I had a s'load of fun, but I was so farking tired by the end of the day. I took a lot of advice from the experienced track guys on this forum and ran on my street tires. I don't have any previous track experience, but I have to say I learned a lot about driving smoothly thanks to my instructor.
I have so much respect for the instructors who come out and teach their craft to n00bs like me. It really shows that they understand what the hell they are talking about. It's one thing to be fast, but as my instructor mentioned some fast racers cannot "remember how to get on their hands and knees" and remember what's it like to be a beginner. I hope one day I can get good enough where I can explain weight transfer and the proper line in simple terms to another novice as well.
I went out with a very simple setup and I was able to hang with highly modified cars, but just not in the straights lol. Anywhere here's my setup:
-205/60/14 Falken Ziex 512 tires on stock basketweaves
-Axxis Ultimates/SS lines/OEM rotors
-Z4 3.0L short shifter
-Momo 350mm Monte Carlo w/ Ebay Quick Release
-E28 535i engine mounts
-Stock seat, suspension, and engine (and I mean stock!)
One thing that might interest you M42 guys, it was 105 deg. out and my cooling system ran a tiny bit COOL. My cooling system is stock. I just replaced the fan clutch and everything else is OEM specs. Nothing fancy. But I did run A LOT of distilled water, probably ended up with 80% water/20% coolant ratio. I was at WOT most of the time :D, and i kept peeking at the temps and they stayed 2-3mm before the 1/2 mark. So if you guys are having cooling problems, make sure your system is not leaking and properly bled. Don't worry about upgrades or lower temp t-stats or fan switches. Just make sure everything it's good running order.
I'll post up some footage and actions shots later on. I just hope everyone can scrounge enough money up and STOP MODDING for one month and go drive. I'm living proof that a stock 318is on all-season tires can have a fucking blast at the track and still keep up with higher-hp cars with wider/stickier tires and stiffer suspension. And this is only my first track event. It's all seat-time baby!
Happy Motoring,
Brandon
I have so much respect for the instructors who come out and teach their craft to n00bs like me. It really shows that they understand what the hell they are talking about. It's one thing to be fast, but as my instructor mentioned some fast racers cannot "remember how to get on their hands and knees" and remember what's it like to be a beginner. I hope one day I can get good enough where I can explain weight transfer and the proper line in simple terms to another novice as well.
I went out with a very simple setup and I was able to hang with highly modified cars, but just not in the straights lol. Anywhere here's my setup:
-205/60/14 Falken Ziex 512 tires on stock basketweaves
-Axxis Ultimates/SS lines/OEM rotors
-Z4 3.0L short shifter
-Momo 350mm Monte Carlo w/ Ebay Quick Release
-E28 535i engine mounts
-Stock seat, suspension, and engine (and I mean stock!)
One thing that might interest you M42 guys, it was 105 deg. out and my cooling system ran a tiny bit COOL. My cooling system is stock. I just replaced the fan clutch and everything else is OEM specs. Nothing fancy. But I did run A LOT of distilled water, probably ended up with 80% water/20% coolant ratio. I was at WOT most of the time :D, and i kept peeking at the temps and they stayed 2-3mm before the 1/2 mark. So if you guys are having cooling problems, make sure your system is not leaking and properly bled. Don't worry about upgrades or lower temp t-stats or fan switches. Just make sure everything it's good running order.
I'll post up some footage and actions shots later on. I just hope everyone can scrounge enough money up and STOP MODDING for one month and go drive. I'm living proof that a stock 318is on all-season tires can have a fucking blast at the track and still keep up with higher-hp cars with wider/stickier tires and stiffer suspension. And this is only my first track event. It's all seat-time baby!
Happy Motoring,
Brandon
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