Getting ready for DEs

[AlaskaBlue]

I just got back from the BMW Performance center in Greer SC. I took a two day high performance driving course, and I loved it. I also did quite well. I was the best in my group at all the timed events. I talked to my instructors and they suggested doing DE events for about a year and then moving on to club racing.

I want to get a set of dedicated race tires. They will be mounted on a set of 17 or 18 inch lightweight wheels. They suggested a set of hoosiers. Any suggestions?

I need to get track pads. Any suggestions?

I need a helmet. Any suggestions?

Anything else?

Thanks

[m44ic]

for rims I would recommend the Kosei K1 racing in 17x8, very light, very cheap and perfect for racing, they are $199 a pop on tirerack.com I think.

http://www.tirerack.com/servlet/Call...al=&colorInd=3

[1996 328ti]

I did the 1 day school at the performance center last year.
Those instructors are awesome. I might be going again.

If you haven't done any DEs, stick to street tires for awhile.
You will learn more on streets.
If you want wait until the Snell 2005 helmets are out, I'd wait.
I run Carbotech PantherPlus upfront and Ultimate Axxis or CarboTech Bobcats in the rear.

[AlaskaBlue]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I did the 1 day school at the performance center last year.
Those instructors are awesome. I might be going again.

If you haven't done any DEs, stick to street tires for awhile.
You will learn more on streets.
If you want wait until the Snell 2005 helmets are out, I'd wait.
I run Carbotech PantherPlus upfront and Ultimate Axxis or CarboTech Bobcats in the rear.

The instrutors are awesome. I had Larry, Jochen, and Ben.

Where are some good DEs? I live close enough to mid-ohio to go over there, but I am having trouble finding information.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by AlaskaBlue

The instrutors are awesome. I had Larry, Jochen, and Ben.

Where are some good DEs? I live close enough to mid-ohio to go over there, but I am having trouble finding information.

I remember Ben. We had taxi rides at the end of the day. Ben would do this cool spin exiting the track. I mentioned to the instructor I had, hey Ben does this cool 270 turn ont he exit. Can you do that? Sure! It wasn't hard to egg the on.

For DEs, I go to Mid-Ohio every Memorial Day weekend with the Northern Ohio Chapter. The Buckeye Chapter also run at Mid-Ohio.

[bmwpwr]

I use the Hawk Hp+ pads and power slot rotors and really good brake fluid(600 boilng point) and never had any fading problems. This is the best setup I have found.

Make sure to get all the old crappy brake fluid out and the system is full of the good stuff.

[gooten1]

There's an autocross (SCCA AutoX) here tomorrow. State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC.

[AlaskaBlue]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I remember Ben. We had taxi rides at the end of the day. Ben would do this cool spin exiting the track. I mentioned to the instructor I had, hey Ben does this cool 270 turn ont he exit. Can you do that? Sure! It wasn't hard to egg the on.

For DEs, I go to Mid-Ohio every Memorial Day weekend with the Northern Ohio Chapter. The Buckeye Chapter also run at Mid-Ohio.

Is it possible for BMWCCA members of a different chapter to participate in the Mid-Ohio DEs?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by AlaskaBlue

Is it possible for BMWCCA members of a different chapter to participate in the Mid-Ohio DEs?

Yes but it depends on the chapter. For instance the chapters I belong to give priorty to their members first, then other chapters. You can be dual members with other chapters for a nominal fee. It used to be $13.50/year but it has gone up slightly. That is the on;y way to get into some schools.

[andy]

Is there any reason to run 17" rims? 15x7 Kosei K1s would probably be lighter, faster and cheaper. 225/50x15s cheaper too. I'd suggest Toyo RA-1s as a beginner R tire. Hoosiers are fast, but only for the first few times you get 'em hot...and their behavior (very quick breakaway) isn't exactly user-friendly.

[aceyx]

do any of you heat-cycle new tires for DEs, or have dedicated wheels for these events?


also, per SNELL v DOT, there was an article in a motorcycle magazine about SNELL helmets actually transferring greater energy to your skull since they are designed to absorb a greater impact (thus harder). DOT, being softer, is better for the low-speed (more common) crashes. something worth knowing.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by aceyx

do any of you heat-cycle new tires for DEs, or have dedicated wheels for these events?


also, per SNELL v DOT, there was an article in a motorcycle magazine about SNELL helmets actually transferring greater energy to your skull since they are designed to absorb a greater impact (thus harder). DOT, being softer, is better for the low-speed (more common) crashes. something worth knowing.

I would not bother heat cycling tires for DEs. I would definately have a set of dedicated track tires, whether R compound or streets. I just recently bought some extra wheels so I can finally have a 5th track tire as a spare and to rotate with the other 4. Nothing worse than having a good weekend and finding a tire cording and bagging the last session.

Most clubs require Snell approved helmets. Get a M2005 helmet when they are availabile. Probaby by Oct 05. Of to send in my registration form for Watkins Glen.