CSD thanks, I currently have over 65,000 miles on my OEM struts, it’ll be over 70,000 by August. I’ll need new ones anyway. The OEM package was nice, but I’ve been interested in an upgrade anyways. Nothing too exotic, I still need to commute 70 miles a day.. I’ll be doing some research, money’s tight anyway…

I just filled out my registration, so come August I’ll be buzzing around Watkins Glen waving to my fellow flaggers!

Cosmos, learn to drive your car while it’s in stock condition. Take a set of extra brake pads just in case. Once you’ve learned to drive your car on the track, by taking a few schools, get a good set of summer max performance tires. Suspension components should be the last modifications, unless they’re currently worn out. Modifying a car for the track is not as important as the learning process. I’ve seen plenty of students driving with completely stock cars, out perform students in highly modified cars. The driver is the most important modification, when it comes to track time. More track time with proper instruction will make you a smoother driver. The smoother you are, the faster you are. When you’re on the track, it’s a driving school, not a race.

CSD

CSD, I worked the BMW club spring event yesterday…(home today to cook up a mediteranean pork braise for moms day). I was indeed selected to participate in the drivers school in August. The local club runs a tight show I was impressed. As we cleared the course after a session, by the time we were clear to sation 10 they released the next class. This is great for club members as everyone gets max track time…(bad for the corner workers alone on station looking for a bathroom break…luckily its not a spectator event).

Everyone got two hours of track time and between track sessions they had an autocross session in the paddock. Lots of great cars, Vettes, Porsches, Mercs, Jags, Minis, and of course BMW’s, all from strictly stock to full out race prep. No Ferrai’s though…too bad.

Had a great time at the after party (ROADFOOD REPORT: the usual pizza, wing, meatball, weiner in mustard sauce, and veggie dip spread…ahh well hits the spot with a cold beer or NYS wine). I met the sister of a former architectural client. Her husband was a novice. I met his instructor as well…chatted up some of the car owners.

I look forward to my track time…judging from the brake dust in my eyes and nose, I’ll need to have a brake job before (and shortly after). I’m going to see if I can scare up enough $$ for a strut and spring package, so I can really enojoy this.

V960, the 633 CSI is a timeless coupe. Possibly one of the sleekest body styles ever made by BMW. I’d hang onto it. To me, it’s a classic.

Cosmos, most of the driving school mishaps at Road America took place at the entry to the kink. The Windy City BMW club decided to impose a speed limit and entry speed was set at 90 mph. It was enforced by a radar gun and I played the radar cop. By the time the offender reached Canada Corner, the caught a black flag and a warning.

CSD

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

The high horsepower cars were always passing me on the straights, but I could easily out handle them in the curves and the turns in my Miata.

Reminds me of an in-car camera video I watched after flagging a drivers school at Road America 20 odd years ago.. The camera was mounted in an MGB who was dueling with another rookie driver in a Vette. The Vette would pass on the straights and the MG on the corners…hilarious fun to watch after a long day and a couple of Old Styles..

BMW weekend is coming up next weekend not sure I can take both days off we’ll see…

A million years ago I bought a Daytona. Stupid thing to do but I did it. Red of course, but the repair costs were out of this world. I now have a very old BMW 633 Csi w/ a five speed manual and …get this …electric head rests…stupid or what. It WILL do 145 mph (according to the speedo) but only in fourth. Beautiful car…wanna buy it?

Cosmos, take the school! The Mazda 3 is a good track car. My first track experience was at Road America 22 years ago in a 1985 Jetta GLI. Front wheel drive cars are very forgiving and easy to handle on the track. Don’t concern yourself with the other cars or drivers. The BMW club has different student groups and you’ll be in the "novice" class. Although some in your class will out power you, to go fast, you have to be smooth. The high horsepower cars were always passing me on the straights, but I could easily out handle them in the curves and the turns in my Miata. I always enjoyed teasing the M3’s trying to keep up with my 16V Scirocco in the turns. Go for it! It will make you a better and safer driver and you’ll probably join the BMW club, just to take advantage of their future schools.

CSD

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

There are a few of us who are actively involved in motorsports. Sundancer is a drag racer, Bluemaxx is a Porsche racer, and I’m an autocrosser and driving instructor with the BWM and Miata clubs. Sitting in my driveway is Spec Race Miata, that hasn’t been on the track since 2003. A red Ferrari F355 F1 or a yellow F355 F1 Spider are my favorite street Ferrari’s, besides the F40, the Enzo, and the 288 GTO.

Chicagostyle, I’ve been told I am being considered for a free driving school w/ a local BMW club. They nominate a corner worker every year. They have an event coming up and if I can get out of the office long enough to work it, I should find out if I’m the lucky dog….

I have to stick w/ my Mazda 3 though…no BMWs or Ferraris in my immediate future..

Anyways love the Ferrari ad, I always love to hear them scream by my flag station.

quote:

Originally posted by LuckyLabrador

In 1974 I bought a 1973 Daytona Ferrari convertible, I was 28, single, lived in So. Cal. It was red, it picked up women for me, I still dream about it.

Lucky,
I’m now stuck with a mental image of a Knight Rider-ish Ferarri Daytona talking to and picking up women on your behalf.

In 1974 I bought a 1973 Daytona Ferrari convertible, I was 28, single, lived in So. Cal. It was red, it picked up women for me, I still dream about it.

Forgot the link…

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

Here’s an interesting site that will bring tears to auto lovers: http://www.wreckedexotics.com

They have to update with this one from the other day…

Here’s an interesting site that will bring tears to auto lovers: http://www.wreckedexotics.com

Here is my dream Ferrari…

There are a few of us who are actively involved in motorsports. Sundancer is a drag racer, Bluemaxx is a Porsche racer, and I’m an autocrosser and driving instructor with the BWM and Miata clubs. Sitting in my driveway is Spec Race Miata, that hasn’t been on the track since 2003. A red Ferrari F355 F1 or a yellow F355 F1 Spider are my favorite street Ferrari’s, besides the F40, the Enzo, and the 288 GTO.