F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Tracking / Racing / Autocrossing > Signed up for my first autocross!
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-30-2014, 10:26 PM   #1
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

Signed up for my first autocross!

I'm stoked about my first autocross! I signed up for the BMW CCA autocross the local chapter is having next month.

Searching through various autocrossing tips etc. I was surprised (but not unhappy) to learn about work assignments - I thought its like go there and start driving like a gokarting place . Sounds like there's a lot more to it than that.

One apprehension I have is - and I had the same problem when I did motorcycle MSF training - how do you find which cones to go between, so quickly?? I mean all those cones out there they all look the same, how do you know which one is the course? Anyone face this, how did you get over this newbie apprehension?

Luckily I already have an approved helmet that I use with my motorcycle - sounds like I'm good to go! I'm contemplating getting a dash cam.
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 12:57 AM   #2
pkimM3r
Banned
pkimM3r's Avatar
205
Rep
7,298
Posts

Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles

iTrader: (0)

la chapter does a walk through. literally walk. thats the best.

and first lap or so will have instructor ride or drive with you.
have fun!
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 01:53 AM   #3
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SlowSaloonM3 View Post
la chapter does a walk through. literally walk. thats the best.

and first lap or so will have instructor ride or drive with you.
have fun!
Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 03:31 AM   #4
JN1
Lieutenant Colonel
JN1's Avatar
301
Rep
1,591
Posts

Drives: S211 AMG E63
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Los Angeles CA

iTrader: (2)

aim for the cones!

Just kidding, autocross is one of the best ways to actually learn your car and car control and I applaud your willingness to check it out. But seriously stay away from the cones, they are not as harmless as they look and can scuff up paint and even dent cars if hit the right way. If your brakes haven't been bled recently, I recommend doing so and check your tire pressure on the way there.
__________________
-JustinNApproved
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 09:24 AM   #5
pkimM3r
Banned
pkimM3r's Avatar
205
Rep
7,298
Posts

Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JNLBC
aim for the cones!

Just kidding, autocross is one of the best ways to actually learn your car and car control and I applaud your willingness to check it out. But seriously stay away from the cones, they are not as harmless as they look and can scuff up paint and even dent cars if hit the right way. If your brakes haven't been bled recently, I recommend doing so and check your tire pressure on the way there.
he wont hit cones if he doesnt have his music on while driving

its pkim.
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 10:19 AM   #6
vanbmw
Major
vanbmw's Avatar
Canada
130
Rep
1,101
Posts

Drives: 2015 Black 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

Walk the course!!! There is more to autoX then just floor the accelerator. Make sure you are looking FAR ahead of where you are going. This sounds easy but will take some training. Don't look where you are going...look where you WANT to go. If you are always looking one step ahead you have that extra time to plan your route. Auto X is fun but also a great driving lesson. It teaches you tons about car control but learning to look ahead is a valuable driving skill.
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2014, 01:28 PM   #7
ronin951
First Lieutenant
ronin951's Avatar
44
Rep
349
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vanbmw View Post
Walk the course!!! There is more to autoX then just floor the accelerator. Make sure you are looking FAR ahead of where you are going. This sounds easy but will take some training. Don't look where you are going...look where you WANT to go. If you are always looking one step ahead you have that extra time to plan your route. Auto X is fun but also a great driving lesson. It teaches you tons about car control but learning to look ahead is a valuable driving skill.
This ^. A lot of things you can practice on the street. Breathe, try to be slow, and above all else have fun. If you find you're not having fun you're probably trying too hard!
__________________
2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT, M-Performance Brakes, M-Performance Suspension, APEX Arc-8 18 x 8.5 square, Pilot SS
1999 EB1 M3 - Bilstein PSS9, Vorshlag Camber Plates, Kosei K1, ZII Star Spec, PFC, gallon of distilled water.
Appreciate 0
      05-03-2014, 12:47 AM   #8
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

Thanks guys!
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2014, 11:43 PM   #9
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

Bummer, had to cancel. Maybe next time!
Appreciate 0
      05-11-2014, 12:02 AM   #10
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

By the way - whats you guys' take on this?: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20040705/free/407050725

Looks like autocrossing voids warranties. I think I'll just use my other car for autocrosses when I sign up next! Can't afford to void the warranty!
Appreciate 0
      05-19-2014, 03:28 PM   #11
dc503
First Lieutenant
131
Rep
347
Posts

Drives: 340i
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Reston, VA

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by newoldbeemer View Post
By the way - whats you guys' take on this?: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20040705/free/407050725

Looks like autocrossing voids warranties. I think I'll just use my other car for autocrosses when I sign up next! Can't afford to void the warranty!
Not sure why I ever made the distinction between the two, but I always worried more about this while doing a track day more than while I was going autocrossing. Nothing to really add, because I've never had any experience with failures but that sucks if manufacturers are going to that length.
__________________
IG: LBR_uno
Appreciate 0
      05-19-2014, 06:59 PM   #12
newoldbeemer
Major
United_States
263
Rep
1,093
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 328i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Jose

iTrader: (0)

Yeah I was surprised to see that considering so many people autcross their cars. I guess it is wriggle room in case a company wants to back out of giving warranty support for an autox-ed car.

My car (sadly) won't see the track or autox till its out of warranty!
Appreciate 0
      05-20-2014, 01:18 PM   #13
nicknaz
Lieutenant General
nicknaz's Avatar
3183
Rep
10,509
Posts

Drives: C6Z
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by newoldbeemer View Post
Searching through various autocrossing tips etc. I was surprised (but not unhappy) to learn about work assignments
In addition to the work assignments, you will probably only get to drive for about 10 minutes.

In terms of $ / min of seat time, HPDE is a much better deal (and you don't have to pick up cones or volunteer to be a corner worker)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:47 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST