[56nomad56]

Did the Open Track Racing event at Willow Springs today. Was really hot by the afternoon (96) so quit a little early. Background: 2011 E93 335is, bone stock, run-flat 18s.

1. Fastest time last event was a little over 2 minutes. Using Harry's lap timer, best lap first session was 1:51.78. Third session best lap was 1:49.3. Lots of traffic in the "yellow" beginner group so difficult to string together a complete lap at full speed. Still, over a 10-second improvement, not too bad! Passed lots of cars, only got passed 2X (Mustang Shelby 500 and racer 370Z).

2. Rode in my friend's Dodge Viper, he could keep his speed up in corners that I could only dream about, but he just shows up and drives so his times weren't much better. I'm a science teacher so I get all nerdy about trying to do things "right". We only recorded one session but he did a 1:46.89, with proper technique I'm sure he could do a lot better.

3. Rode with a guy we ate lunch with who had a modified '02 E46 M3 coupe. Racing tires, camber plates, coilovers, a few engine mods, BBK...he was keeping up with his friend's Porsche Carrera 4S w/o breaking a sweat. He was great about talking me through his lines and brake points, throttle inputs, etc. VERY FAST!

Had a great time, will try to post a few pics if I get motivated.

[tanginaglaz]

Did you CW or CCW?

If you're passing that many cars, I would ask to get bumped up to a more advanced run group. Being in the beginner group, did you get a couple on instructor rides? I shaved about 10 seconds off my time with an instructor. It helps when someone is telling you not to lift

I'm really bummed out that I didn't get to go. Maybe next time.

[acdHQK713K]

Originally Posted by tanginaglaz

Did you CW or CCW?

If you're passing that many cars, I would ask to get bumped up to a more advanced run group. Being in the beginner group, did you get a couple on instructor rides? I shaved about 10 seconds off my time with an instructor. It helps when someone is telling you not to lift

I'm really bummed out that I didn't get to go. Maybe next time.

I don't think they run Willow Springs CCW. Maybe you are thinking of Button Willow.

[56nomad56]

Originally Posted by tanginaglaz

Did you CW or CCW?

If you're passing that many cars, I would ask to get bumped up to a more advanced run group. Being in the beginner group, did you get a couple on instructor rides? I shaved about 10 seconds off my time with an instructor. It helps when someone is telling you not to lift

I'm really bummed out that I didn't get to go. Maybe next time.

Yes, it was CW. Riding with Jason in the advanced group really made me realize how capable a 3-series can be on a big track, he was very helpful. I have no illusions about keeping up with "proper" track cars, but the handling and speed of his E46 M3 were amazing.

I might try the blue (intermediate) group next time, as I was getting frustrated with a lot of slower traffic. I studied track instructional videos, write-ups, everything I could get my hands on so I think I was better prepared than many others in the beginner group.

I hope to do a few things before I go out next time:
- stainless brake lines
- better brake fluid
- camber plates
- if I really got into it I would love to get the new Apex wheels in a square setup, but the car is only leased for 2 more years so maybe not such a good idea to spend too much $$$. Maybe instead get some Pilot Super Sports for the stock wheels and call it a day...

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by 56nomad56

Yes, it was CW. Riding with Jason in the advanced group really made me realize how capable a 3-series can be on a big track, he was very helpful. I have no illusions about keeping up with "proper" track cars, but the handling and speed of his E46 M3 were amazing.

I might try the blue (intermediate) group next time, as I was getting frustrated with a lot of slower traffic. I studied track instructional videos, write-ups, everything I could get my hands on so I think I was better prepared than many others in the beginner group.

I hope to do a few things before I go out next time:
- stainless brake lines
- better brake fluid
- camber plates
- if I really got into it I would love to get the new Apex wheels in a square setup, but the car is only leased for 2 more years so maybe not such a good idea to spend too much $$$. Maybe instead get some Pilot Super Sports for the stock wheels and call it a day...

Good times. Yes PSS are terrific tires. They will be light-years better than your stock run flats but tend to heat up and get oily if you are pushing them to the limit...especially when the track taramac is very hot.

Did you use race pads for this event? I was only able to finish 6 laps my first time out at Big Willow with the stock brakes/pads. Rotors warped and I actually put a crack in the stock front pads. I've since had the rotors lathed and now have a set of track pads for another Big Willow event this Saturday. Hope to get a lot more than 6 laps with this set up