M Track Days

[sygazelle]

This is probably the wrong location to post this, but the track forum and racing forum already know about this BMW event and I'm not sure everybody here is aware of it.

My son and I did BMW M Track Day at Sonoma a couple of years ago and had the best time. Well, it's back again and we just signed up for the second time.

It's $625 apiece for a 1/2 day but well worth it (to me). Let's face it, if your not going through at least $625 in gas, tires, and wear and tear on their M cars, you are probably doing it wrong.

Anyway, the Sonoma BMW M Track Days are October 25-29. I just got the email from BMW today. I understand they have this event at different tracks around the country. If you've not done it and you are interested in seeing what you can do in these cars with some professional guidance, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Here's my son and me last time a couple of years ago. What a day we had together, masks and all.

https://driving.bmwusa.com/mtrackday...n=EM2G3SONOMAB

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

This is probably the wrong location to post this, but the track forum and racing forum already know about this BMW event and I'm not sure everybody here is aware of it.

My son and I did BMW M Track Day at Sonoma a couple of years ago and had the best time. Well, it's back again and we just signed up for the second time.

It's $625 apiece for a 1/2 day but well worth it (to me). Let's face it, if your not going through at least $625 in gas, tires, and wear and tear on their M cars, you are probably doing it wrong.

Anyway, the Sonoma BMW M Track Days are October 25-29. I just got the email from BMW today. I understand they have this event at different tracks around the country. If you've not done it and you are interested in seeing what you can do in these cars with some professional guidance, do yourself a favor and check it out.

https://driving.bmwusa.com/mtrackday...n=EM2G3SONOMAB

Are the 'BMW Professional Driving Instructors' in the car with you or is the format lead-follow with the instructor in the lead car offering guidance via radio?

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Are the 'BMW Professional Driving Instructors' in the car with you or is the format lead-follow with the instructor in the lead car offering guidance via radio?

It's lead-follow with radio guidance. Last time we had 4 cars and a pro driver. We leapfrogged every couple of laps so each driver got to be in front. I went with my son so I got double the time on the track, half of it as a passenger. I can't recall, but I remember it being 8 laps each around the Sonoma road course. It was amazing.

Here's a photo of the lead car and 4 cars following ready to go out on the track. We did 4 laps each in M5s and M8s.

BMW rents the whole facility. Before the event, we got to street drive several high-end BMWs. Auto cross too. Drag race in M cars too (short distance but really fun). BMW does a first class job. Totally worth the $625 for 1/2 Day. If you like more time and skid pad too, then the full day is the right choice, just pricier.

We are signed up for October 26 to do it again. Can't wait!

[c1pher]

Is this what is included when you get the M2 driver package?

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by c1pher

Is this what is included when you get the M2 driver package?

I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Last time I did it they had us in M5 Competition and M8 Competition. This time I'm not sure. I read info in the link and it seems like it might be M2s and M3s which is perfectly fine with me.

[c1pher]

When you select the M Driver's Package for the M2 on your build:
"In addition to raising the top speed of your BMW M vehicle, the package also includes a unique 1-day high-performance driving class at a BMW Performance Center. The course has been tailored to driving M vehicles through various high-speed exercises, letting you experience the limits of the vehicle in a controlled environment."

[billnchristy]

We did the half day at the Performance center in SC during O-fest. It was a blast. M850i ring race in the wet, m240i auto-x, off road in x5, m4 on short course and a drift exhibition on the long course with a BMW driver in an m5 with rwd and no nannies.

The next day we had signed up for the Michelin test track experience and it was even better. Lead-follow on the michelin test track and skid pad in a brand new mercedes c class with chinese tires vs. a Chrysler minivan with PS AS3. What a hoot.

[gatorfast]

I wish they still offered this down here in Miami. I used to attend annually and loved it.

[UncleWede]

Damn, only $625 for 1/2 day???
I was looking at doing the Exotics Racing in Vegas this weekend (again) but 5 laps in a GT3 costs me $300+

I've done a few local BMW test drives, those are always great, and $free.99!!! They generally bring 5-6 vehicles of different models, and then turn you loose. Accel/decel, short track, all by your lonesome. Director told me they replace tires every 2 days on all the vehicles. . .

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Damn, only $625 for 1/2 day???
I was looking at doing the Exotics Racing in Vegas this weekend (again) but 5 laps in a GT3 costs me $300+

I've done a few local BMW test drives, those are always great, and $free.99!!! They generally bring 5-6 vehicles of different models, and then turn you loose. Accel/decel, short track, all by your lonesome. Director told me they replace tires every 2 days on all the vehicles. . .

I've done the local BMW test drive events too. M track day is a whole different thing. For many, at $625 for 1/2 day is not worth it. I get that. For me however, it's a bargain. We spend the whole day at the track and test drive every high-end model BMW offers on the roads around the race track on our own. They feed us lunch. And then it's track time. Between me and my son, we got 16 laps around the full Sonoma road course in real M cars. Plus auto cross and drag racing.

I used to own BMW 540s for many years. I now drive a lowly 328i. I have no need for more power than my little 4 banger puts out day to day. But, going to the M track day event lets me get my kicks with power and then I can hand them back. I get in my 328i after the day of power and drive home with a great big grin on my face, perfectly happy with my car's sensible power output.

For me, $625 is way cheaper than the cost of expense a car with way more power than I can safely use on the road. Besides, I'm just out spending my childrens' inheritance. They encourage me to do that!

[vreihen16]

As someone who was medically retired from all motorsports activities against his will by mean doctors, I wish that BMW would stop sending me these invitations for events that I'm not allowed to attend!!!!!

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

As someone who was medically retired from all motorsports activities against his will by mean doctors, I wish that BMW would stop sending me these invitations for events that I'm not allowed to attend!!!!!

Would that doctor allow you to ride along? If so, you are welcome to ride along with me. I promise to be gentle!

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Would that doctor allow you to ride along? If so, you are welcome to ride along with me. I promise to be gentle!

They don't even want me to be outside as a spectator, and are only begrudgingly letting me drive to/from work after a year of also not allowing that.....

[UncleWede]

Wait, they aren't going to ask if I'm old, diabetic, or have a DL, right?

RIGHT????


<stupid Doctors, butting in where they aren't wanted>