[TiAg330]

So I'm going to a racetrack for the first time soon (Calabogie). There is an in-class session first, then the track portion with an instructor riding shotgun.
You have the option to bring your own car or rent a modded Mustang GT for $150.

As much as I want to drive my own car, I'm a little paranoid about damaging it, being my first time at a track.

Thoughts?

[335isGuy]

Rent the Stang. But remember, take it easy. Its not a race. Learn the line, learn smoothness!!! and speed will come in time. Have patience and remember that everyone has been where you are. Just go out have fun, listen and learn. This is the best advice I give all my students.

[Gummi]

Rent the Mustang. Tracking is hard on your car... so learn on someone else's.

[Tonybest]

Are you going this weekend? I will be there it would be nice to say hi.

Anyways 150$ for the day isn't expensive at all to rent a track car. But those cars might have more power than your BMW, hence "scare you" even more.

I wouldn't be worried tracking your BMW, if I were you. It all depends with what group of guys you are doing this event. Who are the organizers?

If it's a proper HPDE done by a BMW Club, you will enjoy it tremendously with your own car. All cars on track will have an instructor onboard. So rules and regulations and "savoir-vivre" is the norm. especially in the beginner's group

[Soni]

just go with your own car, so you know how it feels and what to expect. You are going to ride with an instructor, so chances is the instructor will correct you before you get into trouble unless you don't follow his instruction. It is your first time at a track, go at the speed that you feel comfortable, then build up your speed gradually!!

[who's ur daddy?]

$150 sounds cheap and I agree it'd be great to beat on someone else's car.

But it's just heavenly to drive a BMW at the limit and just enjoy how well balanced the car can be. I have never personally driven any modded Mustangs, but from what I've read in car magazines, the handling isn't as good as a BMW.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Take your own car and enjoy the ultimate driving machine ride - even at a slower pace you will enjoy it much more than the stang.

Also if you take your own car you will lean how your car handles and behaves under different conditions all of which can be applied in daily driving should you need to make an emergency move.

[bolty]

dont be a pussy. Take your car and enjoy it!

[Soni]

Originally Posted by bolty

dont be a pussy. Take your car and enjoy it!

hey, did you get a spot on Sunday track day?

[redfox]

Definitely use your own car. I brought my car onto the track with 3000 km on it. I have done it three times. Aside from power steering pump reservoir squirting a little bit (which is normal) and the obvious wear on the tire, the car runs just fine. You gotta remember, these cars were designed to be driven.

Just exercise common sense, go slow, learn the track, never speed across a corner with a concrete wall beside it and always go off the the track and onto the grass straight if you can.

[dgbuilder]

I agree with the drive your own car sentiments. You bought your car because you like to drive it, so why not drive it where you can really learn its intricacies? If it is your first time, you aren't likely to get anywhere near the limit (especially if it is a well run event) so have fun and get to know your car.

Also, there are some good threads on this board about first time track days () the most useful advice is 1. Breathe, 2. Look ahead 3. Stay hydrated. Repeat those over and over and have fun!

Careful, this may be the most addictive thing on the planet...

[ehhhwik]

i've only been to a couple track days and went in my own car (e92 328) at the time, and i had a blast, you will get to feel the balance of the BMW and its just awesome, the only thing u really wear on your car is the brake pads and the tires

just take it easy at first, then add more speed, brake later and explore the limits of your car as the day progresses and you will be fine!

[TiAg330]

Originally Posted by Tonybest

Are you going this weekend? I will be there it would be nice to say hi.

Anyways 150$ for the day isn't expensive at all to rent a track car. But those cars might have more power than your BMW, hence "scare you" even more.

I wouldn't be worried tracking your BMW, if I were you. It all depends with what group of guys you are doing this event. Who are the organizers?

If it's a proper HPDE done by a BMW Club, you will enjoy it tremendously with your own car. All cars on track will have an instructor onboard. So rules and regulations and "savoir-vivre" is the norm. especially in the beginner's group

I'm going on Tuesday. The event is organized by the track itself. It's a "Sunset Series Lapping Night."

There are two 30 minute track sessions. I'm leaning toward using the Stang for the first session and then using my own car for the second one if I start to feel comfortable. Not sure this is the best approach. I guess I'll kind of play it by ear. :P

[TiAg330]

Thanks for the comments...

Yeah, slow and steady wi... well, keeps my car on the track. :P

[ARA5HE90]

Originally Posted by 335isGuy

Rent the Stang. But remember, take it easy. Its not a race. Learn the line, learn smoothness!!! and speed will come in time. Have patience and remember that everyone has been where you are. Just go out have fun, listen and learn. This is the best advice I give all my students.

well said .

[kenneth]

I wouldn't go if I were you! Too highly addictive and expensive

Like heroin, there's no going back to normal!

[kyo21]

Originally Posted by 335isGuy

Rent the Stang. But remember, take it easy. Its not a race. Learn the line, learn smoothness!!! and speed will come in time. Have patience and remember that everyone has been where you are. Just go out have fun, listen and learn. This is the best advice I give all my students.

+1 Completely agree, so does all the guys that track here.