[BMWdrmz]

Thinking about signing up for a track day at VIR early March. I've never driven VIR. Anyone have an experience with the track and can offer some tips? It will be the full course.

[shimshimhada]

What club you running with? I might be down there for the TrackDaze event.

For your first session, I wouldn't shift lower than 3rd.

Out of all the apexes, I think turn 10's might be the most important. Don't miss it.

Nascar bend (Turn 3) is pretty high speed.

Dive into Oak tree fast, hard on the brakes, then take a wide line out to the back straight.

There's some other stuff, but it's easier to convey if you're on track.

I'll be running in advanced for the TD, if I go. It's March 3-4. Be happy to give you a ride.

[BMWdrmz]

Its with TrackDaze. I've never run with them, but have heard really great things about their events. I havent signed up yet, waiting to hear if I have to travel for work that week. Assuming I don't have to travel I will be there. Thanks for the offer for the ride along, if I make i'll take you up on the offer.

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

What club you running with? I might be down there for the TrackDaze event.

For your first session, I wouldn't shift lower than 3rd.

Out of all the apexes, I think turn 10's might be the most important. Don't miss it.

Nascar bend (Turn 3) is pretty high speed.

Dive into Oak tree fast, hard on the brakes, then take a wide line out to the back straight.

There's some other stuff, but it's easier to convey if you're on track.

I'll be running in advanced for the TD, if I go. It's March 3-4. Be happy to give you a ride.

[j28s]

BMWdrmz - what all do you want to know? I have at least 75 to 100 days of track time either racing or lapping day.

[ToddPhilly]

I'll be there on March 14-16 with Zone 2 PCA. That will be my 1st time at VIR, but I'll be glad to post my impressions adn what I learned about the track. Can't wait to get out on the track this year! The wait is killing me.

[shimshimhada]

Lucky, I was trying to get into that event. Killer deal.

[ToddPhilly]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Lucky, I was trying to get into that event. Killer deal.

Yep...Can't wait! Car is getting oil change this week, and then tech inspection next.

[BMWdrmz]

Originally Posted by j28s

BMWdrmz - what all do you want to know? I have at least 75 to 100 days of track time either racing or lapping day.

Just wanted to know what turns were important, like for example at Watkins Glen Turn 1 is very important for a number of reasons. I was also curious are there sections I should be aware of in terms of setting the car up to sacrifice some speed in one area in order to achieve a better line through a subsequent turns. And just in general, whats your impression of the track and experiences on it. Im just not sure what to expect. I've heard it was a challenging and fun track, but all the track videos I found online seem to involve crashes around what I perceive to be some sort of kink in the middle of a long straight.

[JoeyG]

Originally Posted by ToddPhilly

I'll be there on March 14-16 with Zone 2 PCA. That will be my 1st time at VIR, but I'll be glad to post my impressions adn what I learned about the track. Can't wait to get out on the track this year! The wait is killing me.

Ditto.

[ToddPhilly]

Originally Posted by JoeyG

Ditto.

Hey Joe. Did you make it to 'supertech' this past weekend at Dougherty's? Where are you staying while at VIR? I got in with a bunch of guys that rent this huge plantation house. I think graham night organized it. Really looking forward to the track. Let's hope for a fun, safe weekend.

BMWdrmz...As far as important corners go, I've heard the 'hog pen' is critical. It's a high-speed downhill turn that leads in to the front straight. The 'esses' also sound tricky because there is a slight level off at the end of one of them (unlike at watkins glen where elevation and camber help you the whole way up). Sound like it might upset the suspension a bit, but we shall see. As far as wipe-outs go, I know my brother in law had a off-track excursion at VIR last year. Not sure what turn it was, but he came in too hot and ended up braking through turn-in. Back end slid out and he spun off into grass. Hoping to keep the 335 ON the track.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by BMWdrmz

Just wanted to know what turns were important, like for example at Watkins Glen Turn 1 is very important for a number of reasons. I was also curious are there sections I should be aware of in terms of setting the car up to sacrifice some speed in one area in order to achieve a better line through a subsequent turns. And just in general, whats your impression of the track and experiences on it. Im just not sure what to expect. I've heard it was a challenging and fun track, but all the track videos I found online seem to involve crashes around what I perceive to be some sort of kink in the middle of a long straight.

Well, in terms of lap times. Oak Tree (T11) and Hog Pen (T17) are the most important, because they lead to the main straights. Snake (T6) is also very important, because the short straight + the uphill esses (which is basically a straight too). For the uphill esses, turn before you think you need to and use the curbing as your markers.

In the wet, there's a little patch/dip of the track between 5-6, that makes you squirrely.

At speed, South Bend (T10), if you screw up this corner, you're either going into the ditch on the right, or the wall on the left. Don't miss the apex.

The kink on the front straight...I assume you're talking about that viper video. Just be careful when you point or pass somebody by near the kink. Also, watch out for incoming traffic.

Don't lift at Nascar Bend (T3) exit.

[BMWdrmz]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Well, in terms of lap times. Oak Tree (T11) and Hog Pen (T17) are the most important, because they lead to the main straights. Snake (T6) is also very important, because the short straight + the uphill esses (which is basically a straight too). For the uphill esses, turn before you think you need to and use the curbing as your markers.

In the wet, there's a little patch/dip of the track between 5-6, that makes you squirrely.

At speed, South Bend (T10), if you screw up this corner, you're either going into the ditch on the right, or the wall on the left. Don't miss the apex.

The kink on the front straight...I assume you're talking about that viper video. Just be careful when you point or pass somebody by near the kink. Also, watch out for incoming traffic.

Don't lift at Nascar Bend (T3) exit.

Thanks, that's exactly the information I was looking for

[JoeyG]

Originally Posted by ToddPhilly

Hey Joe. Did you make it to 'supertech' this past weekend at Dougherty's? Where are you staying while at VIR? I got in with a bunch of guys that rent this huge plantation house. I think graham night organized it. Really looking forward to the track. Let's hope for a fun, safe weekend.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it last weekend.

I'm actually going to in a track condo on the side of Oak Tree. When are you driving down?

[ToddPhilly]

Leaving thursday morning. Sounds like you have a great spot to stay!!! You bringing extra brake pads? I picked up a set just in case.

I'll see you down there.

[JoeyG]

I'm heading down Friday, I have an exam Thursday night.

Sounds like you'll have fun too at your "house" haha. I'm not taking any pads with me... I assume I can buy a set from CDOC if I need too.

[BoostedBMW]

I'll actually be going to VIR this weekend as well, but I won't be tracking my car. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends from back home and taking a few laps as a passenger in my friends 996 GT2. Hopefully the weather will be ok though... it looks like rain for friday and saturday.

[JoeyG]

Martin!

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

I'll actually be going to VIR this weekend as well, but I won't be tracking my car. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends from back home and taking a few laps as a passenger in my friends 996 GT2. Hopefully the weather will be ok though... it looks like rain for friday and saturday.

You going to the Zone 2 PCA event? I might be down there as well in my friend's GT3.

[BoostedBMW]

Originally Posted by JoeyG

Martin!

Haha... wow, its a small world, huh? I take it that you know Martin?

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

You going to the Zone 2 PCA event? I might be down there as well in my friend's GT3.

Yes, that's the event that my friend is in. It should be a good time.

[JoeyG]

Yep... small world indeed!

I'll be driving my 335, come say hi.