TRACK TIPS

[pochesq]

I am finally going to my first track day on May 16. It is the BMW HPDE at Butonwillow Raceway in Bakersfield, CA. My goal is first and foremost, safety. Then I hope to have a blast while learn driving skills to handle the Beast in various driving conditions on/off the track.

I looked through previous threads and asked some friends (thanks Rob and Chris) for tips. I've added and revised a previous list below, but encourage others to add, supplement, revise, etc. accordingly:


BEFORE FIRST SESSION

1. Watch instructional YouTube track videos the night before.
2. Visual inspection of what I can and check fluid levels.
3. Remove all loose interior items (junk).
4. Remove wheel hub caps and license plates.
5. Check wheel lug torque. Torque is 103.
5. Drop tire pressures 2 psi lower (34) below the recommended cold tire pressure.
5. Start and idle motor 5 minutes to warm up before start of session.
6. Set car to display oil level and other monitors.
7. If no ‘clear bra’, then use loads of the widest 3M painter's tape to protect as much of the front and side mirrors as possible.
8. Condition brake pads and rotors.
9. Have all Tech Inspection, medical and waiver forms completed.
10. Bring:

a. Torque wrench w/ socket (and extension if it makes it easier)
b. Extra Oil (at least 2 quarts)
c. Canopy, chair, cooler, snacks, and water/gatorade
d. If the ground is significantly un-level then bring chalks
e. Plastic box to hold personal items in your pit area
f. GoPro with various mounts
g. Helmet (or rent at the track)

DURING SESSIONS

1. Warm up first lap at about 70% speed.
2. Cool down laps between hot laps when needed to give motor and brakes a break.
3. Warm down last lap at about 50% speed.
4. Leave motor on for 5 minutes after session to minimize heat soak.
5. Always open your hood to help the car cool off after you come in from your session.
6. Never set your park brake after a session.
7. Do NOT re-torque the lug nuts when the wheels are hot, i.e. when you just pull off the track and back to the pits. Only do this when the car has cooled off. If not you can 'pop' a lug nut.
8. Check hot tire pressures and keep around 37-38 psi.

END OF DAY

1. Put all my junk back in car.
2. Mount my radar detector back on.
3. Install hub caps and license plate back on.
4. Adjust tire pressures
5. Check wheel lug torque WHEN COLD.


DRIVING TIPS

1. Listen to your instructor.
2. If this is your first, use DSC (traction control) until you are more comfortable with the course. Pay attention to your traction control light so you know where to be careful when you get brave enough for MDM mode.
3. Run in comfort mode with the steering; everything else in maximum Sport mode.
4. Eyes UP. Look farther ahead. Even pros struggle with this. It is uncomfortable, but you have to look way farther ahead than you are used to. Don't stare at the apex. Spot it, and then move your eyes to the exit cone. Then just as you pass the apex, scan for the next corner turn in cone. It's totally weird at first, but just focus on doing it. It's amazing. When I look far ahead, the entire driving experience slows down, you are much much smoother, while at the same time you are actually driving way faster.

[ufgtrs2007]

1. Take some initial time learning the lines on the track before you push it.

2. Learn the areas where you can get into serious trouble and take it easy in those areas

3. Run in full traction then progress to MDM mode. Don't run completely off.

4. Check and adjust tire pressure as needed.

5. Take 2 extra quarts of oil with you.

6. Hydrate

[Hoopumpers]

Great list. Now, just relax and enjoy yourself

[gmd2003]

Originally Posted by pochesq

I am finally going to my first track day on May 16. It is the BMW HPDE at Butonwillow Raceway in Bakersfield, CA. My goal is first and foremost, safety. Then I hope to have a blast while learn driving skills to handle the Beast in various driving conditions on/off the track.

I looked through previous threads and asked some friends (thanks Rob and Chris) for tips. I've added and revised a previous list below, but encourage others to add, supplement, revise, etc. accordingly:


BEFORE FIRST SESSION

1. Watch instructional YouTube track videos the night before.
2. Visual inspection of what I can and check fluid levels.
3. Remove all loose interior items (junk).
4. Remove wheel hub caps and license plates.
5. Check wheel lug torque. Torque is 103.
5. Drop tire pressures 2 psi lower (34) below the recommended cold tire pressure.
5. Start and idle motor 5 minutes to warm up before start of session.
6. Set car to display oil level and other monitors.
7. If no ‘clear bra’, then use loads of the widest 3M painter's tape to protect as much of the front and side mirrors as possible.
8. Condition brake pads and rotors.
9. Have all Tech Inspection, medical and waiver forms completed.
10. Bring:

a. Torque wrench w/ socket (and extension if it makes it easier)
b. Extra Oil (at least 2 quarts)
c. Canopy, chair, cooler, snacks, and water/gatorade
d. If the ground is significantly un-level then bring chalks
e. Plastic box to hold personal items in your pit area
f. GoPro with various mounts
g. Helmet (or rent at the track)

