Running at VIR this weekend
 

I don't know who got the bright idea to let a X5 out on track but I'm glad they did! I was just going to watch some friends but it seems a spot might have opened up. Pics and maybe video to come.

http://virnow.com/files/2014/03/FullCourseMap2014.jpg

The tires, brakes, and oil are fresh. Weather is gonna be perfect / boost friendly. Crossing fingers for no unexpected issues. Might mix some 100 oct just to keep knock safely away. Worth the power loss IMO.

I think it is hilarious and awesome that you track your X5. Good luck out there! Can't wait to see some video

Have fun. Track is amazing. My buddy was beating up corvettes in his Lightning, I expect the same out of you ;)

Go get em cant wait to see some videos

I was at an event last fall at a smaller track, and there was an E53 running in the novice group. I think that driver and her instructor probably had more fun than anybody that ran that day - said the old X was surprisingly capable out there.

VIR is great, love it there.

That is pretty cool, I would love to do that!!

I'd like to see pics and vids. Especially of the looks of disbelief of the sports car drivers you will be passing :D

I'll do what I can guys!

Well.... helmet, tools, quart of oil, and fold out lazy chair are packed. Saying a little prayer tonight that I don't have to make an offering to the gods of speed tomorrow. I'll try to bum a gopro from my buddy who is in a different group. Worst case, I'll have some pics! My plan is to grid up in the rear and not beat the balls off of the motor. But if I do get a point-by I'll take it. :)

Early day tomorrow! Tech at 6:45 so I'll leave here around 4:30

Have fun, haul azz, carve some corners and be careful! :thumbup:
GL, mD

Friggen sweet. Cant wait

Subd for the results JB good luck bro!

All fueled up! No knock plz. The engine load at the end of the straights worries me heh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...4E809BD664.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...7F864AA636.jpg



Driver's meeting at 12:10, grid up at 1:50.

Now I wait...

Edit: GoPro 3 with windshield mount acquired, so there will be video, just won't have the instrument cluster in the viewing area. So there's that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...CE231525DF.jpg

Now I wait some more...

Ok so I don't have pics or video yet but the X5 went flawlessly under 20 minutes of stress and some longgggg periods of full engine load in high gear. No over temps no misfires no codes no nothing. Got two point-by's one from a E90 lol. :) Pics and video as soon as I can.

Nice! It's good to hear it went so well. Even better you got point bys. Can't wait for some pictures and videos!

Have you found people more reluctant to give you point bys? In my E30 occasionally there will be drivers on the track who ignore me to the point where they will eventually get flagged. In the turns it can hang with the best of them and I am usually getting held up, but at the long straights I am outran. I think for me it is a combination of having an old car and not a lot of power compared to the others on the field. I would imagine the same dicks would not want to point by a SUV either.

Cool, cant wait to see the vids!

Is it anything like the laps with Hans Stuck in the X5 LM V12? :D

BTW, non-racer here, what's a point by?

When the driver in front lets you pass, whilist losing his man card and hanging his head in shame that they cannot compete with a 5k lb SAV.

non-racer here as well; but basically, you can only pass if the guy in front of you gives you the "OK" - pointing at the side he wants you to go by.

I would respect that much more than doing a rolling road block ;)

Yes a point by is when the driver in front gives you the go ahead to pass. Sometimes there are designated point by areas which are usually on a straightaway and sometimes you are allowed to pass on point anywhere. It depends on the rules and insurance for the track that day. It keeps people from wrecking each other.

Just did 3 days at Mosport in my 328 - it was cold!!! 2 degrees C was the low this morning. Looking forward to the videos. I managed a few laps at Watkins in the X5 - it hauled around quite well :)

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to explain point by's and racing etiquette. :)

Hi guys. :)

Here's the in-car video:

20141004 VIR HPDE1 BMW X5 4.6iS S3 In-car

My thoughts on the session are in the video description. Was the first time ever on Full Course and first time HPDE with 5400 lbs of X5 and occupants. Had fun, just need to get out and memorize the road some more. It was a great weekend with friends AND getting to meet other awesome people from Xoutpost. :)

Edit: outside videos and pics to come...

Edit 2: Here's a short panning clip of Turn 14-17 (Thanks santib!)

20141004 VIR HPDE1 BMW X5 4.6iS S3 Turn17

http://cdn.nlmixe-tricepses.savviihq...uck-Norris.jpg

Looked great out there! That track looks like a lot if fun with all those high speed corners. What tires are on there? They are 315 all the way around right?

Thanks Josh. :) They are Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport Non-runflat. Yes, 315 all the way around on two sets of rear oem 87's.

Titz Vid, JB!
Looks like a fun track/good day. Glad your X ran so well.
GL, mD

Thanks mD. Always a fun learning experience. :)

Pics are finally out, figured I'd share a few.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...G_8606_X5E.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...G_8608_X5E.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...G_8903_X5E.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...G_8906_X5E.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...G_8908_X5E.jpg