[crashandburn45]

I just signed up as a Novice as this is my first Auto-X. Are there any tips, techniques that will help me track for the first time? Should I be in DTC on or DSC off?

[satakal]

Just show up, introduce yourself, and have fun.

Originally Posted by crashandburn45

I just signed up as a Novice as this is my first Auto-X. Are there any tips, techniques that will help me track for the first time? Should I be in DTC on or DSC off?

When you're lined up for your first 4 runs, an instuctor in a yellow shirt will introduce him/herself to you. Ask the instructor. Unless you've done this before, you'll probably post a better time leaving the traction ctrl on.

[Ramos]

I disagree with Satakal.. I am a novice myself (3 autocrosses so far) and while I leave the DSC on at HPDE's.. I def. turn it all the way off at an autocross..
It just interferes way too much at an autocross, and at these speeds, mistakes are just going to cost you the embarresement of hitting a few cones.. But you learn so much more about your traction limits, controlling your car and catching your spins with DSC off.. Just take it easy the first few times around and build up your speed as the weenkend progresses..

Both Satakal and I will be there, just come say hello

[satakal]

Well, I disagree with "Ramos". Learning and posting a good time aren't the same goals.

When I autox, I find that the electronic controls make it so that I can committ to the throttle sooner. When the car is ready to committ, it does. Basically, the car does what i want it to do instead of what I tell it to do. That's the definition of good traction control.

I still say, if you're interested in looking good and posting a good time, leave the electronics all on. If you wanna learn / drift, DSC off.

[Ramos]

How dare you disagree with me?
Satakal is right though.. You will learn more with DSC off but will probably be faster with it on !! It should be fun

[crashandburn45]

Originally Posted by Ramos

I disagree with Satakal.. I am a novice myself (3 autocrosses so far) and while I leave the DSC on at HPDE's.. I def. turn it all the way off at an autocross..
It just interferes way too much at an autocross, and at these speeds, mistakes are just going to cost you the embarresement of hitting a few cones.. But you learn so much more about your traction limits, controlling your car and catching your spins with DSC off.. Just take it easy the first few times around and build up your speed as the weenkend progresses..

Both Satakal and I will be there, just come say hello

Will do, I cant wait!

[325racer]

Actually for a NEWB, I always recommend they leave DTC ON. There is an interesting thing that happens. At first it will be doing a lot and may feel as though it's slowing you down. But that's because as a Newb your not being smooth with the car. As you progress the DTC will actually do less as you learn to smooth out and work with the car. Once you get through this phase and the DTC starts coming on a lot again, then it's time to turn it off.

Unless it's an E36, then turn it off always, as that system was way to slow to react and killed way to much power.

[Ramos]

Don't disagree man, however I tried that on my 1st autocross and got very frustrated with the interference half way through the very first session... can't imagine how bad the E36 system was

[satakal]

Originally Posted by Ramos

I disagree with Satakal.. I am a novice myself (3 autocrosses so far) and while I leave the DSC on at HPDE's.. I def. turn it all the way off at an autocross..
It just interferes way too much at an autocross, and at these speeds, mistakes are just going to cost you the embarresement of hitting a few cones.. But you learn so much more about your traction limits, controlling your car and catching your spins with DSC off.. Just take it easy the first few times around and build up your speed as the weenkend progresses..

Both Satakal and I will be there, just come say hello

I don't mean to pull up an "i told you so" moment, but on the 2nd day, first session, first run, a z4m kit a wall after an episode of power oversteer. 100% preventable with the high quality BMW traction control. He did hit a few cones. Then he broke front suspension and a rear wheel. I'm positive he would have been faster with it on.

I may be kissing up to 325racer too much but I totally agree with his spin on traction control. Use it when learning. You'll notice it interfere less and less in your developement. Then, when you find it being more and more intrusive, that's when you've outgrown it. I'm thinking 10 or 20 track days / autoxs before turning it off. But, maybe my caution is proportional to my inability to total my 335.

[Ramos]

How did he kit the wall?
It sucks what happened to that guy... That combination should not have been this close to the concrete... In any event, I am comfortable with the traction off at an autocross, but def. not on track just yet...

As for my development, I think it is benefitial to not be scared of the traction limit, to be okay with a power slide and how to catch it... You can't do any of that with the nanny on

[Ramos]

Where is my video man??? Come on I wanna see it

[satakal]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Where is my video man??? Come on I wanna see it

I've got alot to do after work tonight. Gym, change e90 wheels, rotate S-10 wheels, document the damage, inspect S-10 brakes, and nurse a sun burn.

[Ramos]

Satakal I will kill you.. It takes 5 minutes to load a vid on Youtube.. Don't give me BS about all the stuff you have to do... Need help by the way?

[satakal]

[The HACK]

L.A. chapter is having their first auto cross of the year at Auto Club Speedway on April 26th too. If you guys didn't get your fill of auto-crossing in Sandy Eggo, the L.A. course isn't as long as the Sandy Eggo one but it'll give you another chance to go at it close by.

https://axwaresystems.com/axorm/calendar_main.php

Select BMW CCA-LA from the drop-down to find the event. You have the option to sign-up and pay on site I think.

[325racer]

Originally Posted by satakal

[crashandburn45]

Originally Posted by satakal

I don't mean to pull up an "i told you so" moment, but on the 2nd day, first session, first run, a z4m kit a wall after an episode of power oversteer. 100% preventable with the high quality BMW traction control. He did hit a few cones. Then he broke front suspension and a rear wheel. I'm positive he would have been faster with it on.

I may be kissing up to 325racer too much but I totally agree with his spin on traction control. Use it when learning. You'll notice it interfere less and less in your developement. Then, when you find it being more and more intrusive, that's when you've outgrown it. I'm thinking 10 or 20 track days / autoxs before turning it off. But, maybe my caution is proportional to my inability to total my 335.

I missed it! I bet it was that wall near G4. I had DSC off most of the time but keeping that wall in mind kept my speed down on that turn.