New to Track & AutoX want to take my e46 or e30 vert

[jaydeep]

I want to take my e46 or e30 vert Track & AutoX just fro fun. How much does it cost? Which car should I take? Any advise/tips?

Here are my cars

[Jaxx_]

Go with what you prefer. If you want to get the most out of track or autocross, it should be the car that you daily, or the one harder to handle. Knowing the limits of your car is practical, but having fun is the name of the game. You will learn a lot either way, just remember that tires are probably the most expensive part of autox or track days, so consider that when choosing the car.

Autox usually costs less than $50, often around $30, for entry and you get a few runs--how many depends on the club and participants. Expect at least 4 minutes of driving time, upto 30 minutes.

HPDEs can cost anywhere from $100 to $400, and seat time depends on the course and instruction. Generally HPDEs are more expensive, but you get more seat time for your money. Expect about 1-3 hours of driving time.

Basic tips:
Have fun
Grab an instructor
autox: Walk the course with someone else who is happy to explain things to you
ride along with different cars and drivers
Ask questions while you're there, and understand that you may not know everything. Most guys are not humble when it comes to driving skills(somehow it insults their manhood)

and most importantly.... Raise the air pressure in your tires. :D You can learn a lot about chalking, driving technique and other things in time, I'm pretty sure you'll do it more than once.

[Emre]

How much does it cost?

Registration fees for a "high-performance driver education" (HPDE) event at a racetrack will be around $175-200 per day. On top of that, you'll need a pre-event tech inspection. Most shops will charge 1/2 hour of labor; figure $35-50. And you'll need to rent, borrow, or buy an SA-2000 or better helmet.

Which car should I take?

Neither. I'm afraid very few clubs will allow you to drive a convertible on the track unless it has (at minimum) fixed roll hoops behind the seats. That means a Z4 or Boxster might be ok, but an E30 (no hoops) or E46 (pop-up hoops) definitely will not.

Any advise/tips?

Start here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=39193

[Nsquared97]

Neither. I'm afraid very few clubs will allow you to drive a convertible on the track unless it has (at minimum) fixed roll hoops behind the seats. That means a Z4 or Boxster might be ok, but an E30 (no hoops) or E46 (pop-up hoops) definitely will not.

His E46 in the pic isn't a 'vert ;)

IMO take the E46, go out and have fun, and like mentioned, realize there is a very little chance you will be 'good' your first outing. One thing I would recommed is to clean your car out before you go, car has to be empty when your running and it's a pain to do that at the event if your car is a bit messy.

[Emre]

His E46 in the pic isn't a 'vert ;)

Oops! I didn't look at the pics; misread the title and thought they were both verts.

In that case, the choice is easy: take the tin-top.

[jaydeep]

Thanks guys for inputs.
Do you guys know any track near Hartford CT? Like you guys mentioned I am not going to be good first time so Cheaper would better.



[quote=Emre;3619882]Oops! I didn't look at the pics; misread the title and thought they were both verts.

In that case, the choice is easy: take the tin-top.[/quote

BTW after reading your post about your 190E I been looking for clean 190E. Since you are in E30 forums do you own any E30?

[Gary Horneck]

Lime Rock is right in your neighborhood. They got it all.

[SlapDash]

It's a bit of a hike for you, but check out Advanced Driving in North Kingstown, RI (http://hpds.1adsi.com/).

They have full-day high-performance classes, but you can just sign up for the autox portion, which runs from noon to 4 or 5 p.m. At last check, it was about $125 for the autox, but that's unlimited runs on a mile-long course on an unused airport runway. There are a few cracks and the pavement can be a little rough in spots, but in a non-lowered car, you can't really get more bang for your buck than this place.

I've driven my E30 rally car there, but also a slightly dropped Miata with no problems. It's a great learning environment. And there is plenty of seat time (most get tired and take a few breaks along the way).

The runs are timed, but it's not like an SCCA autox. Convertibles are OK, helmets are optional (they do have loaners) and you'll have hours -- not minutes -- of drive time. And you don't have to 'work'. They have people to re-set cones and the like. The only work you are encouraged to do is help stack the cones at the end of the day, and that takes about 10 minutes.

It really is a good time. I've done four or five days there.

If you go, tell Anthony Kris at Slapdash Racing sent you. He's a great guy and a lot of fun. You won't be disappointed.

Either way, good luck!