M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Exterior => Topic started by: e9nine on July 17, 2006, 07:53:31 PM

Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 17, 2006, 07:53:31 PM
(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___16_007.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___15_211.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___15_184.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___15_140.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___13_102.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___13_026.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___13_002.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___10_108.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___9_214.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___6_061.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___6_018.jpg)

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___5_088.jpg)
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: sheepdog on July 17, 2006, 08:58:39 PM
Lucky S.O.B.!

Looks like a LOT of fun.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: Febi Guibo on July 17, 2006, 09:32:02 PM
too cool... seriously, these are great! you are THE MAN!!

can you talk about the day, and maybe give some of us insight into the +/- of running a 318iS on the track?
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: StreetSpec_iS on July 17, 2006, 10:01:01 PM
oh man, LOVE it!!!! looks awesome Rik.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 17, 2006, 10:28:46 PM
In summary - Best automotive experience of my life ever! :D

I was under the impression the m42 will not be fun to drive on the track however it's perfectly matched to my skill. I think I was the slowest car engine-wise out there. I actually registered my car as a 318iSlow and wish I had the badge on it.

Engine modifications =
1 Mark D chip.
Suspension = Koni SA x4 & GC Semi Co @ 600front 650Rear with no rear swaybar with -3.4 degrees of negative camber infront, full caster from offset m3 bushings and zero toe (wasn't full zero that day as I had to swap tie rod ends and didn't get to get the car aligned. Eyeball alignment was surprisingly good ;))
Tires Falken Azenis 615. Started off around 34lbs ended up around 45lbs or so (I should learn to write these things down :rolleyes:)

M42 driving style & review

I was basically planting the gas pedal to the floor in 3rd and 4th gear all around the track. The car's balance was PERFECT! I had nothing but good words from both my instructors (My main instructor was late to grid once so I got Laura Patton to instruct once -- she runs spec e30) with regards to my overall driving. After 2 laps both asked why I was in D class (there are 4 classes with D being the novice class) I learned other lines around the track(I have driven it once during an SCCA touring lap event for about 2 25min session) and when I got it right, boy were we both ecstatic :D

The nitty gritty.
My car was never passed by any of the fellow cars in the D group. My buddies were in a 99 e36m3 with massive bolt ons and a 325iS with cams and some other boltons not forgetting moutons or w/ever they're called. The red 318Ti you see in the pic with me in the "esses" was a supercharged S52. I passed him more than once in some session. I lapped numerous other cars such as e30m3s, e30 325iS, e36m3s, e39 m5s etc.

The "why?" to the nitty gritty
Why was I able to lap them? I was more comfortable & capable with my car in the twisties and basically tailed people all through and passed them in the open straights. It was very challenging to do this as all they would do is slow me down in the twisties and floor it in the straights. My buddies and I brought it up in class and they kinda listened to us as the day progressed and it was easier for me to pass. My car is very slow _ I admit it_ but my power is not intimidating and once I knew the line - I just kept slinging the car with all the momentum I could. Momentum driving is not as easy to do as it seems and if you screw up you loose speed. How do you know you mess up? The car bogs under load as it tries to recover.

Highlights
The best parts of the 2 day session was when the red 318Ti was trying to keep up and follow my line only to  end up off the track but luckily he got back on without much damage. Next was an e36m3 chasing me while about 8 cars away and infront of my buddy in his 99m3 and realised too late that he was too hot into turn 12 and he lifted (A BIG NO NO) and spun out. Luckily it was just flat spotted tires and a bruised ego and he was back out on Sunday. The climax was myself and a Lotus Elise. I was able to keep up with him on the straights a wee bit but once we got to the turns I was faster. He pointed me by and we were had a nice session with him on my tail on the straights (he decided not to pass after we swapped positions each time we came out of turn 12) but a few car lengths or close to me in the other sections. His car was put in check by the m42.:p

Super highlight of the day for me was when people in my run group asked me what I had done to my car's engine and what it was and when I told them it was a 318iS they thought I was lying :rolleyes: :eek: :D I also won an award for the most consistent driver as well for Saturday.

