BMWCCA DE weekend at MSR March 28/29

[Blake]

The Lone Star Chapter of the BMW CCA is pleased to announce our annual Spring High Performance Driver’s Education and Club Race event presented by Classic BMW of Plano to take place at Motorsport Ranch in Cresson, Texas on March 28-29, 2009. Please see http://lscbmwcca.org/hpde-home.html for more information on this event. We will be running the 1.7 mile course in the normal counterclockwise direction. We anticipate registration to open on http://motorsportreg.com/ on Monday February 2nd.

This entry fee will be $275 for the lower run groups and $195 (yes that price is rolled back to 2003 pricing!) for the solo groups.

New this year is our “refer a friend” program. For every person you get that puts your name down in the “referred by” line on their entry you will get a $50 credit towards your entry (you need to participate in the event to take advantage of this credit). Be sure to give your name (real name, not internet screen name) and a valid email address (to ensure you get your entry credits) to the people you refer. The only requirement to the program is that the referred person could not have done a DE with us in 2008.

With the feedback I have received from this program, I would not hesitate in signing up for the event. Once we are full, we are full and a wait list will be started. Don’t get shut out!

Please see the specific registration info on http://motorsportreg.com/. I anticipate we will have all the necessary info up on there a week before registration opens (if not sooner).

If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at dechair at lscbmwcca dot org.

See you at the track,
Bruce

I'll be there, let me know if you're going as well!

[m topls]

I'll be there, let me know if you're going as well!

I'll be there, too. And I know of two other folks in DFW Auto Club that have already signed up as well.

You guys are missing out if you don't join us! It's not too late to sign up and don't forget about the Refer a Friend program. :)

[Blake]

Where is everyone staying out there? Trying to find a secure hotel for the M to sleep at overnight! There is no way that I'm driving to and from my house in Addison early in the morning, I'm already terrible at waking up early. :)

[Qship5]

I'm going to have to pass on this time, but the DE weekends are always lots of fun for those that attend.

[m topls]

Where is everyone staying out there? Trying to find a secure hotel for the M to sleep at overnight! There is no way that I'm driving to and from my house in Addison early in the morning, I'm already terrible at waking up early. :)

I actually haven't decided yet if I'm staying there or driving back and forth every day to Plano (even farther than Addison!). I've posted a question about hotels on the Chapter forum and will report back if anyone gives any tips. I also saw you posted a note in Roll Call on motorsportreg. Between the two of us, maybe we'll come up with a hotel or two.

[Blake]

I actually haven't decided yet if I'm staying there or driving back and forth every day to Plano (even farther than Addison!). I've posted a question about hotels on the Chapter forum and will report back if anyone gives any tips. I also saw you posted a note in Roll Call on motorsportreg. Between the two of us, maybe we'll come up with a hotel or two.

Last time I went to MSR for an Apex event, I stayed at some little motel in Benbrook on the road to MSR. It wasn't bad, I just felt like my baby was in jeopardy parked in the poorly lit back section of the parking lot. It was the Cattle Baron's Quality Inn...http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-fort_worth-texas-TX866 it's actually right on the road you take to Cresson.

[Blake]

Oh, if anybody has yet to register but are going to, I'd appreciate the referral ;) PM for my personal email and full name.

[fasttoys]

Should be fun

[Blake]

Should be fun

Are you going as well?

[jram]

This will be my first event so I'm excited. I live in Frisco, so I'm farther than both of you. Do we have a schedule yet? I'm not sure what the hours are for the event in particular (start time).

-John

[Mack211]

Unfortunately, I have to pass on this one as well Blake. I just cant justify the cash right now. I gotta buy my girl a new car before I can throw cash around :(

[m topls]

This will be my first event so I'm excited. I live in Frisco, so I'm farther than both of you. Do we have a schedule yet? I'm not sure what the hours are for the event in particular (start time).

-John

I haven't seen a schedule yet for MSR, but if they follow the same one they used at Eagles Canyon in October, registration/check-in opened at 6:30am on Saturday and there is a mandatory driver's meeting at 7:30am. The first run group was on grid at 7:50am and then on the track at 8:00am. Yikes, that is early!! Looks like I'll be leaving at oh-dark-thirty from Plano to get there on time.

[AZT]

Where were you today? Sleeping in till 1 like the norm......Nerces said he entered the race so we will be there! You better let me do a lap in the M.....I will donate money for tires....I will pitch in for some slicks for you Blake..hehe

[Blake]

Novice group is full. Plenty of spots available for intermediate, if you have BMWCCA event experience.

Karen, what group are you running in?

[m topls]

Novice group is full. Plenty of spots available for intermediate, if you have BMWCCA event experience.

Karen, what group are you running in?

Well, if you've never driven on MSR before, they require folks to be in Novice, so that's where I am since it will be my first time on this track. But since I have 5 driving schools at other tracks under my belt, I'm thinking I might be moved up to intermediate over the weekend since I've run in that group and higher at my last driving school. But it's been a few years since I did that, so I don't mind being in the novice group for this event.

[NDeedOne]

Man, this ones sonuds like fun, but I too am trying to cut back a bit on out going expenses. I may go out one day to hang out and spectate... get some footage and pics of you guys going around the track. We'll see.

[Blake]

Well, if you've never driven on MSR before, they require folks to be in Novice, so that's where I am since it will be my first time on this track. But since I have 5 driving schools at other tracks under my belt, I'm thinking I might be moved up to intermediate over the weekend since I've run in that group and higher at my last driving school. But it's been a few years since I did that, so I don't mind being in the novice group for this event.

I ran intermediate with Apex so I'm hoping to move up as well. I have no problem running in the novice group the entire time though, I just don't want to have to deal with stragglers as I have a passion for going fast and hugging the turns while going fast. :burnout::D

[Blake]

w00t got my new helmet! Anyone recognize it? :D

http://luxe.ag/pix/helmet1.jpg
http://luxe.ag/pix/helmet2.jpg

[m topls]

w00t got my new helmet! Anyone recognize it? :D



I'm thinkin' it's the BANDIT!! I got my Simpson open-face last week, but I'm not sure it fits right -- the cheek pads seem to some out too far towards the middle of my face -- different than their older model LX open-face that I have. Think I'll bring it to the meet on Saturday and get opinions.

