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    Building a track

    Hello all! I've been perusing this site for some time and just havent taken time to post much. I own a 91 318is, an 03 ZHP, a 97 540i, and a 94 525i. don't be impressed, the ZHP is the only one is good condition right now.

    Anyhow, I may be procuring 12.6 acres of land soon, and in the future would like to develop a small racetrack, say autocross sized track. Looking to a community of fellow BMW enthusiasts for opinions on track design and possible input on cost of paving.

    Property is relatively flat, a small hill on one side may be good to incorporate into track design, possible crest to right turn. The north/south side of property is 490' the east/west side is 1250'. The southern edge of property has a section missing that is residential. I want the track to occupy about 7-8 acres.

    Rather than a parking lot design I'd like to do something more like the small track layout of tire rack, without directly copying it, or doing something similar to the small tracks at road atlanta(skip barber skills track) or road america.

    #2
    I'd suggest contacting local racing groups such as SCCA and NASA in your area. They are sure to have people that could help, and you are giving them a reason to help... your land.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by FknBMW View Post
      The southern edge of property has a section missing that is residential.
      Does this mean the property is right up against a residential area or development? If so, I think you should reconsider putting a track there. I understand the desire for your own personal race track, but I'd be pretty pissed if one of my neighbors decided to build a race track and I had to listens to engines revving and tires screeching all the time. I'm not sure if you could even get permission to build that being so close to a residential area.

      I think it would make a lot more sense to just join the local autocross group. Less cost and maintenance, less chance of pissing someone off.

      Comment


        #4
        I'm a member of the local autocross club already. There are three houses there, but all zoned commercial. The majority of adjoining property is commercial. I'm trying to get into my photobook account (haven't used it in a long time)

        I've just started a performance automotive business, and a small test track would be a huge asset. Obviously this is something that will have to get approval from my township and go through a lot of steps, I'm not just calling a paving company and having it put in.

        Comment


          #5


          well this doesn't work.

          Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like TheGarageatJakes.


          I guess a URL is the best I can do right now.
          Last edited by FknBMW; 03-18-2017, 07:00 PM. Reason: stupid picture embedding

          Comment


            #6
            Personally, I'd start by seeing if I could insure it....

            ....because the current mentality if someone stubs a toe is "who do I sue?"

            Wish I wasn't serious...

            t
            now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

            Comment


              #7
              Have you checked local ordinances?

              Also, zoning and noise regulation.

              As well, EPA restrictions and regulations in the area.

              This has been done and tried (and failed) before. Even if you think you are in the middle of nowhere, the sound carries quite a bit, and all it takes is one complaint to become a thorn in your side.

              As Toby said, insurance is another thing, especially if you are thinking of opening it up to private events.

              Do your due diligence before you even dream of planning a track layout.

              https://forum.freeadvice.com/homeown...ty-191757.html

              http://www.caranddriver.com/features...etrack-feature
              Last edited by djjerme; 03-20-2017, 12:38 PM.
              1991 325i MT2 Touring (JDM bro)
              2016 Ford Flex
              2011 Audi A3 - wife's other German car

              Comment


                #8
                Regarding track layout, my advise would be to buy a side by side and drive your layout before you move any dirt and order pavement.

                12 acres may also starts to feel small pretty quickly when you are in a car traveling at speed. I own 70 acres and have roads cut on mine that I could drive my cars on (stage rally cars), but it's not as entertaining as you may think. It's also somewhat boring to do by yourself.

                Not trying to be a downer, but have real life experience it what you are talking about. It's also worth noting that building roads are expensive (subjective), but still cost a lot.

                Comment


                  #9
                  ^^ I used to have fun on just a couple of acres, granted it was cut out for practicing rally. Luckily never had complaints about noise, but it was mostly just me, not events. I didn't realize many of the laws posted here. Im interested how it turns out!

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I understand there's a lot of hurdles to consider. If this ever comes to be it's years away, the residences near by may be gone or vacant due to zoning. I wasn't so much concerned with plausibility as I was with track design, trying to have some fun with the concept and just enjoy being excited about it.

                    12 acres is plenty of space to have fun on, the tire rack test track occupies about 7.4 acres and has tons of possibilities for cone setup and autoX. I'm not trying to rally here, that would be understandably dull.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Tsukuba circuit takes up only ~3 acres, and that's a pretty good small track setup.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Have you priced a quality grading / paving / sitework job? Beyond the permitting / zoning issues, it's not cheap to build a track.
                        2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
                        2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
                        1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
                        1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black
                        - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
                        1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
                        1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black

                        Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
                        Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd

                        sigpic

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by nrubenstein View Post
                          Have you priced a quality grading / paving / sitework job? Beyond the permitting / zoning issues, it's not cheap to build a track.
                          I haven't even thought about calling someone yet, this project would be years down the road, there's a lot of ducks to put in a row first. Mostly just hyped about the concept, as I'm hyped about my business coming together.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            I'm in MI and will come drive on your track. I also have several shovels in varying shapes and sizes.
                            The Lineup in order of appearance:
                            91 535i
                            91 318is 5 Lug/E46M3 Brakes
                            91 325is w/ S52
                            88 Vert Plastic Bumper Swap
                            88 M3 ;D
                            91 325ix 5 speed
                            89 Vert Royalblau Metallic
                            73 2002
                            1986 325es --> is swap Rallycross Car!!
                            1995 Chevy G30 Tow Rig... *I SOLD A CAR!!*
                            1993 525i Granitsilber Metallic Touring

                            Need a 91 M5 bad but wife would shoot me...twice

                            *UPDATE: got a 93 M5 and still alive

                            1972 Jeep Wagoneer
                            1975 2002 five speed

                            Check out:
                            Elhartspeedshop.com


                            sigpic

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Just wait until you see what the construction costs will be....Sweet Baby Jesus is it expensive to put down something that won't chunk up with what you are going to be doing with it.

                              Also, draw plans for what will be approved, then modify it once it is established. Amazing what the laws are about building things, but demo and remodel, not so much.

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