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      05-23-2014, 11:00 AM   #1
Oyinko
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First track day

I'm going next weekend at Laguna Seca for a track day with my M235i. Any advice on how should I prepare the car?
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      05-23-2014, 12:37 PM   #2
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Fresh tires, and new set of brake pads...
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      05-23-2014, 01:01 PM   #3
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Tape up the car and cover up your license plate.
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      05-23-2014, 01:17 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oyinko View Post
I'm going next weekend at Laguna Seca for a track day with my M235i. Any advice on how should I prepare the car?
Laguna is very hard on brakes. I would consider racing brake fluid and maybe track pads.
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      05-23-2014, 03:10 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notime View Post
Tape up the car and cover up your license plate.


Tape up the front of the car for rocks, right?

Licence plate, for sure!
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      05-23-2014, 04:11 PM   #6
overcoil
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oyinko View Post
Tape up the front of the car for rocks, right?

Licence plate, for sure!
Yes!

And make sure you have fun & don't over do it - not worth the chance of damaging by approaching the limit.
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      05-23-2014, 10:12 PM   #7
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Why tape the license plate?
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      05-23-2014, 10:27 PM   #8
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Insurance companies have been known to browse the internet for track photos of road cars on track.
If they match a Monday morning claim with an on track Sunday photo they'll analyze the damage to ascertain if it's a non covered track day damage.
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      05-23-2014, 10:58 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notime View Post
Insurance companies have been known to browse the internet for track photos of road cars on track.
If they match a Monday morning claim with an on track Sunday photo they'll analyze the damage to ascertain if it's a non covered track day damage.
Wow interesting, makes total sense. I hope to take my 2er to the track shortly after I get her, ill be sure to do this
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      05-23-2014, 11:13 PM   #10
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      05-24-2014, 12:48 PM   #11
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Have you driven Laguna before? If you have the tech package, post your laps. I'll be running Laguna in June. It will be my first time there. Do you have auto or 6spd? It will be good to see how it goes for you. Have a good time & try to keep your baby out of the sand :-)
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      05-24-2014, 12:52 PM   #12
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As others have suggested, some dedicated track pads and high temp brake fluid will ensure that you're able to finish your track sessions. I've not tracked this car yet, but my STI was very easily able to overcome the abilities of the stock pads on a brake heavy course. This thing carries more weight than that so I'd imagine it would be about the same.
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      05-24-2014, 05:29 PM   #13
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First time at Laguna? Stay clear of the tall red curb in turn 6, and might be worth while to follow someone experienced through 9 to get the right line.
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      05-25-2014, 12:38 AM   #14
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Perhaps the best advice has already been said which is take it easy, no reason to tear up your car on a track day. Since it is your first time other than some tape to protect it you probably don't need to do anything. After the day you will have a sense of what if anything is needed. Of course you can flush the brake fluid but I would do this after rather than before, you may want to take a look at the pads when you are done also. Finally if you decide to do track days regularly you can consider some DOT approved track tires, there are several out there that much softer than regular tires, they are great for a track day and you can put them on at home and drive to the track have fun and drive home or take the set with you. The biggest performance improvement you can make to any car is the become a better driver so try and find an expert to ride with you and do some coaching for the first few laps.

Have fun
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      05-25-2014, 01:16 AM   #15
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Watch the speed going into turn 2. Going into that turn too fast is probably the biggest mistake first-timers will make. If you think the car is under-steering, that's because you're going into the turn too fast.

Turn 6 can be dangerous, so watch out for that was well.

The cork-screw is a lot of fun!
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      05-27-2014, 08:31 PM   #16
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Thanks for your advices! I will keep you posted!
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      05-28-2014, 08:54 AM   #17
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here is my track day prep list. I check things off as I complete them. This way you don't forget anything
1. pants
2. socks
3. undergarments
4. long sleeve and short shirts
5. Gloves
6. Helmet and head sock
7. Racing shoes
If staying over night
8. Deodorant
9. Toothbrush
10. Toothpaste
11. Shampoo
12. cue tips
13. shower gel soap
Car needs
14. brake fluid
15. oil
16. popup tent
17. chair
18. air pump
19. jack
20. wrenches
21. rain gear (umbrella, coat)
22. food/drink


Things to get done before leaving
1. oil change
2. flush brake fluid
3. Check all bolts (torque settings)
4. pack car
5. Inspection sign off
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      06-01-2014, 08:20 PM   #18
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Back from my track day! This was epic!

Loved the track! A debrief with pics, video and text will come later!


Last edited by Oyinko; 07-23-2015 at 12:46 AM..
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      06-01-2014, 11:57 PM   #19
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Cool - looking forward to the full description. Did you use M lap timer app? I will be there 6/19.
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      06-02-2014, 06:03 AM   #20
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Can't wait for the pics.
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      06-02-2014, 08:59 AM   #21
Oyinko
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Here is the videos of two of my 3 sessions.

Session 2 coached by an instructor:


Session 1:


Session 3:


You will see that I almost ran out of gas. I did 8mpg on the track!

Yes I used the M Laptimer, pretty handy even though my goal for my first track day was not too compete with the timer (I did 1.58.52).

On a nutshell, the car is amazing but need an upgrade on tires (I have RFT Bridgestones summer tires) and better brake pads and brake fluid.

More soon...

Last edited by Oyinko; 06-03-2014 at 04:50 PM..
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      06-02-2014, 10:45 AM   #22
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Great that your getting her out to the track! nice videos.

I thought that the Pilot Super Sports were standard on the M235?
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