[T7R_Sky]

Hi everyone! So after having a bmw for about 4-5 years and after modifying my current car over the past few months, I'm finally going to go to the track with my car for my 21st birthday! Im planning on going to the Streets of Willow in August on the 14th and 15th with the BMW Club. Could someone point me in the right direction about how to sign up for the track day and whether or not other cars can join in also? (My friend in his Miata wants to join me for my birthday)

Any and all help is very appreciated!

[jbass524]

I remember my first track day; nervous, confused and completely at a loss for what to do. I promise you'll be fine. BMW club is the perfect group for your first track day.

Promise you will listen to your instructor.

Bring plenty of water and ask plenty of questions.

Most BMW clubs allow all makes but like TrackRat said, check their Website.

[330MX]

MotoIQ.com has a few good articles on getting started.

http://www.motoiq.com/columns/project_racer.aspx

Check out the part 4, 5, 5.5 and the others.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by T7R_Sky

Hi everyone! So after having a bmw for about 4-5 years and after modifying my current car over the past few months, I'm finally going to go to the track with my car for my 21st birthday! Im planning on going to the Streets of Willow in August on the 14th and 15th with the BMW Club. Could someone point me in the right direction about how to sign up for the track day and whether or not other cars can join in also? (My friend in his Miata wants to join me for my birthday)

Any and all help is very appreciated!

As a never ever beginner..it is better to have a car totally stock. Several of us are instructors here...and can help. Like others have said...try the BMW club first..since you will need to go to a car control clinic first. Another alternative is the Audi Club. I teach for them too. They have car control exercises the first half of the first track day (out of 2 days). Their program is really catered to newbies.

And motorsportreg.com is the place to sign up for most BMW/Audi club events.

[T7R_Sky]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

The BMW region hosting the event should have all the info. on their website. www.Motorsportreg.com also has a list and info. on many of the driving events around the U.S. and Canada.

Originally Posted by jbass524

I remember my first track day; nervous, confused and completely at a loss for what to do. I promise you'll be fine. BMW club is the perfect group for your first track day.

Promise you will listen to your instructor.

Bring plenty of water and ask plenty of questions.

Most BMW clubs allow all makes but like TrackRat said, check their Website.

Alright. I didnt actually see the event on Motorsportreg, but i checked out their website (I guess its gonna be hosted by the LA chapter) and ill sign up there when the opportunity arises. And yeah, ill definitely be asking lots of questions while i'm there

Originally Posted by 330MX

MotoIQ.com has a few good articles on getting started.

http://www.motoiq.com/columns/project_racer.aspx

Check out the part 4, 5, 5.5 and the others.

Thanks! I read all those just now. Good read, and ill try to be careful not to tailgate people. I would hate to be take out by someone losing control

Originally Posted by S4to335

As a never ever beginner..it is better to have a car totally stock. Several of us are instructors here...and can help. Like others have said...try the BMW club first..since you will need to go to a car control clinic first. Another alternative is the Audi Club. I teach for them too. They have car control exercises the first half of the first track day (out of 2 days). Their program is really catered to newbies.

And motorsportreg.com is the place to sign up for most BMW/Audi club events.

Yeah, I just got so excited about moding my car I didnt think about leaving it stock, lol. But yeah, that's why I posted in this section, cause I knew a lot of you guys would know whats going on and be able to help me. But you said I have to go to a control clinic first. What do you mean by that? Do I have to do a different event before the track day comes along?

[T7R_Sky]

And one additional question, you said I should have left the car stock... Well, I was planning on doing 3 last upgrades before I go to the track. Should I cancel that plan? I was going to do Cool Carbon brake pads, stainless steel brake lines and better brake fluid. What do you think?

[The HACK]

Streets of Willow? This will be set up more like a cross between autocross and an actual DE, and will be handled by the autocross chairperson. The sign-up and requirements should be posted on L.A. chapter's website if this is done through BMW CCA.

If this is your first time, the ONLY recommendation I have is bring lots of water. Drink enough so that you're going to the bathroom every 1-1.5 hours. Do nothing else to the car, do not even come to read the forums. Keep your mind clear of all clutters, work, school stuff, come back and post AFTER the event.

You will be so OVERWHELMED with information and adrenaline for your first event that nothing you read and nothing I say here will register on the day of.