[Blake]

I'm thinkin' it's the BANDIT!! I got my Simpson open-face last week, but I'm not sure it fits right -- the cheek pads seem to some out too far towards the middle of my face -- different than their older model LX open-face that I have. Think I'll bring it to the meet on Saturday and get opinions.

It is a Simpson Bandit....
http://living.morethan.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/files/2007/12/the-stig.jpg
The Stig :bandit:

Did your helmet not come with a different set of cheek pads? Mine did, had to swap them out for the smaller ones. I don't know if they're interchangeable with other helmet models, but you're welcome to try my extra ones if you'd like.

[Red Baron]

Bump and I'll be there too. :thumbsup2:

[Silentrun]

I stayed 20 minutes north at a Holiday Inn Express in December...just south of the mall. Here is the old Porsche during my first DE, moved to blue group by day two:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d65/silentrun/C4S/IMG_71023.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d65/silentrun/C4S/IMG_71356.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d65/silentrun/C4S/IMG_70009.jpg

[Qship5]

It is a Simpson Bandit....
http://living.morethan.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/files/2007/12/the-stig.jpg
The Stig :bandit:

Did your helmet not come with a different set of cheek pads? Mine did, had to swap them out for the smaller ones. I don't know if they're interchangeable with other helmet models, but you're welcome to try my extra ones if you'd like.

Blake,

You and Stig could pass for cousins. (At least in West Virginia!):laugh:

[Blake]

Blake,

You and Stig could pass for cousins. (At least in West Virginia!):laugh:

:laugh:

[Blake]

Just to let everyone know, Nerces from Autoscope is opening up his shop free of charge on Saturday from 12-3 for a pre-event DIY. You can bring your car up there and use the lifts and everything else they have to offer. I might make it, I might not. Depends on when I get back from out of town.

Edit: It will be at his new shop on Denton Drive in Dallas.

[m topls]

Just to let everyone know, Nerces from Autoscope is opening up his shop free of charge on Saturday from 12-3 for a pre-event DIY. You can bring your car up there and use the lifts and everything else they have to offer. I might make it, I might not. Depends on when I get back from out of town.

Edit: It will be at his new shop on Denton Drive in Dallas.

Blake, the Lone Star Chapter BMW CCA has sent us emails saying that the pre-event DIY at Autoscope (Love Field location) is from 9a-1p tomorrow (Sat 3/21). Where did you hear the 12-3pm time period?

[Blake]

Blake, the Lone Star Chapter BMW CCA has sent us emails saying that the pre-event DIY at Autoscope (Love Field location) is from 9a-1p tomorrow (Sat 3/21). Where did you hear the 12-3pm time period?

Nevermind, I was misinformed by someone.

[jragan]

I'll be there!

[jram]

Has everyone figured out where they're staying. I'm thinking Motel 6...:hmmmm2:

[Blake]

Has everyone figured out where they're staying. I'm thinking Motel 6...:hmmmm2:

I'll be at the Cattle Baron's Quality Inn, which is right down the street from Motel 6. It feels a little more secure than that Motel 6. Room rates are $15 more a night, but I've had no complaints about that motel.

I can't wait to get out there! I've got my car fully prepped and ready to go.

[jragan]

Has everyone figured out where they're staying. I'm thinking Motel 6...:hmmmm2:I live by Benbrook lake so I'm staying at home and commuting the short distance.

[m topls]

I stayed 20 minutes north at a Holiday Inn Express in December...just south of the mall. Here is the old Porsche during my first DE, moved to blue group by day two:


That is where I'm gonna stay on Saturday night. I can't argue with getting a free room using reward points earned by all my business travel! :)

[Artic_07]

You guys are missing out if you don't join us! It's not too late to sign up and don't forget about the Refer a Friend program. :)

Worked it two years ago...got my fill so to speak.
But driving the Demos back and forth was fun.

[QTRM3]

This is my first post in the forum. Sorry for been late I was busy with the school lately.

I just booked a room in the Quality Inn, one of my to do list is checked finally:beer: .
I have to pick up my car from the service and get a helmet, 2 more things to do :hmmmm2:.

I will see you there guys.

[Blake]

This is my first post in the forum. Sorry for been late I was busy with the school lately.

I just booked a room in the Quality Inn, one of my to do list is checked finally:beer: .
I have to pick up my car from the service and get a helmet, 2 more things to do :hmmmm2:.

I will see you there guys.

I'll be at the same hotel.

[Crash]

So if I wanted to go, since I've never done a track event it'd cost me $275? Hmm.

[jragan]

So if I wanted to go, since I've never done a track event it'd cost me $275? Hmm.

Even if you'd done a number of track events, it would still be $275. You have to have verifiable solo experience before you can enroll as a solo.

[Crash]

Ok gotcha.

[QTRM3]

I'll be at the same hotel.

I will get there by 8 or 9 pm. I will see you there.

[Blake]

I will get there by 8 or 9 pm. I will see you there.

I'll probably get in around the same time.

[Blake]

Anyone up for a good dinner tomorrow night? I don't know much about Ft. Worth, but I'm sure there is a decent restaurant out there somewhere :p

[jragan]

Anyone up for a good dinner tomorrow night? I don't know much about Ft. Worth, but I'm sure there is a decent restaurant out there somewhere :p

I don't think you're staying in FW, you're staying in Benbrook :) . Essentially the far south-west corner of Fort Worth...

Your best best is to catch 20 one or two exits back east to Bryant Irvin and go right (South). There's a pretty decent Mexican restaurant immediately back to your right (like back west along the access road) that's part of the larger City View strip center. After you turn right onto Bryant Irvin, you'll need to take your next right into the shopping center and make your way to the back end.. It's called Rio Mambo.

[Rob1796]

I don't think you're staying in FW, you're staying in Benbrook :) . Essentially the far south-west corner of Fort Worth...

