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View Poll Results: What Say You?
Will attend, great way to learn 4 36.36%
Would love to, but... (may be) 5 45.45%
I know how to drive my car, will not attend 2 18.18%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

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      12-29-2014, 08:58 AM   #1
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Learning To Drive the ///M

We have been hearing from many to include the press, independent reviewers, and new owners etc., that the F8x platform is different to drive than previous M cars, and it requires a healthy dose of respect and understanding of driving dynamics. So I guess we all have been warned beforehand.

Taking the comments to heart, I propose we all (at least the East Coast owners) attend a driving event at VIR with the Tarheel Chapter of BMW CCA. As you may be aware BMW CCA driving events are well organized with superb instructors with a special focus on safety and learning proper driving techniques. It is not a competitive event, but one focused on exploring our cars, weaknesses in our driving techniques and learning to close the gap.

As such I don't think there is a better place to learn our new cars on a track like VIR. Although I am sure you have all seen videos of VIR, it is one of the best tracks in the US and one that is as picturesque as it is technical; here is a typical VIR video:

If you are interested in joining, it appears that the registration for the April 2015 3-day event will be open around mid-January. You can also get more information about Tarheel's DE program here: http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org/track.html

What say you?

Tarheel Prices:

Student 2-day Saturday – Sunday driving school $450
A+/Solo 3-day Friday-Sunday driving school $675

Helmet Rental $35.00

Last edited by FTS; 01-11-2015 at 12:27 PM..
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      12-29-2014, 09:40 AM   #2
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I completely agree with your sentiment, but I'll add two things:

1. I'm planning on doing some HPDE in New Jersey (i.e. NJMP) and the Poconos with either my local CCA chapter or similar. Maybe even Porsche Car Club. With a newborn and toddler, it's much easier to drive 1-2 hours away.

2. Oktoberfest 2015 is at NJMP and there will be a good chance to have some fun and learning there
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      12-29-2014, 09:47 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeFromPA View Post
I completely agree with your sentiment, but I'll add two things:

1. I'm planning on doing some HPDE in New Jersey (i.e. NJMP) and the Poconos with either my local CCA chapter or similar. Maybe even Porsche Car Club. With a newborn and toddler, it's much easier to drive 1-2 hours away.

2. Oktoberfest 2015 is at NJMP and there will be a good chance to have some fun and learning there
No doubt Joe, those are good venues as well. I was thinking more short-term, and the only one that I could find in spring time is Tarheel's. I like Tarheel because they run very good events, attendance is not over-bearing, and VIR keep people coming

However, Oktoberfest at NJMP is also a very good venue, I will add that to my calendar as well
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      12-29-2014, 09:50 AM   #4
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Um is the last option the traditional I'm a man, I know what I'm doing?

I would love it if we could send others to these. Last night a 335i driver was too busy making sure he kept in front of me to bother to see the minivans and stuff he cut pretty damn close. These cars collect idiots.

(yes, I'm aware I'm one of them)
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How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      12-29-2014, 09:59 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by Lups View Post
Um is the last option the traditional I'm a man, I know what I'm doing?
..., and I don't need stinking direction from any body

Last edited by FTS; 12-29-2014 at 03:27 PM..
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      12-29-2014, 10:18 AM   #6
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..., and I don't need stinking direction from any body
Yeah, I have to own up to this. The navigator lady Candy gets me lost every time because the female voice gets me always to disobey. It's pretty sad though when I know I should take the directions and be on time and then my inner rebel strikes and as a result anything can happen. :/

Oh well, I'm only 32, maybe I will still grow up someday.
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You're still a little new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever Lups types gibberish, this is an opportunity for you to imagine it to be whatever you'd like it to be.
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How would you know this? Did mommy catch you jerking off to some Big Foot porn ?
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      12-29-2014, 10:49 AM   #7
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Tarheel is my local chapter, and I've been waiting on my F80 to do DE. I never got around to it when I had my last M3.
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      12-29-2014, 05:18 PM   #8
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This sounds like a great idea. My M4 feels totally different from my 2012 M3 and this would be a nice opportunity to become better acquainted with the M4 and meet like minded individuals. FTS, where are you located in MD? I did my residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and lived there for 6 years.
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      12-29-2014, 06:32 PM   #9
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What is the price and could you opt for only a day rather than 3?
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      12-29-2014, 07:15 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lups View Post
Oh well, I'm only 32, maybe I will still grow up someday.
Haha! I'm 49 and my dear wife would tell you in detail how I never grew up. I hope you never do, life if more fun this way

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Originally Posted by X2Board View Post
Tarheel is my local chapter, and I've been waiting on my F80 to do DE. I never got around to it when I had my last M3.
Congratulations on your new car, hope you rejoin with it soon and then together join us at VIR

Quote:
Originally Posted by RMB View Post
This sounds like a great idea. My M4 feels totally different from my 2012 M3 and this would be a nice opportunity to become better acquainted with the M4 and meet like minded individuals. FTS, where are you located in MD? I did my residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and lived there for 6 years.
Very nice, great school. I am in Germantown, NW along the I270. I hope you'll join us at VIR.
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What is the price and could you opt for only a day rather than 3?
I do not know at this time Accel. They sometimes do allow that and offer a reduced price, but I think we'll know more details about the event organization first half of January.
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      12-29-2014, 07:34 PM   #11
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Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by FTS View Post
We have been hearing from many to include the press, independent reviewers, and new owners etc., that the F8x platform is different to drive than previous M cars, and it requires a healthy dose of respect and understanding of driving dynamics. So I guess we all have been warned beforehand.:
Having had some Christmas track time, I can attest to this (takes a good amount of laps to get comfortable and then it's superb). The track is THE place to learn about the car. Great thread and, while I won't be attending for various reasons, I'll urge anyone close by to make the effort.
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      12-29-2014, 09:43 PM   #12
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Def interested. Have an F80 and live in Arlington.
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      01-02-2015, 10:47 AM   #13
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Glad to see some folks interested in hitting the track this year. VIR is easily one of the best tracks on the East Coast. I was there for the IMSA races in August and our parade laps and hot laps were a blast! I'd love to get down there for an HPDE this year if my calendar allows it.