In ALL honesty? The May 15-16 event at Auto Club Speedway is better for a first timer. You'll get the opportunity to attend the Car Control Clinic to get all the basics down, then potentially drive on Sunday at the DE, whereby both days you will have an instructor with you at all times. For the autocross at Streets of Willow, instructors will only be provided for your first couple of runs and then afterwards by request ONLY.

Just my not so humble opinion.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Streets of Willow? This will be set up more like a cross between autocross and an actual DE, and will be handled by the autocross chairperson. The sign-up and requirements should be posted on L.A. chapter's website if this is done through BMW CCA.

If this is your first time, the ONLY recommendation I have is bring lots of water. Drink enough so that you're going to the bathroom every 1-1.5 hours. Do nothing else to the car, do not even come to read the forums. Keep your mind clear of all clutters, work, school stuff, come back and post AFTER the event.

You will be so OVERWHELMED with information and adrenaline for your first event that nothing you read and nothing I say here will register on the day of.

In ALL honesty? The May 15-16 event at Auto Club Speedway is better for a first timer. You'll get the opportunity to attend the Car Control Clinic to get all the basics down, then potentially drive on Sunday at the DE, whereby both days you will have an instructor with you at all times. For the autocross at Streets of Willow, instructors will only be provided for your first couple of runs and then afterwards by request ONLY.

Just my not so humble opinion.

You are supremely humble......you act like you are an instructor or something...oh wait..you are. :P

I have been out of the loop lately on BMW events...my BMW is being demodded..and my new "used" Audi just blew an engine..so it is down at Wicked Motorsports in Van Nuys for repairs. I will be back...but maybe in 2-3 months. I am teaching with HOD at Laguna in March.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by T7R_Sky

And one additional question, you said I should have left the car stock... Well, I was planning on doing 3 last upgrades before I go to the track. Should I cancel that plan? I was going to do Cool Carbon brake pads, stainless steel brake lines and better brake fluid. What do you think?

You can never go wrong with upgrading brakes. What you should avoid is doing engine mods (chip tuning), bigger intercoolers, suspension, exhaust, or putting on R compound tires. You want stock tires telegraphing if you are at the edge...(eventually they will scream at you if you keep pushing the issue). They are an effective tool to help you learn how to be smooth with your steering inputs.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Streets of Willow? This will be set up more like a cross between autocross and an actual DE, and will be handled by the autocross chairperson.

In ALL honesty? The May 15-16 event at Auto Club Speedway is better for a first timer. You'll get the opportunity to attend the Car Control Clinic to get all the basics down, then potentially drive on Sunday at the DE, whereby both days you will have an instructor with you at all times. For the autocross at Streets of Willow, instructors will only be provided for your first couple of runs and then afterwards by request ONLY.

Just my not so humble opinion.

Agreed...HACK speaka da truth.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by S4to335

..so it is down at Wicked Motorsports in Van Nuys for repairs...

Van Nuys? Next time you're in the area, call me on the office line. We must do lunch.

Have you seen that video of the HOD instructor at THill that's been circulating around?

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Van Nuys? Next time you're in the area, call me on the office line. We must do lunch.

Have you seen that video of the HOD instructor at THill that's been circulating around?

My car was towed from NorCal to SoCal to be repaired...I am not down there. LOL. Yes, I saw that video..and I know that guy. I havent heard any negative press on him before..there must be more to that story. He isnt teaching for HOD anymore.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by S4to335

..and I know that guy.

Yikes. Would love to hear his side of the story...Especially now *it* being the latest internet viral video amongst the track rats.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Yikes. Would love to hear his side of the story...Especially now *it* being the latest internet viral video amongst the track rats.

Yeah...David is trying to improve his image of HOD...and he is probably feeling like a salmon going upstream in low water level.

[kenneth]

My .02$

It is very intimidating the first few events cos you have so much to learn before becoming comfortable (and being safe - for yourself and others) driving in traffic. I started 2 years ago, so my first event is still very vivid in my mind, what a noob!

Performance expectations should be the last thing in your mind for the first few events.

