Hey yall,

I have an BMW E30 325is being built as a spec car (with R888 spec tires), and the guy finishing it is going to drop it off for me at Laguna Seca for the NASA event next weekend, so I don't even have time to try to familiarize myself with it before the event.

My only experience on the track is in my Evo (IX MR stock except for some decent pads and crappy street tires). Also, the only RWD car I ever owned before was a '69 Charger that was mostly good for going straight and jumping so I am a complete noob when it comes to RWD performance driving.

Anyone have any advice on transitioning to a RWD car? Or advice on transitioning from street tires to the R888s?

I know some of the things I did in the Evo are no-nos (basically stuff I used to counter understeer) but any and all advice is welcome and appreciated

 

be very very smooth lol and those tires are amazing btw

 

smooth

 

Actually, I'd say that you have to concentrate more on driving an AWD car than a RWD car. You're always trying to keep ahead of what each tire is doing and how much the diffs have to do with it. Kristian Skavnes from Subaru RRT and I actually had a conversation about this the other day at Mid Ohio. The BMW, especially the E30, will be one of the easiest cars you'll ever drive. I drove an E30 325iS at Thunderhill a little while ago and it turned out to be one of the most fun cars I've ever driven there. The feedback it gives you through all the controls is remarkable. Its enough to make me want to go into Spec E30!

Just have fun, start out slow, and just learn to read what those R888's are trying to tell you. I have a lot of experience at Laguna and with BMWs, if you want some coaching, I think I'll be free next weekend to come out to the track if you'd like. Just PM me if you are interested.

 

Matt,

That is interesting about the AWD being more difficult. I always assumed that it was easier since it can save you from mistakes. I am pretty excited about trying out the new car this weekend.

I appreciate the coaching offer, but it looks like a couple of the spec racers are going to be helping me out this weekend. I may have to hit you up on it later though

 

So much fun. It is totally different but still the same, if that makes sense. Turned out that the guy delivered the car without a passenger seat so coaching would not have worked out anyways lolz

 

Glad you had fun! That's a perfect car to practice with... I might even get one, myself!

 

I started my track experience in an E30 325i and it was a wonderful learning tool. I think the E30 handles a bit more predictably, especially on turn-in, but you do have to watch going WOT in certain situations when the road conditions are interesting (e.g. T2 at Infineon).

 

T2 is one of my favorites