Your best best is to catch 20 one or two exits back east to Bryant Irvin and go right (South). There's a pretty decent Mexican restaurant immediately back to your right (like back west along the access road) that's part of the larger City View strip center. After you turn right onto Bryant Irvin, you'll need to take your next right into the shopping center and make your way to the back end.. It's called Rio Mambo.

Rio Mambo is pretty good, well, it was last time I went there. A bunch of friends and I actually tried to get a decent 817 meet going up in that parking lot, didn't work out to well.

[Blake]

I don't think you're staying in FW, you're staying in Benbrook :) . Essentially the far south-west corner of Fort Worth...

Your best best is to catch 20 one or two exits back east to Bryant Irvin and go right (South). There's a pretty decent Mexican restaurant immediately back to your right (like back west along the access road) that's part of the larger City View strip center. After you turn right onto Bryant Irvin, you'll need to take your next right into the shopping center and make your way to the back end.. It's called Rio Mambo.

Doesn't necessarily have to be in that neighborhood, maybe somewhere in FTW itself. I know there isn't much in Benbrook. Any suggestions? Maybe a good steak?

[Qship5]

Del Frisco's is always good. I've heard good things about Reata that is downtown and has some interesting menu choices. Lonesome Dove has all kinds of wild game entrees and is good.

[jragan]

Just got home from parking my support vehicle out at MSR. (I'm the a-hole with the qx4 parked sideways :) ... So I can save my favorite spot for both cars for tomorrow). Already a good number of club racers all set up. It's going to be cooold...they're talking snow now through 7am!!

[jragan]

Del Frisco's is always good. I've heard good things about Reata that is downtown and has some interesting menu choices. There's also a place there that I can't remember the name of but it is really good and has all kinds of wild game entrees. (Maybe one of the 817 people will know the name.)

My 2-cents as a local... Reatta is a tourist trap--it's not cheap and the food is marginal at best. Fort worth has blown up recently as far as steak goes--Bobs, DelFriscos, SilverFox, RuthChris, EddieVs, Grace -- In that order.

..and damn, I wanted to wash Ruby before tomorrow, but it's a bit cold for that now :(

[RaceMX-M3]

Good luck to all at MSR and be safe. :thumbsup2:

[Blake]

Well I'm out the door headed west. See everyone bright and early (ugh, AM http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/mad0260.gif)

[Rob1796]

My 2-cents as a local... Reatta is a tourist trap--it's not cheap and the food is marginal at best. Fort worth has blown up recently as far as steak goes--Bobs, DelFriscos, SilverFox, RuthChris, EddieVs, Grace -- In that order.

..and damn, I wanted to wash Ruby before tomorrow, but it's a bit cold for that now :(

Bob's for the win. Took my mom there for Mother's Day last year, only Sunday they were open all year.

[Blake]

A few DFWAC members are meeting at the Saltgrass steakhouse located at 4601 Citylake Blvd W, Fort Worth, TX‎. We're meeting at 7PM for anyone in the area that would like to join.

Outside of that, it's safe to say we all had a blast today and can credit much improvement to everyone's driving abilities. It was blistering cold for most of the day, but we're all looking forward to better conditions tomorrow!

[RaceMX-M3]

I hope someone took pics/vids. :)

[Blake]

I hope someone took pics/vids. :)

I was trying to take in-car vids, but couldn't figure out why my camera kept shutting off. Well, I just figured it out and I'll have all my runs tomorrow recorded in full 1080i HD. I wasn't passed once today so I think the diff is doing it's job ;)

[RaceMX-M3]

I was trying to take in-car vids, but couldn't figure out why my camera kept shutting off. Well, I just figured it out and I'll have all my runs tomorrow recorded in full 1080i HD. I wasn't passed once today so I think the diff is doing it's job ;)

I have a Sony HD camera that always shuts off if I use the hard drive to record. I bought a memory stick and use that instead and problem solved.

[jragan]

My day was going alright once my R-Comps warmed up...and then I turned DSC off and my day got great. Who knew I drive my car better than it drives itself ;)

Blake, what's your exit speed coming out of Big Bend? My best lap so far I was at 100 by the track out cone.

I would have met up for dinner but since I'm driving back and forth on my R-Comps (which will be worn out after tomorrow), I'm trying to limit any other extra-curicular driving on them.

[Blake]

I have a Sony HD camera that always shuts off if I use the hard drive to record. I bought a memory stick and use that instead and problem solved.

I'm pretty sure we have almost identical Sony HD camcorders, but there is a setting in the general settings for auto shut off. You have to go in there and disable it, otherwise it will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity (IE not adjusting zoom, etc.) I disabled it and let it sit on the desk in here and record the wall for 10 minutes, problem solved. Try that. :thumbsup2: Here's how I got to it: when you first start the camera, there is a little house in the top left corner, click it, then along the bottom, click the tool box, on page 2 of the 'tool box' menu, there is a general settings icon, click through and you'll see 'A. shut off', it'll probably be checked to 5 minutes, disable it then you should be good to go.

My day was going alright once my R-Comps warmed up...and then I turned DSC off and my day got great. Who knew I drive my car better than it drives itself ;)

I had the same problem with my T1R's. They refused to warm up in the morning, but a few hot laps remedied that. I ran with M dynamic mode on all day, which kept me from spinning and kept me honest. ;) I'm going to run DSC off tomorrow because I think I have a pretty good feel for the car by now.

Blake, what's your exit speed coming out of Big Bend? My best lap so far I was at 100 by the track out cone.

To be honest, I never really looked down at my dash very much. My problem was, believe it or not, being the fastest in my run group...not boasting, it's the truth. In the third run, I passed everyone until we pitted out...the person in front of me heading in the pits was Ismail in his E92 M3, he was the first guy on the track at the beginning of the run. I wasn't being timid, that's for sure. I'll try to pay more attention to my speeds tomorrow, as I hope to run in your group where I hope I can see more open track. Stuck in the 10-car lines was not fun.

I would have met up for dinner but since I'm driving back and forth on my R-Comps (which will be worn out after tomorrow), I'm trying to limit any other extra-curicular driving on them.

