[EatThatLunchBaby]

Oh nice! I haven’t done any racing online yet but my lap times are slowly getting more consistent. I’ll add you and we should get a lobby going

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Originally Posted by Ximian

I do a few hours of GT7 a week but only with the controller for now. Might get the VR2 and one of the basic wheel kits after the track season in the fall.

My ID is ximian1.

Added. Finally got a free moment to get some practice in before next weekend!

BTW I reached out to Chris Orr and he set me up with some good pads and fluid for this spring/summer. I’m going to run completely stock next weekend and see how it feels

[Lexura]

Since it is going to be mostly sunny today and probably hitting 40, anybody up for a meetup/photo shoot of our G8X’s? I am in the western suburbs but can drive anywhere.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Originally Posted by Lexura

Since it is going to be mostly sunny today and probably hitting 40, anybody up for a meetup/photo shoot of our G8X’s? I am in the western suburbs but can drive anywhere.

I would but I’m a little under the weather and don’t want to spread anything. It’s a great day for it! Definitely post any pics here if you take any good shots

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Nice sessions we got in today! Fun first time out with the M3 learning how to drive in the snow & ice. Made it out alive with no insurance claims (barely)


Can’t wait to get back out on the track more this year!

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Just signed up for this event on May 5th. DCTC isn’t the greatest track but I figured it would be fun to get some practice in.

https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/...-college-may-5

I’d love to make it up to BIR or Road America eventually. I heard some rumblings of a Porsche club track day in April? I’d be interested in doing that if anyone else is making the trip as well. The BMWCCA event at BIR looks amazing and I’m super bummed I can’t make that, but I hope a few of you make it out and post some good times 😁

[Zamorskii]

If you can make it on April 23rd to DCTC, this "novice" event might be an option. Full day for $50 vs. $185.
https://www.motorsportreg.com/events...entRegOpened-A

[Zamorskii]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Biggest hassle is getting a helmet but that's relatively easy. You can get fitted for a helmet and buy or rent one at Race Suit Rentals/Speedy Race Gear in St. Paul.

What style would you recommend for a novice or an occasional user like most of us, I assume. I was first thinking open face for better ventilation, but then started to doubt myself and thinking what if one ends up hitting a steering wheel or an airbag, it'd be much better to have a chin protected. ?

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by Zamorskii

What style would you recommend for a novice or an occasional user like most of us, I assume. I was first thinking open face for better ventilation, but then started to doubt myself and thinking what if one ends up hitting a steering wheel or an airbag, it'd be much better to have a chin protected. ?

Some places outside of the state do not allow open faced helmets, but I think all the usual groups in MN do so if that's ever a possibility, easier to choose the regular helmet now. I wouldn't ever choose an open faced helmet personally as the chin and cheek protection is pretty useful. The bigger risk is debris breaking through the windshield or window.

I have not heard of anyone requiring regular helmets to have the visor down so leaving the visor open provides plenty of air flow when your windows are down. Be sure to pick up a balaclava as those help keep your helmet dry and wick away the moisture from your head. I have three of them and rotate throughout the day.

Also some Nomex underwear truly do help keep you cool and I wear them underneath pants and a long sleeve shirt or t-shirt on really hot days. There's usually deals around Black Friday for $50-$60 per Nomex shirt or pants. Normal prices start around $120 and unfortunately, the more expensive ones are usually better able to keep you cool and dry. The lower priced ones are good enough for short HPDE sessions.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by EatThatLunchBaby

I’d love to make it up to BIR or Road America eventually. I heard some rumblings of a Porsche club track day in April? I’d be interested in doing that if anyone else is making the trip as well. The BMWCCA event at BIR looks amazing and I’m super bummed I can’t make that, but I hope a few of you make it out and post some good times 😁

Audi Club Glacier Lakes also runs an event at BIR in the fall aka Quattroberfest, good group of people. I have not done a PCA event but have driven with many of them at BIR through the SlowPokes driving events.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Audi Club Glacier Lakes also runs an event at BIR in the fall aka Quattroberfest, good group of people. I have not done a PCA event but have driven with many of them at BIR through the SlowPokes driving events.

Good to know, I’ll have to check out Quattroberfest as well. Most of the people I’ve met so far are very nice and have been helpful. I’m excited to get out and start posting some times so I can try to get a baseline for where I’m at skill wise. I feel like I have so much to learn. I wish someone would build a track closer to the metro area so it was easier to make a day trip out of it

[Ximian]

I haven't seen it announced yet but the BMW club is doing a spring driving school event at DCTC on April 29th - https://www.motorsportreg.com/events...ege-cca-182489

Should be the same format as the winter driving school but a different experience as we hopefully won't have snow then.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

Originally Posted by Ximian

I haven't seen it announced yet but the BMW club is doing a spring driving school event at DCTC on April 29th - https://www.motorsportreg.com/events...ege-cca-182489

Should be the same format as the winter driving school but a different experience as we hopefully won't have snow then.

Oh nice, sounds like we have to go round 2! Can you request to be my instructor again?? I’d definitely be down to sign up to get some more structured track time in

[Zamorskii]

If anybody in TC still needs a set of front/rear Weathertech liners let me know. I have a barely used one for $140 picked up. Just paid $170 for it shipped a month ago.

[Ximian]

Glacier Lakes Audi club is hosting what is for most of us the last track event of the year at BIR over the weekend staring on October 6th (for approved solo drivers), 7th and 8th.

http://msreg.com/qfest2023 - $50 discount for registering before 8/20

[Zamorskii]

I just signed up for a Spring Driving School at DCTC on April 28th. There’s also a Taste of the Track event same day that starts at 1pm I belive and is free, in case someone is interested.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with a helmet setup, rent or buy.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by Zamorskii

I just signed up for a Spring Driving School at DCTC on April 28th. There’s also a Taste of the Track event same day that starts at 1pm I belive and is free, in case someone is interested.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with a helmet setup, rent or buy.

No helmets needed for that driving school event so you've got time. Get in touch with Speedy Race Gear in St. Paul to schedule a fitting as they do rentals as well.

Towards the end of 2025, the new Snell helmet standard will be in effect with new helmet options. That would be a good time to buy to maximize the length of time (10 years) you're able to use these helmets at events that require them. Helmets purchased today will be Snell (SA) 2020 rated and those expire in 2030 or no later than 2031. Not a big deal for lower priced helmets, but something to consider if you're going with a higher-end helmet.

[olafpkyou]

I've seen a few of you driving around here and there and generally try to wave. If you see a Brooklyn Grey M3 comp xdrive with yellow DRLs around Plymouth/Maple Grove, that's probably me!