01-08-2023, 01:57 AM | #1 |
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SoCal Track club recommendations
So I’m finally hitting my 1200 mile marker and ready to get some track time in my Base M3.
This will be my first time tracking my M obviously but also my first tracking within the SoCal area. My prior car was a GTR and S2000 that I roughly did 25-30 track days and a little more with auto crossing. All mostly with PCA group in the northeast area (NJMP, Pocono Raceway, etc..) who were a stand up group full of respectful drivers. With that said, I’ve also done track days with other groups that were unorganized, drivers who didn’t respect the track and pretty much just a sh#t show. As I’m looking to avoid that. If anyone has recommendations for clubs to run with and to avoid I’d much appreciate it. Also, if anyone within the LA area regularly tracks and doesn’t mind that I caravan with on future track days drop me a message. |
01-08-2023, 04:17 AM | #2 |
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Yo, I have an s2000 as my current track car and try to make it out to Buttonwillow (sort of the gold standard SoCal track) as often as I can. Speedventures is a local org with a history of being well organized and on schedule, and usually hosts a decent group of drivers. They also offer a discounted rate (50% off track fees) in exchange for instruction (2 sessions, first-timer run group) so I like to take advantage of that
Haven’t taken the G80 to the track yet but I’d be interested in trying it out sometime. Feel free to hit me up if you’re looking to go |
01-09-2023, 10:50 PM | #4 |
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The San Diego and Central Valley BMW CCA chapters will hold a HPDS at Buttonwillow I believe in mid May. Focus is on safety and you're divided into run groups based on experience. You'll have an instructor with you at all times in the car unless you are signed off solo.
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01-10-2023, 10:30 PM | #5 |
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I found that SCCA/TrackNightInAmerica is very organized but only run AutoClub Speedway interior. Speedventures is pretty good, lots of different run groups and relatively safe. Only downside is they can have large groups and they are slightly more expensive than others. I've ran with Extreme Speed a few times and did not like them but they are cheap. My favorite group is San Diego SCCA but they only run Chuckwalla. I've been autocrossing with them for a few years, very friendly club. I've heard the pros all run with Socal Drivers Club.
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01-12-2023, 03:19 PM | #6 |
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I haven't run with Socal Drivers Club yet, but I want to check them out. I've done Speed Ventures and Speed District. Both are good organizers, but there can be big groups, but I think that's more of a problem for beginner and intermediate groups, which tend to be bigger.
Extreme Speed is kind of hit or miss. They are cheap, but I heard a lot of not so good things, in the past. Since taking new management/ownership they have improved a bit. If they are hosting a two day weekend, I think that spreads the crowd out and you can get plenty of clean laps in with less traffic, but their price point really does attract a lot of people. For really small run groups and insane amount of track time I've gone through two organizations: Fast Toys Club and Driven By Apex. In fact, they sometimes co-host events. The price point is kind of high, but they are both a more intimate track day with very little drivers. After lunch, they sometimes just run open sessions where there are maybe 2 or 3 cars on the track and you can pretty much space out hardly get any traffic. The organizers are all experienced, safety is a priority and disrespectful behavior on the track is swiftly resolved. They run beginner groups with street cars to advanced groups with full on race cars, so it's always a good time. Auto Club Speedway is closing this year, so if you want to experience it before it's gone, go soon! 20220514 - SCCA TNIA - Edit_100 by JMG, on Flickr
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01-12-2023, 06:21 PM | #7 |
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01-12-2023, 06:54 PM | #8 |
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Actually, I’m trying to decide between Streets or a Autocross at Angel stadium on 1/21. Haven’t done much else as far as mods since Track Nights In America. You?
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01-15-2023, 08:35 AM | #9 |
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01-16-2023, 06:17 PM | #10 |
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Well picked up new helmet, gloves and shoes over Sparco today. Just need to get my brake fluid swapped for some Castrol and I’ll be good to go.
Schedule is a bit busy next 2-3 weeks so I’ll look for a track day end of Feb as well as maybe an Autocross ahead of time to get in touch with the car. Looking forward to hopefully meeting some of the track rats here on the forum. |
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01-17-2023, 12:53 AM | #11 | |
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01-18-2023, 08:48 PM | #12 | |
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01-20-2023, 01:58 PM | #13 |
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PCA SDR (San Diego region) does several track events a year. They rotate around Chuckwalla, Streets of Willow, Big Willow, and Buttonwillow. Those tracks are just as close to L.A. as they are San Diego. If you want to continue tracking with PCA, check out the SDR events. Great group of guys and gals.
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01-23-2023, 01:41 AM | #14 | |
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01-23-2023, 03:08 PM | #15 | |
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Also on the waitlist for 1/28 Buttonwillow. Goal is to make 9 events to compete for points. We will see how that goes with a baby and lady in school. |
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01-23-2023, 03:57 PM | #17 | |
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Unfortunately I only have a 2 car garage at our complex. But once we get a house and own garage the plan is to build a dedicated track car out of a E92 M3. Till then I’ll rack up the abuse on the G80. I work from home and live in Santa Monica so most of my miles will be to, from and at the track. |
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