No worries. We all grubbed down pretty hard though, as I'm sure you did when you got home. Pretty hard to avoid that after a day of :burnout:

:beer:

[Blake]

Well I've got a few videos, but as it appears, camcorder f'ed up again. I only got one solid run taped from beginning to end. I don't know what is wrong with the damn thing, I'm going to call Sony tomorrow. At the end of one run, it was playing the in-store demo. :dontknow: I've going to trim them up and upload them to youtube...will post later.

[jragan]

Well I've got a few videos, but as it appears, camcorder f'ed up again. I only got one solid run taped from beginning to end. I don't know what is wrong with the damn thing, I'm going to call Sony tomorrow. At the end of one run, it was playing the in-store demo. :dontknow: I've going to trim them up and upload them to youtube...will post later.How'd your third and fourth runs go? Did you get a new instructor? I never saw you again afer the second run, so either you slowed down or I sped up :) Where are you posting your videos? I'd usually post to youtube, but I'm over the max length and don't want to cut things up...so I'm thinking Vimeo looks like a contender...

[Red Baron]

Good luck to all at MSR and be safe. :thumbsup2:

It's safer than any "Mexican" :bandit: track you have been to.

The weekend was perfect and it was nice to meet M topls.
I saw a total of 4 brave, non-poser DFWAutoClub.com cars.
I bet money on M topls, any time any day at MSR, against the straight "Mexican" :bandit: track drivers.
Did not get to meet the others, but I will at other events.
I would like to hear their comments on the experience this weekend.

[Blake]

How'd your third and fourth runs go? Did you get a new instructor? I never saw you again afer the second run, so either you slowed down or I sped up :) Where are you posting your videos? I'd usually post to youtube, but I'm over the max length and don't want to cut things up...so I'm thinking Vimeo looks like a contender...

The third and forth runs were very good. The new instructor that I got going into the blue run group turned out to be not bad. His method is starkly different than any other instructor I've ever had so naturally there was a learning curve there. He didn't get on my wheel at all third and forth runs and I polished a lot of techniques, mainly through rattlesnake sticking with that wider line so I can have better acceleration through the second turn in rattlesnake and really getting on the gas through tombstone. I don't really remember if I passed or was passed by you in the third or forth runs either. I've got the tapes, although some are partial. You were also sent out in groups behind me most of the time. I do know there is a really good chance you passed me in the last 5 minutes of the forth run as I went about half speed. My tires and brakes were pretty much melted at that point in the day, so I decided to spare the car and start cool down at white flag. I could really benefit from a brake upgrade and some better tires in that situation, although I'm really happy with the overall performance from the of Toyo T1R's. Overall, I gained a lot more confidence out there and I think that I'll continue to improve with more events.

I was going to try and find you at the end, but I saw you had a nice crowd of people around your car and I was already in the car packed and ready to head home for a much needed shower and nap.

I'll upload them while I sleep, as it looks like total upload time could exceed 6 hours. I've got about 3.5GB worth of HD video.

[Crash]

It's safer than any "Mexican" :bandit: track you have been to.

The weekend was perfect and it was nice to meet M topls.
I saw a total of 4 brave, non-poser DFWAutoClub.com cars.


What exactly do you mean by this comment? Are you calling the rest of us posers?

[jragan]

The third and forth runs were very good. The new instructor that I got going into the blue run group turned out to be not bad. His method is starkly different than any other instructor I've ever had so naturally there was a learning curve there. He didn't get on my wheel at all third and forth runs and I polished a lot of techniques, mainly through rattlesnake sticking with that wider line so I can have better acceleration through the second turn in rattlesnake and really getting on the gas through tombstone. I don't really remember if I passed or was passed by you in the third or forth runs either. I've got the tapes, although some are partial. You were also sent out in groups behind me most of the time. I do know there is a really good chance you passed me in the last 5 minutes of the forth run as I went about half speed. My tires and brakes were pretty much melted at that point in the day, so I decided to spare the car and start cool down at white flag. I could really benefit from a brake upgrade and some better tires in that situation, although I'm really happy with the overall performance from the of Toyo T1R's. Overall, I gained a lot more confidence out there and I think that I'll continue to improve with more events.

I was going to try and find you at the end, but I saw you had a nice crowd of people around your car and I was already in the car packed and ready to head home for a much needed shower and nap.

I'll upload them while I sleep, as it looks like total upload time could exceed 6 hours. I've got about 3.5GB worth of HD video.

That last/fourth session I was completely worn out...I think I remember passing you now at the very very end but I didn't think it was you since I was passing you :) Do you know who the guy was in the silver e46 with the camera on top of his car? He and I cat and moused, trading places back and forth almost the entire last two sessions...He probably got some pretty good video of me so I was just curious.

I've started uploading to this album on Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/album/77987 One video is up, the other should be done just after 11PM.

[RaceMX-M3]

Can everyone post up lap times?

[jragan]

I don't think anyone from this group had GPS loggers in their cars so the best we're gonna be able to do probably is time from in-car video...

[Blake]

Can everyone post up lap times?

We weren't allowed to time laps as it was a DE. They were pretty adamant about that rule on day 1. I'm sure I can go through and figure out lap times from the video, but I'm pretty sure none of us timed any laps.

[RaceMX-M3]

We weren't allowed to time laps as it was a DE. They were pretty adamant about that rule on day 1. I'm sure I can go through and figure out lap times from the video, but I'm pretty sure none of us timed any laps.

huh? how lame. You can't use a vbox?

[jragan]

huh? how lame. You can't use a vbox?They get a lot more lenient in the more advanced groups and would have no problem with a VBox or something similar being used. For the green group, they make it a point to try to slow them down and work on fundamentals.

[Blake]

That last/fourth session I was completely worn out...I think I remember passing you now at the very very end but I didn't think it was you since I was passing you :) Do you know who the guy was in the silver e46 with the camera on top of his car? He and I cat and moused, trading places back and forth almost the entire last two sessions...He probably got some pretty good video of me so I was just curious.

It was pretty exhausting. I definitely didn't have as much energy today as I did yesterday. It definitely came out in my driving in the afternoon as mental gas was running on fumes. I even fall asleep in my car for a little bit before the third run. :laugh:

I don't know who was in that silver E46 in the blue group, sorry. You might be able to find out if you cruise through the various E46 forums.

