[noflash]

I am just now recovering from a two-day track session -- my first. I have been thinking how to put all my thoughts into words for awhile. I feel like I could right a book.

Here goes:
What I Did

My BMWCCA had a driving school at the Mid-America Motorplex. Two days of driving and class (8:15am - 5pm). As this was my first school I was labelled a Novice and would be driving with others of that skill level.

My first time out on the track was with my instructor riding shotgun (she was a PCA instructor). We did the slalom, braking hard in a corner (to learn our car's limits), and accident avoidance (drive as fast as you can at a wall of cones, the instructor yell "Danger right" (or left) and you swerve the opposite way and then correct without losing control of your car.

Then I had a bit of a break.

Then we had a charity parade lap. Pay $5 and drive around the track at around 50-60 mph with no helmet and no instructor. Ok, sounds like fun. I hit 90 twice. I was having fun, but admittedly in need of some instruction.

Then my first full-speed track session 20 minutes on an 2.24 mile course with helmet and instructor. On the straightaway I hit 100mph. Through the rest of the course, I was learning my lines through the turns at 45-60mph and 80-90mph in the shorter straights. On my first time out, I passed three cars (one was an e46 M3, and one was an e39 M5).

Then I went out in my instructor's 928 (as a passenger).

Then I had two more sessions on the track, each time learning my lines a bit more and becoming more confident with my brakes. I hit 110mph on the 1/4 mile straight. If this is any reference, one of the main instructors was hitting 130mph in his CTS-V.

Ok, that was 6 times on the track in day one. I was asleep by 9pm that night.

Day two, I had 4 track session at full speed with an instructor, one parade session (which was now quite boring by now in comparison), one ride with an instructor in his Club-Racing 911 , one session in an early 90's Civic Si, and one session in a 2000 M Coupe (smoothest, but not fastest of my instructor rides (guess which one was!)).

Needless to say, I got better each time (on my sessions) and by my last two sessions I was lapping a few of the slower Novices.

What I Learned
Not much in the classroom. Learn your line, pretty much (entry, apex, exit). A couple other tidbits, but not anything heavy.

On the track, everything. To put it roughly, floor it in the straight, mash the breaks, downshift, find your line while kissing the gaiters (sp? -- the red and white apexes of the turns).

I got great feedback (via two-way earpieces) from my instructor and got great kudos. It was funny how easily distracted I got. If she complimented me on one corner, I'd screw up the next.

CONCENTRATION WAS KEY. I learned that if I missed one corner to not worry about it and hit the next one perfect.

How the 325i Performed.
To put it simply -- Great! It wasn't the best handling or the fastest in a straight line, but it was a great compromise. My Pirelli PZero Nero M+S did much, much better than I imagined. Although I can certainly appreciate what a set of R-Compounds would let me do (from my instructor rides).

The handling was great and the body-roll was well controlled.

The brakes were stellar and I never experience fade. The instructor commented on how they were better than her 928's.

The power was more than adequate! I was in third gear for most of the track (hitting 90 several times in that gear) only going to fourth in the 1/4 mile straight. I tried downshifting to 2nd on the tightest corner and I lost time. Never did it again.

Also, to note: out of all the cars I rode in, my 6'3" frame with helmet on top fit best in my car. I still had to tilt my seat back a couple notches more than I would like, but in all the other cars I basically had to get in the fetal position.

So, in conclusion!!!

If you bought an e90 because you enjoy driving it, you need to do a driving school! It's worth 10x the actual cost. :rocks: :rocks: :rocks: :rocks: :rocks: :rocks: :rocks:

Here are the pics:http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17036

[alpinewhite3]

wow that sounds like a great experience+ fun time.
I wish i could do something like that around here.

[StewtheBassman]

Great post no flash!!!!! Great contribution!!

That's great your tires were good. And your brakes better than a 928? Ho-hum....damn we're spoiled!!!!!

In an effort to enjoy driving again I have been driving in the upper ranges of my tach the last couple of days........man this car is capable!! Even with a Step!

[noflash]

Me creeping up on an M5!

[Lost Rider]

Originally Posted by noflash

Me creeping up on an M5!

That is a great shot!



Great write up, BTW.
Sounds like I had quite a different experience, but just as much fun.

[JSpira]

Sounds great. I love BMW CCA driving schools.

[BiggieJ]

wow. im so jealous... how much did it cost you and where do i sign up?

[noflash]

It was $275 for two days. I have heard of proces ranging from $250 to $290 for a 2-day event. You sign up at http://www.bmwcca.org/ .

[Hunter399]

I went to an autocross last sunday and really had a great time

I ordered KW V2 Coilovers but I thought my 325i did very well

[StewtheBassman]

You must be more in love with your car then ever now!

[voltron1011]

I am soooo tempted to sign up for the one this weekend at LV Motor Speedway!!! I gotta convince the wife!!

[voltron1011]

Noflash, What items did you need in order to participate?

[noflash]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

Noflash, What items did you need in order to participate?

Pretty much, just a helmet is all I really needed.

You could use a tire pressure gauge and a torque wrench, but there are plenty to borrow at the track.

I drank gallons of SmartWater. It has the electrolytes of Gatoraide without the sugar. Bring lots of water and light snacks like fruit and granola bars. Lessee, SUNGLASSES, a hat for the pit, that's all I can think of right now.

Let me also say that for you guys toying with the idea... kinda thinking about it...

JUST DO IT! You will wonder why you waited so long.

And yes, I am loving my car more; and yes, I already miss the track. I'll prob go again in June.

[jbnimble]

Also, are there any insurance implications for these schools?
I'm figuring I'll have to wait for my car to be broken in.

[voltron1011]

The only thing that sucks for me is that we are closing on our house the following Tuesday.... The price for the school here is 475 bucks.. Any other time of year, this school would be a non-issue.

[noflash]

Originally Posted by jbnimble

Also, are there any insurance implications for these schools?
I'm figuring I'll have to wait for my car to be broken in.

Call your company and ask. That's what I did. State Farm and many others will cover you unless you are racing. Racing is defined by it being a timed event. This was not timed, so I was covered.

Ironically, SF would not cover and autocross at much slower speeds.

PS I think my instructo said she had AllState and they provided no coverage on non-public roads.