[justpete]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

if you're planning on tracking a lot, do some research on what each car takes to be a reliable track car... from lurking around in the forums it seams like the tt BMW powered cars take a crap ton of cooling...

and dont buy mishimoto radiators... CSF are far better and cost about the same for most applications, even less for some. mishimoto did a great job marketing and getting their names on a much of pro drift cars. but remember, all aluminum radiators are not created equally.

Definitely need better intercoolers, oil coolers, and radiators if taken to time trial level competition. And that's after lightning up the car as much as possible.

Ditto on Mishimoto, got some of their stuff and it's overpriced crap, imo. If the 335i uses the same radiator as the 328i there's one available from C&R but it's pricey.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

if you're planning on tracking a lot, do some research on what each car takes to be a reliable track car... from lurking around in the forums it seams like the tt BMW powered cars take a crap ton of cooling...

and dont buy mishimoto radiators... CSF are far better and cost about the same for most applications, even less for some. mishimoto did a great job marketing and getting their names on a much of pro drift cars. but remember, all aluminum radiators are not created equally.

If I decide to get into it really, I might look at building an E36 or E46 M3 dedicated track car. You can pick them up dirt cheap now... Very tempting

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

Ah cool. Well there are so few tracks around here I could go to every one in a five hour radius and only make three track days a year

Where's the nearest track BMWCCA lists for the local HDPE events? Check NASA HPDE for any others. And check motorsports.com as recommended earlier, some of the tracks might offer open trackdays.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by justpete

Definitely need better intercoolers, oil coolers, and radiators if taken to time trial level competition. And that's after lightning up the car as much as possible.

Ditto on Mishimoto, got some of their stuff and it's overpriced crap, imo. If the 335i uses the same radiator as the 328i there's one available from C&R but it's pricey.

+1 for the bigger/better cooling.. Even for fun driving you need a better intercooler!

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

If I decide to get into it really, I might look at building an E36 or E46 M3 dedicated track car. You can pick them up dirt cheap now... Very tempting

Well, e46 is homologated in SCCA but not e9x so that's a start. A cage, seats, harnesses, fire system, etc. adds up in a hurry as does the suspension which makes the choice of chassis somewhat moot.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by justpete

Where's the nearest track BMWCCA lists for the local HDPE events? Check NASA HPDE for any others. And check motorsports.com as recommended earlier, some of the tracks might offer open trackdays.

According to BMW CCA's website, the nearest chapters are Birmingham and NOLA. Ill see if they have a calendar for HDPE events.

motorsports.com 's website looks like actual professional racing

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

According to BMW CCA's website, the nearest chapters are Birmingham and NOLA. Ill see if they have a calendar for HDPE events.

motorsports.com 's website looks like actual professional racing

BMWCCA has spring and fall HPDE weekends here in north TX, dunno how it works elsewhere. Motorsports.com will list all motorsports events within your specified radius including trackdays and the like. There are probably driving schools at those tracks that hold regular day or weekend classes. Check the sites to see if there's more info or links to such. There are a couple here that with HDPEs (including the Porsche club's) make it possible to run a track nearly every weekend all year. Well, almost.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

According to BMW CCA's website, the nearest chapters are Birmingham and NOLA. Ill see if they have a calendar for HDPE events.

Yeah, those are both a good drive...damn.

[gavronm]

Not sure how far you are from NOLA but they appear to have a decent program that eases you into the track experience.

http://nolamotor.com/nola-track-day/

The price looks good but it doesn't sound like there's a whole lot of track time. Still, this would be a great way to dip a toe in the water.

If you want a full on HPDE, in my experience and from what I've heard, the events put on by car clubs tend to be a bit more friendly and have a slightly better safety record (again, anecdotally, based on what I've seen and heard - I have no stats to back this up) than events run by track day clubs. Around here (midwest) the clubs for, BMW, Audi, and Shelby run good events that are open to all makes.