[jram]

I guess the upside of this if any is that he didn't get evidence on tape of my sloppy lines as he was passing me. :laugh:

The event was a blast! I can't wait for the next one.


I was trying to take in-car vids, but couldn't figure out why my camera kept shutting off. Well, I just figured it out and I'll have all my runs tomorrow recorded in full 1080i HD. I wasn't passed once today so I think the diff is doing it's job ;)

[Blake]

I would like to hear their comments on the experience this weekend.

I thought Classic BMW and LSCBMWCCA did a wonderful job organizing the event. Things went very smoothly and everyone seemed to have a great time. Classic was more than accommodating for everyone with maintenance and repair. There were no significant problems and that's a testament to their good organization and planning. I had a blast and I can't wait to do it all over again as soon as possible.

[Blake]

I guess the upside of this if any is that he didn't get evidence on tape of my sloppy lines as he was passing me. :laugh:

The event was a blast! I can't wait for the next one.

LOL...my camera didn't work worth squat the entire first day. Big time fail.

[jragan]

I guess the upside of this if any is that he didn't get evidence on tape of my sloppy lines as he was passing me. :laugh:

The event was a blast! I can't wait for the next one.

What were you driving and in what group?

[Blake]

Ahh Jeremy, I wish I had my engine in your car. I was just watching your first video and noticing there was much less noise from the tires than I get in my car due to the weight of my car. My car is like a nimble Buick in the corners compared to your car, although you were running R comps weren't you?

[Red Baron]

huh? how lame. You can't use a vbox?

I have used my Vbox in the past, with no complaints from any of the clubs.
The new BMW schooling approach, is back to basics.

Scott, you can't compare apple to apples with lap times, because of different run groups, different cars and different experience level.
The only way of knowing, is going out there an doing one.

I met M topls, but who was driving the E92 M3 with the plates Qatar and LUXE???

[Blake]

I have used my Vbox in the past, with no complaints from any of the clubs.
The new BMW schooling approach, is back to basics.

I like that approach. I personally know I don't need to be time attacking right now. I need to be able to crack off consistent, symmetrical laps before thinking about going after the clock. As of now, I'm in it for the fun aspect, but I want to progress to eventually be a club racer one day. That looks really fun! :burnout:

I met M topls, but who was driving the E92 M3 with the plates Qatar and LUXE???

I am LUXE. Qatar is QTRM3 on here and m3post

[Red Baron]

What exactly do you mean by this comment? Are you calling the rest of us posers?

Don't take offense, it's all in good fun. :beer:
If you came from the M3 Forum, you would know.

[jragan]

So who all was there?

Blake - Jerez Black E92 M3 (Plate-Luxe) - Green/Blue group
Jragan - Imola Red E86 M Coupe - Blue group
Red Baron - ???
M topls - ???
??? - M5 - Green group
??? - Red E36 M3 - Blue group
??? - E92 M3 (Plate-Qatar) - Green group

(I was assuming everyone in the paddock near eachother were all DFWAC members)

[Red Baron]

So who all was there?

Blake - Jerez Black E92 M3 (Plate-Luxe) - Green/Blue group
Jragan - Imola Red E86 M Coupe - Blue group
Red Baron - ???
M topls - ???
??? - M5 - Green group
??? - Red E36 M3 - Blue group
??? - E92 M3 (Plate-Qatar) - Green group

(I was assuming everyone in the paddock near eachother were all DFWAC members)

Robert = Red Baron onthe White group = red Japanese Ferrari = Mazda RX7
My e46 ZCP M3 = Garage Queen

Karen was on the red e36 M3 = M topls

[m topls]

Can everyone post up lap times?

I can tell you what my instructor's best lap time was during the last session on Sunday when I rode around the track with him for 20 minutes in his 2000 yellow Porsche boxster (race ready) during the instructor (red) run group. OMG, it was AMAZING!!! :D He wasn't supposed to have a lap timer in his car per BMW CCA rules, but he had this GPS thing down below the center console area that tracked all the lap times and displayed them on an LCD. We were on the 1.7 mile track and his best time was 1:25. I spoke to another instructor afterwards who was driving a Miata racer over the weekend and he told me that the Miatas and the Boxsters were getting around 1:21 average.

[Blake]

Well 3/4 videos failed to upload last night so I'll try again sometime today. But for now, here's a little 3 minute clip of one of the club race runs.

-9l4uY6OseA

[Red Baron]

WOW!!!
I feel very good, my best lap time was 1:27 and I am no Mario, was on street tires, my suspension mods are only lowering springs.
They say once you move to R-compound tires, you can drop 3-5 seconds a lap. :thumbsup2:

[m topls]

So who all was there?

Blake - Jerez Black E92 M3 (Plate-Luxe) - Green/Blue group
Jragan - Imola Red E86 M Coupe - Blue group
Red Baron - ???
M topls - ???
??? - M5 - Green group
??? - Red E36 M3 - Blue group
??? - E92 M3 (Plate-Qatar) - Green group

(I was assuming everyone in the paddock near each other were all DFWAC members)

Best I can remember, here is who attended from this forum:

Blake - Jerez Black E92 M3 #21 (Plate-Luxe) - Green/Blue group
Jragan - Imola Red E86 M Coupe - Blue group
Red Baron - red Japanese Ferrari = Mazda RX7 - White group
M topls - Karen - red e36 M3 #40 (plate- R8TED M) - blue group
Brad - M5 #24 - Green group
QTRM3 - E92 M3 #2 (Plate-Qatar) - Green group
JRAM - John - e46 M3 #17 - green group

White was the advanced group. Blue was intermediate and Green was novice.

Here is a pic from dinner on Saturday night (L to R) -- Blake, Brad being B-RAD, Karen and John -- along with a pic of three member cars from the list above.

[Red Baron]

Karen, no photo of my Japanese Ferrari???? :confused:

[m topls]

Someone had a boo-boo at the track! Actually, after Brad came back from track time, I noticed his right rear tire going very flat. Sure enough, he discovered a hole on the tread where it appears a nail used to be located and he could hear the air coming out. PST at the track was able to patch it for him and he was good to go for the remaining runs.