Classing
I could've gotten bumped from D-group into B-group but there was no space and my ego didn't need any stroking as I know what I am trying to learn and was more comfortable with the people I had already driven around as they now knew to let me by when they saw me in their mirrors. My instructor could've gotten me into C group as well but I told him I didn't care as I was having fun.

Did I learn a lot?

Hell yeah.

Do I want more power in my car?
Not yet - I know what I am aiming for with consistency and driving a slow car and now my $$ is best spent on DEs, tires and other basic maintenance.

Why was I able to pass all those people?
They were all in group D like myself as we are all novices per the CCA classificiation but I guess we are not in the same "skill bracket" per se. When I get bumped up to C or B class - I will not lap people or dominate the whole sessions like I did. The very last heat was us and C-groups together and I was able to keep up with the big boys until we got into the twisties. They were more aggressive and I was finally feelin the tiredness of the whole day and since the car had already been put through a lot and was heating up I led the session for about 5 laps or so due to traffic with me passing the slow cars and then when the big boys got thru on the straights after a few laps, I just took my time and relaxed.

Sorry for the long boring read. I am still ecstatic
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: sheepdog on July 18, 2006, 12:39:01 AM
Boring hell!
Great stuff.

Way to rep the M42.
Shows that a big engine is not only necessary to make decent lap times, but more importantly, not necessary to have fun.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: Febi Guibo on July 18, 2006, 06:45:24 AM
Quote from: e9nine
I lapped numerous other cars such as e30m3s, e30 325iS, e36m3s, e39 m5s etc.

that was a GREAT read... thanks man! Skill wins... that's the bottom line.

it sounds like you have a bright future in SCCA... congrats!!
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 18, 2006, 08:18:10 AM
Quote from: Febi Guibo
that was a GREAT read... thanks man! Skill wins... that's the bottom line.

it sounds like you have a bright future in SCCA... congrats!!

Glad you enjoyed the read. If you guys can - you should all try do at least ONE track event. It's the best experience ever!!

Bright future in SCCA? I dunno :p BTW - this event was with the BMWCCA ;) This kinda stuff is pricey and I don't know if I can afford to do a minimum of 3 events per year in addition to 14 auto-x's like I would like to in order to build my "skill."

So far I have done 1 track day at lil taladega with no instruction, 50 mins @ Road ATL, this BMWCCA event, 1 SCCA auto-x and 4 BMWCCA auto-x events. I intend to do the October CCA HPDE along with 3 other BMWCCA events to wrap up the season.

I enjoy it as pure fun for now.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: ///Motorsport on July 18, 2006, 02:45:39 PM
exciting!!!

i love your headlights, and i think with my extra set of BBSs, i might go for the Gold, instead of black as i had planned.

your car really looks great, good to know you could show up some of the bigger engines...

oh and what did you put in place of your fogs? i need them, cause i have no fogs, just holes.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: bimma_318iS on July 18, 2006, 05:07:34 PM
Very interesting read!...Reading it made me want to go to a track so bad...Good job on the driving...Your ride looks very clean (as in style)...I think looking at those pics made me like the Alpineweiss more than Brilliantrot after Diamantshwarz of course.

Who was taking the pics on the track? Cuz they are nice...Made me feel like I was there watching.

Super nice;)
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: Berlin on July 19, 2006, 02:58:10 AM
wow thats so cool, some of those pictures own

(http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/files/7/5/0/3/bmw_cca_road_atlanta_july_8_9__2006_dl___13_002.jpg)

wwwwhat, e30 FTW haha, gj man
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 19, 2006, 05:43:40 AM
Thanks guys.

The pics were taking by a professional guy who take shots of all cars and then charages a fee to get them on CD. I should have more shots coming in on CD later on.

The fog light delete panels are factory pieces you can get for cheap. I have never been able to keep clean fogs and I am too lazy to get the lamin X stuff so I simply took out my fogs and bought these panels.
Title: Nice Pics!
Post by: Katz Tsubai on July 19, 2006, 08:59:20 AM
Very nice!  I'd take that you run with BMWCCA?  I need to join the local chapter.

