any BMWCCA San Francisco/bay area members?

[ash00]

Hey Gang,

Thinking about joining the local chapter of BMWCCA-- any thoughts? How do they run events and such? I just joined SCCA finally and am having a blast autocrossing the 02, but I want to get into more road racing stuff for more seat time- but mainly for club road racing events and not full on IT if thats possible. I don't want to be the only 02 amongst modded E46's and whatnot.

Gonna check out the site out, but if any members here have any thoughts- I'd appreciate it.

[dubois]

I know of two 4 others that regularly attend schools. I would love to attend the next one at Infineon, which is always a blast. The 02's always show up.

[ash00]

Hey dubois-- good to hear from ya. How are things going?

Anyway- yeah, I'd love to start going to schools or whatever they have planned. My whole fear is dealing with, what I call and rant about always, are the "BMW drivers" not the enthusiasts- the guys who pour gobs of cash into carbon fiber this, and BMW logo'd that- all to say "i'm better than you!". I guess I have to filter through those guys- not sure what the scene is like with the CCA.

[c.d.iesel]

the BMWCCA drivers schools are your starting point

your car does not need to meet a SCCA rule book TOMB - but it does require you to up-grade your tires, seats, seat belts, suspension, and the overall general condition of your car to meet the demands of flat out driving and corning at high speeds and G loading.

The local BMWCCA chapters conduct excellent schools and after you earn your way up to advanced solo classes - your on your own and it's just like RACING, but without a starting grid, and a trophy and points in the end. Conduct of drivers is strictly enforced and aggressive behavoir

is delt with instantly before anyone is hurt or cars are damaged.

[ash00]

Thats assuring. Thanks--

I'm looking forward to it-- i'm going to email the local coordinator.

I'm gonna give it a shot. Thanks to Steve K for the trailer- if anything goes wrong, I can tow it home at least

[c.d.iesel]

.....I hope your kidding about the 'towing' home?

your car is not 'track' ready if any thing like questionable hoses, brakes,

fuel delivery, steering is not 100% ready and sound. A back-up transport home is not good. No second chances with failing suspension joints,

stuck throttle linkage, failing hoses..........

At 'our' CT Valley drivers schools - we used to pledge this during the early morning drivers meeting before you turned a wheel out on the track.

"I promise (and everyone pointed in the direction of their car) to take good care of you, drive safely, not damage you, and be able to drive you home"

-Be prepared

-repair all issues BEFORE going to the track

-have an experienced tech help you with the inspection

-call the club for a copy of the event Tech Inspection check list

Drive Like The Wind

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[ash00]

You are totally right- but I guess I was also thinking of damage from other drivers and such. Again, I have no idea on how they run things.

Looks like damage from other cars are avoided at most club events anyway with the way they run things. But I like the assurance SHOULD anything go wrong especially for an first timer.

I drive my '02 almost on a daily basis, and I'm in full agreeance with you-thats the last thing I want to do is put anybody else including myself at risk. I like that saying though about driving home though-- I'll remember that.

I'm going to ease myself into the scene a bit to talk to people. Maybe I can ask them to help out with checking things other than the basics like wheel bearings, hoses, belts, strapping, etc..

thanks for the advice

[JayKehoe]

The Golden Gate Chapter has many driving events from lazy tours through pretty country- side to High PerformanceDricing Schools at great tracks. The are also Autocross seasons, car control clinics, and other events listed in the local magazine.

We have a drivers' school open for registration now for Sears Point, Sonoma, March 3/4. The reigistration is done all on computer. The requirements are laid out . The "membership" in the GGC is very diverse. But, there are a few of us 02ers who attend all schools and have fun. Sometimes we have 4-6 02s, sometimes we just have a couple. No matter- if your car passes Tech at a recognized shop, and you have attended a car control clinic, you may register. I hope to see you at Sears Point- we like to see 02s on the track. I am a registration volunteer, so I can answer any questions you may have about the school.

[Russ]

Come on out to the autocrosses too...6+ runs, much lower key than the average SCCA event.

Though I wish the BMWCCA would use the same 18" cones that SFR does. :|

[ash00]

Hey Russ

were you the one that came by a while ago while I was in Davis that looked at my black-primered 1600 I had for sale at the time?

[Russ]

Nope, 't'weren't me.

[SteveJ]

Come out to the Car Control Clinic on Feb 18th at Candlestick.

Even if the registration is full, you could still show up and feel what the vibe is.

[ash00]

I think I will-

unfortunately- I think my throttle shaft where the butterfly valves on the DCOE's is bent again- this means my casing or manifold is warped (I posted a possible need for a one piece intake in the F/S section) I'm going to throw it on a mill and see if I can surface the manifold. If I can get this done this week- I'll bring the '02. If not, then I'll make it anyway just to get a feel and mingle. Sounds really fun!