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      07-12-2010, 05:58 PM   #1
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Girl Talk Needs Help Going To The Track!

OK, so I've been on this site for awhile and have learned lots from all of you. Thanks to one of the members I am signed up for my first track event on Aug.9 in Joliet. Any help you guys can give me on what to expect, what I need to know would really be appreciated. I'm getting my helmet fitted this week, have new PS2's since mine were like bananas and my BBK are ready to go. Don't let me down guys, any and everything is much appreciated.
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      07-12-2010, 06:29 PM   #2
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The first track day is really exciting.

Most of all, I'd recommend getting an instructor. An instructor will be really helpful in teaching you how to find the correct line and other techniques to get you going fast, while most importantly being safe.

I'd also recommend bringing an ice chest full of water/sports drinks. You'll be amazed at how much energy tracking the car for just 20 minutes takes. After you get out of the car, you'll really need to re-hydrate.

I'm assuming you'll be in the first-timers run group. There will be people all over the map in terms of speed and ability. Just try to be patient, as you will find many people are oblivious and won't give you a point by.

Other than that, just have a good time!
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      07-12-2010, 06:39 PM   #3
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I'll be there for that event. I'll make sure to drag Ilia along with me and you can pit with me and I'll make sure to take care of your car during the event and help you out with anything you may need

Just go out there and have fun its not a race and you're there to learn. Everyone starts somewhere, don't worry about being the fastest. Focus on becoming very smooth and in control with the car and you'll be fine.

Trackdaze is also very big on safety and likes to maintain a good event and pay attention in classroom and to your instructor you always learn something new.
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      07-12-2010, 07:03 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Green///Hell View Post
I'll be there for that event. I'll make sure to drag Ilia along with me and you can pit with me and I'll make sure to take care of your car during the event and help you out with anything you may need

Just go out there and have fun its not a race and you're there to learn. Everyone starts somewhere, don't worry about being the fastest. Focus on becoming very smooth and in control with the car and you'll be fine.

Trackdaze is also very big on safety and likes to maintain a good event and pay attention in classroom and to your instructor you always learn something new.
Thanks, can't wait to see your car in action. I've only been to the M school and know I have a long way to go.
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      07-12-2010, 07:22 PM   #5
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Should be a fun day. I will be at that event learning as well. Its never ending.

Your car sounds like it will be ready. My only advice is wear comfortable clothes and bring LOTS of water.
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      07-12-2010, 08:05 PM   #6
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I recommend trying to learn the track before you go. That way you don't spend any of your time on the track trying to learn which way the track goes next.

When I go to a new track I study a few days before I go. First download a track map and then go to youtube and find some videos (preferably of a car similiar to yours) and watch 10-30 laps until you can predict each turn without referring to the map. Look for major braking zones the relative speed through the corners, even shifting points etc. This will give you a huge advantage when you hit the track. That way your instructor can teach you the line and you can work on car control right off the bat vs learning big picture of the track.
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      07-12-2010, 08:15 PM   #7
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Bring a chair, torque wrench with an extension and 17mm long socket, or at least borrow someones after 1 or 2 sessions. DEFINITELY bring a good tire gauge. If you can get one that allows you to release air while monitoring the pressure, that's even better, but not necessary.
An EasyUp or umbrella is nice too if it's hot, and don't forget sunscreen.

If you haven't joined the BMWCCA, it's a GREAT WAY to get into tracking safely and economically, as skierman's sig says in bold.
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."

Last edited by aus; 07-12-2010 at 11:37 PM..
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      07-12-2010, 09:32 PM   #8
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Here are some student guides used by some of my local chapters, 98% of the stuff is universal to all schools although a few things may be different.

http://www.delvalbmwcca.org/documents/newstudent.pdf

http://www.neqclub.org/toolbox/event...chool-qaa.html

You may want to look on some local BMWCCA website to see what student guides are available.
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      07-13-2010, 06:50 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by linsm3 View Post
OK, so I've been on this site for awhile and have learned lots from all of you. Thanks to one of the members I am signed up for my first track event on Aug.9 in Joliet. Any help you guys can give me on what to expect, what I need to know would really be appreciated. I'm getting my helmet fitted this week, have new PS2's since mine were like bananas and my BBK are ready to go. Don't let me down guys, any and everything is much appreciated.
We'll see you at Autobahn on August 9th. Lot of good suggestions particularly about LOTS of water and patience. Make sure you spend some time with one of our fantastic instructors.

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      07-13-2010, 07:03 AM   #10
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You probably won't be going fast enough for your first DE, but high temp brake fluid is always a good idea. Maybe you already addressed this with your BBK, but thought I'd mention it because I've seen the poor result of street brake fluid on track.

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      07-13-2010, 10:52 AM   #11
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OMG that is what I fear the most but will probably stay on the side of caution, at least to begin with. Thanks for all the help, I have a lot of information to go through.
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      07-13-2010, 12:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by linsm3 View Post
OMG that is what I fear the most but will probably stay on the side of caution, at least to begin with. Thanks for all the help, I have a lot of information to go through.
Don't worry about the photo...he's just trying to scare you. If you are uncomfortable - flush the brakes with new fluid - Ate Blue or Gold will be more than adequate for a novice, expecially with a BBK. If you listen and react to the coaching and you will end up no where near this - and resist the temptation to lift if you get scared...at this stage the car can handle more than you!

