[Hotcoupe]

Apologies in advance for the long post,and the car porn!


As some of you may be aware JamJay and I attended the BMW track day organised by Club MSV.

For me it was the ideal opportunity to give the car a good run out, give the DPF a thorough cleanout and blow the cobwebs away as the car had been laid up since the end of March.
It also gave my Daughter the chance to try her hand on track, a brave decision as much for her as for me given she’s only been on the road for 18mths and her normal daily driver is a 1.4 Ford Ka.

The previous wk/end had me changing the wheels over, tweaking the suspension setup (coilovers), changing the exhaust tips and putting on some newly sprayed kidney grills finished in matt anthracite to match the wheels.

The day started with the obligatory signing on and the filling out of a couple of Indemnity forms, the forms once filled in and signed basically pass all responsibility to what happens during your time at Brands over to you as the driver.

This is then followed by the sound test which measures the decibels your car produces at a certain RPM.
The Guy carrying out the test took one look at my rev counter asked what the car was, and once told it was a diesel car told me the test was not necessary and I drove off.
It might have been wise for him to check the exhaust, it has no mufflers!

The next stage is the pre track briefing, which is very thorough, informative and goes through all the safety procedures, flag/light meanings, a briefing my Daughter clearly soaked up like a sponge.
The organisation by MSV is very professional, and the event has been improved considerably since I attended the previous BMW/MSV track day last year, which whilst not bad clearly needed improvement, so well done Club MSV.

We were now ready to go on track and we were lead through the tunnel to the garages, there are umpteen of these and you are given free rein to choose one, which is useful for leaving all the necessary track day gear, spare wheel, jack, wheel wrench etc.
At this point its tow hooks screwed in, helmets (obligatory) on and it’s ready to go for the first of 3 sighting laps. The track is very well laid out with brake boards set up at the necessary positions along with a bollard at the apex points, great for those who’ve not done a track day before. There is a Marshall at most of the corners on track who control the flags/light system which tell you what’s happening that might affect your lap/s.

As some found out, the event was fully booked with 36 cars running. The cars were a good mix - umpteen E9x’s of differing engine sizes,3-4 E92 M3’s,5ers including a tourer, 1ers, a good few Z4’s,a monstrous X5 V8, a gorgeous 1M and various E46’s including a lovely CSL.
The sighting laps were split into 3 groups with the MSV lead car being an E92 M3.
I’d previously done a track day before at Brands, so my daughter took the wheel, and having clearly listened to the briefing and studied the track board on display, proceeded to show me how best to take a few of the corners, which came as something of a shock, and set the theme for the rest of the evening, feck!

After the 3 laps we were led back into the pit lane, and from this point on we were given free access to go on track as and when we chose.
It was approx 17.30 pm by this time so we had 2.5 hrs to do as we pleased!
We’d booked a 15/20 min tuition session with an instructor for my daughter at 18.10, so I thought it wise to give her the first half hour to get some laps under her belt, and get a pit stop in to let the brakes cool down prior to her lesson. (The BMW BBK are not the best on track as they have a tendency to overheat, so regular cool down stops are required).

After returning from her tuition laps, I had a brief chat with her instructor who was very impressed with her driving, and he gave me a few tips on how best to tackle a few corners in my car, in particular Druids, where the apex bollard was positioned incorrectly for the D.
We all think we’re driving gods, however if you ever do a track day and get the opportunity to go out on track with an instructor, its well worth the cost. The knowledge of the track these Guys have is invaluable, and their instruction and tips make your subsequent laps smoother and considerably quicker. I had the instruction last time I visited Brands, which made this trip all the better for it.

We had a great time during the evening, the revelation for me was just how good my Daughter was on track, and how much she enjoyed the experience.
I think it’s going to prove to be an expensive time for me going forward, as I think we’ll be doing more track days than I’d previously envisaged!

Many thanks to Lars (335rocks) who turned up as a spectator, Lars took umpteen pics of my car whilst on track, and the quality of the pics is superb, so thanks again Lars.
I can’t post them all, I don’t want to be responsible for breaking the WWW!
DarkAnt3351 was also present, good to meet you Fella.

Anyway enough words, here’s some pics (on track pics are predominantly of my daughter in the driving seat):

On arrival:







Pit lane

















On track



My daughters school report







The 1M proved to be not much of a problem

[Adil]

Good right up, i'm looking to do a beginners track day too through MSV.