DURING SESSIONS

1. Warm up first lap at about 70% speed.
2. Cool down laps between hot laps when needed to give motor and brakes a break.
3. Warm down last lap at about 50% speed.
4. Leave motor on for 5 minutes after session to minimize heat soak.
5. Always open your hood to help the car cool off after you come in from your session.
6. Never set your park brake after a session.
7. Do NOT re-torque the lug nuts when the wheels are hot, i.e. when you just pull off the track and back to the pits. Only do this when the car has cooled off. If not you can 'pop' a lug nut.
8. Check hot tire pressures and keep around 37-38 psi.

END OF DAY

1. Put all my junk back in car.
2. Mount my radar detector back on.
3. Install hub caps and license plate back on.
4. Adjust tire pressures
5. Check wheel lug torque WHEN COLD.


DRIVING TIPS

1. Listen to your instructor.
2. If this is your first, use DSC (traction control) until you are more comfortable with the course. Pay attention to your traction control light so you know where to be careful when you get brave enough for MDM mode.
3. Run in comfort mode with the steering; everything else in maximum Sport mode.
4. Eyes UP. Look farther ahead. Even pros struggle with this. It is uncomfortable, but you have to look way farther ahead than you are used to. Don't stare at the apex. Spot it, and then move your eyes to the exit cone. Then just as you pass the apex, scan for the next corner turn in cone. It's totally weird at first, but just focus on doing it. It's amazing. When I look far ahead, the entire driving experience slows down, you are much much smoother, while at the same time you are actually driving way faster.

1.) Listen to your instructor
2.) Do exactly what he says when he says it.
3.) if any questions refer to number 1 .
In all seriousness your instructor will keep you and you're car safe if you listen to him . Don't let your ego take control , you're there to have fun and learn how to be a better driver . At times I'm sure you will think he is holding you back etc . , but remember he's responsible for your safety, and is literally putting his well being on the line for you're benefit . Remember it's not a race !!!! Have fun !

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by gmd2003

1.) Listen to your instructor
2.) Do exactly what he says when he says it.
3.) if any questions refer to number 1 .
In all seriousness your instructor will keep you and you're car safe if you listen to him . Don't let your ego take control , you're there to have fun and learn how to be a better driver . At times I'm sure you will think he is holding you back etc . , but remember he's responsible for your safety, and is literally putting his well being on the line for you're benefit . Remember it's not a race !!!! Have fun !

Exactly what he said. If this is your first time out you may start to feel like you should be going faster. Fight the urge to add speed. All the horsepower of the M5 can cover up a lot of mistakes (or cause even bigger ones).

I always told students two things when I got into the car:

1st: you aren't going to impress me as an amazing race driver so please don't try to.

2nd: slow = smooth. Smooth = consistent. Once consistent you can add more speed.

[thebishman]

I have never seen or been told to remove the license plates, and I've never removed the centre caps on the wheels if I placed them on my track wheels.
Good luck and you'll have great fun.
Bish

[AGS]

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Exactly what he said. If this is your first time out you may start to feel like you should be going faster. Fight the urge to add speed. All the horsepower of the M5 can cover up a lot of mistakes (or cause even bigger ones).

I always told students two things when I got into the car:

1st: you aren't going to impress me as an amazing race driver so please don't try to.

2nd: slow = smooth. Smooth = consistent. Once consistent you can add more speed.

I was just on the track yesterday for the Patroon chapter's HPDE event at Limerock. This is spot on (obviously, since GNALUZU was an instructor!). I'm a rookie also, yesterday was my second HDPE, so I can tell you from personal experience this is the right way to build skills. I started the day in "D" class - Novice - and after the second run session my instructor bumped me up to "B" class -Experienced - to be in the faster run group for the last two run sessions of the day.

If you're trying to push too much speed for your skill level, everything else falls apart. Don't underestimate how challenging it is going to be to concentrate on all the elements of track driving - proper positioning coming into the turn, being smooth with your breaking, getting the turn-in correct, hitting the apex, squeezing on the throttle as you exit the turn and tracking out properly - all while paying attention to the flag stations and the cars around you! You will be mentally fatigued by the end of the day.

