3er's First Ever Track Day

3er · 06-30-2015, 10:37 PM

Harris Hill Raceway - First Ever Track Event

This past Sunday, Doctor///M, Damasconian, m4pewpew, and I went out to Harris Hill Raceway in San Marcos, TX for a track day. First, I want to give a big thanks to the Doc for organizing this event! My impressions & pictures are noted below. I’ll admit upfront that I didn’t put much emphasis on pictures, as I wanted to really take in the experience.

Event Details:

Novice Group
30 Minute Classroom Session
Session 1: 10 Laps
QA Session
Session 2: 10 Laps

Preparation:
Sunday’s track day was offered by the Longhorn Racing Academy and was quite simple to get setup. Only a quick and relatively painless $250 signup fee was required to reserve my spot. Short of that, there are only a few preparatory items to follow to maximize your experience:

Full tank of gas upon arrival
Cold tire pressure @ 32 PSI
Tire tread & brake pads @ 50+% (ideally)
Lug nuts @ 105 lbs/ft
No loose items in vehicle
Proper fluid levels
GoPro Camera!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn’t sleep well at all the previous night. I was halfway excited and halfway nervous because it would be my first time ever driving on a track. I grew up riding dirtbikes, so I’m no stranger to speed in sketchy situations/terrain, but I never raced them (ala Ricky Bobby – “I wanna go fast.”).

Given that everyone with the exception of m4pewpew (it’s odd to use usernames after meeting everyone, lol) are from Houston, we headed out from Starbucks in Katy at 6:30 AM (yes, it was an early morning) to ensure that we arrived in San Marcos on time. I hadn’t driven in an ///M convoy before, so it sure was fun. Several fun, high-speed pulls and one Buc-ee’s stop later, we were in San Marcos.

Photo credit on this one goes to the Doc:

The Track:
Harris Hill Raceway is not a high-speed track. Instead, it’s a technical, 1.8 mile track with eleven corners and decent elevation changes. It is truly a great track for a beginner and I can’t recommend the track and staff enough. Being in Texas, the temperatures hit 90+ degrees Fahrenheit that day. However, our ///M’s handled the heat with no problem.

Classroom:
Once we arrived at the track, we took a brief 30 minute class with two instructors that provided a basic overview around braking zones, late apexes (good for beginners), track outs, passing rules and general tips around looking ahead and being as smooth as possible (e.g., squeeze the throttle versus a light switch, always brake in a straight line, etc.). Jeff Sanders, one of the instructors, later paired up with me. I was delighted and feel quite lucky, as I loved his explanations and enthusiasm (both in the classroom and out on the track).

I'm the dude in the green shirt...apparently I don't like looking at the camera

. Photo credits on these two go to the Doc.

Session 1:
Because we were in the novice group, we were each paired up with an instructor. Side Note: Gosh, these people have some cajones. The fact that they’ll jump into a car with a complete stranger with no track experience blows my mind. On the first session, we started out a bit slow since I 1) haven’t ever tracked a car before and 2) because I didn’t know the track. However, I immediately began receiving very positive feedback from Jeff that I was exhibiting correct braking, turn-in, and acceleration after hitting the apex (i.e., looking ahead properly), so we quickly began increasing the speed to the point where I was actually pushing my car to it’s limit in some places. With that said, it becomes clear that consistency is one of the biggest challenges, as it’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. What most surprised me is how much I went off instinct and ultimately trusted the car and instructor. It very much reminded me of all the dirtbike riding I did as a kid and an adult – you really just don’t think about a lot and maintain incredible focus on the task at hand. After the first session, I was pleasantly surprised/happy to hear Jeff say that I was a natural and didn’t succumb to many of the beginner mistakes that are typically made. Woohoo!

