduced myself. I was in the white M5 in your run group. Speaking of brakes, I didn't bed my pads and had residue after the first session (wish I had those AP's). I re-installed my ugly stock M5 turbine wheel covers which really help cool the rotors. I also have ducting so I was surprised they got hot that fast (upgraded Euro brakes) as the same set up had no issues for two days at Buttonwillow. That is why I figure it was the new pads.

I saw your hood up from a distance and notice the cold air intake. Very nice looking car and it was nice not to be the only big sedan there. My friend was going to bring his '93 M5 (380hp+, a real beast) but brought his new M3 instead. Poor him.

That was my first time with Donutz and they were great. Tons of track time and courtesy from everyone. I will definitely run with them again.

 

KKelly,

Donutz is a great group. It was a pretty hot day. I had to bleed my tires repeatedly after each session. Don't know if the temp had an influence on your brakes.

I guess we'll meet again at their next event. A group of us met the afternoon before to caravan up from the Peninsula. Mostly Audis though. Should join us next time.

 

I drove up from the Peninsula also. I left later than I wanted to and was driving with my friend in the M3. We got nailed by a CHP airplane on I5 Only for 10mph over. I usually take it easy there but as I was late I was hovering at about 85-90mph. I usually have lots of radar hits on that stretch. I think I need a heat seeking missle.

My friend was just happy they didn't get him on 505 at 150+. I was following at a modest 110mph.

 

Nice pix!!! I'd love to run my gs over there too someday.

 

great pics, sure can see the difference with the suspension upgrades. The SCCA BMW club was going to have a HPDE at Laguna Seca, but I dont see it on their board now.


KKelly, you a 5 point by chance. I was thinking of getting one, only to run with the Alfa Romeo Car Club Time Trials. They require a 5 pt : (. They have an event at Laguna Seca in November.

 

is there a way to install a 4 point harness without going straight back into the rear seats? i kno you are supposed to go on avery small angle or all the way back but i cant because i need to keep the rear seats... please help me out.

Im looking into the bridgestone racing school at mosport and it looksvery good! They have cameros and F2000 cars, they dont have guard rails just huge grass run - offs, and have never had an injury.



I just hope i can go with my drivers permit

 

Actually, you shouldn't run a harness without roll protection--that is the general consensus on many of the racing email lists I am on (by racing I mean amateur roadracing). It keeps your head pointed straight up in a rollover which is not a good thing if the roof caves in.

In addition to the great post by Calvin about how to get involved and what to bring, those with standard seatbelts can do the following. Move your seat way back, put on your belt, yank on it to get it to lock, keep the tension on it while you move the seat forward to the normal spot, the belt will stay locked and push you into the seat. I also sometimes give the belt a twist right at the attachment before putting it in. I have a decent seat for the track with really good sidebolsters.

If you are going to get a helmet, get a full face and try it on before you buy. For few dollars more, it is worth it to support a local business. Also, make sure it is SA rated v. M as some groups require SA.

Calvin's point about taking it easy is great. This is not a race and you should build speed very slowly as you get more and more experienced. Most serious accidents are beginning students at the end of a long, hot day when they decide they are good enough to go a little faster.

 

Sasha,

KKelly has a good point about the roll cage requirement for harness, and a good tip on adjusting OEM belts. Thanks, KK.

Just FYI, I'm not recommending it, but I was researching at one time, the Schroth system. See http://www.soloracer.com/rallye3.html
Scroth has a "A quick-release buckle enables you to disconnect the tail strap, allowing occupants easy access to rear seats when the harnessbelt is not in use." I have seen someone install it in a S4 before. There's also some controversy about submarining when using a 4-point system instead of the 5-point.

Anyway, I still use my OEM belts.

 

Where is Q????

 

Haven't seen him around in a while.

 

WTH is this about?
/Fredric

 

There are some people (Chris among others) that thought I was from Sweden. This is just to point them in the right direction.