Track Equipment. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

M-Fünf · 22nd May 2003, 23:16

I am thinking about taking my M5 to the track, but don't have any experience with auto racing. My only racing experience is in karts and boats, which are very different from auto racing, I'm sure.

Can anybody out there give me a "rough" idea of what I'm going to need (for my car and for me) to get into this? I'd also like input on equipment (harnesses, helmets, driving suits, etc). Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

As I live in No. California, I would like to try to stay as local as possible, with Sears Point or Laguna Seca as first choices.

I would like to start out slow to see if it interests me before I spend major $$$ to get more involved. From what I've read here, and from my experiences to date, I believe that the stock M5 is a "trackable" car.

Thanks!

Dirim · 23rd May 2003, 12:48

The only thing you really need initially is a good helmet. The rest can follow once you think you like it and want to do it regularly. It's also unlikely that you will stretch the capabilities of your M5 on your day one, so mods can come later as well. Most people agree that the best investment for safety and reduced lap times is Drivers Training

Nevertheless, the following link has a comprehensive list of Track Preparation and Gadgets.

Turnfast Home Page

Trackside Preparation Page

Regards,

Ufuk

Sydude · 29th May 2003, 05:01

Join the BMW CCA (car club) and do to a Driving School. It is a very low pressure event, and you can take your time and drive at whatever pace you are comfortable with. You'll love it. They are great events.

All you need is a helmet, and in respect to car preparation usually all you need is to have your brakes flushed and to have a shop inspect your car for safety purposes. If you drive at 8-8.5/10ths, you will have minimal tire and break pad wear.

Once you start to get into it more deeply, you can start with upgrades, brakes etc..

StahlGrauM3 · 22nd June 2003, 10:12

Check out www.tracquest.com they do some events in N. California and in fact have one at the end of the month at Thunderhill which is an excellent place for beginners...much more so than Sears or Laguna Seca.

Erik · 13th July 2003, 11:07

Quote:

Originally posted by M-Fünf
I am thinking about taking my M5 to the track, but don't have any experience with auto racing. My only racing experience is in karts and boats, which are very different from auto racing, I'm sure.

Can anybody out there give me a "rough" idea of what I'm going to need (for my car and for me) to get into this? I'd also like input on equipment (harnesses, helmets, driving suits, etc). Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

As I live in No. California, I would like to try to stay as local as possible, with Sears Point or Laguna Seca as first choices.

I would like to start out slow to see if it interests me before I spend major $$$ to get more involved. From what I've read here, and from my experiences to date, I believe that the stock M5 is a "trackable" car.

Thanks!

Just a small advice.

I always increase my tire pressure to about 50 Punds ( dont know what that is in bar. )

this will reduce your tire wear.
Another good advice is to only take a few laps at the time, and be carefull on the 3rd or 4th lap.

Its on thoose laps ou start to feel confident, speed increases and off you go

Good luck and have fun.

de Witt · 14th July 2003, 04:14

Do not put in one harness on the drivers side and leave the stock seatbelt on the passengers side. Most instructors will not ride with you when you have a harness and they do not (probably all of instructors will ride not as I think they are told not to ride in a car with no harness for them).

stever · 23rd July 2003, 03:47

increasing tire pressure to 50 psi will SERIOUSLY reduce grip. With street tires, pressure HOT should be in the range of 42-44psi. Probably start with 44 hot in front and 40 in rear to kill a bit of the understeer

Danish · 23rd July 2003, 12:29

Ralf Kelleners told me that he actually REDUCES tire pressure when going on the track in order to increase grip.

Chance · 30th July 2003, 17:41

50 pounds of tire pressure is way too much!!!!!!! Your car will seriouly push and slide around. I was running 38 front and 37 rear (hot) last week at willow springs. Also I highly suggest High Temp Brake Fluid, you might already have this, as mine boiled at the track. Opentrackracing.com is another website to visit for track days. Pretty reasonable for only $125 for the day.

Have Fun

M Power · 30th July 2003, 18:17

Higher tire pressure will be used more on an auto x course to prevent your tire from rolling over onto the side wall..

From all I have read, 40 psi on the track is a good place to start.