A couple other tips that have not been mentioned yet:

1. Don't waste your warm-up and cool-down laps, use them to practice the line and proper turn-in at slower speeds.

2. The proper hand position is 9 and 3 on the wheel, with your thumbs locked around the spokes. When you turn, pull down with the arm that corresponds to the direction of the turm. Don't push the wheel with other arm. This technique uses less force and will reduce arm fatigue throughout the day. This is one thing you can start practicing now so that it's more intuitive on the track.

As others have said, have fun. The BMW CCA runs great, safe HPDE events. The instructors are trained to look for aggressive personalities who could cause problems on the track, so you shouldn't have any NASCAR wannnabes creating dangerous situations.

[JustChris]

Thanks for taking the time OP.

[RPiM5]

Good list!

Let's talk about some of the things you will actually learn about your particular car on the track. The F10 M5.

First, with your Eisenmann Exhaust, you will have a BLAST! Second, please tell me you are not tracking with 21" wheels. Also it's good that you at least have H&R Springs on. It's too bad, but I don't think you will have time to try and get Competition Package Sway Bars or the new Dinan Sway Bars, they make a hell of a difference, especially on the track, but maybe it'll be a good thing as you will really see just how much your M5 will rock and roll in the turns.

You will learn just how much INSANE Power and Torque the M5 has. If driving a car with so much Power and Torque on the track is new to you, it will take a little getting used to, but's it's not too hard really. With so much torque you will really really have to learn throttle control, but lucky with the Throttle set in Sport+ mode, it makes it easy to modulate. You should be able to run with MDM by the end of the track session, don't know if it's a 1 day HPDE or 2 day HPDE you are doing. I really love MDM on the track, it does let you learn better throttle control. DSC OFF can be used when you can do laps around the track without the DSC Light flashing with MDM engaged.

You will also learn just how HEAVY the F10 M5 is. Get off line, and the weight of the M5 will let you know. You'll be like, "Damn, it feels hard to get back on the racing line."

I recommend you set your M Button settings to the following settings, especially since it will be your first time on the track with the M5.

M1: Steering - Comfort, Throttle - Sport Plus, Suspension - Sport Plus, DSC ON.
M2: Steering - Comfort, Throttle - Sport Plus, Suspension - Sport Plus, MDM.

I don't know if you have your M5 coded, but if you do, then you can bring up your tire temp and pressure numbers on the iDrive screen. It's pretty cool as you can really see how on one side of the car the pressure and temperature will be higher on the side that you were turning on more, which can help you plan out each turn on the track.

Concerning the ridiculous amount of torque the car makes, you may be a bit hesitant to go full throttle on the straights since the M5 will accelerate so fast, but you will get used to it, but you just have to not be afraid to really lay down on your brakes. The standard steel brakes and rotors on the M5 can handle extremely hard braking, but if you are pounding on the brakes lap after lap, you will start to feel some fade. Best thing to do is to slow down and let the brakes cool off a little. If you have upgraded your brake fluid to something like ATE Super Blue, you won't get as much fade.

The F10 M5 is absolutely a track capable car, but it makes you work very hard for your lap times. I know it's your first time and I know that an HPDE is not a race, but trust me, you will feel the heat of competition from the other drivers in your class when you see them on your ass. It's human nature, every driver feels it. Don't be surprised if you see old beat up C5 Vettes tailgating you at almost every turn. Listen to your instructor, let them pass or pass them.

This is my opinion, but the only track I've felt comfortable in with the F10 M5 was the Nurburgring. It simply has too much power for shorter straightways of American racetracks, and is too heavy for tight technical turns. This is why I recommend the sway bars, because it will make the M5 feel more nimble against many tight turns. On the Nurburgring, you feel like you can use all your power and the weight never felt like it hindered the M5's performance.

Also don't forget to use your Ventilated Seats while on the track. You will get hot. That's something that no M3 or M4 can ever do!

One more thing, after you track your M5, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to buy a lighter car just for tracking, because it IS so much fun and you'll want to do it more.

I've rambled enough for now. Just have fun dude!

[Hoopumpers]

Incorrect. Push rather than pull the steering wheel. Arm fatigue is not a concern for cornering, but smoothness is. Pushing the wheel will be far smoother.

Here's a decent write up as to why:
http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving_steering

[AGS]

Originally Posted by Hoopumpers

Incorrect. Push rather than pull the steering wheel. Arm fatigue is not a concern for cornering, but smoothness is. Pushing the wheel will be far smoother.

Here's a decent write up as to why:
http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving_steering

Oh well, what can I say ... everyone's got there own opinion, which can vary depending on the nature of the track. "Pull down with your inside arm" was one of the things my instructor kept saying throughout the day. Limerock only has one really tight turn where my wrist was a little bent, so the rest of the time pulling with the inside arm worked well. On a tighter, autocross course I can see where pulling with the inside arm would not be optimal and pushing with the outside arm would be better as the article suggests.