[The_Bear_Yid]

Nice, glad you and your daughter enjoyed it. The tuition is very worth while. Wish I'd gone, but I doubt I'll go back without something quicker.

Glad Ant went, take it he made it on track?

Adil - Do it. It's a lot of fun.

[Mart1000]

Good read and well done to your daughter!

First time I've seen pics of your car, look evil as hell. Me likey!

[phil200tdi]

What colour did you paint the kidney grills? Looks great..

I have a black e90 and don't want black grills!!

[A_P]

Ian!

How the hell have I missed this thread?! Excellent write up. I am now thinking that this something I would seriously like to do. What sort of costs are involved, I.e for the track day itself, helmet etc. + the instructor? I am always willing to learn something new.

I recall reading your insurance provides track coverage inclusive. Was it a hefty premium over standard?

BTW. Those G powers look stunning, the coilover stance is absolutely perfect. Has to be said again favourite E92 on the forum.

P.S Your daughter has got a seriously impressive set of skills, and I think its great that you gave her the opportunity to really explore her limits on the confines of a track. Which will only stand to benefit her in real world driving, and it the future years.

[creepy coupe]

Looks a blast Ian. How many laps did you manage to get it? (total). I'm thinking of something similar. Maybe when the tyres are near end of life. How much tread should I leave?

[ClubMSV]

Hi,

Thanks for the write up on our event. I am glad you enjoyed it!

I hope you dont mind me posting on here, but we have another BMW exclusive evening at Brands Hatch coming up on Thursday 26th June. I can also offer you a group discount if 10 or more of you would like to come along.

BMW Evening - www.clubmsv.co.uk/pbmw

Feel free to post on here or contact me directly if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Nick Rice
Club MSV - nick.rice@clubmsv.co.uk

[zltm089]

Nice write up Ian!!!!....

can't see the pics atm cause i'm at work...will check out later on...

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by Awfully_Polite

Ian!

How the hell have I missed this thread?! Excellent write up. I am now thinking that this something I would seriously like to do. What sort of costs are involved, I.e for the track day itself, helmet etc. + the instructor? I am always willing to learn something new.

I recall reading your insurance provides track coverage inclusive. Was it a hefty premium over standard?

BTW. Those G powers look stunning, the coilover stance is absolutely perfect. Has to be said again favourite E92 on the forum.

P.S Your daughter has got a seriously impressive set of skills, and I think its great that you gave her the opportunity to really explore her limits on the confines of a track. Which will only stand to benefit her in real world driving, and it the future years.

Thanks AP.

This particular track evening was £49.00,the event was organised with BMW (I believe),so was a fair bit cheaper than the norm,and an absolute bargain.

Helmet hire is £10.00,the instructor was £25.00,which I believe is for 4 laps or 15 mins.
The instruction sounds expensive on the face of it,but I think it's great value,as the instructors know their stuff,and the track,and their instruction does make a significant difference to your subsequent laps.
We all think we're driving gods,however a bit of guidance on a strange track makes for a far more enjoyable and more importantly safe experience.
I'd highly recommend the instruction for anyone

Insurance - I think you've got this day confused with the 'ring' AP,I was not covered from an insurance point of view.
OK,some will think that mad especially with my daughter on an inaugural track visit,however she had had a pep talk from me,took onboard what was said by the instructor at the pre track briefing,so I was reasonably comfortable taking the risk.

I'm not suggesting that insurance is unneccessary,my view is that as long as you drive within your limits,don't venture far from your comfort zones and keep your distance from other cars, hopefully you should be ok.

My daughters daily driver is a Ford Ka (1.3),so the big 'D' certainly let her stretch her legs,my main concern on the day was being embarrassed by her in the driving skills dept,she was really very good.

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Looks a blast Ian. How many laps did you manage to get it? (total). I'm thinking of something similar. Maybe when the tyres are near end of life. How much tread should I leave?

Correction - how many laps did my daughter get in!

In honesty Del,I don't know.
However you have approx 2.5 hrs from finishing the sighting laps to do as you please,the DTM cars were lapping around 44 secs the other week,so you could clock up quite an impressive number of laps, a novice should be able to do a lap in approx 1 min.