Brad had another boo-boo, but I should let him tell you about it. Let's just say that I think everyone that was at the event who went off the track at one point or another should fess up. :burnout:

I am happy to report that I met my goals for the weekend -- no off-tracks AND I actually was going fast enough on the track to pass someone in my blue group on Saturday afternoon. And as the weekend went on, fewer cars were passing me. Woo-hoo! I have to admit, however, that Blake usually passed me one time in every run on Sunday and I think JRAGAN did, too, on both Saturday and Sunday. But hey, look at their cars compared to mine! :)

[m topls]

Karen, no photo of my Japanese Ferrari???? :confused:

No, I am so bummed about that! I really didn't do a good job of getting many photos at all over the weekend. I had planned to take photos of folks on the track and also of us lined up on the grid, but I just never thought of it while I was there. Next time I'll do a better job -- I promise!

And hey, it was great finally meeting the other half of the fun M3 Forum "battles." LOL!!

[m topls]

Here is a picture of something that a few of our forum members were enjoying over the weekend. I think it cost upwards of $7/gallon. In fact, I think Brad's last boo-boo happened AFTER he gave his M5 a taste of this. :D

[jragan]

WOW!!!
I feel very good, my best lap time was 1:27 and I am no Mario, was on street tires, my suspension mods are only lowering springs.
They say once you move to R-compound tires, you can drop 3-5 seconds a lap. :thumbsup2:So much rubber was laid down by the club race group that traction was way up over what it normally would have been (MSR is normally a fairly slick track). I definitely enjoy my R-Comps though they can teach bad habits to those who are still learning since they'll keep you stuck when you should have slid off the track due to driver mistake.

Blake - Jerez Black E92 M3 #21 (Plate-Luxe) - Green/Blue group
Jragan - Imola Red E86 M Coupe - Blue group
Red Baron - red Japanese Ferrari = Mazda RX7 - White group
M topls - Karen - red e36 M3 #40 (plate- R8TED M) - blue group
Brad - M5 #24 - Green group
QTRM3 - E92 M3 #2 (Plate-Qatar) - Green group
JRAM - John - e46 M3 #17 - green groupThanks for filling that out, Karen!

Let's just say that I think everyone that was at the event who went off the track at one point or another should fess up. :burnout:I didn't, this time!

I am happy to report that I met my goals for the weekend -- no off-tracks AND I actually was going fast enough on the track to pass someone in my blue group on Saturday afternoon. And as the weekend went on, fewer cars were passing me. Woo-hoo! I have to admit, however, that Blake usually passed me one time in every run on Sunday and I think JRAGAN did, too, on both Saturday and Sunday. But hey, look at their cars compared to mine! :)Karen, did you see my videos? I know you're in at least one of them...

[Blake]

Let's just say that I think everyone that was at the event who went off the track at one point or another should fess up. :burnout:

I went off once, and I've got it on video. Didn't apex in tombstone correctly while hauling ass, overcooked it a little, and instead of overcorrecting and probably spinning, I just held it straight and went off just a hair. But I got right back on and I don't think anyone even passed me in the time it took to get back on.

[jragan]

I went off once, and I've got it on video. Didn't apex in tombstone correctly while hauling ass, overcooked it a little, and instead of overcorrecting and probably spinning, I just held it straight and went off just a hair. But I got right back on and I don't think anyone even passed me in the time it took to get back on.It was not too long after you had passed me, and I was still the one next in line after you, but not very close. I saw/went through the dust you threw up but I never actually saw you :). After you passed me that first time, my instructor made a comment like "Jesus that car's fast".

[Blake]

It was not too long after you had passed me, and I was still the one next in line after you, but not very close. I saw/went through the dust you threw up but I never actually saw you :)

They never even yellow flagged it. Happened so quick, I was off and back on in a matter of seconds.

Basically, I was on the rumble strips and I would have had to made a pretty hard correction to stay on track, which have probably sent me spinning, so I just held the wheel straight and went off a little bit. No harm, no foul. :)

[Blake]

After you passed me that first time, my instructor made a comment like "Jesus that car's fast".

LOL...I had a few instructors and a ton of drivers coming up to me and asking what my secret was...Dinan 3.62 diff and a V8 :burnout:

[Blake]

Jeremy - are you going to make the next DE?

[jragan]

Jeremy - are you going to make the next DE?Man it's a time and effort thing for me. I tend to stick to MSR-C because it's so close and convenient for me. I keep an updated calendar of MSR dates here: http://cid-7810c2879c317d0c.calendar.live.com/calendar/Track+Events/index.html (I find the 'Agenda' view works best.) That being said, though, all of my April weekends are already booked with the girlfriend so it probably won't be until May that I can make it out again :(

[jram]

I think Karen gave the run down already, but I had the silver e46 M3 (number 17) in the green group.

Having people around from the group definitely made my experience a lot better. I had such a great time. If anyone is considering doing a HPDE, stop thinking and sign up. Its a lot of fun in a relatively safe enivronment.

John

What were you driving and in what group?

[Red Baron]

So much rubber was laid down by the club race group that traction was way up over what it normally would have been (MSR is normally a fairly slick track). I definitely enjoy my R-Comps though they can teach bad habits to those who are still learning since they'll keep you stuck when you should have slid off the track due to driver mistake.


With PCA the new rules don't allow R-comp until you are in Advanced.
Maybe BMW will follow and I do agree, you have to learn the limits of your car and your driving, before moving to R-comp tires.
They will mask mistakes.

[Red Baron]

Ok, so who's up for Apex DE on May??? :questionmark:
*I am not related or get a discount for the info posted*


Open Novice Spaces: 8 of 18
Open Intermediate Spaces: 15 of 16
Open Advanced Spaces: 15 of 16
***** SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! *****
BYOC on 1.7 mile track CCW
This event is on a Sunday!
Sign up and enjoy a great day at the track!

BYOC(Bring Your Own Car) Event Pricing
Novice Group - $210
Intermediate Group - $210
Advanced Group - $175

http://www.apexdrivingacademy.com/schedule.htm

I have done about 4 Apex and what I like is the limited amount of cars, is all in one day, less cost and you get 6 garranteed full sessions and sometimes a 7th.
You get more flow/continuity, since you are more on the track.
You also go to class and have instructors.

[jragan]

With PCA the new rules don't allow R-comp until you are in Advanced. I think a similar rule was in effect already for PCA last season...Since my track wheels already had R-comps mounted, I had to get special permission to run with them.

[jragan]

Ok, so who's up for Apex DE on May??? :questionmark:
*I am not related or get a discount for the info posted*


Open Novice Spaces: 8 of 18
Open Intermediate Spaces: 15 of 16
Open Advanced Spaces: 15 of 16
***** SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! *****
BYOC on 1.7 mile track CCW
This event is on a Sunday!
Sign up and enjoy a great day at the track!

BYOC(Bring Your Own Car) Event Pricing
Novice Group - $210
Intermediate Group - $210
Advanced Group - $175

http://www.apexdrivingacademy.com/schedule.htm

I have done about 4 Apex and what I like is the limited amount of cars, is all in one day, less cost and you get 6 garranteed full sessions and sometimes a 7th.
You get more flow/continuity, since you are more on the track.
You also go to class and have instructors.

I'd really like to do it myself, but I really need to get my girlfriend into one for her first time. The good thing about the Apex events having so many sessions is also a bad thing for me in this case because I want/need to be around to support her before/after runs and with everything being so one after the other I won't be able to do that. :(

[Red Baron]

I think a similar rule was in effect already for PCA last season...Since my track wheels already had R-comps mounted, I had to get special permission to run with them.

Yes, I forgot is a new year and they were in place at the begining of last year.
Also, you can't wear a 4 point harnes, has to be 5 or 6 with a racing seat.
The equal safety applies too, so you would have to have a racing seat for instructor and the same harness.

[m topls]

I'd really like to do it myself, but I really need to get my girlfriend into one for her first time. The good thing about the Apex events having so many sessions is also a bad thing for me in this case because I want/need to be around to support her before/after runs and with everything being so one after the other I won't be able to do that. :(

Ruh-roh, now I remember it was you in our class talking about your girlfriend with the new Porsche and how she can't drive it. :) You definitely need to get her to one of these events! Is she willing to attend or do you still need some help persuading her? Bring her to one of our Saturday meets and I can help convince her to try it.

Before I left the track after the last instructor run group yesterday, the guys at Classic were telling me that they were for sure going to have a girls only category at the DE on May 30-31 at MSR. Hopefully you can bring her to that one. I will unfortunately be out of town that weekend. Darn!

[m topls]

LOL...I had a few instructors and a ton of drivers coming up to me and asking what my secret was...Dinan 3.62 diff and a V8 :burnout:

Hah! My instructor on Sunday (the P-car driver) was also asking me about your car after you passed us! He didn't know a whole lot about the new M3, so I filled him in. :)

[m topls]

Blake and I were lucky enough yesterday to each win a door prize in the morning driver meeting from Classic BMW (thank you to Classic!!). They had some really great door prizes!! Blake won a cool pair of BMW driving gloves (he wishes he had them on Saturday - we froze our butts off on the track!) and I won a very nice ladies dress watch with Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl face, white leather band, etc. (pic below).

Thank you again to Classic BMW and Lone Star Chapter BMW CCA for putting on a great event! Next one hosted by these folks at MSR is on May 30-31. Registration opens within the next 7-10 days. Stay tuned. One of us will post the info in the forum.

[jragan]

Ruh-roh, now I remember it was you in our class talking about your girlfriend with the new Porsche and how she can't drive it. :) You definitely need to get her to one of these events! Is she willing to attend or do you still need some help persuading her? Bring her to one of our Saturday meets and I can help convince her to try it.Well she seemed to be leaning to the open side when the whole thing was just an idea...now that I actually have a date, we'll see. I'll find out for sure when she comes over in a little bit with dinner to watch DWTS (and no, I would not watch it on my own! LOL)

Before I left the track after the last instructor run group yesterday, the guys at Classic were telling me that they were for sure going to have a girls only category at the DE on May 30-31 at MSR. Hopefully you can bring her to that one. I will unfortunately be out of town that weekend. Darn!I remember Bruce mentioning it in our last class session but the date escaped me. The dates you note, though, are listed as being a "RideSmart" event on MSRs calendar (RideSmart being motorcycles...) with them using the full track (both courses)...Do you have any more/other info?

[jragan]

Blake and I were lucky enough yesterday to each win a door prize in the morning driver meeting from Classic BMW (thank you to Classic!!). They had some really great door prizes!! Blake won a cool pair of BMW driving gloves (he wishes he had them on Saturday - we froze our butts off on the track!) and I won a very nice ladies dress watch with Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl face, white leather band, etc. (pic below).

Thank you again to Classic BMW and Lone Star Chapter BMW CCA for putting on a great event! Next one hosted by these folks at MSR is on May 30-31. Registration opens within the next 7-10 days. Stay tuned. One of us will post the info in the forum.You should also post this in the official LSCBMWCCA forum thread :) http://www.lscbmwcca.org/forum/Topic9082-7-1.aspx

That's a very pretty watch...appears to be styled after a Franck Mueller design (My favorite watch maker)

[m topls]

I remember Bruce mentioning it in our last class session but the date escaped me. The dates you note, though, are listed as being a "RideSmart" event on MSRs calendar (RideSmart being motorcycles...) with them using the full track (both courses)...Do you have any more/other info?

No, all I have is what Bruce and the Classic guys and others said yesterday about May 30-31. They said it would all be finalized this week and they will send out an email. We will post the info here for sure when we get it.

[Red Baron]

What they were talking about doing on May, was a Racing School event, not a DE.
It would be at ECR, not MSR.

[m topls]

What they were talking about doing on May, was a Racing School event, not a DE.
It would be at ECR, not MSR.

