Well I just attended my first BMWCCA driving school this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway, and all I can say is What A Blast!
I was assigned an instructor who drove me around the track (at my request) for the first 2 laps then we pitted and I drove for the rest of the day. It was so much fun I have to remind myself it wasn't a dream.
The instruction was very helpful, keeping me in control, and out of harm's way. You have to remember you are on the track with other drivers of various skill levels, and tempraments.
My car is stock with the exception of the 18" wheels. And to top it off I was already on my winter tires Dunlop Sport M3s. I was driving the car very hard, enjoying every minute of it, and finding the limits. Disabling the 'nannies' DSC/DTC let the demons out.
Very impressive how much they control the car.

 

What do you mean "winter tires"? Are they regular street tires that you are using for the winter instead of more aggressive summer tires or are they snow tires? I hope that you didn't lap NHIS on snows.

 

Sounds like he did, I have the Winter Sport M3's as well. I don't have them on yet. I hate driving with them because I can spin the wheels on dry pavement with very little effort compared to the stock tires. I couldn't image driving on a track with them.

I was thinking about going to that event. Sounds like it was fun.

 

NHIS is a great track! It's been a while since I've driven it. Taking Turn 6 correctly is a wonderful feeling! Glad to hear you had fun.

 

What speed rating is on the winter sports? I'm not sure they were designed for this constant g-force (heat). Be careful out there.

- Sean

 

Hey, they may come in handy. I once had a BMWCCA event at NHIS cancelled due to SNOW.

 

>>Disabling the 'nannies' DSC/DTC let the demons out.
Cute!

 

Yes, SNOW tires. The tech inspection was a little confused but the tires are about 6 weeks old. I brought the tire pressure up to 35psi and started my laps. No problems what so ever.
It didn't hurt that the ambient temperature was in the low 40s F. Second and third runs I had the pressure upto 38psi. My instructor was very complimentary of the vehicle stability in all situations. At the end of the session we discussed the tires. He felt that the temperature was critical to the tire performance. I will definitely be on summer tires for the next track session, next spring!

 

I agree -- the BMW CCA driving schools are a blast. They also are a great way to learn both (i) how to be a better drive and (ii) what your BMW is really capable of.

 

Cool, maybe I'll see you at an event in the Spring. I'll keep an eye out for you or maybe message me directly beforehand.

- Sean