While we haven't announced them yet, NCC will have 3 HPDEs at Summit this year (one on each circuit) as another option.
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      01-17-2015, 05:24 AM   #14
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FTS - count me in.

What I would be very interested in beyond track time and instruction is also time on a skidpad. Does the session also include this?

Thinking out loud, if M3/M4 members from the region are interested, why not try to rent a skidpad as a group - perhaps at VIR or Summit Point?

Cheers
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      01-18-2015, 12:40 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mortis View Post
FTS - count me in.

What I would be very interested in beyond track time and instruction is also time on a skidpad. Does the session also include this?

Thinking out loud, if M3/M4 members from the region are interested, why not try to rent a skidpad as a group - perhaps at VIR or Summit Point?

Cheers
I do not know if Tarheel uses the skid pad at VIR, however it is mandatory (I believe) at Summit Point with NCC. With the PCA, we don't make it mandatory, so you can go to skid pad as often as you can, voluntary.

Also, I know we can rent the skid pad(s) at Summit Point for a very nominal fee, which I think is a great idea. I'll look into it, I'd like to do skidpad for a day with 5-6 ppl
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      01-19-2015, 07:52 AM   #16
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We've just opened registration for our 3 HPDEs this year. All of our events include skid pad sessions, excellent instrution, and plenty of seat time.

http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-April2015-Jefferson
http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-May2015-SummitPointMain
http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-October2015-Shenandoah

Summit Point has been posting pics on their Facebook page about all the safety improvements and renovations taking place over the winter. Should be a great track season!

The Tarheel Chapter has their dates set at VIR and registration will open very soon: http://tarheelbmwcca.motorsportreg.com/
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      01-19-2015, 06:00 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FTS View Post
I do not know if Tarheel uses the skid pad at VIR, however it is mandatory (I believe) at Summit Point with NCC. With the PCA, we don't make it mandatory, so you can go to skid pad as often as you can, voluntary.

Also, I know we can rent the skid pad(s) at Summit Point for a very nominal fee, which I think is a great idea. I'll look into it, I'd like to do skidpad for a day with 5-6 ppl
That's great - let me know what you find out, and count me in!
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      01-22-2015, 06:44 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pseto View Post
We've just opened registration for our 3 HPDEs this year. All of our events include skid pad sessions, excellent instrution, and plenty of seat time.

http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-April2015-Jefferson
http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-May2015-SummitPointMain
http://msreg.com/NCC-HPDE-October2015-Shenandoah

Summit Point has been posting pics on their Facebook page about all the safety improvements and renovations taking place over the winter. Should be a great track season!

The Tarheel Chapter has their dates set at VIR and registration will open very soon: http://tarheelbmwcca.motorsportreg.com/
I was at the NCC event in November at SP and you guys did a good job (first NCC event) and I had a great instructor. (Would have loved to be on the main circuit) I know several instructors had Porsche 911's at that event so if I was a BMW CCA member would I as a student be able to bring a P car to the NCC events at SP?
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      01-23-2015, 10:28 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Insureit1 View Post
I was at the NCC event in November at SP and you guys did a good job (first NCC event) and I had a great instructor. (Would have loved to be on the main circuit) I know several instructors had Porsche 911's at that event so if I was a BMW CCA member would I as a student be able to bring a P car to the NCC events at SP?
Yes, many of our members have P cars. You don't have to own or drive a BMW to join CCA (we get along with everyone ), many P car drivers join BMWCCA b/c we have a very active calendar.

I'm glad you had a good time on Jefferson; when's your next track day?
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      01-23-2015, 10:30 AM   #20
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I would really like to hear why people would like to come to the track, but don't.

Cars still under warranty make the best prospects!
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      01-23-2015, 07:23 PM   #21
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Quote:
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I would really like to hear why people would like to come to the track, but don't.

Cars still under warranty make the best prospects!
Frankly I wonder about the same thing Paul. I think there are some legitimate reasons for some; such as cost, lack of time, etc., but also there are a lot of misconceptions. It would be really interesting I think if someone was to start off a poll in the General forum side

I can give you my reasons, and they won't be something you haven't heard before: Although I started this thread and I will join the event if there is enough interest eventually, I do not attend BMW CCA DEs because:
  • Cost is too high, 40-50% higher price than PCA events
  • Instructor assigned to even advance drivers, which holds back driver development IMO
  • lack of variety of tracks
  • low number of events
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      01-28-2015, 09:43 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FTS View Post
Frankly I wonder about the same thing Paul. I think there are some legitimate reasons for some; such as cost, lack of time, etc., but also there are a lot of misconceptions. It would be really interesting I think if someone was to start off a poll in the General forum side

I can give you my reasons, and they won't be something you haven't heard before: Although I started this thread and I will join the event if there is enough interest eventually, I do not attend BMW CCA DEs because:
  • Cost is too high, 40-50% higher price than PCA events
  • Instructor assigned to even advance drivers, which holds back driver development IMO
  • lack of variety of tracks
  • low number of events
love BMW CCA DE program but I agree with you on the limitations. Lets get back to work on a new event. will email you later in the week. been swamped at the shop lately!
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