grunyon Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 Hey guys. Long story short, I am looking for a place I can do some spirited driving without getting arrested. Not only am I getting more mature but as I get older and able to buy more and more car, it has become increasingly apparent that I need to take it to the track. I currently drive a 2008 BMW 135i with a mail order tune and meth injection and basic bolts on parts that's probably making a little over 400rwhp. I am unsure if I should race in this or get a cheap, designated track car. The 135i is technically my daily driver, but since I commute in a work vehicle it only gets driving maybe once every other week. My main issue is that I can't afford to break it so I don't feel like I should be racing it. Plus if I got bumped or slid into a wall or something I'd cry. It's just too nice of a car to beat on, plus tires are expensive for it and I don't really want to go burning through those. Plus I can admit that I'm probably not skilled enough to drive something this fast in anything more than a straight line (yet). I'm pretty sure I would rather have a track car that I could do whatever to and not care if I bump into a wall or if someone taps me and has a wheel size that's cheap to burn up tires in. However, I'd also hate to spend a bunch of money setting up a track car then discover I don't like it. What would you guys recommend? Also, I'm not really interested in the competition per say. I just want to drive fast. I mean if I have to get out on a track with a bunch of people and race them in order to achieve that then that's great, but maybe there's like a "funsies" event that would be best for me? Where I could just get out there and go for it and not have to worry about much? Maybe try it in my 135i then build a car once I decide what I want? Also, if I was to get a cheap track designated car it seems like a Miata or an e36 would probably be the best way to go. The Nissan Z cars and the RX7 and the e30's and such can also be found cheap but it seems like there is less following for them. I don't want to be in a class all by myself. Or perhaps maybe I do? haha... OR perhaps NASA (which seems cooler) or SCCA isn't what's best for me and I should join BMWcca or something? Any help or advice would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getfast Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 Welcome HPDE1 with NASA Northeast is what you're looking for. See http://www.nasane.com/hpde.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maynor Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Concur with Jon. HPDE1 in your 135. You'll accomplish all the goals you mentioned and don't need to spend a dime on your car while having a lot of fun, safely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbrew8991 Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 try out a couple HPDEs with whatever car you have and evaluate from there if a dedicated track car makes sense for you, and if so, which sort of flavor of dedicated would be down your alley. NASA runs a great event and has all sorts of variety that you won't get in a marque-specific club Be sure to keep a level head on your shoulders and drive within the limits. It'll still be the most fun you've had with your clothes on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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