Guys, M42 is totally adequate to have fun at the track.  I started out tracking a V8-powered car, then started driving a beat-up (but mechanically sound) '85 318i in January this year.  Here are lap times from two out of five events I've done with the car.  I'm the only guy with double-digit horsepower.

http://speedventures.com/event_results_db.asp?event=1/20/2006+-+Laguna+Seca&results=OA&s=lt

http://speedventures.com/event_results_db.asp?event=1/29/2006+-+WSIR&results=OA&s=lt

My times aren't nothing to brag about, but not bad either (for a shitbox with 90 hp and stock suspension).  For comparison purposes, top qualifiers of Spec Miata run about 1:48-ish at Laguna and 1:38-ish at Willow a couple of years ago.

I'd imagine a 318iS would be at 3~4 seconds faster at Willow than my M10 318i.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if I knock a few seconds off at Laguna - uphill after turn 5 all way to Corkscrew REALLY kills momentum with M10.  These estimated times should place me in solid mid-pack among drivers of varying skills.  Slap on a set of RA1s or Hoosiers and some decent suspension bits, I'd be looking pretty good!:cool:

Anyways, 318iS makes a pretty good track car for beginners, and entertaining enough for drivers with some experience IMO.  It teaches you to keep momentum, and good balance of the car makes the learning process easier.

Quote from: e9nine
...If you guys can - you should all try do at least ONE track event. It's the best experience ever!!...


This sums it up.  Find a track event, go out and experience it first hand!
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: BrandC on July 19, 2006, 02:37:55 PM
Are those stock basketweave 14" wheels? Or what wheels did you run?
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: M42boy on July 19, 2006, 03:59:02 PM
Quote from: e9nine
Thanks guys.

The pics were taking by a professional guy who take shots of all cars and then charages a fee to get them on CD. I should have more shots coming in on CD later on.

So, I guess my picture taking skills left something to be desired!  :rolleyes:

But, when you have a 1 gig digital Nikon with big manual zoom lenses, you really can get close in.  My dad has a better camera.  Next time I'll think about bringing it.  Digital zoom is a joke.  Need Optical.  

Yeah, love the write up.  Need to get on the track soon!!!   :cool:  I WANT your suspension!  That thing hardly leans at all... looks very stable in the corners.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: sheepdog on July 19, 2006, 04:08:34 PM
You are far better off learning with a momentum car than anything else. With lots of power you tend to "point and shoot", relying on your power to win rather than focus on taking a corner well.

Learn with a low power car, and practice with one on occasion and your driving will be much better.

Power cars allow you to be lazy, momentum cars keep you busy and show you exactly where you are driving poorly as you can see instant results when you make a mistake.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: Choking Hazard on July 19, 2006, 05:02:31 PM
E9, do you go to the ALMS events at Road Atlanta?  I'll be there at the end of September for Petit LeMans.  Are you going?
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 19, 2006, 05:13:15 PM
Quote from: BrandC
Are those stock basketweave 14" wheels? Or what wheels did you run?
15 x 7 BBS RZ wheels. Tire size 205-50-15.

Quote
So, I guess my picture taking skills left something to be desired!  :rolleyes:

But, when you have a 1 gig digital Nikon with big manual zoom lenses, you really can get close in. My dad has a better camera. Next time I'll think about bringing it. Digital zoom is a joke. Need Optical.

Yeah, love the write up.  Need to get on the track soon!!!   :cool:  I WANT your suspension!  That thing hardly leans at all... looks very stable in the corners.
Well his photography equipment alone is worth more than some e30s (mine included) :p

Quote
You are far better off learning with a momentum car than anything else. With lots of power you tend to "point and shoot", relying on your power to win rather than focus on taking a corner well.

Learn with a low power car, and practice with one on occasion and your driving will be much better.

Power cars allow you to be lazy, momentum cars keep you busy and show you exactly where you are driving poorly as you can see instant results when you make a mistake.
So true yet not listened to by most :(

Quote
E9, do you go to the ALMS events at Road Atlanta?  I'll be there at the end of September for Petit LeMans.  Are you going?
I haven't been to any yet. I do plan on going this year though. PM me when you start to put your plans together so we can at least meet up with some bier and grub on the track in a nice spot. I am sure some of the local bimmer guys will be there as well
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: 2002maniac on July 23, 2006, 01:40:09 AM
wow.  Road atlanta is beautiful!  The only tracks I've been to are in the desert :(

Willow springs, Buttonwillow, Spring mountain, and Miller Motorsports.

Looks like you had a great time.

318is on the track ftw!!
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: M42boy on July 23, 2006, 10:15:32 AM
Quote from: e9nine
I haven't been to any yet. I do plan on going this year though. PM me when you start to put your plans together so we can at least meet up with some bier and grub on the track in a nice spot. I am sure some of the local bimmer guys will be there as well

Oh, this is a must!!!   If the BMWCCA doesn't sanction off a spot to corral cars and watch, we'll have to do it ourselves.  Show up early to get a good spot.  But, we MUST bring a big cooler, a camping grill, etc.  Sit out there and drink good German beer and watch the fun.

It was crowded last year, but it's pretty cool thing to watch, especially the racing at night!  :D
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: mgold on July 23, 2006, 12:12:57 PM
One of our chapter members used to race a '91 318is in NASA and BMWCCA club racing.  He bought it to replace an '87 325is.  I asked him if it was a lot slower than the 325is and he told me that the 325is had much better power for elevated sections (like at Laguna Seca), but that the 318is was better balanced and much faster through the corners.  Lap times, in his experience, were virtually identical.  The only reason why he retired the car was due to a crash at Sears Point (sway bar link broke).  After that, he successfully campaigned an E30 M3 for several years (car was retired last year and is now his daily driver).

I'm glad to see you representing the M42 crowd out there.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: silverblades181 on July 23, 2006, 03:22:12 PM
Nice track, looks big. I've tracked mine twice and it's lots of fun. I've been elevated from the novices by my instructor :D He said the 4 cyl bimmers were much more fun on the track then the heavy 6s. My car is very predictable and I can litteraly throw it into the corners. My only problem was the low rev limiter....I was hitting it way too often. I also felt I could of used more power(read torque) into the straights...does the chip correct this problem? The M42 is plenty for most beginners. My friend with his 535i had to be carefull with the throttle to keep himself from spinning while I was at WOT most of the time :D
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: silverblades181 on July 23, 2006, 03:33:20 PM
Tracking the M42 is awesome. I've done it twice and I'm hooked. The only problems with those events is the price and the preventive maintenance and inspections they require. My only problem was hitting the rev limiter in the corners, I wish it would rev higher (I need a chip!) I also would of liked more power (read torque) in the straights...I guess I need to get more momentum. Would the chip fix this? I've also been bumped a class. My instructor wanted me to go try solo but we were caught by rain and the track was too slippery from rubber. The only cars that could pass me were two E46, a 328i and a 323i (chiped) with crazy suspension setups. Being on the track is one of the best experience I've had. But find a good club or organisation to track with. There are too many hotrods who ignore safety and organisers who slack on security out there and accidents do happen and they don't forgive at 150 km/h. Personally, I track with the Quebec Chapter of the BMW Car club of Canada which is affiliated with the BMW CCA. They're the best :D
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: RMachucaA on July 24, 2006, 01:26:02 AM
E9, what pressures are you running in your tyres?
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 24, 2006, 08:02:26 AM
SilverBlades --
The price on getting entry into a track event is cheaper than you think in all honesty. I paid $375 for the 2 day school with full instruction all through the w/end. Have you ever approached anyone in a bid to rent a track with corner workers and professionally approved instruction? It now pales in comparison.