If I were you I would do the following:

1) Sign up for a BMWCCA event at either NOLA or Birmingham.
2) Inquire with the organizer about renting a helmet, if that's not feasible, buy one.
3) A month or two before the event get your brakes checked at a reputable indy shop that works on performance/foreign cars. Have them put in fresh DOT 4 brake fluid of at least OEM quality (don't need to go crazy just yet) and make sure you've got at least 50% of your pads left. If you're handy enough to remove a wheel you can check your pads yourself ahead of time and, if necessary have the shop put in some new pads for you.
4) Make sure your tires have about 50% or more of their tread left.
5) Watch as many onboard youtube videos of your chosen track as possible - if any have commentary on the proper line watch those the most.
6) Show up for your track day.
7) Have a shit-load of fun.

Here's a write-up I did after my first track day with my 2011 335d that includes probably way more detail than necessary on everything I did to prep myself and the car. Maybe you'll find it helpful.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1132735

[warmmilk]

Originally Posted by justpete

Where's the nearest track BMWCCA lists for the local HDPE events? Check NASA HPDE for any others. And check motorsports.com as recommended earlier, some of the tracks might offer open trackdays.

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

motorsports.com 's website looks like actual professional racing

you mean motorsportreg.com

[justpete]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

you mean motorsportreg.com

D'Oh!

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

you mean motorsportreg.com

Now that's better!!!

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by gavronm

Not sure how far you are from NOLA but they appear to have a decent program that eases you into the track experience.

http://nolamotor.com/nola-track-day/

7) Have a shit-load of fun.

Here's a write-up I did after my first track day with my 2011 335d that includes probably way more detail than necessary on everything I did to prep myself and the car. Maybe you'll find it helpful.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1132735

NOLA does have an open track day January 29th. $300 for the day.

I plan on having fun, that's what it's all about.

Will take a look and make sure I do the necessary steps too. Thank you.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

NOLA does have an open track day January 29th. $300 for the day.

I plan on having fun, that's what it's all about.

Will take a look and make sure I do the necessary steps too. Thank you.

Gonna go there the day before and stay the night? Probably a good deal of competition to find a space in the paddock so being really early is a good thing. And ya can't be too early.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by justpete

Gonna go there the day before and stay the night? Probably a good deal of competition to find a space in the paddock so being really early is a good thing. And ya can't be too early.

I'll see if I can't get some guys to go with me... at least someone to give me some pointers and help when I inevitably break something haha.

noted, what time do these things usually start? Do they have a safety course first or what? How many people usually go?

[justpete]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

I'll see if I can't get some guys to go with me... at least someone to give me some pointers and help when I inevitably break something haha.

noted, what time do these things usually start? Do they have a safety course first or what? How many people usually go?

That's a great idea!

First grid is usually 8am or so meaning the driver's meeting is 7:30 or earlier but it varies. I usually get there before the sun comes up in the fall and winter.

There will be a driver's check-in where they collect your signed off tech inspection form and medical form, inspect your helmet, and hand you the schedule for the day along with your numbers for the car unless they expect you to tape them on with masking tape or racers tape or something. Most of the time you can get your car number ahead of time. In that case I order the numbers from Pegasus and apply them before I go to the track the night before or whatever.

You'll be in the novice, or beginner, group if you tell them you haven't been on a track before so your run group's classes will start off with safety and learning the flags, the course, the flag station locations, general safety, how to not get run over in the paddock, that sort of stuff.

When you go to the grid your instructor will look for you, typically. He'll want to know what your plans are, aims, goals, that sort of stuff. And generally you'll run the first session at street speeds without helmets but not always. This is so your instructor can gauge your skill level and calibrate his instruction. Also gives you a chance to check out the track's layout, etc.

Cars are spaced out by the grid marshal about every 10-20 seconds and the number of cars are limited so a fixed fraction of the track length is timed between each car so the chance of contact is minimal. I always line up at the back of the grid to minimize the likelihood of having to point by the faster drivers so I can concentrate on driving instead of watching my mirrors, that comes with seat time and is part of learning track awareness.

You'll run with windows down so if it's going to be cold bring gloves. And don't forget to wave at every flagger both during the first yellow lap(s) and on the cooldown lap. No wave, no save is the mantra.

