OFFICIAL- getting into the sport- but too lazy to read all the threads

Il y a pas mal d'écoles de conduite disponibles pour le reste de l'été. À l'Autodrome Saint-Eustache tous les lundis soirs, tu pourra faire ton apprentissage, ou lors d'une des journées Lap 'n Learn également, où le programme est plus intensif et concentré. Le club BMW du Québec organise également de très bonnes écoles de conduite sur différents circuits, ainsi que le Club Audi NEQ et d'autres chapitres du Club BMW (ouvert à toutes les voitures).
 
Total noob, please help me

To start off I've searched a bit. It's kind of hard when I'm not sure what I'm looking for though.
~~~

This year I want to start lapping. I have no idea what I'm doing or where to start.

First off lets talk vehicle.
Common sense would say to not use your daily. I don't think it's in my budget to have two cars, and as of now it's not going to be a weekly thing. Am I risking a lot by using my DD? I'll be buying CAA so if I blow it up or something I can still get home.
If I'm using my DD, is there certain precautions I should take, or certain things I should be aware of before hand? I realize I'll be harder on brakes and tires, but should I worry about suspension life?

Let's say I buy a car, whether it be a new DD with lapping in mind, or a Sunday driver. What exactly should I be looking for in the overall condition of the car? If it's a rusty does it matter? Of course I'm talking surface rust, not holes. I know I'll need to make sure it's not leaking any fluids.

I would prefer picking up something rwd, but a Civic is probably my best bet as far as costs go. At that point, how much fun can I have with a stock - or really close to it - car. Say stock EK, S13, DC2, E30...


What Am I going to need for safety equipment?

Can I just show up and have at it, or will I need to get licences and certifications?


Thanks for any help.
 
You have already identified many important things. Your car should be in very good condition. Check all the hoses (radiator, etc.). Changes the brake lines (put stainless steel). Changes brakes pads (Hawks HP+ or HPS), some coilovers would be also a good thing to do. Also sway bars. Special seat and harness are also good but it is not a necessity for a beginner. Good tires is a must (RS3, Star Spec, etc.).
Thing you should do: ASE lapping school (contact Carl at Perry auto sport). A very good investment.
Don't forget a proper helmet.
Warning: lapping is addictive. But it is legal and cholesterol free.
 
You need a car in shape, a proper helmet and an open mind. You will get instruction on driving. No matter how good you think you are, you will realize you have a lot to learn.

Your car can be bone stock as long as it is mechanically sound. Best way to learn actually.

Welcome to the sport.
 
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A MUST READ for noobs

Happy New Year to all forum members and fellow lappers.
While there may be much snow in the yard, the season is officially ON!
That is the noob season- and with that comes all the same questions- often replied redundantly and sometimes we forget some of the good ones.

My first word of advice- research the sport, read, understand and then ask questions that may not already be answered.

Once you go through this whole thread- you will have saved yourself time and $$$.


BTW, you can configure your MR threads to post last first- makes reading long threads easier.


Welcome!!
 
First of all, I am sorry if I am just another member beating the dead horse here..but after searching for some time on the forums for the following threads, and turning up nothing I figured I would introduce myself and ask a few questions.

My name is Mark, and I recently moved to Montreal from New Brunswick. With no tracks in N.B, I am very excited to get started with racing. I am signing up for the AISA driving school in april. But again, I can't seem to find the info for "where to start" and "what to buy".. It seems this thread is more of a, what car should I buy /Thread....

So when I get started, I see that I need my own helmet..obviously.. And I am prepping my E30 for track duties and street use so I have the car covered... But what else is required? I appreciate any insight, and again for any veterans of the sport, I am sorry if I am just another "noob" asking questions, but you gotta start somewhere.

Cheers- Mark


Sebdavid said:
OK, so I have hijacked the 1st post of this thread so I can make a point.

In this thread you will find a lot of useful info and discussions aimed at noobs to the sport.

PLEASE TAKE the time to read it all and then use the search function to find more answers.

While there are many members here that enjoying answering basic questions- most of the time its the same old thing.

There are threads dedicated to
-Where to start
-What to buy
-this car vs that car
-what is costs
-is this for me?
-schedules
-and much much more

so welcome to the sport, start reading and enjoy!!

Carl Wener
AKA BBQman
Click to expand...
 
Welcome Mark,

First of all good choice on signing up for the school. You won't regret it.

Other than a helmet, you don't really need anything to get started on the track. Just make sure the car is in good condition, pads and tires have plenty of meat left, etc.
 
Sounds good, appreciate the quick response. Any local places to pick up a helmet? I see many places online, but want to make sure I get a good fit.
 
Do it right the first time and do what we do! :)
Go here!

Make an appoinment, it will take some time to go over all the models and get the fitting right.
They will also be able to guide you on everything you need for the school. :bigup:
 
Thirty said:
Sounds good, appreciate the quick response. Any local places to pick up a helmet? I see many places online, but want to make sure I get a good fit.
Click to expand...
Any motorcycle shop will have Snell Helmets. They will be M rated which is perfectly fine as long as your car is not fully gutted and sports a rollcage. There are plenty of motorcycle shops in and around Montreal. Also, I suggest you contact your local BMW chapter if you are interested in signing in to a driver school. They even usually have a free intro day in April in Sanair as well as two or three events in Circuit Mont-Tremblant over the summer. Plus Calabogie and Mosport.

http://www.bmwquebec.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=7921&p=46061#post46061
 
Advising to buy a motorcycle helmet for a track car ?
I have a hard time understanding why you would post this.

Thirty, get the right helmet right away, otherwise you will be wasting your money and a lot of time.
 
Thanks for the info Lee, however the e30 will be seeing a cage by winter 2013 so I will need a 2010 SA helmet I believe. And I will definitely look into the BMW club events!
 
I' sorry , I'm typing on my Iphone and it' s hard to put the links up properly.
Source for the above:

Flame testing for helmet and chin strap. SA standards
http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/sak...nce Tests - Auto Racing (SA2005) Helmets Only

http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/SA2010/sak2010_final.pdf

Snell M standards:
http://www.smf.org/standards/m/2010/m2010_final_booklet.pdf
Page 5 para 10.
For use in open motorized vehicles in which the driver and passengers may not be enclosed.

Hope this helps.

... And yes, unfortunately I have seen cars on fire but will not discuss on this forum.
 
Shardik said:
Fire protection.
Click to expand...
So according to this argument, Nomex suit, Nomex/leather shoes and gloves are also mandatory for lapping and DEs, correct? ;-)

Check BMWCCA's, PCA's, or ACNA's/NEQ's, the three big car clubs in North America. A current M Snell is welcome.
 
Lee said:
1) So according to this argument, Nomex suit, Nomex/leather shoes and gloves are also mandatory for lapping and DEs, correct? ;-)

2.) Check BMWCCA's, PCA's, or ACNA's/NEQ's, the three big car clubs in North America. A current M Snell is welcome.
Click to expand...

1) Mandatory for lapping and DE , no. (you didn't know this ?)
Advisable for any time on a race track, Nomex Gloves at a minimum.
Getting in to fully prepared vehicles, which I do , full gear.

2) They should reconsider.
 
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