You should get a policy that allows HPDE events, and get it in writing, Many companies are now excluding any loss on a track, while others still cover HPDE's. You cannot be in a Race or Timed event, and the use of lap timers is verbotten. I understand that there is RACE insurance available, but have yet to pursue info on it
Normally when you sign the track/event wiaver it states every man for himself, so if you hit someone, its their loss and insurance that would come into play, and if someone hits you, your insurance or your loss.
Hope this is helpful

 

Check with your personal carrier to determine what, if anything, is covered. Since HPDE isn't timed, and isn't competition, some policies remain in effect but you are not covered at an A/X, because that is a timed competition.

Some carriers do offer special coverage for DE type events, but I have no idea what this costs. If the MINI is your only vehicle, it is probably a good idea to purchase something extra like this. Heaven forbid that you ever need to make a claim...

 

Check your policy to see if "Driver's Education" is covered. I didn't ask and won't tell if I bend it.

 

I saw you'all at the track!!
That Saturday we took our 15 year old daughter to ride in a NASCAR at Talladega and stopped in at Barber to go through the museum on our way home. We had been to the museum in June, but our daughter wasn't with us. Pictures just don't do that museum justice. When we got there we heard cars on the track. I went to the window and watched. I wanted to get out there so bad! I had to go find someone and find out what was going on to see if there was any possible way I could get out there. He told me it was the PBOC. Then we saw the race start, with the MINI pace car. It was cool to watch, but I wish I could have been out there. BTW what was the race?
It's great to hear you had a great time.

 

This is a little late but I feel I need to clarify a few things.
If you check the torque, you must do it with cool lugs. Plus you need to loosen the lugs first before tightening, otherwise you are just going tighter and tighter each session.

Some of this has been addressed, but know what groups you are getting involved with. Some groups are pretty loose. In my area BMW, Mazda and Audi generally run tight programs. I've done open track days knowing very well that I am on my own when it comes to insurance. Currently I have supplemental insurance with americancollectors.com but they are no longer writing new policies. Whatever you do, don't lie about an incident. I have heard stories where people have moved their car away from the track and claimed they had an accident elsewhere. They'll get you on fraud. Just be safe and drive within your limits.

Maybe this will be the year I get to Barber. But VIR 4 times a year ain't bad either.
BTW- I hear crack addiction is cheaper than being a trunk junkie.

 

This was re-addressed in post #19, but thanks for re-posting it yet again.


Annette

 

Race was the PBOC points race. They hold monthly races and at the end of each year hold an awards banquet to pass out year end trophies.

 

How do you deal with the insurance thing because if you even mention it they may come back and try to cancel your policy?

 

True, but. . .
They still need to be loosened before checking. I suppose it doesn't hurt to go higher as long as it's equal all around. If one was slightly loose and the others weren't, the 3 lugs will be higher than the loose one.

 

Just signed up for the NASA track day at Road Atlanta in March. Time to start looking for some tires to replace the run flats.

 

Roach, what are the dates? Which club is NASA?
I'm trying to coincide a weekend with getting my son up there for the Audi Teen school.
Annette

 

It's March 16th, 17th and 18th. NASA is doing the event here is a link this is not working I'll try to sent you the link in a PM. It think Peachtree BMW is doing one the weekend before and sometime in there PBOC is doing one at Barbers.

Michael

 

PBOC coming to Barber's March 24th and 25th.

 

i've been running w/ pboc at homestead and sebring. i'll be back at sebring this weekend. it is a great organization. i might try to make this event on my way back from n.j. with my new ponies....greg

p.s. i just went to the pboc site and found roach already registered! way to go...i'll be there if my car is out of the shop.

 

TRACK *****!

 

guilty as charged! that doesn't make me a bad person, though.....

 

Just signed up for BMW club at Road Atlanta in early March, this one will be the start of 3 weekends in a row. Wonder what that will do to the car. lol

 

HAve fun! I am waiting for reg to open for a class in April.

 

Always remember:

In slow - Out fast.

In fast - Out backwards

 

OK got a DE at Road Atlanta next weekend think I'm ready got the Schroth belts put in, but I was wondering what air pressure I should start off with and what is the size of the wheel lug nuts so I can get a socket for the torque wrench.

 

a) It depends some on what kind of tires you have and how much they heat up and gain pressure, but I start at 38 with the idea of getting up to 40-42. I usually end up letting a little out.

b) I believe MINI lugs are 17mm.

Good luck, and enjoy it. I'll be running at CMP at the same time.

 

Yeah... too many variables to give a good cold tire pressure. Your best bet is to start in the 35-38 psi range, then after your first session break out the tire pressure gauge and try to get 40-ish all around. Then play with pressures from there if you want to. If you don't have your own good quality gauge, go buy one. There's some variance from gauge to gauge, so you should try to always use the same one.

Your instructor may have ideas on how to tweak pressures too once they have ridden in your car.

 

The socket size is 17MM torgue to about 90-95 ft lb, check after each session after the wheels have cooled down and retorque cold if necessary I start with 37 front and 35 rear and as stated above check as soon as you get off the track, and adjust to about 40ish as stated, Depends on hard you drive and what kinda heat you build up, track temp etc.
Don't forget when you get offa the track do not keeep your foot on the brakes after you stop, and don't set the parking brake, you will warp the rotors, or deposit pad material and creat a shudder,
Be carfeul and most of all have fun...........repeat after me............This NOT a race.....This is NOT a race...............

 

Ok another silly question the lug bolts were put on with an impact wrench so they all check out at 90 lbs, but how do I know they are not over 90? Should I back them off and retighten to 90 I think that makes sense.

 

Yes, re-torque them by backing them off and re-tightening with your torque wrench. Try to not let anyone use an impact wrench to put on your wheels.