Doesn't it void the warranty if you track your car? If so, I suppose it would be rare to get caught. However, I heard stories in the distant past where U.S. manufacturers used to spot check - mostly at drag race tracks.

 

I would say "it depends". I have not heard any BMW specific warranty claim denials because of track use but don't expect them to cover pads, rotors, clutches, etc if they know. BMWs are built to take performance driving which isn't really abuse. Just look at what goes on at the BMW Performance Center. The cars take a day after day thrashing by newbies and experts. Although, I bet Michelin and other tire manufacturers love the tire contracts with them.

My bigger concern would be insurance coverage in an accident on track. BMW CCA now offers single event or multi event umbrellas to cover any insurance claim denials but they do have large deductibles. I will likely do that.

 

Yeah most insurance companies will not cover if they find out damage was from being on a track.

I've gotten the track insurance a couple of times for a piece of mind. Doesn't cost too much, and well worth it if you do need it. I haven't had to use it, but yeah the deductibles are rather steep...but I think it is based on blue book value of your car.

 

I'll be there the 26th of Feb to track my M5 again. It'll be my third time out. Give me a call 714-914-4446 and we can talk about what you need to do. Tire pressure is very important. If you never been to a track day I suggest you go in the beginners group and learn the lines and the basics from Speedventures. You can park next to me and the others and we'll help you out. I'll go in the car with you and show you the lines and you can come in my car and learn that way as well

 

go fast, if u aint first your last

 

Hmmm. Every car club HPDE I've been to disallowed ride alongs except for instructors with their students. Although, I did manage to ride with a BMW Performance Center instructor in a brand new M6 at Road Atlanta, hitting an easy 150 MPH on the back straight there. Imagine a brand new M6, just past break in, running stint after stint, all day long at professional levels of performance, playing with full track prepped cars. It's only short coming was fading brakes. But he would come into the pits, cool the brakes for 5 minutes, change the ride along passenger, and head right back out for more hot laps.

 

Just have fun. Many of the guys with issues are the ones that just push it too far. You will have just as much fun without over doing it. Get familiar the first track day and let everything sink in your head for the next time. Push it a little more the next time.

 

it was my first time on a track in January also with speedventures at auto club speedway as well. I went with the white group, and plan on going into the blue group next time. you'll have nothing to worry about. like Joe said on the previous page we can always help you out. in the white group, the first run you'll have no passing with an instructor at front. everyone follows in a single line trying to imitate the line of the intructor, taking it easy. 2nd run you'll have it with about the same pace, maybe a little faster, and undergo a passing drill. the 3rd and 4th runs you'll be on your own, but for sure with more comfort being on the track