One tip I would give - if it is a random choice of instructors, choose a 'more experienced', i.e. a crusty old, instructor. The depth and quality of knowledge will be consistent across the instructor group, but the more experienced instructor will have more coaching experience and will adjust his style quicker according to the experience, personality and approach of your driving. They keep asking the good ones back! This make for higher quality experience for you and a faster learning curve. If you don't get along with your instructor - you have to trust them - ask for a switch between sessions by seeing the senior instructor (the one doing the driver's meeting). He should sort it out for you

Relax, enjoy and drink lots of fluids!

Last edited by LiM3y; 07-13-2010 at 12:54 PM..
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      07-13-2010, 12:32 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LiM3y View Post
If you don't get along with your instructor - you have to trust them - ask for a switch between sessions by seeing the senior instructor (the one doing the driver's meeting).
I second this advice! I spent an entire day on a track I won't have the chance to get back to for a few years with an instructor I couldn't stand but kept giving a chance to because I thought, "I learn different things from different ways of instructing". I know better now... You'll have so much more fun with an instructor who you gel with.

Above all - have a great time and enjoy learning what you and your car can do!
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      07-15-2010, 04:21 AM   #14
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Bring a folding lawn chair
Bring water/snacks
Bring torque wrench with 17mm socket
Bring jack (optional)
Bring a tire pressure gauge
Bring some painters tape

And most importantly, bring an open mind and have fun

I was hooked since my 1st track day back in 2006 in my E46 and have been going once per month ever since.
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      07-15-2010, 04:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FruitCake View Post
Bring a folding lawn chair
Bring water/snacks
Bring torque wrench with 17mm socket
Bring jack (optional)
Bring a tire pressure gauge
Bring some painters tape

And most importantly, bring an open mind and have fun

I was hooked since my 1st track day back in 2006 in my E46 and have been going once per month ever since.
Add a 2" extension piece for the torque wrench/socket.
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      07-15-2010, 09:10 AM   #16
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A cool level mind, open attitude toward receiving instruction, lots of water (for a hot day), torque wrench, tire pressure gauge are the best preparation for a first ever track day.

I don't know that trying to learn the track matters a whole lot if this is your very first track day. The driving line itself does not mean much without the other very fundamental and critical skills you will be learning from your instructor--meaning they are co-learned at that level IMO. It does make a huge difference when you have a little bit more experience though.

If you just listen to your instructor, the chances of you crashing your relatively new car--due to brake fluid boiling or something else--is very very low. You won't (and shouldn't) be pushing the car or yourself nearly as hard to make the fluid boil. If your stock fluid has been in the car for more than 6-9 months, it would be a good idea to flush it though just as a precaution.

When speaking of first-timers, folks who show up with heavily modified cars and the wrong attidude often have trouble. Doesn't sound like you.

Also, just leave traction and stability control on (I'm sure you'll instructor will recommend that as well).

It's good to be prepeared and worry about the whole thing a little, but you should be relaxed and ready to have some fun!

My 2 cents...
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      07-15-2010, 09:58 AM   #17
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Leave the ego at home and have fun. Oh and send me your BBK, you won't need it for a while.
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      07-15-2010, 12:57 PM   #18
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Hey you guys have really been a of help, believe it or not I wouldn't of thought the simple things like water lol, anyway, I definitely have no ego in this area, I am on the other side always second guessing if I will be good enough although I do have a healthy need for speed but will be controlled. I look forward to really stepping on those BBK's isn't that what they are for and will definitley leave traction control on, we took it off at M for the skid pad so I know the feeling when you don't have it to depend on, KEEP THE SUGGESTIONS GOING, anything and everything is appreciated, again THANKS
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      07-15-2010, 01:58 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by linsm3 View Post
Hey you guys have really been a of help, believe it or not I wouldn't of thought the simple things like water lol, anyway, I definitely have no ego in this area, I am on the other side always second guessing if I will be good enough although I do have a healthy need for speed but will be controlled. I look forward to really stepping on those BBK's isn't that what they are for and will definitley leave traction control on, we took it off at M for the skid pad so I know the feeling when you don't have it to depend on, KEEP THE SUGGESTIONS GOING, anything and everything is appreciated, again THANKS
Have fun, ONE LAST THING...don't use your parking brake between sessions.
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      07-15-2010, 02:30 PM   #20
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Have fun, ONE LAST THING...don't use your parking brake between sessions.
You can use it when entering a hairpin to induce rotation though. Your instructor will demonstrate that to you on the warm up lap.
.
.
.
KIDDING!

Seriously, let/ask your instructor drive the car the first 2-3 laps to show you a few things.
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      07-15-2010, 03:00 PM   #21
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Since a lot of great things have already been said, I'll say this:
1. Get your hands on the beginner's manuals(every club seems to have one) and track layout then study them. The flags are not hard, but you want to know them before you show up. The same goes with track layout. You want to know whether or not the next turn is going to be a right hander or left hander (videos on youtube are pretty good to watch as you'll see the track from a better perspective).
2. Make a checklist of all the things to bring to the track (torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, water, etc.), and throughout the weekend update the list with things you would bring the next time. That way when you go to another event (and you will as you'll be hooked) you'll be better prepared.
3. Have fun!
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      07-15-2010, 05:10 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lucid View Post
You can use it when entering a hairpin to induce rotation though. Your instructor will demonstrate that to you on the warm up lap.
.
.
.
KIDDING!

Seriously, let/ask your instructor drive the car the first 2-3 laps to show you a few things.

Got me. I was thinking. "He's talking about drift school right? Because that's just stupid."
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