X5 autocross
 

Just came back from an autocross held at the BMW factory in SC spomsored by the Sandlapper chapter of BMWCCA. BMW was very generous in allowing us onto their test track. (What other manufacturer does that?) Of course, I was the only X5 out there in a sea of M3s, 3-series, a few 5 & 1 series, and acouple 2002tiis. The hot M3s and 3-series were putting up times of 90-95 seconds, while I dragged around an extra 2000lbs at 114 seconds. Hey, I was grinning like everyone else as I came off the track. Then the BMW guys pulled out an X6. So here I'm thinking now I have something to compare my times to. Hah! After the "X6" posted a time of 93 seconds, with 3 passengers, we all found out it was an X6M at 455hp. :wow: So much for trying to match times with that! :rolleyes: Anyway, the day was spectacular, the camaraderie great, and everyone had sore cheeks :D from smiling so much.

Y'all really have to try one sometime. Oktoberfest is not just for the little cars. Check in with your local BMWCCA chapter and meet great people as in love with their cars as we are with our Xs. BMW makes fun cars. I don't know any other manufacturer who makes so many different cars that are so much fun to drive.

Oh, I may have done better than 114 seconds, but that was the only run I remembered to look at the clock as I came off the track. Which goes to prove the time meant nothing, the experience (and sore cheeks), everything. :D:thumbup:

Cool, Mark!
Did you leave your cam in the staging area?! ;)
GL, mD

Pictures?

I had a couple friends at that, it looks like a great time!

post up some pictures!

Forgot the camera, but the Sandlapper chapter website should have pics posted soon. Also the desktop failed to light up when I returned to SC. Am off to get it replaced today. It's been upgraded & repaired a few times during the last 12 years. I'm due for a new one & Windows 7.

Just had bushings replaced last week. I get the X5 looked at too often to litter the track with parts, but the next mod is bigger brakes up front.

To run in an autocross you've got the standard waivers to sign, you can usually borrow a helmet to wear, and a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to 85 ft-lbs. You have to remove every loose thing from the car, including front floor mats. (these you can stack up at your spot in the parking area) There will be someone to inspect your car and to check your helmet, if you supplied your own. There is a thorough briefing prior to getting out on the track. Safety instructors are available to ride along with you to help you get familiar with the course layout and/or to help teach you how to drive the course. Sometimes you are grouped by type, but often all participants are broken up into small groups. While one group is racing, another group will be spotting around the track for safety and to check who knocked over any cones used to layout the course. BMW had supplied people for spotting, so all we had to do was race.

Now there are some who go the whole nine yards and use a vehicle setup for the track only, or swap racing slicks onto their everyday car. But there are also those who just cruise around the track at speeds even I can beat. It's a timed event, so there is plenty of separation between cars, with only 4-5 cars on the track at any one time. Remember, it's all about having fun. I also have to admit my front brakes are most likely to be replaced sooner than later as I do push it.

Please note this is not a guys only event! We had some wives zooming around also! Try it, you'll like it. I do!

Sounds fun. I have yet to see an autocross event but am truly interested. It's a shame that you must be 18 years or older to participate in BMWCCA ones though. PCA doesn't seem to have that rule, so I might have to try an autocross day once my school schedule lightens up.

Alas, the lawyers & insurance companies have made it impossible to do. Giving young kids an opportunity to learn car handling in a safe environment would have allowed them to experience what happens when you lose control, what you need to do to regain control, and to be aware of their car's limitation (and theirs). The result would be smarter, safer drivers. Just another case of the "Nanny State" trying to "protect" us, but ending up doing the opposite.

BMW North America

Teen School


One-Day Teen School

In a controlled environment under the close supervision of BMW Driver Training Instructors, your teen will learn from and experience a wide range of driving conditions, from panic stops to loss of tire grip on a wet skid pad. Teens receive immediate feedback and correction to their driving responses in real-world scenarios. Students must be at least 15 years of age and possess a valid learner's permit (or the equivalent).
Cost: $495

Two-Day Teen School

Practice makes perfect. The two-day program augments skills learned in the one-day program by adding more seat time and increasing the complexity of the exercises. Drivers will also get a chance to test a wider array of vehicles, from the 3 and 5 Series and SAVs, in order to gain a better appreciation for how vehicles of a different size and weight, and with different performance capabilities, react uniquely to the same conditions.

Cost: $895

Not to stray off topic, but if that post was aimed at me, then I have already taken the two-day teen course at BMW. It is a great opportunity to learn, but it isn't enough.

Only their M school is age restricted IIRC, Everything else that is BMW run is 16 with guardian's signature or 18 without.