Session 2:
After Session 1, I sat during the QA session with my adrenaline peaked, not really paying much attention to the questions being asked. Instead, I reflected on what the hell just happened and began questioning whether I could intentionally push my car as much during the second session. I think this may highlight how instinctual one can get when in the situation. Things that you *think* you would consider when driving just don’t occur. On both sessions, I wasn’t once worried about my car, going off track, what others were doing, etc. It was the most focused I have been since I can remember on one (seemingly) simple thing – driving (and listening). After a brief QA session (and car cool down period), the instructor said, “let’s not work on gaining much speed, let’s work on consistency and really engrain what you learned in Session 1.” Taking his advice, we immediately took off at the same rates of speed as when I concluded the first session. All my “reflection” quickly went out the window and I just went into “do” mode. It was incredible. There aren’t enough words to describe this incredible experience (puts skydiving to shame). In the first session, I hit ~80 mph in the first few laps on the fastest straight. Toward the latter part of the first session and during the entirety of the second session, I repeatedly hit 100-105 on the straight (the consistency part I referred to earlier). I was lapped by a few people on the first session, but wasn’t at all on the second. My point here is not to brag about my driving (certainly nothing to write home about), but to point out how much better you can get with just 20 laps and how much I understand some of my car’s potential. This was also realized by other newbies on the track with me. Incredible!

After The Dust Settled:
If you’re a first timer like me, you’ll likely be too overwhelmed to really interpret what just occurred. I was immediately excited after both sessions, but my adrenaline was so high that it was difficult to really understand how I would feel about the experience from a long-term perspective (like, would I do this again and how often?). I’m happy to report that the experience, having had a few days to cool off, was just incredible. Tracking your car does take a particular personality – the love of speed, adrenaline, intense focus, pushing your car, etc. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s likely difficult to see where you might land unless you just try it. I will definitely attend more track days, as it just struck all the right chords for me. Given that my M3 is my daily driver, I don’t plan to go to but two or three track events per year. However, this should hold me over from my longer-term goal of having a more track focused car and a truck as a DD (which has now been reinforced x 1000). Until that time comes, the M3 fits the bill perfectly. If there’s one thing I leave you with, it’s to try a track day. Please try it; you owe it to yourself and your car! If you decide that it’s not for you, well, fair enough and at least you gave it a go!

Photo credit on this one goes to the Doc, once again

.

My one disappointment after this experience is that I didn’t have a GoPro camera. After having done well on my first track attempt, I really regret having not purchased one beforehand. Rather than fret about that, I’m very grateful that both Damasconia & M4pewpew had one and I get to review that day vicariously through their footage. One thing I guarantee is that I WILL have one before the next track event (thinking sometime this Fall when the weather cools down a bit). Until then…

Damasconian's footage:

m4pewpew's footage:

Random Pictures

3er · 06-30-2015, 10:38 PM

Also be sure to check out Doctor///M's great thread/thoughts as well!

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1145264

OneRib · 06-30-2015, 11:25 PM

Looks like it was a lot of fun. Low stress, good guys, great cars, and a dry track; perfect combination.

Makes me think about doing it myself.

idocm4 · 06-30-2015, 11:49 PM

Great review and pics. You captured the experience really well. Thanks for sharing!

m4pewpew · 07-01-2015, 12:47 AM

You guys take beautiful photos. I'm jealous of your talent!

I had great fun and I really enjoyed playing with all of you. I look forward to another HPDE event in the future with you all, hopefully with more Ms :-)

I love H2R too because it's actually a pretty safe race track. If you go off it's kind of hard to hit anything. I asked my instructor about COTA and he told me it's actually more dangerous over there because of the energy absorbing walls. He also told me if you scrape it, the cost is about $1000 per ft, and since it's a much faster race track, you can easily make a 30ft damage on the wall... and you gotta pay it.

Doctor///M · 07-01-2015, 08:38 AM

No worries, mate. You got everything on point here so I deferred to yours. Now that the track bug has bitten, hope to see you guys out there again!

Damasconian · 07-01-2015, 10:20 AM

What a great post. Thanks for taking the time to put it all together.

Here is the hot lap with my instructor at the wheel.

dkhm3 · 07-01-2015, 10:46 AM

awesome ! thanks for this.

mike@x-ph.com · 07-01-2015, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the pics, looks like fun

Doctor///M · 07-01-2015, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneRib

Looks like it was a lot of fun. Low stress, good guys, great cars, and a dry track; perfect combination.

Makes me think about doing it myself.

Definitely... when the opportunity arises, don't think twice!

smajin · 07-01-2015, 03:51 PM

Sounds like a good experience and nice pics!

AY is really growing on me, looks great in these pictures.