Summary of the first days on track:

Safety protocols:
-Have car tech inspected, including checking for enough brake pads and new brake fluid
-Car prep (torque wheel nuts, tire pressure)
-Remove carpet, bobbleheads, clear car of all loose objects
-seat and driving position
-mirrors positioning
-Know meaning of flags/what to do for each flag
-Know where the flaggers are on the track in your firsts laps (they are your eyes)
-Know how/when to give/take point bys
-Hand positioning on steering wheel
-Smooth inputs (throttle/steering/braking/releasing brake)
-How to brake
-How to throttle
-How to pit
-Late apexing (safer)
-finding the line (use the whole track width)
-Lifting throttle or braking while taking a curve= spin
-Above all, listen and do what the instructor ask of you
-Remember you're a sponge that day
-Vision is everything

Remember relax and enjoy!!!!

[S4to335]

Some more information....here is something I wrote for Audiworld back in 2000. It is out of date..but there are still some good things to consider...hope it helps. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc9.shtml

[T7R_Sky]

Awesome. For the most part this has been a lot of help on what to expect and what to do to get ready (all the reads posted were very useful) Thanks a lot! So now im debating what event to do first cause you all said that the Auto Club Speedway would be better for beginners... But thats before my birthday, so I think that would kill the point of it, lol. But thanks everyone for your help! Maybe ill see some of you guys at streets (if any of you guys go, lol)

[The HACK]

The BEST way I can equate this whole performance driving thing, it's like losing your virginity. Before you do it, you can dream about doing it, you can even simulate it (on the street), you can read up all about it and watch others do it...

But once you do it, you'll really kick yourself for not doing it sooner, and you'll soon realize it is nothing like you had imagined. It is 100X better. And you will be a changed man after.

So if the choice were up to me to do it sooner or later? Well you get my drift.

[kenneth]

Originally Posted by The HACK

The BEST way I can equate this whole performance driving thing, it's like losing your virginity. Before you do it, you can dream about doing it, you can even simulate it (on the street), you can read up all about it and watch others do it...

But once you do it, you'll really kick yourself for not doing it sooner, and you'll soon realize it is nothing like you had imagined. It is 100X better. And you will be a changed man after.

So if the choice were up to me to do it sooner or later? Well you get my drift.

Good one! LOL!

Surgeon General's Caution: If you are a good student, being a better driver will make you so much safer on the street, and this is for life!

However, once you're hooked, overdoing it will ruin you financially. Just like having too much sex, it can kill you!

[jbass524]

Originally Posted by kenneth

Good one! LOL!

Surgeon General's Caution: If you are a good student, being a better driver will make you so much safer on the street, and this is for life!

However, once you're hooked, overdoing it will ruin you financially. Just like having too much sex, it can kill you!

OK so now is someone going equate erections with driving. OP, I apologize.

[swartzentruber]

Lot's of good tips. One other I'd add is try to hold off buying a new helmet, even if you think you'll keep doing this, and try to borrow one for this (and other events this year). New snell ratings come out every 5 years, and the Snell 2010s will be out this fall. You can probably find a 2005 rated helmet cheaper, but at least for the events I've been too, you'll be limited to 5 years of life (the events allow a helmet one generation out of date, so a 2010 helmet can be used 1 generation after the 2015s are out -- to 2020, 2005 only to 2015).

Also, after reading that audiworld list from S4to335, a few other items popped into mind -- things I wished I had realized earlier
1) if you have a manual, don't be afraid to just leave it in one gear (i.e. 3rd or 4th). Shifting can come later, and most tracks don't have such a spread of speeds that you can't make it in one gear.
2) Be careful with the berms. It's fine to "kiss" them, but I've bubbled a tire running over one (at least I'm pretty sure that's what did it).
3) If you are going to bring one tool, make it a torque wrench. Check tq before/after/during.
4) Remove as much as you can from the car BEFORE the event. You don't really need those rear floormats for the drive to the event, do you? The more you remove before the event, the less to remove and possibly misplace/lose during the event.
5) Bring a bag for your stuff in case of rain. Nothing like a soaked owners manual.
6) If you hear the statement -- "you should always either be on the throttle or on the brake", ignore it. Worse piece of classroom/instructor advice I've ever heard (and I've heard it a few times). Go a speed you are comfortable with -- going 100mph down the straight does nothing for you, if you aren't comfortable bringing your car back down to 40mph for the turn. Fine advice for advanced students, but terrible advice for newbies.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by jbass524

OK so now is someone going equate erections with driving. OP, I apologize.

Let's see..."stick" shift. "Limp" mode. Yeah, I'd say equating erections with driving is appropriate.

It is a very phallic industry that's for sure.