sorry for the noob question. i just picked up a 2010 r56, thinking about doing some causal tracking, just want to see where should i start with the mini?

 

Welcome to NAM! I think you'll find that your MINI is a very capable car on the track or autocross course with very little preparation. Preparing yourself is more important than doing a bunch of work on your car.

A high performance driving school is a great place to get started. Many car clubs sponsor driving schools that will get you started on the right foot. They'll teach you how to get the most out of yourself and your car and they will teach you how to be safe and play well with others. They will also require a safety tech inspection prior to your class. See link for inspection form from the Colorado BMW Club. Each club has it's own (similar) form. Many performance shops will perform the inspection for free as part of their club sponsorship when you sign up for a class.

http://rmcbmwcca.org/DrivingSchool/D...ofessional.pdf

Since I got my first MINI 2002, I've taken several classes offered by several clubs at different tracks and learned something useful every time. If you can't find a good class, check with your local track. They often have instructors available to get you going.

Good luck and be sure to share your experiences.

 

Where are you located?

We started with a track day advertised by the dealer. That didn't work out so great. A couple of years later we started again with Hooked on Driving. That worked out great for us, if you have a branch near you give them a go.

The BMW club, which also embraces MINIs is also a good place to start. We don't do their "Driving Schools", they sound too much like school and not enough like driving, but are probably perfect for a beginner. Our chapter wants you to do a "Car Control Clinic" first, which is an excellent idea. We did that so we could qualify for the schools, but never did the schools, it was worth it on its own. Our local chapter also has an excellent autocross program.

Failing those two, find a local track, find its website and see what organisations put on track days there. Though that method is a bit more hit and miss, as you don't know if they'll suit you or not.

That's why your location is important, there's a space for it in your profile and it shows up at the top right of your posts.

 

good info

 

http://www.scca.com/solo/

 

Regardless of your experience, BMW CCA and PCA run the best organized and safest driving schools (DEs). There are other, rarely cheaper, ways to get onto the track, but few with a properly trained instructor who will help you learn. Join either organization (former is easier to join than the latter), and sign up for a school with one of your local chapters:
https://www.bmwcca.org/
http://pca.org/

From car's preparation perspective, you have a 4-year old vehicle that is track-worthy from the factory as long as it has been properly maintained. Unless you know your car's maintenance history and can verify that the following service was performed recently, consider updating:
- brake fluid (every 2 years, or before every DE season)
- coolant (every 2-3 years)
- brake pads: you can use OEM pads for the first few DEs, then will want dedicated track pads
- tires - anything other than winter tires will do for the first few events, then get proper summer performance tires (all-season tires underwhelm in all seasons)

As you lean to go faster, you will learn your car's limitations and will address them on your own time and budget.

Don't waste your time and money on "mod-ing" the car until you learn to drive it. There is WAY more speed to be found by mod-ing the nut behind the wheel, than anything else !

a

 

You're going to love it! I'm a newb and I've taken my '13 MCS to the track 3 times since April. I did Hooked on Driving but there are numerous other options in my area (Portland, OR). Local tracks have calendars and, at least in Portland, car clubs that offer HPDEs allow any make of car. Your car will tell you what mods it wants. After 2 track days I knew I needed dedicated track tires. My last/third time, I had brake fade so now I'll need to address that. You will not be the fastest car there, but you will have fun. Warning - it's addictive.

 

If you're just interested in "getting your toes wet", look for Autocross or Solo II events. You get a lot less seat time, speeds are lower, but you are still pushing the car to its maximum. Risks are a lot lower (tends to come with lower speeds!) and the cost is lower as well.

 

Old thread revival but for folks looking for cheaper, better options than BMW CCA or HOD, PM me. I'm a member of a NorCal track club that offers three run group (2.5 track hour) events at all the local tracks for always less than $300. Very friendly club, no egos allowed. Novice (B) group is point-by passing only which is great for folks with little to no track experience.