The local chapter of the BMWCCA just posted a driver's school event at Laguna Seca on February 7th. They are actually featuring MINI's at this event. For more information http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/index.php?

Should be a lot of fun!

 

Are you going? Looks interesting. I have been trying to get in a day at Laguna before they close for upgrades, but I can't go tot he dates that NCRC has scheduled.


Does BMWCCA allow self-inspections or do you have to fork over more money to have a mechanic do it?

 

Laguna! Count me in on this one with BMWCCA.


NASA will be at Laguna on March 1, 2005. http://www.nasaproracing.com/nasa_event/list_events

Also Speed Ventures will be there on January 21, 2005. http://www.speedventures.net/1-21-2005_event.asp

 

Has anyone done an event like this? I've never taken my car to the track but I'm dying to try it. Would you recommend a driving school first? Thanks in advance.

 

Try it - you'll love it. I've been to just about all of the nor cal NASA track events this year plus other track events in other clubs.
Typically if its your first track event you are given an instructor who rides along with you.
see here:http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html, here:http://www.speedventures.net/faq.asp#A12 and here:http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/index.php?m...N_position=8:8

 

I have already signed up. I have done two other track days at Thunderhill, and it is so much fun, it can be addictive. Anyway, for the BMWCCA, you need to take their car control clinic if you don't have previous track experience, I believe their next CCC is Jan. 22, at Candlestick Park (or whatever they call it today). I have attended the clinic as well, and I would recommend it to anyone regardless if you plan to go to the track. The CCC will teach you skidpad, slalom, and braking.

Yes, you will have to have your car inspected and a form signed off. I have heard of some BMW specific performance shops doing this inspection for free (advertised in one of the BMW club mags). Of course helmets are required as well. I hope to see you out there!

 

Not sure about this one but I think if you check you will find this is a driving school.

That is what BMW does at Willow Springs

A lot of fun and you will learn a lot

Earl

 

Did BMW put this one on??

I would love to go to one of these even if I have to drive up to Candlestick Park from San Diego.

Earl

 

The Golden Gate Chapter of the BMWCCA is hosting these Car Control Clinics. You should check out the SoCal chapter to see if they offer a similar class.

 

On January 22 the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW CCA will put on a Car Control Clinic at Candlestick. This is a full day of controlled exercises that are designed to put the driver more in touch with the characteristics of their car. This clinic is normally required before attending a track school but has been waved for MINI drivers participating in the Feb 7 school at Laguna. It is not required but is highly recommended.

Our Feb 7 school at Laguna has only three run groups, one specifically for MINI's. There is a limit of 25 cars and the sound restriction is 90db. I have not seen the schedule but you can expect four 25-30 minute sessions and I suspect there will be a 5th session too. Every driver has an instructor, this is a school not a lapping day. Inspections must be completed by a qualified mechanic, if there is a problem finding someone to do this at no cost let me know and we will make arrrangements. We have some loaner helmets but suggest you secure your own, M95 or better Snell rating is required.

Details on both the Car Control Clinic and the Laguna Drivers School can be found on the Golden Gate Chapter web site http://www.ggcbmwcca.org.

 

I just registered :smile: . Is anybody else planning to attend this?

 

Crap I think my car is too loud

 

Just lift off the throttle as you pass the sound booth, or put the stock exhuast system back on.

 

Dont have the stock system anymore.

 

What exhaust system are you using?

I'm using a Magnaflow exhaust and haven't been black flag'd for exceeding noise levels at Laguna.

 

I have the magnaflow right now, and the milltek header should be here this week. I am also concerned about my supercharger noise because I have a hot air style intake and its F*CKIN LOUD!

 

I have signed up and will be attending. I live in Santa Cruz so it won't be far for me to go. I've done the Skip Barber driving school and the 3 day racing school at Laguna so I won't be doing the CCC.

Anyone know of a good place to get my tech inspection done before the track day?

My name is Scott and here's my MINI. Looking forward to meeting some new friends.

 

Where can I find info on the Skip Barber school?

 

I think it's just www.skipbarber.com
They have a 1 and 2 day driving school where you go around cones and such in a neon, ram truck and viper. Then there is the 3 day racing school where you blast around the track in the formula dodge open wheel cars at 120+ MPH. Fun!
I just love that track. Both for spectating and driving.

 

Sorry, I don't know too much about the process. If you plan on attending the CCC will tech be done there or will a technician be needed to perform it before attending? If a technican is required what does it generally cost? I plan on attending the infineon session, schedule permitting, and would like to plan for that as well. Thanks for any help.

 

I think they do a tech inspection at the CCC at Candlestick/SBC/?? park. I'm looking for a qualified place to get mine done though as I'm not going to the CCC.

 

From the website I believe you need to be an A or B class driver based on BMW school standards. It may be waived for Minis...not sure though.

The CCC event does a cursory glance over inspection on your vehicle for that day/event only. You need to have a separate Tech inspection done at a shop for any track event. Basically print out the tech form that will be provided to you once you register and bring it to a BMW shop. It's a checklist they need to sign. It needs to be done within a 30 day window before the event. I had my Mini tech'd at Bavarian Professionals in Berkeley.

I may go to the Laguna event. But I'm definitely going to the BMW 2 day event happening in March at Infineon. It would be nice to see other Minis there

Al

 

What did the guys in Berkeley charge you?

 

It was free. Most shops don't charge, or shouldn't charge, for a tech inspection. I had my Mini tech'd at Tomas Sport Tuning in Richmond for a Thill event 2 summers ago. They normally work on VWs. They didn't charge me either. Obviously it's best to stick to a shop that knows Minis. All you need to do is provide them a checklist and you should be good to go.

 

How does one go about asking for an inspection?

I think I will try these guys since they are a sponser of norcal minis and they hosted the last pulley party.

http://www.baybridgemotors.com/