07-22-2014, 09:55 AM | #1 |
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How do I learn how to drive my M4 properly on a track?
Hi guys
So I am about to take delivery of my M4 here in a couple of days and I intend to use it as a daily driver and not track it except for maybe once a year at the annual COTA track weekend. On that subject, I would like you track whores' opinions on what the best way to pop my mistress' cherry is out on the track, since I've only ever raced go-karts on a race track and not a real car. What is the best way to learn without fucking up and totaling your car? Should I go to Carolina and take the M Performance course? Should I go to a local track here in Austin and take lessons on one of their cars? HELP!!!
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07-22-2014, 10:02 AM | #2 |
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I think the best way to start really is an autocross held by your local bmw cca chapter. its low speed in parking lot full of cones and no other cars. start at your pace that you feel comfortable with and grab as much instruction as possible. you will gain a lot of confidence in the car and that will help when you take it on a big track. also if you don't spin the car on the autox then you didn't get your money's worth. learn the car at and beyond the limits in a controlled environment like this. enough practice and you will learn to catch the car. that pays off if you get overzealous on the big track and now you are stability control. just keep a level head and respect your own limits first. above all else remember there is risk involved no matter how careful you are so you have to be comfortable with knowing you might have a bad day. make sure your insurance will cover you or willing to take the risk completely. i have seen cars totalled going 30mph in an autox. all it takes is the right circumstances.
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07-22-2014, 10:04 AM | #3 | |
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That is what I did with my M5 for my first rack experience. |
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07-22-2014, 10:05 AM | #4 |
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@gmcconn535 talk to me buddy... talk to me...
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07-22-2014, 10:09 AM | #5 |
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I have been asking myself the same thing.
Based on the questions I have asked, Im doing a few different things: 1- Performance driving school. These are everywhere. You can sign up for a day or two of classes ($300-600) as a good starter. Seeing that you are in Austin, you will find a bunch there, and of course Houston/Dallas area 2- BMW CCA. Join your local club. Get to meetings and meet the guys. Ask questions. 3- You live next to USA's only F1 track. They have events there on a regular basis. They are expensive, but if you really want become a better driver, you have to put the time and money into it. Good luck! Cant wait to join you later this fall. |
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07-22-2014, 10:11 AM | #6 |
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I want to learn how to drive properly to be able to drive at COTA, I don't want to learn at COTA, that's my whole point!! Our event at COTA is in March of 2015 and I want to be ready for it...
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07-22-2014, 10:17 AM | #7 |
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F1 tracks are actually ideal for learning. they are the safest by far. also remember they are designed for cars going well over double your speed so the runnoff room is excellent. its actually more dangerous at an unsanctioned track. you know texas. the ruts created from underground water trellis. drive off track into one of those and its likely to flip a car.
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07-22-2014, 10:19 AM | #8 | |
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HPDE is the best option for the initial learning, IMHO.
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07-22-2014, 10:23 AM | #9 | |
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07-22-2014, 10:25 AM | #10 | |
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Spy go to Finland, a few hours and being cut of by grandmas hurrying to bingo, and your ego teaches you fast.
I know, it's been years, but I will never forget the feeling of my 85 year old uncle with dementia and a lot of other health issues caused me by flying past me on a country road. I had the speed controller (hubby) on board, but the humiliation will never go away.
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07-22-2014, 10:27 AM | #11 | |
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07-22-2014, 10:29 AM | #12 | ||
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Dude, put on your big boy pants and go ask help. Or do as I will, cry when someone (everyone) is faster than you. I can help you with the excuses, I'm a pro!
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07-22-2014, 10:31 AM | #13 | |
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07-22-2014, 10:33 AM | #14 | ||
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Sorry, I had to drive before coffee today, so I'll be an idiot all day today. Sorry again.
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07-22-2014, 10:35 AM | #15 |
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Lopeta anteeksi. Olet viihdyttävä minua!
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07-22-2014, 10:37 AM | #16 | |
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OMC google really fucks up Finnish! Quit using it.
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07-22-2014, 10:37 AM | #17 |
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Mutta se on niin hauskaa!
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07-22-2014, 10:44 AM | #18 |
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I concur with many above to check out an HPDE with your local CCA chapter. Depending on how they run their schools, you may not get signed off for solo run group after 1 day. Actually, with little track experience, I seriously doubt anyone is good enough to earn solo without several events behind them.
The only way to be ready for COTA next year is to get your car on COTA to experience it. Sure you can always do iRacing (or some other simulator) or another track, but it's just not the same. Memorizing the turns, what lines to take, when to brake/accelerate, etc are all tough to do without some trial/error.
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07-22-2014, 10:49 AM | #19 |
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to be honest if you seriously want to learn to truly drive a car with confidence then you must start with one that has no power. you have to learn to drive it at 10/10ths precisely and consistently because it will punish you with horrific embarrassing acceleration ( complete lack thereof) if you botch up your line or inputs. on the corollary there is not much more satisfaction than zipping by someone in a fancy big hp car with your hamster powered antique. make a slow car fast. its the only way to truly learn.
other benefits using this method is the car you learn in will likely be for lack of a better word, disposable. just make it as safe as possible and reliable. (cage it and new brakes including calipers/master cylinder). you will push so much more than worrying about your $70K baby. it is a rare and special freedom when you can push a car to its absolute limits and slightly beyond. for autocross or hpde pick an instructor with the most underpowered car. E30's 2002's. miata drivers. they don't have time to bullshit with technique. their shit works or they won't be out there instructing others. I agree with lups. another alternative is to learn to drive in finland. thats pretty much how everyone learns. underpowered car with usually no traction but they still gotta get where they need to go. so its a nation of rally drivers. god bless them and kimi raikkonen.
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07-22-2014, 10:50 AM | #20 | |
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07-22-2014, 10:51 AM | #21 |
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I can't stand the ice man...
Thanks for the advice I will take it into consideration.
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07-22-2014, 10:52 AM | #22 | |
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lol
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