As to the amount of $ needed for safety inspection and replacement of wear and tear parts - these are things that help you keep all 4 wheels on the ground and go home with a smile on your face. I drive my car VERY HARD on the track and I was able to predict my driving habits. Everycar I get is subjected to the basic maintenance  bits before modifications. Never get some aesthetic piece before maintenance.
Brakes Pads & Rotors - Good working calipers - Tie Rod Ends - Control Arms - Cooling components (W.Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Coolant flush), Strong stock seats (bad seats mess up your driving experience) Fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter spark plugs and some other things I have missed are all BASIC maintenance parts for any car whether or not you will drive on the track.

The phrase you have to pay to play is very true and when I go to the track I pay to play and have safe fun not to endager other drivers, my instructor or myself.

It took me a long time to get started in auto-x when I was in college and it's been almost 4 years since I graduated college and now getting into more regular auto-x attendance and track sessions. It didn't happen overnight for me and yes I feel every penny I put into my cars but it's worth it.

If you're hitting your limiter, you might want to short shift into a higher gear when you can safely do so. For Road ATL - I short shifted into 44th gear for turns 5 and 12. With my driving style - banging on the limiter isn't something else I need to add while driving on the track. The extended limiter @ 7200rpm does help a lot in holding gears but the short shifting helped better.


RMachucaA --
I started my tire pressure around 35 cold or so and ended up around 41-45 or so. I am ashamed to admit I didn't document this so the accuracy is questionable as I used 2 different gauges as well (no gauge known to me is spot on 100% accurate to boot)

2002maniac --
I would so love to drive many more tracks in the future resources permitting. From your pics you posted it looks like you had a hell of a time as well :cool:

mgold --
:cool: someone has to represent for the m42s on this corner of the country. I try do what I can haha. Racing an m42 has got to be very interesting. I am eager for the next session so I can be in a slightly different array of drivers as it helps focus better and you can better see your cars performance versus the other vehicles and their pilots. It's not just an old scratchy record when you tell people power isn't all there is to a car. Balance and control are 2 key variables that are essential and really beneficial when matched the right way.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 24, 2006, 08:03:32 AM
Quote from: M42boy
Oh, this is a must!!!   If the BMWCCA doesn't sanction off a spot to corral cars and watch, we'll have to do it ourselves.  Show up early to get a good spot.  But, we MUST bring a big cooler, a camping grill, etc.  Sit out there and drink good German beer and watch the fun.

It was crowded last year, but it's pretty cool thing to watch, especially the racing at night!  :D

A few local guys plan to go as well. I'll keep abreast of their planning and let you know when to bring the SUV over with the cooler :cool:
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: silverblades181 on July 24, 2006, 01:02:10 PM
I know that the price is relativly low when you track with a club then if you went out and did it all by yourself. But I'm a full time student and only work part time. I wish I could get more seat time but unforthunatly..I can't afford to attend every event. There is a 2 day event at Le Circuit Mont Tremblant which once hosted the F1 Grand Prix..I'd LOVE to try it but it's 600$ CDN for 2 days...thats more then I make in two weeks lol. As for short shifting, I was about to try it when the rain caught us and made the track unsafe. I've driven in the rain which is always a good experience...but when ciment walls are involved and wet rubber...they just called it off.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: kramerica5000 on July 26, 2006, 08:26:09 AM
Quote from: e9nine
In summary - Best automotive experience of my life ever! :D


Thanks for the story . . . very enjoyable to live vicariously. I plan to do a BMWCCA school next year hopefully.

Just wondering, care to share your laptimes? :)
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: Katz Tsubai on July 26, 2006, 08:40:48 AM
Quote from: silverblades181
...I wish I could get more seat time but unforthunatly..I can't afford to attend every event...


Go to your local indoor kart track, if there's any.  It's cheap, and it'll be very good practice - I feel that seat time is more important than anything else, regardless of the type of vehicle you're driving.  And when you have some extra dough to spend, take your car out.


Quote from: 2002maniac
...and Miller Motorsports...

I so envy you!!  I'm going to the salt flats next month and there's a lapping day, but I'm not taking my car :(
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 26, 2006, 08:59:28 AM
Quote from: kramerica5000
Thanks for the story . . . very enjoyable to live vicariously. I plan to do a BMWCCA school next year hopefully.

