05-08-2013, 11:34 AM | #1 |
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Watkins Glen 2-day track event with the M5
Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Aside from doing the 2-day M school, this was my only other track event and I registered as a novice member (which discounts the price $100). To put my skill level into perspective, I placed 1st in all events at M-school but have never been to a real track. I have done autocross school prior in my 3-series wagon. (So there is some part of me that knows what it's doing!) Watkins Glen is about a 6 hour drive from Boston (334 miles by Nav). As I recently disabled POP in the V1, I was a little hesitant to drive 'spiritedly' to get there, but there were many cars going 80-85 and by being in their shadow I was able to get there in about 5.5 hours with a few stops. The drive is quite beautiful as it is located in the finger lakes region of upstate NY and there is about 90 miles of 2 lane countryside rolling hills with 55 mph speed limits. The event was lightly attended as it was a Monday/Tuesday event. In total, there were about 40 people. There were 2 run groups and each day had 5 sessions of 30 minute track time. Novices and intermediates were given passenger instructors. You had the option of having them drive your car first and I opted to not do that as I am sure not many have tracked the F10 M5. The majority of people had modded M3s (mostly E36 and E46s, some heavily modded E30s). A handful of E90s, 1 F10 550xi, a couple 911s. In my run group it was mostly E46s, E90s, the 550xi, and an E39 M5 with some mods. I went 'naked' with no tools and just my car. People were extremely friendly. Tools were bountiful if needed and overall a very friendly group of people. Lots were intrigued with my car and some called me 'bold' for doing it with 2k miles on the car. I did not purchase HPDE insurance which may or may not have been stupid (I was quoted $680 for the event based on 80% KBB). I did not plan on going WOT unless I felt comfortable but that thought process lasted 2 sessions! The day involved classroom instruction and track sessions. In comparison to Spartanburg, the Glen is a much longer track. I chose this event because of the straights and that the M5 should really be able to open up. My instructor started by taking me for laps in his heavily modded 535is. Learning the lines was key and once the cerebellum takes over it becomes intuitive. I initially started with his lines in the M5 and then as I gained more confidence I would start to change my turn-ins and exit strategies. Impressions:
i think everyone should at least try this once. if i did this again, i would purchase racing brake pads and aside from buying an m3 not change much else. This car is fantastic. Gopro footage:
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05-08-2013, 12:15 PM | #2 |
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Sick bro! I concur on all points. Also it's awesome that you just were able to beat everyone else in a car that is in some cases almost twice the weight. Love it!!!
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05-08-2013, 12:49 PM | #3 |
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Right on!!!!
Nice write up, and also agree on all points - especially about the brake wear! Did you run in MDM?
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05-08-2013, 01:18 PM | #4 |
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Nice write-up, thanks! I'm doing a similar event on Saturday at Limerock with the Patroon Chapter. From looking at the registration list, it looks like I'll be running against the same types of cars - good to hear the F10 holds her own against smaller, lighter cars. I'm the only M5, lots of M3s and 3-series and a few 911s in the mix. Doing it with a buddy who drives a modded 2008 911TT. Should be a ton of fun! Hopefully the weather cooperates.
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05-08-2013, 01:32 PM | #5 | |
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That being said, MDM can get you sideways. I was sideways with oversteer going out of turn 12 onto the front straight but able to recover. It really is a mode that allows you to play but saves you when you are a total moron. @AGS: Lime Rock will be fun, but the guys made fun of it calling it an autocross track. You may not see the separation i saw at the Glen because it's a lot smaller, but you will have a blast nonetheless.
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05-08-2013, 02:01 PM | #6 | |
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05-08-2013, 02:28 PM | #7 |
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In for GoPro vids. Sounds like this car can really hold its own at the track.
Those pics will make me poor, lol. I can imagine tracking an M5 isn't cheap. -J |
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05-09-2013, 08:42 AM | #8 |
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MDM mode is excellent but as you gain experience you need to disable all of the electronic nannies otherwise you'll be constantly replacing rear brake pads. Good to hear you had so much fun.
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05-09-2013, 09:46 AM | #10 |
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Fantastic and glad to see owners getting the F10 on track. Surprised that you had success with Sport+ on the course. I ran in comfort for more maneuverability, but never realized Sport+ stiffness was progressive. I'll have to play with that.
Cheers
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05-09-2013, 10:05 AM | #11 |
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All the modes are actually progressive.
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05-09-2013, 03:08 PM | #12 | |
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05-09-2013, 04:01 PM | #13 |
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Agreed. It is almost like it is too far unassisted.
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05-09-2013, 08:55 PM | #14 |
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Another vote for comfort mode here.
At the 2-day Advanced M school at VIR I completed last week we just left the steering in comfort mode all the time; this seemed to work/feel best on track...
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05-10-2013, 06:44 AM | #15 |
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hey guys,
youtube video here. sorry it took so long imovie and youtube have lots of restrictions. it's in 1080 so you can switch to hd under settings. no music so you can enjoy the sound of the exhaust and tire squeal
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05-10-2013, 10:00 AM | #16 | |
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05-10-2013, 10:24 AM | #17 |
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Nice! Love that sunroof perspective. Can see the gauge cluster, wheel, hand movement, and the road. Well done!
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05-10-2013, 10:37 AM | #18 |
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Terrific write up, and love the fact that you're driving the car the way it was meant to be driven. And, by all measures, it seems like you may be a natural at this.
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05-10-2013, 11:48 AM | #19 |
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thanks-
it was a sunroof mount with the suction cup. ideally another 6 inches lower would get the rear view mirror out of the way so that will be for next time. i also tried the rear window as a mount and it gives a great shot of the cabin but the brightness of the outside really loses detail of the track.
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05-31-2013, 08:33 AM | #20 |
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Sweet!
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