[Hoopumpers]

Actually I find it's the opposite. Long sweepers at high speed are where you want the most smoothness. Upsetting the car at 120+mph in a long corner is bad.

You're right, there's no right or wrong. Do what works for you.

Regardless, OP listen to your instructor!! Haha

[pochesq]

Originally Posted by ufgtrs2007

1. Take some initial time learning the lines on the track before you push it.

2. Learn the areas where you can get into serious trouble and take it easy in those areas

3. Run in full traction then progress to MDM mode. Don't run completely off.

4. Check and adjust tire pressure as needed.

5. Take 2 extra quarts of oil with you.

6. Hydrate

Originally Posted by gmd2003

1.) Listen to your instructor
2.) Do exactly what he says when he says it.
3.) if any questions refer to number 1 .
In all seriousness your instructor will keep you and you're car safe if you listen to him . Don't let your ego take control , you're there to have fun and learn how to be a better driver . At times I'm sure you will think he is holding you back etc . , but remember he's responsible for your safety, and is literally putting his well being on the line for you're benefit . Remember it's not a race !!!! Have fun !

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Exactly what he said. If this is your first time out you may start to feel like you should be going faster. Fight the urge to add speed. All the horsepower of the M5 can cover up a lot of mistakes (or cause even bigger ones).

I always told students two things when I got into the car:

1st: you aren't going to impress me as an amazing race driver so please don't try to.

2nd: slow = smooth. Smooth = consistent. Once consistent you can add more speed.

Originally Posted by thebishman

I have never seen or been told to remove the license plates, and I've never removed the centre caps on the wheels if I placed them on my track wheels.
Good luck and you'll have great fun.
Bish

Originally Posted by AGS

I was just on the track yesterday for the Patroon chapter's HPDE event at Limerock. This is spot on (obviously, since GNALUZU was an instructor!). I'm a rookie also, yesterday was my second HDPE, so I can tell you from personal experience this is the right way to build skills. I started the day in "D" class - Novice - and after the second run session my instructor bumped me up to "B" class -Experienced - to be in the faster run group for the last two run sessions of the day.

If you're trying to push too much speed for your skill level, everything else falls apart. Don't underestimate how challenging it is going to be to concentrate on all the elements of track driving - proper positioning coming into the turn, being smooth with your breaking, getting the turn-in correct, hitting the apex, squeezing on the throttle as you exit the turn and tracking out properly - all while paying attention to the flag stations and the cars around you! You will be mentally fatigued by the end of the day.

A couple other tips that have not been mentioned yet:

1. Don't waste your warm-up and cool-down laps, use them to practice the line and proper turn-in at slower speeds.

2. The proper hand position is 9 and 3 on the wheel, with your thumbs locked around the spokes. When you turn, pull down with the arm that corresponds to the direction of the turm. Don't push the wheel with other arm. This technique uses less force and will reduce arm fatigue throughout the day. This is one thing you can start practicing now so that it's more intuitive on the track.

As others have said, have fun. The BMW CCA runs great, safe HPDE events. The instructors are trained to look for aggressive personalities who could cause problems on the track, so you shouldn't have any NASCAR wannnabes creating dangerous situations.

Originally Posted by ChesterM4

Thanks for taking the time OP.

You are welcome!

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Good list!

Let's talk about some of the things you will actually learn about your particular car on the track. The F10 M5.

First, with your Eisenmann Exhaust, you will have a BLAST! Second, please tell me you are not tracking with 21" wheels. I've rambled enough for now. Just have fun dude!

Dave: I put my 20" stocks back on for Buttonwillow. Should be a blast. Thanks for the tips!

Originally Posted by Hoopumpers

Actually I find it's the opposite. Long sweepers at high speed are where you want the most smoothness. Upsetting the car at 120+mph in a long corner is bad.

You're right, there's no right or wrong. Do what works for you.

Regardless, OP listen to your instructor!! Haha

Rob: Will do. We definitely need to do a track event together soon . . . even if it is Porsche sponsored event. Actually, the 2 POC events you invited me to were cheaper than the BMW HPDE. For the same price, the POC offers 2 days of track and instruction. Let me know.

[kiwistu]

Hi Everyone

Great write up pochesq, 100% agree with everything.

Here's a couple of extra's

- FULL TANK OF GAS, you will be amazed how much it uses! I have made this mistake before "nearly full" cost me at least 10 laps at one of first days I did.

