I'm driving Road America tomorrow

[MN2///M]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

Sounds like fun. Wonder if insurance would pay in case of a boo-boo?

Most will not, but there are several companies that do track insurance. I know several people who take the risk, but not sure I would with a >$50K vehicle. Even if you only do minor damage, you are likely looking at several thousand in repairs.

I've looked into track insurance for my M4 and it seems to run in the $400 range for a weekend. Expensive hobby by the time you figure in extra wear and tear.

I'm doing a BMW M Track Day event in September, interested to see what I get for $250. Doing the one day M School in July which will be a blast, but at $1550 (-CCA 15%) is still an expensive hobby.

[KennySRFElite]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

Sounds like fun. Wonder if insurance would pay in case of a boo-boo?

Since this was my first time taking my X6 to the track I called my insurance and told them exactly what I was doing. The Road America track day is a driver education, no timed laps. My insurance is State Farm, after I explained the course they told me I was covered.
KP

[Flying Ace]

Is the car a salvage title as of today?

[Doanster]

The whole point of HPDE days is to learn how to drive your car as fast (or slow!!!!) as you want in a safe and controlled environment. Cardinal rule of these track days is that it's NOT racing nor is it timed. That's why anyone with any car can run so long as it passes tech inspection. Check your ego at the door and you'll be fine in general. No one is interested in crashing. Passing (at least at Portland Intl Raceway) is only allowed on the front and back straights and that's only to allow faster cars to go by.

I went quite a bit when I had a mildly tuned Passat 1.8T and learned a ton. Never suffered any damage and only went through brakes and tires. There is inherent risk as you're pushing your car more than you've probably ever done on the street so if you don't keep up on maintenance and routine checks, your risk increases.
In all the years I went to the track, I only witnessed two incidences. First was an old school, highly modified Pontiac Fiero that had an engine fire and the other an E36 M3 that broke a control arm which caused the car to veer into the wall. Catastrophic incidences, but no injuries in either case. I may still have pics/vids of both somewhere on my hard drive. Will have to dig.
The fun and knowledge you gain are worth the risk IMO.
I'm thinking about going to the Sept 9th ///M Track Day in Shelton, WA with some buddies, actually. If I were anywhere near Austin, I'd absolutely do the COTA session!!!

[KennySRFElite]

I can't agree more, driving Road America was about making your driving ability better, not racing. The only bad thing is that I am seriously thinking about a better braking and handling car. My X6 was better than anything I ever drove but I know there are better cars for a road course like Road America. It's only money, and life is short, trust me I know.
I'm doing a good job at talking myself into a M4 aren't I, lol
KP

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by cautjit

I can't agree more, driving Road America was about making your driving ability better, not racing. The only bad thing is that I am seriously thinking about a better braking and handling car. My X6 was better than anything I ever drove but I know there are better cars for a road course like Road America. It's only money, and life is short, trust me I know.
I'm doing a good job at talking myself into a M4 aren't I, lol
KP

Agree. Get an M4!
Glad you had a blast. Swap in some more aggressive pads next time and you'll be amazed at how much more you'll learn and increase your confidence, even with the X6.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Is the car a salvage title as of today?

OP's insurance renewal will be through the roof...

[Flying Ace]

M4 is a terrible car.

[KennySRFElite]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

M4 is a terrible car.

O.K. Give me a little education why I don't want am M4. Power, Handling??

Thank
KP

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by cautjit

O.K. Give me a little education why I don't want am M4. Power, Handling??
Thank
KP

It's called... sarcasm.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by cautjit

O.K. Give me a little education why I don't want am M4. Power, Handling??

Thank
KP

Sounds like a lawnmower. Save your money, buy my M3

[Flying Ace]

[KennySRFElite]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Sounds like a lawnmower. Save your money, buy my M3

When we were running in our last session, I had a M3 behind me, he was much faster, I let him pass me on the front straight. After he passed me he pulled away in the turns very quickly, that's when I really realized how slow I was in the turns. I had fun but I want to be faster.
KP

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Dayum

[MN2///M]

Yea, my M4 kicks ass on the street, but my X5 goes places my M4 can only sit at the road and pout. Buy a X6M.....or even better own a X5/X6 and a M4.

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by MN2///M

Yea, my M4 kicks ass on the street, but my X5 goes places my M4 can only sit at the road and pout. Buy a X6M.....or even better own a X5/X6 and a M4.

Hmm. Good advice...exactly why I own an M4 and x6

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by MN2///M

Yea, my M4 kicks ass on the street, but my X5 goes places my M4 can only sit at the road and pout. Buy a X6M.....or even better own a X5/X6 and a M4.

This is sound advice every X car owner should follow. I've lived by this advice for a while now, owning a M3 and X5d for multiple purposes.

No one ever said this is sound financial advice, but this is sound entertainment advice.

[KennySRFElite]

Originally Posted by MN2///M

Yea, my M4 kicks ass on the street, but my X5 goes places my M4 can only sit at the road and pout. Buy a X6M.....or even better own a X5/X6 and a M4.

Hey,
Not sure where you are located, but I'm in Wisconsin. Do you ever drive your M4 in the snow?
Having my X6 and an M4 might not be in the cards. I do have to drive in the winter. In my younger years I drove rear wheel drive cars in the winter, of course snow tires would be a must. Thoughts? As fast as the X6 was on the track I really want to go faster. Track days are like cocaine, damn track days
Thanks, KP

[MN2///M]

Originally Posted by cautjit

Hey,
Do you ever drive your M4 in the snow?

I do not, but not because of the car, only because I have an X5 also and my wife and I commute together. The M is nearly spotless always. I know others that do, and I still drive my 330i in the snow if we have to take separate cars.

You could always use the "have to drive in the snow" to justify one of these BMW M Snow & Ice Schools.