Just wondering, care to share your laptimes? :)
Didn't time myself. My focus wasn't on timing. Maybe next time around I'll time if I can find someone in pit lane or an instructor willing to do so.

Quote
Go to your local indoor kart track, if there's any. It's cheap, and it'll be very good practice - I feel that seat time is more important than anything else, regardless of the type of vehicle you're driving. And when you have some extra dough to spend, take your car out.
So very true. I love karting as I know the line I want to take consistently and run consecutively without losing grip or messing up the line. Very challenging with traffic but fun none the less. Down here it's expensive at this one place we go to so I can't go as often as I'd like but hey - in my world nothing is cheap :rolleyes:
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: M42boy on July 26, 2006, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: e9nine
Didn't time myself. My focus wasn't on timing. Maybe next time around I'll time if I can find someone in pit lane or an instructor willing to do so.

Well, this is a touchy subject as I know when I ran in the Audi Club, no timing devices were allowed.  That was because of the insurance the club had and also for yourself.  Many of these club events are considered "Driver Education Schools" and therefore your auto insurance is still in effect.  If it's at all linked with timing equipment, or racing...   insurance considers it "racing" and you are on your own.  

I don't know about you, but I'd rather not know my lap times and at least have some chance of insurance recovery if I f'up!  :rolleyes:

If the club is lax, you can have someone time you with a stopwatch, but really the only point is to continually time yourself and watch yourself improve over time.  None of us are going to set any track records, so who really cares.  I'm not out there to prove anything or for bragging rights.  For me, it's about learning and having fun!  You can usually tell when you are getting faster.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: ///Motorsport on July 26, 2006, 01:06:48 PM
a little OT but has anyone here done karting at Le Means karting in Fremont Ca?  ver fun place to go, not shifter karts but super fun nonetheless.  karting pwns my muscles
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on July 26, 2006, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: M42boy
Well, this is a touchy subject as I know when I ran in the Audi Club, no timing devices were allowed.  That was because of the insurance the club had and also for yourself.  Many of these club events are considered "Driver Education Schools" and therefore your auto insurance is still in effect.  If it's at all linked with timing equipment, or racing...   insurance considers it "racing" and you are on your own.  

I don't know about you, but I'd rather not know my lap times and at least have some chance of insurance recovery if I f'up!  :rolleyes:

If the club is lax, you can have someone time you with a stopwatch, but really the only point is to continually time yourself and watch yourself improve over time.  None of us are going to set any track records, so who really cares.  I'm not out there to prove anything or for bragging rights.  For me, it's about learning and having fun!  You can usually tell when you are getting faster.

Yeah I hear ya. This is more along the lines of I am not running balls to the wall and welding the pedal to the floor board but here's the lap times I am running. As you saw at the last event - I was having too much of a blast to be concerned about what my lap times were :D
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: M42boy on July 30, 2006, 11:43:37 AM
Quote from: e9nine
Yeah I hear ya. This is more along the lines of I am not running balls to the wall and welding the pedal to the floor board but here's the lap times I am running. As you saw at the last event - I was having too much of a blast to be concerned about what my lap times were :D

e9nine is right...  it's not really about lap times.  I encourage anyone to go out to a club sponsored track weekend at least once.  You will learn a lot.  

In the end, the guy with the biggest smile is the winner!  :D
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: silverblades181 on July 30, 2006, 10:25:14 PM
Quote from: M42boy
e9nine is right...  it's not really about lap times.  I encourage anyone to go out to a club sponsored track weekend at least once.  You will learn a lot.  