- Sure get a high speed run 120 mph+ run out of your system, after that easy tiger, recently there was a big crash with a guy in 430 at out the local track didn't work out well...I wasn't there but sounded horrible
I short shift between corners, no need to prove how fast my car beyond 100mph (which it really is!!) Even with careful inspections you just dont really know with your tires, yes the m5 is super safe, but you still dont have a full cage etc...

- Wait till the end of the day, I have had my best skiing/snow boarding in the last hour, everyone races out early at track days - cooks their cars, the audi's brakes catch fire, the E60's break down etc etc. I regularly have the whole track to my self for all practical purposes...

- That guy on your butt who's not quick enough to pass but is a hassle or the crazy in front in the GTR who takes the corners in 45 degree increments , just do a drive though in the pit lane, and you'll never see him again. If you want to race go race otherwise stay the hell away from everyone.

- If you have a friend there with a car who can drive definitely swap cars for a couple of laps just drive around at 80% purving at your car (change who's in front a couple of times) will make your day even better!

- Above all when you have the place to yourself (end of the day) get the DTC OFF and do some skids!!! Get your instructor to help 1st and 2nd only - yes they will help with drift control - after at least 10 sessions, all drifting - I am kind off getting it (ish). This will take your day from awesome to MEGA!!!! Obviously kick it out where there is good run off, the m5 is two hand fulls compared to an m3 (the m5 is big old beast)

Over all definitely do it!

Cheers
stu

[Hoopumpers]

Come to the Fontana event end of the month and I can ride with you in a session or two. And vice versa if you want some laps in the GT3

[shahano]

My tips are below:
1) Focus first and foremost on the lines. The better your lines are, the faster you will be able to drive. Beginners tend to turn in very early and end up running out of road on the exit. Its better to turn in late and then bring it back a little bit. I can't emphasize enough as to how important it is to have the right lines.
2) A big big mistake of people is overdriving. Trying too hard to make a faster laptime which will actually make you go slower since you are probably sliding the car around.

Other than these two, the rest is very well written. Enjoy your track day, and as always a thread is no good without pictures and videos.

Goodluck

[shahano]

Forgot two mention two things.

1) Change brake fluid for a racing fluid.

2) HAVE FUN and beware because it is highly addictive.

[shahano]

one more thing, as kiwistu mentioned this a track day and not a race day, so dont try to compete with people. Its really not worth crashing your car over some idiot trying to show off.

[M54ccibo]

Right on Jose! You will have a blast. I echo listen to the instructor...they are there to help you drive safely, and drive better. Try to be smooth, but in my experience that starts with #4 driving tip above - eyes up!!!

Perfect practice makes perfect!

[Ex_Stig]

Do your best to avoid the "red mist". We all get it at one time or another, even the most seasoned track driver, and that is when the chance for mistakes drastically increases. Don't let it get the best of you.

[darkrabbit]

Originally Posted by shahano

Forgot two mention two things.

1) Change brake fluid for a racing fluid.

2) HAVE FUN and beware because it is highly addictive.

+1 on #1... I boiled mine. I track my E46 usually, and pretty hard. It has Stoptech BBK, race fluid, race pads. The F10 does not, it seems Pedal is a bit squishy now. Make sure you take plenty of breaks.

Coming from an E46, I was surprised how some slight turns become real corners in the M5. For example, at one slight bend before the back straight at Mosport (turn 5c it's called), I can pin the throttle right out of 5b, through 5c, and not let off until the end of the straight. In the M5, 5c becomes a corner. I tried even giving 70% around 5c and.. nope. Started to lose traction. The power in this car is absolutely monstrous. And my god the straight line acceleration! I can keep it at 100% throttle for what seems like 2 seconds and then I have to let up to brake.

Some additional things:

Sport+ and sport steering are utterly useless. They just make it harder to turn and add zero feel.

Sport+ on suspension is utterly useless if you have a track that has a few bumps. With a stiffer rear end, the car will skip over the bumps and the rear can't settle and give you traction. On the back straight the car actually skipped going 210kph. Didn't like that. I kept it in sport. It's a shame you can't set the stiffness separately front vs back.

Keep DSC on all day if your track has walls. I don't know Buttonwillow at all but at Mosport there's rarely an off that doesn't result in concrete to metal contact. It rewards skill but severely punishes mistakes. If you go MDM it will not save you, MDM will let you slide a lot, enough for a tankslapper if you're not careful on an exit. If the track has no walls and you have the feel for the car, then pop into MDM. I am, however, very surprised how non-interfering the M5 DSC is compared to the E46.

One of my favorite instructor sayings (not mine): "Don't try to impress me because you can't. And don't try to scare me because I already am."

[DrKevM5]

Bring a low profile jack. Trust me on this.