Advice on track time
Looked at trackdayz as an option, two days which is 4 hrs total is 480.00 and 1 day is 265.00 I might do the one day as I feel two days might be hard on my car? I also have to think about hotel fees... Its at Thunderbolt
Date: June 7-8 (Mon – Tues)
Event: combined Club Race and Driver School to benefit The Westlake School
Cost: $360
http://www.njbmwcca.org/services/sch...p?event_id=248
Date: Friday Aug 13 - Sunday Aug 15
Event: 2nd Ann. Del Val/NJ BMW CCA DE at NJMP Lightning
Cost: $450
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.c...3469C1CE3C9334
http://www.delvalbmwcca.org/schools.php
You also get very good instructor with the BMW club and they are happy to have cars/owners that are not BMW owners. Great bunch of guys. I run with them.
They actually started up a new program for beginners:
In addition to having your instructor, the Delaware Valley Chapter for 2010 is implementing a new student mentor program. First-time novice (Red group) students will be matched up with a veteran advanced (Green group) student. The mentor will act as a “track buddy”, someone who will be a go-to person for any questions, needs, or issues that arise. We believe this will help reduce much of the angst that a newcomer to the track may have.
If this is your first time ever at HPDE, your stock setup will be just fine for the first few times. You will be concentrating more on where to go, how to take apexes, how to pass, how to give passing signals, do things safely, etc.
Last edited by xtnct; Apr 26, 2010 at 10:47 AM.
I would not say that is the case when upgraded brakes are being suggested. HPDE1s, while the lowest level, still reach the speed your car is capable of and the track allows. DS2500s would not do well in 20 minute sessions reaching 130mph.
Yes, do it! If it's through NASA NE next month, I'll be there instructing! Maybe I'll get you as a student! Look forward to it!
Like others say, if this is your first time show up as stock as the car can be. If you have an aftermarket BOV that vents to atmosphere get rid of it or at least switch it back for the event. You won't regret that decision. Probably a good idea to change the brake fluid though, at least flush it.
Like others say, if this is your first time show up as stock as the car can be. If you have an aftermarket BOV that vents to atmosphere get rid of it or at least switch it back for the event. You won't regret that decision. Probably a good idea to change the brake fluid though, at least flush it.
On my first track day the car was bone stock, including fluids and pads. So honestly I think DS2500s will be fine. I used them for about two-three years with RA1s/R888s. Just make sure you have plenty of meat on them, and carry a spare set just in case. Its more important to have equipment in good condition rather than upgrading them. As xtnct said, you'll do better focusing on your lines, apexes, looking ahead, etc., than trying to maximize your top speeds and minimizing your braking zones.
Here are some good sources for finding track days:
http://www.mytrackschedule.com/index.asp
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/calendar
Here are some good sources for finding track days:
http://www.mytrackschedule.com/index.asp
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/calendar
DS2500 are ok for HPDE1/street tires, just don’t ride them. Most HPDE1 students have the tendency to brake too early and ride the brakes. Riding the brakes will melt them very quick.
$250-$300 is about what most places charge for a day. Some clubs like PCA and BMW mange to keep the cost down to $325-$365 for 2 days event (the cheaper rates are for members), however some clubs will give you a work assignment for a session or 2 (Car inspection, working the pits, etc…).
As for Englishtown, It’s not even close to NJMP. It’s very small and bumpy. E-town is more of a high speed autocross than a “track”. You will have a lot more fun @ NJMP that E-town.
This is the best resource for different track events and rates. http://www.motorsportreg.com/
The PCA people are good folk and a pleasure to run with. Track time is pretty reasonable
http://pca.org/Calendar/PCACalendar.aspx
PCA instruction at the novice level is typically excellent with a focus on safety, smoothness, and learning the line.
The more time in the seat the better, so do both days and have fun! If you can stay later on Sunday, the afternoon can sometimes clear out which leads to a less congested track.
When I first started, I found NASA events to be very well organized with excellent instruction but a bit overwhelming...lots of cars, people, and things going on while the PCA is more laid back.
http://pca.org/Calendar/PCACalendar.aspx
PCA instruction at the novice level is typically excellent with a focus on safety, smoothness, and learning the line.
The more time in the seat the better, so do both days and have fun! If you can stay later on Sunday, the afternoon can sometimes clear out which leads to a less congested track.
When I first started, I found NASA events to be very well organized with excellent instruction but a bit overwhelming...lots of cars, people, and things going on while the PCA is more laid back.
I will try to get there in May since it will still be somewhat cool out. As far as keeping it stock as possible thats way out of the question. I was fortunate to buy this car from an avid auto-x road trace enthusiast and the car is very well setup performance and suspension wise. Its way outta of my potential but I can definately grow into it. I will be looking to get some new rubbers and some new pads just for the track. DO I need to get rears as well????
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don't worry about fluids or race pads in HPDE1. Most of the time you will be driving in a train at low speeds. Just go out, enjoy and listen to your instructor. $500 is a lot for 2 days, but this is NASA, they are never cheap.
Im going to NJMP again in May 17 and 18 with PCA for $375 , 2 days , 1 day @ Thunderbolt, 1 day @ lightning. Before that Im hitting Glen with Nasa next monday. 2 days for $333 ....
go to http://www.motorsportreg.com/ , and search North East for track days.
Im going to NJMP again in May 17 and 18 with PCA for $375 , 2 days , 1 day @ Thunderbolt, 1 day @ lightning. Before that Im hitting Glen with Nasa next monday. 2 days for $333 ....
go to http://www.motorsportreg.com/ , and search North East for track days.
Last edited by letMeIn; Apr 26, 2010 at 03:40 PM.
over $500 is already in the rally day price. For a track its waaay too much.
As others advised , go to BMW and so clubs.
Also its a nice and close track is Lime Rock. They have a lots of track days with relatively cheap price.
We did run there with the Corvair club.
Rob
ps im also planning to go back to the track and hill climb for testing the rally car on tarmac. I hope it will work out.
As others advised , go to BMW and so clubs.
Also its a nice and close track is Lime Rock. They have a lots of track days with relatively cheap price.
We did run there with the Corvair club.
Rob
ps im also planning to go back to the track and hill climb for testing the rally car on tarmac. I hope it will work out.
Last edited by Robevo RS; Apr 27, 2010 at 05:07 AM.
The DS2500s might or might not hold up depending on how much brake cooling you have, ambient air temps, and the track layout. I had a mild bolt-on Evo and the DS2500s were okay in 30-60F airtemps with the factory brake air guides. In 85F temps, they were no longer good enough. A safe bet would be to go to a more dedicated track pad.