In the end, the guy with the biggest smile is the winner!  :D


amen
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: wrxrevn7 on February 02, 2007, 12:17:26 AM
Looks like fun and you car looks nice
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: FL318is on February 02, 2007, 09:12:49 AM
Ya do us proud.  Man those are some great shots!:eek:   Are those 5 lugs or do I need glasses?
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: D. Clay on February 02, 2007, 10:11:38 AM
I've been to two races at Road Atlanta - the SCCA Nationals in the 1991 and a TransAm race in 1990. I love the picture of your car in the off camber right hander. Road Atlanta is definately a driver's course. The pits suck unless you're a billy goat or a hillbilly with one leg shorter than the other.
Two of my mentor's in stock car chassis setup live right near there and race at the stock car track (Lanier Speedway) right across the road. It's definitely a must go if you're at Road Atlanta. Across from the stands there's a big terraced hillside that you park on and watch from the back of your truck. The good, the bad, the ugly!
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: RED IS 91 on February 02, 2007, 11:37:35 AM
Quote from: e9nine;8180
Thanks guys.

The pics were taking by a professional guy who take shots of all cars and then charages a fee to get them on CD. I should have more shots coming in on CD later on.

The fog light delete panels are factory pieces you can get for cheap. I have never been able to keep clean fogs and I am too lazy to get the lamin X stuff so I simply took out my fogs and bought these panels.


Thank You for sharing that with us . I've never been on a track and looking at the pics I at least wanted to be the person in the passenger seat.
Was that your instructor and can you bring someone with you in the car???
That was exellent !!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: e9nine on February 02, 2007, 10:37:13 PM
Quote from: wrxrevn7;18677
Looks like fun and you car looks nice

Thanks :)

Quote from: FL318is;18691
Ya do us proud.  Man those are some great shots!:eek:   Are those 5 lugs or do I need glasses?

Props to the photographer dude who was there. I have an extra lug indeed ;)

Quote from: D. Clay;18694
I've been to two races at Road Atlanta - the SCCA Nationals in the 1991 and a TransAm race in 1990. I love the picture of your car in the off camber right hander. Road Atlanta is definately a driver's course. The pits suck unless you're a billy goat or a hillbilly with one leg shorter than the other.
Two of my mentor's in stock car chassis setup live right near there and race at the stock car track (Lanier Speedway) right across the road. It's definitely a must go if you're at Road Atlanta. Across from the stands there's a big terraced hillside that you park on and watch from the back of your truck. The good, the bad, the ugly!
You should come down for Petit Le Mans. I don't know if you're aware but they've re-paved the track and made turn 5 wider, removed the concrete there and in turn 7 as well (oh so slippery in the past no matter what you did) they also pushed the wall back in 12 or so....
Right on the mark with the comments on Lanier Speedway :D


Quote from: RED IS 91;18702
Thank You for sharing that with us . I've never been on a track and looking at the pics I at least wanted to be the person in the passenger seat.
Was that your instructor and can you bring someone with you in the car???
That was exellent !!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again

Going to the track is a MUST for anyone who drives. Let's you know where you stand. You learn a lot about car control. The best part - it's all in YOUR own car.

Yes that was my instructor. Sadly - no ride alongs unless the driver is an instructor.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: jpod999 on February 03, 2007, 01:27:30 AM
Quote from: e9nine;18725
Going to the track is a MUST for anyone who drives. Let's you know where you stand. You learn a lot about car control. The best part - it's all in YOUR own car.



True that.  Last Nov. when I went to Thunderhill I had a blast and learned that the car handled beautifully but understeered just a tad when going really hot into a sharp turn.  At the time I didn't know how to heel-toe, so my instructor told me just to leave it in 4th (:o ) and do the track that way.  I have since learned to heel-toe and really want to get back on the track.
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: kowalski on February 03, 2007, 01:46:42 AM
I'm so jealous. We have no good tracks here.... I think i'll make a trip across the border this summer to hit a track day up...
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: tim_s on February 03, 2007, 03:31:02 PM
Looks like a lot of fun! I enjoyed reading this, great thread!
Title: Track Pics - Road Atlanta 4 cyl style
Post by: jajou318 on February 03, 2007, 07:36:34 PM
Quote from: tim_s;18750
Looks like a lot of fun! I enjoyed reading this, great thread!


Yea, i don't know how i missed it! i got me a new wall paper :D