So did I. (archive)

Yes, my first time, I sucked also. This is not at all like street driving. I've run 6 now, I still suck, but I'm beginning to get the hang of it. It is MUCH more fun when you start to get the right line and right braking distances. All BMW's understeer badly (that "I turned the wheel but the car didn't" feeling) if you brake too late. However, if you brake at the right time, you get this nice back-out-slightly turn and you can feed in power as you unwind the wheel and it is amazingly fun. I can't do it consistently yet, but I'll take an autocross school next spring and I think that will help.

Yes, it is a lot of time for the amount of driving you do. Driving schools cost a good bit more, but you get much more time (on a race track, no less). They are also more dangerous (if you mess up, you don't hit cones, you hit more solid things). Still, if you want driving time, they are the way to go (although if you do some more autocrosses first, you'll be much safer at it).

I agree that the Watts book is essential. It is no more money then one autocross, and you'll learn much, much more. Read that book and see if you want to do this again. These cars LOVE to run hard, and the autocross is the perfect first step. The Turner book isn't as good, but if you want another book, it has some info in it.

If more then one club run them, look around for another club. Some do a better job then others. Most clubs around here (Ohio/Kentucky) give you six runs. I had eight yesterday, and I improved every run.

It takes a while. We have one guy here in his M3 who is so good, he wins races a class up (The E36 M3 is an AS car, he wins SS class). We have another guy who was won Nationals in his Vette, and he is obviously faster then anyone else (but he also is great to watch).

I disagree about the squeeling tires, though. On street tires, you want some squeal. A squealing tire is a happy tire, make them happy. Make sure you put plenty of air in them, though (I tend to run the car on the freeway, then when I get off to get to the race, I put in about 38 pounds).

-Guy

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