thunderhill track session Nov. 24

[MBZ16V]

http://www.unlimitedlaps.com/

cost is $195

[Renn 208]

i will try to make a go of it...and i'll see about getting jeff to go too.

and kam...you brought this idea up long ago. feel like trying to make it finally happen?

[Brabus]

If you guys are in... so will I :P

[kameraguy]

Let me get my savings fund back in a healthy state before i decide.

I would LOVE to go...just afraid of other problems that may arise.

When is the deadline to register?

If I have time, i'll have Zim look at my car to get an idea of anything that should be replaced prior...

[Renn 208]

yeah, that's the one thing, your car has to be mechanically tight before you go on track...good brakes, bushings, no rubbing, etc.

[wby300]

Hi guys what types of car do people take out there, meaning are they all just High Performance AMG's and other M- class BMW's or do some people drive the w124 cars out there? I have never been to these types of event and i am trying to get a picture of what it takes? Thank You, Aaron

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by wby300
Hi guys what types of car do people take out there, meaning are they all just High Performance AMG's and other M- class BMW's or do some people drive the w124 cars out there? I have never been to these types of event and i am trying to get a picture of what it takes? Thank You, Aaron

You can take whatever you want out to the track, as long as it's mechanically sound. To tell you the truth, there are very few AMGs that make it out to the track. For the most part there are usually good numbers of E36s and 996s out there, but on the track, the driver tends to make more of a difference than how "fast" the car is.

I've seen an AC Schnitzer M5 get passed by a Mini Cooper S, so don't think that you've got to have some super car to turn a quick lap. It's a ton of fun, and a totally different way to drive. Just do it and be prepared to learn!

Besides, how cool would it be to see a 124 doing it out there on the track? I'd go just to see that.

[Brabus]

Originally posted by Renn 208

Besides, how cool would it be to see a 124 doing it out there on the track? I'd go just to see that.

300 D baby!! Too bad it leaks oil :(

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by Brabus
300 D baby!! Too bad it leaks oil :(


definitely a no no! oil + cars on track = death:beard:

[kodiak]

Hum, this might be the perfect time to throw on the stockies and test out that new head ....


~dnm

[kameraguy]

Do they allow a passenger when you are on the track? I doubt i'll be able to get my car in the correct condition to go by that time, but i'd love to photograph and/or video the event for the site. If not, i'd still like to go and hang out. Anyone mind if I tagged along?

[MBZ16V]

they do allow passengers on the car.

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by MBZ16V
they do allow passengers on the car.

Just don't forget your helmet:D

edit: oh and if you're thinking about going, please check out the tech inspection form on the site.

Other quick tips:

1. be on time, better yet be early

2. don't bring a lot of crap with you anywhere in the car...it all needs to come out when you get on the track (spare tire, tools, floormats, glove compartment contents, CD magazine). Yep, I take that whole race weight reduction stuff seriously!

3. "Racer's tape" - I'll prolly bring plenty, but it's a must have for your lights. And if you want to look super nerdy like i did, cover up the leading edges. A rock chip doing 75 on highway 101 is one thing, one at 130 can make headlights explode

4. be a good driver first, speed will come naturally. people with more balls than brains are not welcome

5. this should really be #1, but hey it'll do here. Come to LEARN, and I'm not just talking about the driving part, if you've never been to a track there's plenty of ettiquette to learn as well.

6. Close-toe shoes, long sleeves, no shorts

7. bring lots of water and snacks: track driving is tiring, and it can get hella hot out there. Granted it may not be so in Nov...but you never know.

8. have fun! this ain't no race, so don't compare youself too much to other drivers, work on you shiz and have a good time doing it.

I'm sure there's plenty more, but that's all i can think of right now. -fad should have some great tips as well, but homeboy's pretty busy mentoring the next Kimi Raikkonen, so who knows when he'll be back here.

[speedybenz]

Can I go, Can I go.

I love Thunderhill. I used to hold the Lap Record for a Motorcycle there. As with all records, they get beat. My record fell this year.

Jeff

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by speedybenz
Can I go, Can I go.

I love Thunderhill. I used to hold the Lap Record for a Motorcycle there. As with all records, they get beat. My record fell this year.

Jeff

Okay...now it's a party. :D Hey Jeff, can I call first ride along? pretty please?

[scottschoe]

is it true that tracks don't let cars w/ tints on?

[Brabus]

Originally posted by scottschoe
is it true that tracks don't let cars w/ tints on?

Maybe if it's too dark... But I think window's are rolled down anyways...

AJ, if my car is not ready (I have some rubbing issues) can I ride with you??

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by Brabus
Maybe if it's too dark... But I think window's are rolled down anyways...

AJ, if my car is not ready (I have some rubbing issues) can I ride with you??

Sure! But, I must warn you, I drive like a grandma on the track!

[WillSF555]

Are you gonna be running the whole track or just the front half? I know that the Thuderhill Street School would only let Group 3 run on the back side cause it's faster and has some tricky turns.

Track days are great, but remember to take it easy or else you'll be renting a car to get home. Last one I went to (at Thunderhill) we saw the aftermath of someone who didn't listen, was warned 4 times and totaled his new M3.

Best advice that I got was to take it a little easy down the long straight and build up a gap so you can get through the corners fast. Also, check your mirrors frequently.

I would love to join you all, but the car will probably be gone by the end of the month. Have fun.

[speedybenz]

At these track days do they spilt the people up into groups of say slow, medium and fast.

Do they aloow passing in the corners.

And do they run the front straight north to south. I have seen some pics of cars running the reverse direction.

How many times do you get to go out and how long are the track sessions.

Is there an Ambulance on-site.

Is there corner workers

Jeff

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by speedybenz


Is there corner workers

Jeff

If they aren't there...I ain't goin!

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by speedybenz
At these track days do they spilt the people up into groups of say slow, medium and fast.

Do they aloow passing in the corners.

And do they run the front straight north to south. I have seen some pics of cars running the reverse direction.

How many times do you get to go out and how long are the track sessions.

Is there an Ambulance on-site.

Is there corner workers

Jeff

I don't know if all of these hold true for this particular event, but for the last one I went to here's how it went down:

1. people in groups based on experience noobs, intermeds, and pro/seasoned track folks. Nearer the end of the day however, pros could run in all groups

2. passing only on straights and not under braking

3. each session is about 20 min each...can't remember how many sessions

4. no ambulance

5. mos def corner workers in all their flagged glory.

[speedybenz]

Very Cool, Thanks Renn208

I hope they do not enforce the passing rule too vigorously, passing is fun.

And if I get smoked down the front staight and the guy cannot brake hard enough tosave his life, then I just don't know how I would refrain from passing him back. Who wants to get stuck behind some fast car with a slow driver.

Jeff

[MBZ16V]

i jus checked the date for the track session and it happens to fall on a monday, which may not be too good for me since i have class all day. i thought it was on a weekend. DOH!!!!!

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by speedybenz
Who wants to get stuck behind some fast car with a slow driver.

Jeff

Get ready, it happens all the time....


and that slow guy will be me!:D

[speedybenz]

Oh Mang

Don't let it happen. Just keep your foot in it and pray. No we can spend some time together and smooth things out and in the process speed things up.

Jeff