Westcoast M5

Just street tires. I'm sure it shortened their life much faster than street driving just due to the gforces, but there was no noticeable differnce on the tires at the end of the day that I could see. If you did it every weekend you would have to budget for tires, but a couple of times a year makes virtually no difference.

The rule for this course was the cars had to be street legal (including tires) and have ICBC insurance (you are actually covered by ICBC while on track because it is "driver education" not a "racing/track day". If the laps are timed, then you can not be covered.)

The day cost $300 which includes a catered track side lunch. This also includes helmet loan/rental. I burned about one and 1/4 tanks of fuel on the track, plus had to drive to mission and back so gas is almost as much as the fee. The company that puts it on is Driving Unlimited (they train the RCMP among others). The event was organized through the BWM car club of bc. To take this course you need to complete a prerequisite "Car Control" course which I think is about $180 if I remember correctly. That course is also an all day event and also a lot of fun - it's mostly traffic cones on an airport runway, but really fun and challenging. Driving Unlimited has a big focus on safety and skills development which I like. Their instructors are excellent and it is great value. Here's the link: http://www.bmwccbc.org/schools/index.html

I plan to do the "Road Skills" session again, maybe in the fall, then go on to level 3. It's like those dustless pads.....once you do it you'll wonder why you waited so long.

KnIgHtCoM

Tony, your car's too pretty for the track.

EuroCarFan

She'll look prettier tearing down a track. Would love to hear my engine scream at full throttle.

I'm trying to sign up for a Car Control Clinic session in Marina (near Monterey), CA on Jul 19th. We'll see...

Cobra 427

I used to open-track my Cobra for a few years, until it got too expensive, so I know the feeling and experience you had.

A good friend of my mine is involved with Hooked on Driving. They offer excellent "on track" driver training. Check them out: http://www.hookedondriving.com/home.cfm

FRANK970

Yeah, probably! About 10 years ago I autocrossed a CRX, it was unbelievably fun. I want to get my car out to the track so I am definitely going to look into it. Thanks for the information.

E60Power

Hey, EuroCarFan where can I find the info for that? I live in Fresno(Central Valley) and I think it would be a great Idea if i sign my dad up for one of those as a Fathers Day gift hes getting a Z06 and I think he needs to learn to drive what he's got... Maybe ill tag along but i would be a joke @ a track with a 530i

EuroCarFan

Here's the link to the Golden Gate Chapter of BMWCCA with the listing of events around here: http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/?page=calendar&category=2

Not sure if there's another BMWCCA chapter in your area so you might want to check the main website at http://www.bmwcca.org/

You have to be a member to sign up for these driving events but I'm not sure if you have to bring a BMW. I mean, if you're a member, you can probably sign up and go with your dad in his Z06. Not sure.

As for your 530, there should be no reason why you can't bring it to this Car Control Clinic as it teaches driving basics and emergency maneuvers. Stuff any driver in any car could benefit from.

JPJ

Next Friday for me --- can't wait! For anyone who hasn't taken their car to a high performance driving school you are really missing out. The one I'm going to is at Waterford Hills Road Racing course and is through the Detroit area BMWCCA chapter. My dealer caters a wonderful lunch and also brings in coffee and bagels in the morning. They even do free tech inspections before school (that's why I always wonder why some of you have dealers that are such jerks about mods and the like). Cost for BMWCCA members is only $120.

Year before last I had an instructor with a E36 M3 CSL that was highly modified for the track (incl racing seats and 5 point belts, full cage, tricked out suspension, and slicks). He took me out for 2 long sessions in his car -- grip it had through the corners can't even be described. That alone was worth the cost.

I'm really wanting a track car now.

flyingpuck

Wow, that sounds GREAT!!

Westcoast M5

Your 530 will be a joy to take around the track. It's all about skill and finess. Take you skills to the next level and get your car to do things you didn't believe it could do!