Track day at Sandown (Melbourne), Sunday 23rd September

[timbo_3101]

Just in case fellow 1ers are interested, Driver Dynamics is conducting a track day at Sandown on Sunday 23rd September.

As a driver training organisation, these events serve as an introduction to high performance driving. They are non-competitive. However, experienced drivers also have the freedom to test their skills (usually 45 participants categorised into three groups based upon confidence/experience). These events are considerably less intimidating than club sprints (competitive) and other (timed) events.
(a) Strict regulations ie safety, overtaking, courtesy
(b) Predominantly novice drivers, and many first timers
(c) Often exotics ie conservative drivers
(d) Straight line course ie two 900m straights, non-technical circuit
(e) Proximity ie Victoria has many racetracks available, but Sandown and Calder Park are within 30-45min of the CBD
(f) Instructors on hand

Cost is $350. Track time is 20min per hour, with probably five or six sessions in total. Participants need only attend with a roadworthy vehicle and helmet (can be hired $10); extinguishers/rollcages are not required.

I shall be attending on Sunday 23rd September, but hopefully other 1ers will be attending. As you can imagine, it becomes very exciting when fellow E82/E92/M vehicles are concurrently on track

[kmli5]

I am really keen to go to a track day as I have never done one before. Is E87 welcomed? Do I just go to their website and sign up?

cheers
ken

Originally Posted by timbo_3101

Just in case fellow 1ers are interested, Driver Dynamics is conducting a track day at Sandown on Sunday 23rd September.

As a driver training organisation, these events serve as an introduction to high performance driving. They are non-competitive. However, experienced drivers also have the freedom to test their skills (usually 45 participants categorised into three groups based upon confidence/experience). These events are considerably less intimidating than club sprints (competitive) and other (timed) events.
(a) Strict regulations ie safety, overtaking, courtesy
(b) Predominantly novice drivers, and many first timers
(c) Often exotics ie conservative drivers
(d) Straight line course ie two 900m straights, non-technical circuit
(e) Proximity ie Victoria has many racetracks available, but Sandown and Calder Park are within 30-45min of the CBD
(f) Instructors on hand

Cost is $350. Track time is 20min per hour, with probably five or six sessions in total. Participants need only attend with a roadworthy vehicle and helmet (can be hired $10); extinguishers/rollcages are not required.

I shall be attending on Sunday 23rd September, but hopefully other 1ers will be attending. As you can imagine, it becomes very exciting when fellow E82/E92/M vehicles are concurrently on track

[Liub]

Totally interested! Slightly OT, where to get a proper helmet in Melbourne? .

[Wizzzz]

Also interested...

Liub, I got myself a M2R 225 Open Face helmet from AMX for about $70.

[timbo_3101]

Anything is welcome kmli5, including E87 vehicles!
http://www.driverdynamics.com/pages/trackdays.php
There is still plenty of availability (actually DD is conducting two track days prior to 23rd September) for those wishing to sign up.

I initially developed confidence in my 125i, and was running similar to various stock vehicles including Golf GTI and Ford Focus, etc. Being a power circuit, it does favour bigger engines. But ultimately one should drive to one's own confidence and competence, given that this is a non-competitive event.

Michael, Master Evans recommended Peter Stevens in Elizabeth Street, and so I have an open face helmet meeting both Australian and United States standards (club level scrutineering may have tighter controls).
http://shop.peterstevens.com.au/

[kmli5]

Just paid the deposit for a place on the 23rd. See you there!

[nez]

Myself and another mate with his supercharged z4m will be there. Looking fwd to it. Theyre lots of fun.

[wibbit]

Sounds fun, gonna see if any mates are interested as well

[timbo_3101]

Simon is bringing his modified 135i. So far looking to be a good attendance, and I wonder if we can engineer to be in the same group.

[timbo_3101]

There are still several vacancies for this forthcoming event, in case any interested individuls have not registered.

[Smiley1175]

I noticed on their calendar, they are also having a stunt driving experience at Sandown on the same day.
Having never been to sandown, will they share the track or are there multiple configurations or areas they can use?
I'm interested in going but just wanted to see whether you end up getting less track time on the 23rd compared with other full day events.

[timbo_3101]

Congrats Ian on your vehicle "downgrade"
How is your run-in going?

DD occasionally have concurrent instruction with a track day. This would either be in the separate car park or training area, or another venue eg Attwood/Victoria Police.

I would be surprised (shocked) if it were possible to hold two events on track. It is never possible to compromise the safety of high performance driver instruction - this id always the highest priority (thankfully). Anyway, I recall you have prior motorsport experience; this is a low stress event, but one in which I consider premium vehicles to be safe.

[~sarah~]

Originally Posted by Smiley1175

I noticed on their calendar, they are also having a stunt driving experience at Sandown on the same day.
Having never been to sandown, will they share the track or are there multiple configurations or areas they can use?
I'm interested in going but just wanted to see whether you end up getting less track time on the 23rd compared with other full day events.

hi smiley

our trackday and stunt day are run in separate areas. The stunt day will not effect your track what so ever.

[Smiley1175]

Originally Posted by ~sarah~

hi smiley

our trackday and stunt day are run in separate areas. The stunt day will not effect your track what so ever.

Thanks Sarah

[Smiley1175]

I'm in.

See you there Tim.

[timbo_3101]

Great, looking forward to it Ian

[GJA003]

Not going to be attending to track my car but would i be welcome to try grab a few shots of everyone going around ?

[timbo_3101]

Looks like spectators are not permitted, GJA003, according to current regulations.
(Somehow I thought that there were stray people wandering around, perhaps from the elevated viewing platform.)

Other participants may wish to consider:
(a) Driver's licence.
(b) Helmet.
(c) Fuel.
(d) Tyre pressure and guage.
(e) Wheel stop.
(f) Timing devices are technically prohibited, but in-car video may be considered.

Am intending to volunteer to be in the intermediate group or whichever group the other Bimmers are in, but if they have trouble filling spots then will be reallocated to the advanced group (only because of familiarity, not due to driver competency).

See you at the 0830 briefing

[Mechz]

I want to come but I blew my water pump on Thursday and I need new brake pads so this one is going to be out of reach unfortunately.

['fatboy']

I think there is some flexibility regarding spectators, although the regs might suggest otherwise... Each time i have been, i noted a number of family and friends gathered on the viewing platform above.

[kmli5]

Originally Posted by Mechz

I want to come but I blew my water pump on Thursday and I need new brake pads so this one is going to be out of reach unfortunately.

It's fine to spectate. You can just park in the parking lot behind the pit.
You can even go in a participating car as a passenger in the 'passenger round'.

[Mechz]

If I can't be a driver it's just not worth it, gives me blue balls!