What I thought I heard Bruce say in our class was that it would be combo DE event with the Racing School, but alas, so much was going on that I could be wrong. But the Classic guys did tell me at the very end of the day yesterday about having a female only category on May 30-31. I would imagine that all of this is subject to change, though, knowing how these things go.

[Michael-Dallas]

Robert = Red Baron onthe White group = red Japanese Ferrari = Mazda RX7
My e46 ZCP M3 = Garage Queen

More like Japanese Yugo. I'm surprised it didn't go zoom-zoom-KABOOM like it usually does. :D

///Michael

[Blake]

First half of first run day 2. I don't know why the sound didn't encode, but I'm not going to reupload it.
fivlig4O1VM

Edit: I just used youtube's audio swap feature to put some crappy Twisted Sister song in there.

[Red Baron]

More like Japanese Yugo. I'm surprised it didn't go zoom-zoom-KABOOM like it usually does. :D
///Michael

What are you doing here???
Go work your corner and get me my money Biotch.
STFU, you don't even track your car, because you are slow like a :turtle:

[Blake]

I go off track after 2:15 :p
sJkDHrpklQQ

[Blake]

Run 3 - This one has audio
r4tLU0B_hx8
1/2

[Blake]

I did some of my best driving in this video. Run 3 2/2
eJdGv2iN6ME

Karen - you're in this video at 1:35 ;)

[Fubar]

I'm glad yall had a good time. Maybe next time it wont be schedule on the same day as The Texas Mile so the posers can make it too.

[jragan]

Well she seemed to be leaning to the open side when the whole thing was just an idea...now that I actually have a date, we'll see. I'll find out for sure when she comes over in a little bit with dinner to watch DWTS (and no, I would not watch it on my own! LOL)She's registered now for the Sunday Apex...Now I just need to find her a pretty pink helmet :):laugh:

[jragan]

Blake - Great vids, might I suggest moving your camera a bit higher to clear your dash? :)

[Blake]

Just to let everyone know, Hart Photography has some proofs up. http://www.hart-photography.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=4193

[Red Baron]

Bah!!!
They don't have Advanced yet.

[jragan]

Bah!!!
They don't have Advanced yet.They didn't get any...Blake took the cameraman out when he went off-roading! :)

[Blake]

They didn't get any...Blake took the cameraman out when he went off-roading! :)

:laugh: X-treme M3 off-roading!

[Blake]

Bah!!!
They don't have Advanced yet.

It usually takes a few days for them to get all the pictures up.

[Red Baron]

They didn't get any...Blake took the cameraman out when he went off-roading! :)

No wonder I saw the Ambulance for the first time on the track.

[jragan]

You guys remember the 80 year old woman driving the Viper ACR? Check this thread out: http://www.trackaddict.net/forums/showthread.php?t=395 (and accompanying video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3q2jo9K5GE ) Apparently she damn near totalled that car earlier in the year and is known for being a hideous driver! :|

[Raven]

What are you doing here???
Go work your corner and get me my money Biotch.
STFU, you don't even track your car, because you are slow like a :turtle:

You misspelled it!

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/rlpiii/Bee-Otch.gif

[jragan]

My In-Car vids:

Day 2, Run 2 (Camera falls off at the end)
3913851

Day 2, Run 3
3916195

[Red Baron]

From the little I watch and heard you had very good instructor. :thumbsup2:

[jragan]

From the little I watch and heard you had very good instructor. :thumbsup2:His name was Ron and he is by far the best I've had.

[RaceMX-M3]

Cool vids, thx for posting.

[Michael-Dallas]

What are you doing here???
Go work your corner and get me my money Biotch.
STFU, you don't even track your car, because you are slow like a :turtle:

I guess nobody told you the fable of tortoise and the hare when you were a child?

And what am I doing here? Well, you weren't at your corner so I was looking for you and now I find you BSing here. You better get back to your corner and make me some benjamins. :thumbsup2:

///Michael

[Red Baron]

I guess nobody told you the fable of tortoise and the hare when you were a child?
///Michael

You don't know, you don't even know.
In my fable, the hare F...ked the turttle, then won the race and F...ked the turttle again.
Get to work B.

[///MFalcon]

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/rlpiii/Bee-Otch.gif

haha transformers nice one!

[///MFalcon]

His name was Ron and he is by far the best I've had.

hey if you play that way, that's cool :p

[m topls]

You guys remember the 80 year old woman driving the Viper ACR? Check this thread out: http://www.trackaddict.net/forums/showthread.php?t=395 (and accompanying video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3q2jo9K5GE ) Apparently she damn near totalled that car earlier in the year and is known for being a hideous driver! :|

Yeah, she was a trip! Too bad she was in our blue group! I tried to stay away from her on the track because some folks at the DE told me about the incident you mention above. Heard some other things, too, that I can't post in a forum. I let her pass whenever I saw her come up behind me.

[Red Baron]

Heard some other things, too, that I can't post in a forum.

Come on now Karen, you just can't throw that out and leave it to the imagination.:hmmmm2:
You got to give us a hint or send me a PM and I'll post it. :D

[Blake]

Ahhh my face is peeling from the lovely sunburns I acquired this weekend!

[m topls]

What I thought I heard Bruce say in our class was that it would be combo DE event with the Racing School, but alas, so much was going on that I could be wrong. But the Classic guys did tell me at the very end of the day yesterday about having a female only category on May 30-31. I would imagine that all of this is subject to change, though, knowing how these things go.

We got a note from Bruce today (the BMW CCA DE chair) and he said that BMW CCA was unable to secure a Driving Event for the weekend of May 30-31. So they are working towards their next DE in October.

[Blake]

We got a note from Bruce today (the BMW CCA DE chair) and he said that BMW CCA was unable to secure a Driving Event for the weekend of May 30-31. So they are working towards their next DE in October.

Oh no! That sucks! Looks like I'll be doing Apex events. Maybe Texas World Speedway events too.

[jragan]

Anyone still cleaning black marks from the club racer's rubber off of your cars? Next time there's a run in combination with a club race I'm going to completely tape up (I started to tape up but gave up because my hands were too cold :) )

Blake, being as you were always on someon's tail, I bet your car's covered but at least it's hard to see on yours :)