Oh and they may have you tune your radio to 88MHz or something so you can listen to instructions from control personnel.

[warmmilk]

^gloves reminds me, some clubs require gloves. when you sign up you'll get an email with their requirements, make sure to read through all that. the clubs that require gloves typically require them to either be racing gloves or leather gloves.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

^gloves reminds me, some clubs require gloves. when you sign up you'll get an email with their requirements, make sure to read through all that. the clubs that require gloves typically require them to either be racing gloves or leather gloves.

Huh, hadn't seen that before but it makes sense. I've heard it recommended to get a full face helmet too given all the crap that comes flying in the cabin during a fast off but it's not a requirement with any groups I've run with, just a comment.

I remembered gloves cuz I spaced 'em one time when the temp was still below freezing at the driver's meeting. Luckily remembered a pair of Mechanix gloves were in the toolbox. Still cold as balls though...

[warmmilk]

Originally Posted by justpete

Huh, hadn't seen that before but it makes sense. I've heard it recommended to get a full face helmet too given all the crap that comes flying in the cabin during a fast off but it's not a requirement with any groups I've run with, just a comment.

I remembered gloves cuz I spaced 'em one time when the temp was still below freezing at the driver's meeting. Luckily remembered a pair of Mechanix gloves were in the toolbox. Still cold as balls though...

yeah, the local Alfa club required them, ended up overpaying for some Oakley racing gloves cause I had to buy them locally and I didn't wanna be one of the uncool kids with regular leather gloves... turns out the gloves are actually pretty awesome for driving, prefect amount of grippy but still soft and pliable

too bad the Alfa club doesn't run track days anymore, they were really cheap

[justpete]

Originally Posted by warmmilk

yeah, the local Alfa club required them, ended up overpaying for some Oakley racing gloves cause I had to buy them locally and I didn't wanna be one of the uncool kids with regular leather gloves... turns out the gloves are actually pretty awesome for driving, prefect amount of grippy but still soft and pliable

too bad the Alfa club doesn't run track days anymore, they were really cheap

Huh, that's different. Ever hear of any other group requiring gloves? Too bad they bailed on holding track days.

[warmmilk]

Originally Posted by justpete

Huh, that's different. Ever hear of any other group requiring gloves? Too bad they bailed on holding track days.

Nope, just that one. But it's a good idea to read all the requirements when doing an event with a new club in case they have some weird rare requirement like that...

[Donutz]

I come from another platform competing in time attack and running in some HPDE. I'm not entirely familiar with all the things you need to do to track prep this car, but the basics are fresh fluids all around 50%+ brake pad material, and healthy tires. It can be argued that a more heat tolerant brake fluid should be used vs. a stock rated fluid because you should learn what brake fade / boiled fluids feels like before you build up speed. In terms of tires, first starting out, it's best to have a tire that starts to talk to you before it breaks lose, as well as breaks lose progressively.

Look around and see what club / events you want to run in. In my area we weren't required to have SA rated helmets, so most of us ran M rated. Get gloves; if you can afford to get some nice racing gloves I would suggest getting them, however, if you're in a budget get some cheap mechanics gloves that have thin suede palms. They work just the same.

Don't modify your suspension until you're familiar with the limit of it. Even then, I would suggest upgrading brakes (pads, lines, fluids, and arguably upgraded rotors but these aren't necessary) before adding power or suspension bits.

Go to a good track school. They should be teaching you the basics in the classroom and on the track. You should come out with a good handle on sight lines, laws of grip, reading corners, shifting, threshold braking, etc. After this get a ride in someone's car who is far more experienced than you. Also get them to drive your car. You'll be amazed at what 6/10 feels like compared to what you think it should feel like.

Lastly, learn about the basics of setting you car up in its stock form. Torque your lug bolts at the start of the day, set your your tire pressures, and a good tip is to chalk the tire sidewall so you can see how far you're tire is rolling over.

Have fun, be safe, respect the rules, respect the marshals, and respect your vehicle. Everything else comes with experience.