For the Racers - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Whiteyford · 23rd June 2004, 01:55

I have found that since I have acquired the beast I end up in allot of races. Not allot of off the line stuff but plenty off high speed races. Knock on wood I haven’t lost yet. A couple of my good buddy love to race. They drive Jetta's and Honda's.
In my group of friends I'm currently the fastest and have the most horse power. Racing with my buddies is just for fun. They don't even have a chance. I've always driven pretty fast cars but have never really raced allot. My buddies tell me that after beating someone you are supposed to put on your flashers. I have never done this, yet. I guess the reason for it is to say "I've beaten you but I will give you a chance to race me again if you think it was an unfair race". Is this a Volkswagen and Honda thing or do some of you other beast owners out there do this?

Chuckc · 23rd June 2004, 02:09

Ohhh. So THAT'S what the flashers mean. I have had people in rice rockets pass me on the freeway and then put on their flashers for a brief period of time. I never knew what that meant.

I just figured they were on the phone and since the seat was too far back, they hit the flashers by accident when trying to get to the cigarette lighter.

BmwNut · 23rd June 2004, 03:36

We used the hazards at the illegal drags as a way to say we won. Since the cars would be a 1/4 mile away, the spectators at the start line couldnt tell which one was in front. But whichever one had the hazards on was the winner (we used the honor system). At least to me, it signifies a win, not a rechallange or anything like that.
Ricers however seem to love flying by you with them on to try and pester you. A quick flash after winning is good forum, but prolonged flashing to piss someone off isnt. Happy VW and Honda hunting.

Tom Burns · 23rd June 2004, 05:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiteyford

I have found that since I have acquired the beast I end up in allot of races. Not allot of off the line stuff but plenty off high speed races. Knock on wood I haven’t lost yet. A couple of my good buddy love to race. They drive Jetta's and Honda's.
In my group of friends I'm currently the fastest and have the most horse power. Racing with my buddies is just for fun. They don't even have a chance. I've always driven pretty fast cars but have never really raced allot. My buddies tell me that after beating someone you are supposed to put on your flashers. I have never done this, yet. I guess the reason for it is to say "I've beaten you but I will give you a chance to race me again if you think it was an unfair race". Is this a Volkswagen and Honda thing or do some of you other beast owners out there do this?

Okay, I don't want to start a flamewar here, but if you're racing in the streets you should stop and think about how may different ways this is dumb. Amateurs going fast in a (hopefully) straight line and hopefully not crashng or killing themselves or someone else. This crap is STUPID ON WHEELS!

Besides, unless you're running against another M5 it's all meaningless. Please don't tell me you're thinking of adding nitrous to your car.

If you really want to be a driver, get yourself some proper instruction and then hone your skills at track days, lapping sessions, and work up to race events. You will really appreciate and be rewarded by knowing that not only do you have a great car, but that you have learned the skills and techniques that separate a serious driver from the burger joint punks that wreak havoc on public roads.

BmwNut · 23rd June 2004, 06:11

Easy there...

Tom Burns · 23rd June 2004, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by BmwNut

Easy there...

Sorry, but it's a serious problem that bugs me to no end. That whole "Fast and Furious" mentality gets people seriously injured or killed. If you've ever lived through the pain of someone you know going out that way....well, you know what I mean.

Whiteyford · 23rd June 2004, 06:28

BmwNut, you beat me to it. Tom burns don't worry bro I won't flame you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As far as I'm concerned certain cars out there are born to street race. I agree it can be risky but at the right times on the right roads you can't beat it.

BmwNut · 23rd June 2004, 06:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Burns

Sorry, but it's a serious problem that bugs me to no end. That whole "Fast and Furious" mentality gets people seriously injured or killed. If you've ever lived through the pain of someone you know going out that way....well, you know what I mean.

I totally understand where you are coming from, and you attitude is a good one to have. This board though knows the drill on racing, and we are generally a very safe bunch. But I agree on the F&F street racing glorification, and how it isnt a model for how to behave on the streets. As the old saying goes, there is a time and a place for everything, and as long as it is the right one, there isnt anything wrong with giving it some stick...

Tom Burns · 23rd June 2004, 06:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by BmwNut

(snip). As the old saying goes, there is a time and a place for everything, and as long as it is the right one, there isnt anything wrong with giving it some stick...

Agreed. But as for street racing (I mean going head to head with another car), there is never a right time or place.

Pete · 23rd June 2004, 07:13

About the only thing I race against is myself anymore. When I was a kid it was much different, no traffic to speak of, and well known streights for the Friday night challenges.

To be completely honest we didnt have the roads in Illinois that we have here in Colorado. There is absolutely nothing to compare to canyon and pass running with an M5 and some great tunes on a bright sunny day early in the morning.

It's tought to get much over 55 mph on most of these small roads, the turns are all pretty tight and come in bunches, but thats the challenge, dont need a lot of speed to have a great time. You get a lot of shifting practise and there's enough of a streight stretch coming out of some of the turns to give the beast it's legs and let the torque inspire you before the next switchbacks.

Another reason not to do the street racing thing is you will have much more fun deciding what new mod to get rather than put that money to the rediculous insurance rate increase if your ever caught racing.

I have something to prove to myself, no one else. I do my spirited driving on my own, alone.

ON the other hand, I get a serious bang out of leaving the guys way behind me on the expressway onramps. That's usually enough of a schooling for most would be challengers.

lasseoe · 23rd June 2004, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Burns

If you really want to be a driver, get yourself some proper instruction and then hone your skills at track days, lapping sessions, and work up to race events. You will really appreciate and be rewarded by knowing that not only do you have a great car, but that you have learned the skills and techniques that separate a serious driver from the burger joint punks that wreak havoc on public roads.

I couldn't agree more!

Suretyagent · 23rd June 2004, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Burns

Agreed. But as for street racing (I mean going head to head with another car), there is never a right time or place.

I hear what you're saying my friend, but remember - this is an M5 and Temptation is everywhere. Never say Never.

The virtue which requires to be ever guarded is scarcely worth the sentinel.

M5Kid · 23rd June 2004, 18:17

Quote:

Besides, unless you're running against another M5 it's all meaningless.

I hope you didn't mean this? Isn't this one of the best aspects of driving and being an enthusiast, getting to compare your car to others? Doesn't matter if it's a new W211 E55 or an old Chevelle. I would like to know more of what you mean't by this comment?

Travis