It's quite tough on tyres,certainly the fronts,I'm not sure doing a track day with tyres on the limit is a good idea in honesty.
You need good grip around the Indy circuit on a good day, factor in the possibility of rain/wet track, and your tyres are on the turn,you could get in serious trouble.

Originally Posted by ClubMSV

Hi,

Thanks for the write up on our event. I am glad you enjoyed it!

I hope you dont mind me posting on here, but we have another BMW exclusive evening at Brands Hatch coming up on Thursday 26th June. I can also offer you a group discount if 10 or more of you would like to come along.

BMW Evening - www.clubmsv.co.uk/pbmw

Feel free to post on here or contact me directly if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Nick Rice
Club MSV - nick.rice@clubmsv.co.uk

No worries Nick.
It was very enjoyable and a very well organised event.

That's a fantastic offer,I do hope you get a good response for the event,I know quite a few people missed out on the last one.

Originally Posted by zltm089

Nice write up Ian!!!!....

can't see the pics atm cause i'm at work...will check out later on...

Cheers Kev

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

I'm not sure doing a track day with tyres on the limit is a good idea in honesty.
You need good grip around the Indy circuit on a good day, factor in the possibility of rain/wet track, and your tyres are on the turn,you could get in serious trouble.
:

Cheers Ian

I wasn't think of using ruined tyres, something with a few mm of tread. Just didn't fancy rolling the edges on a decent set.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Cheers Ian

I wasn't think of using ruined tyres, something with a few mm of tread. Just didn't fancy rolling the edges on a decent set.

No worries Del,and I didn't think you meant ruined tyres,but I guess tyres with 4/5mm left would be OKish

[A_P]

Ah haa! I see, with this new info regarding insurance, this certainly seems to be a very plausible scenaraio. I should have the paddle shifters fitted by next week, And I have a spare set of wheels with the track ready Corsas fitted..... hahaha I am smiling whilst I write this because I am sooooooooooo very tempted. Even have brake cover so that my pads and discs are replaced under cover as long as I own the car.

Right of to check out the website.



Edit: Ian are you running a 275/35 on the rears at this event?

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by Awfully_Polite

Ah haa! I see, with this new info regarding insurance, this certainly seems to be a very plausible scenaraio. I should have the paddle shifters fitted by next week, And I have a spare set of wheels with the track ready Corsas fitted..... hahaha I am smiling whilst I write this because I am sooooooooooo very tempted. Even have brake cover so that my pads and discs are replaced under cover as long as I own the car.

Right of to check out the website.



Edit: Ian are you running a 275/35 on the rears at this event?

Go for it AP,I know of at least one other member who will be there.

275/30/19

[fastloop]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

A novice should be able to do a lap in approx 1 min.

More like 65-70 secs for a novice and depending on what power you are running. I was doing 59's when it was fully dry last September, but any dampness like mid May and you are easily in the high 60-70's. No premiums for being the first one sent home.

Brands Hatch is fairly safe track if you don't push it too hard and take care at Paddock Hill bend and coming out of Druids. However Bedford Autodrome is probably a better track with plenty of run off if anyone is worried. REIS and other track day insurances are typically charged at 0.75% at value for half a day and 1% for a full day. So insurance at £25K premium will be around £180 for half a day and £250 for a full.
Alternative is to change to GreenLight and it's a flat £50 for the day at any UK track except Castle Combs.

I got Cadwell Park booked on the 16th, so I'm quite looking forward to that and hopefully it will be dry.

[zltm089]

amazing pics Ian!!!!! ....car is lookin good as usual!...GPower back on!...

e92s are fcukin gorheous cars.....best lookin car in the bmw range...IMO of course...

[zltm089]

and ur runnin vreds aswell! looks like they're perform well on track?!...

[A_P]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Go for it AP,I know of at least one other member who will be there.

275/30/19

But those rears looks super chunky in the pics. till cant enough of the G powers. lol I find myself returning to the thread to have another gander.

[A_P]

Originally Posted by zltm089

and ur runnin vreds aswell! looks like they're perform well on track?!...

Stunning eyesight you got there kev!. Will you be attending?

[A_P]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

That right there is my favourite pic. Mag worthy.

[Dr Dave]

Yes, agreed, that is a great pic - one to enlarge and have printed for the wall at home.

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by Awfully_Polite

Stunning eyesight you got there kev!. Will you be attending?

tempted to go on the next one...but worried about having no insurance....