:redspot
What an AWESOME machine. I just can't believe a bone stock 4 seater on street tires (well, Michelin Pilot Sports) can handle and perform like this. The SMG that I find somewhat annoying on the streets is a dream on the track. Pulling into most of the turns in 2nd gear at 5-6K RPM then accelerating out after the turn redlining every gear got me past most every car out there (except the Corvettes and Vipers, but can't have everything). It was a Porsche Club event, and I was making all the 911s and 944s look silly. Once I realized the effect that turning off the DSC has, I was able to fly like never before.

Event was at Heartland Park Topeka (www.hpt.com) running the 2.1 mile configuration. I will be at Mid America Motorsport complex in 2 weeks, and I can't wait! I'm still trying to figure out a non-staggered wheel combo that I can use for track weekends, yet still mount some decent all-weather tires on for winter use so will still be on street rubber. The wife is going to drive in the Ladies only novice group, so I hope she has half as much fun as I did/will.

Did you experience alot of understeer? I havent tracked mine yet and that seems to be everyone's number one complaint.

I did my 1st HPDE event a few weeks ago at VIR. A complete blast! I had a great instructor, and a lot of fun. My car was mostly stock.

The first thing I realized was how bad I was on the track. Way too many shifts, too abrupt w/ the wheel, etc. By the end of the weekend I was flying around the track, and lapping most of the slow cars a couple of times. Great experience - highly recommend.

As for the car. The weight bothered me more than the understeer. At the begining level you are still not at the performance edge of the car so the understeer is not too bad. But my once nimble M3 felt HUGE on the track. I am used to cars weighing 800lbs less. Once I got used to it, it still handled incredible.

5 seat belts, awesome handling, lightning acceleration, and everyday driveable. Amazing car. :buttrock

:redspot
What an AWESOME machine. I just can't believe a bone stock 4 seater on street tires (well, Michelin Pilot Sports) can handle and perform like this. The SMG that I find somewhat annoying on the streets is a dream on the track. Pulling into most of the turns in 2nd gear at 5-6K RPM then accelerating out after the turn redlining every gear got me past most every car out there (except the Corvettes and Vipers, but can't have everything). It was a Porsche Club event, and I was making all the 911s and 944s look silly. Once I realized the effect that turning off the DSC has, I was able to fly like never before.

Event was at Heartland Park Topeka (www.hpt.com) running the 2.1 mile configuration. I will be at Mid America Motorsport complex in 2 weeks, and I can't wait! I'm still trying to figure out a non-staggered wheel combo that I can use for track weekends, yet still mount some decent all-weather tires on for winter use so will still be on street rubber. The wife is going to drive in the Ladies only novice group, so I hope she has half as much fun as I did/will.

You should make it out to the May 14-15 Audi DE at HPT. Usually a bit more organized than the PCA events, and the students usually walk away with a bit more learned over the weekend.

Audi DE (http://www.audiclubna.org/chapters/kc/driversschool.htm)

See you there!

-Evan

Just to clarify, I have been attending DE events for 4 years, just the first time in the M3. My previous track car is an 85 300ZX turbo with complete new suspension, exhaust, slicks, racing seat, etc.

After a weekend driving the Z I am beat, but the M is so smooth, that I felt great afterward.

I did not notice any understeer issues, I though tthe car tracked true and predictable, although I can see with "stickies" it might want to push a little.

Just to clarify, I have been attending DE events for 4 years, just the first time in the M3. My previous track car is an 85 300ZX turbo with complete new suspension, exhaust, slicks, racing seat, etc.

After a weekend driving the Z I am beat, but the M is so smooth, that I felt great afterward.

I did not notice any understeer issues, I though tthe car tracked true and predictable, although I can see with "stickies" it might want to push a little.

Ah, gotcha. What color 300ZX did you have in the past? Also, what color is your M3?

Up until this Feburary I had a 98 TechnoViolett M3. I'm not sure if we ever met, but my name's Evan in case we haven't. We usually have a pretty good showing of BMWs at the events from the club, and usually go out for dinner at night.

Are you going to make it to the SCCA auto-x this weekend? I'll be making the drive up there, but will be co-driving a friend's red E30 M3.

-Evan

Ah, gotcha. What color 300ZX did you have in the past? Also, what color is your M3?

Up until this Feburary I had a 98 TechnoViolett M3. I'm not sure if we ever met, but my name's Evan in case we haven't. We usually have a pretty good showing of BMWs at the events from the club, and usually go out for dinner at night.

Are you going to make it to the SCCA auto-x this weekend? I'll be making the drive up there, but will be co-driving a friend's red E30 M3.

-Evan

I have a Silver First Gen 300ZX. Been tracking it at HPT and Hallett for a few years now. The previous Z was a white NA. I was co-driving my Carbon Black/Cinnamon M3 at the first SCCA autocross of the year with my wife. I met a few other M owners there (there were 3 of us in heat 5) but I am pretty bad with names and people, so not sure is we met or not.