Anybody that has any experience in track time or autocrosses with their 2002, please feel free to lend any helpful info. I want to expand my "knowledge" of the "area". How would you suggest getting started in racing? From what I have heard it is driver schools and autocrossing, then up to track time.. How did you get into the racing aspect? How did you prep the car? Any info is welcome. As the warmer weather approaches (at least starting to in the NorthEast :nono ) I have become more intrigued by it. It has been something that has always interested me, but now Im close to having the means to carry it out.

And now a pic of Steve K.'s car hijacked from another thread

http://www.kgb-racing.com/images/ax/pro/ProSolo-Apr24-2004_1.jpg

Thanks for any info

Start with Auto-X's and work your way to Driver schools. Remember to save lots of money because once you have done the first driver school you will want to do more. Once you have done enough driver schools and feel like you are ready to move on enroll in a more aggresive school, ie - Skip Barber.

Basically you will need to go to track days and get into club racing, but I recommend lots of schools before you start trying to get into club racing.

What kind of racing do you want to do?

Hope this helps.

In college I dove right into the Autocross circuit via the SCCA, and a local car club that held monthly autocrosses. It is a superb way of meeting other auto enthusiasts...+ learning your limits, within your cars limits, in a controlled environment. Granted you rarely exceed 60mph, depending on course and car, but you really get an appreciation for smoothness of braking, accelerating, and overall car control. I had not done it for 10 years or so until i did a few MB events in Atlanta, the Panoz racing school, then i got the "bug" again, and bought the 02' for that purpose. Weekend fun, economically.
Look up local SCCA club events and inquire with them about track days or events in your area. They are great place to start.

FQ

Ive done one autox with my 2002 and all i can say is that it was a blast. I have some experience with other cars (87 535is, and my old 87 Porsche 944S) but this was the first time in my 2002. Even in its relatively stock form it was fairly competative in my class... maybe if the idiot behind the wheel was a better driver i would have been faster... Anywho, all i have are a very few minor engine mods (Webber 32/36, MM fuel pump) and some suspension mods (H&R springs and billie sports) But yeah, it was a blast. Im installing a kirk roll bar, my sparco seat, and schroth harnesses soon and then finishing up the suspension with sway bars and an LSD fairly soon. Then i want to start moving on to track days and driving schools.

Onto your question at hand... its simple... Start with autox's and driving schools and slowly mod your car the more competative that you become. When you feel you are a competent driver try a track day (im not really allowed to speak on this as I haven't even been to one yet...) but yeah... You'll have a blast. Ive been skydiving quite a few times and i still get a bigger rush from a fast lap on the autox course... Sounds cheesy, but im serious... its alot of fun!

Cheers,
Jonas

http://e21.tricord.be/members/Echo/autox%202.jpg

In your picture above....did you have the H&R spings and Bilstein sports installed?

Just wondering because as we speak those are going into my car, and i want to know if that is the body roll i should expect?
FQ

Yes i did, but you have to realize that that is pushing the car at the limit. Im debating ditching the springs actually and going with coilovers... whether or not im going to go coilover, im going to send my billies out rather soon to have them revalved... I still don't think that the sports are stiff enough.

In order to really eliminate body roll 2002's really need heavy duty sway bars which is going to be my next mod. I really want to figure out what bars to go with though, so if anyone has any suggestions other than IE let me know.

Cheers,
Jonas

What kind of racing do you want to do?

Hope this helps.

I know for a fact I want to start in autocross. From there, maybe club or class racing( not really sure how it works). My neighbor is into the whole porsche racing scene, infact he now has 3 cars that he reces, but he told me how great it is, and it peaked my interest even more.

so if anyone has any suggestions other than IE let me know.

Cheers,
Jonas

Why not IE? They are bad ass. I had ST's on my 02 and they were great for the price.

For the price is the key words in that statement... IE bars are amazingly expensive. Something like 400 bucks for the front and rear!

Go with st's then

starting autocrossing is very simple. Find a local SCCA chapter that runs them, join, and come out racing. Don't start modifying your car untill you know what class you need to belong too. Or very little changes will dump you in places where you won;t be competative. FSP is a good class for 2002. Street Mod is very bad. I don;t think a 2002 can be competative there.

As for the preparation of the car. Safety first. Make sure nothing is loose int he car, battery is attached properly, no major oil leaks. Seatbelts, brakes, steering are all in working order. That is all!

good luck!
The picture you posted is from Pro Solo. Autocross with drag start. Here is one more picture for you:

http://www.kgb-racing.com/images/ax/bmw10242004_24.jpg