3er · 07-01-2015, 08:35 PM

Thanks for all the great comments. It truly was an awesome day and I can only encourage anyone with an ///M car to go to a track event at least once!! If you don't like it...fair enough and at least you know going forward. If you do, it's like crack cocaine (or so they say

) and it will open a new world to you.

I no longer care as much (I still care a little

) about what a dyno says because at the end of the day, accelerating in a straight line is weak sauce compared to romping around a track. That's really where the fun lies. Yes, I'm afraid that I'm a lifer.

jim101 · 07-01-2015, 09:28 PM

Sounds awesome...thanks for sharing your experience...I may have to join you guys some day...been wanting to do something like this (I'm just short on time

).

M3 Esq · 07-02-2015, 08:23 AM

Another one bites the dust.

Welcome to the addiction!!

06-30-2015, 10:37 PM	#1
3er Major 946 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (0)	3er's First Ever Track Day Harris Hill Raceway - First Ever Track Event This past Sunday, Doctor///M, Damasconian, m4pewpew, and I went out to Harris Hill Raceway in San Marcos, TX for a track day. First, I want to give a big thanks to the Doc for organizing this event! My impressions & pictures are noted below. I’ll admit upfront that I didn’t put much emphasis on pictures, as I wanted to really take in the experience. Event Details: Novice Group 30 Minute Classroom Session Session 1: 10 Laps QA Session Session 2: 10 Laps Preparation: Sunday’s track day was offered by the Longhorn Racing Academy and was quite simple to get setup. Only a quick and relatively painless $250 signup fee was required to reserve my spot. Short of that, there are only a few preparatory items to follow to maximize your experience: Full tank of gas upon arrival Cold tire pressure @ 32 PSI Tire tread & brake pads @ 50+% (ideally) Lug nuts @ 105 lbs/ft No loose items in vehicle Proper fluid levels GoPro Camera! Perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn’t sleep well at all the previous night. I was halfway excited and halfway nervous because it would be my first time ever driving on a track. I grew up riding dirtbikes, so I’m no stranger to speed in sketchy situations/terrain, but I never raced them (ala Ricky Bobby – “I wanna go fast.”). Given that everyone with the exception of m4pewpew (it’s odd to use usernames after meeting everyone, lol) are from Houston, we headed out from Starbucks in Katy at 6:30 AM (yes, it was an early morning) to ensure that we arrived in San Marcos on time. I hadn’t driven in an ///M convoy before, so it sure was fun. Several fun, high-speed pulls and one Buc-ee’s stop later, we were in San Marcos. Photo credit on this one goes to the Doc: The Track: Harris Hill Raceway is not a high-speed track. Instead, it’s a technical, 1.8 mile track with eleven corners and decent elevation changes. It is truly a great track for a beginner and I can’t recommend the track and staff enough. Being in Texas, the temperatures hit 90+ degrees Fahrenheit that day. However, our ///M’s handled the heat with no problem. Classroom: Once we arrived at the track, we took a brief 30 minute class with two instructors that provided a basic overview around braking zones, late apexes (good for beginners), track outs, passing rules and general tips around looking ahead and being as smooth as possible (e.g., squeeze the throttle versus a light switch, always brake in a straight line, etc.). Jeff Sanders, one of the instructors, later paired up with me. I was delighted and feel quite lucky, as I loved his explanations and enthusiasm (both in the classroom and out on the track). I'm the dude in the green shirt...apparently I don't like looking at the camera . Photo credits on these two go to the Doc. Session 1: Because we were in the novice group, we were each paired up with an instructor. Side Note: Gosh, these people have some cajones. The fact that they’ll jump into a car with a complete stranger with no track experience blows my mind. On the first session, we started out a bit slow since I 1) haven’t ever tracked a car before and 2) because I didn’t know the track. However, I immediately began receiving very positive feedback from Jeff that I was exhibiting correct braking, turn-in, and acceleration after hitting the apex (i.e., looking ahead properly), so we quickly began increasing the speed to the point where I was actually pushing my car to it’s limit in some places. With that said, it becomes clear that consistency is one of the biggest challenges, as it’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. What most surprised me is how much I went off instinct and ultimately trusted the car and instructor. It very much reminded me of all the dirtbike riding I did as a kid and an adult – you really just don’t think about a lot and maintain incredible focus on the task at hand. After the first session, I was pleasantly surprised/happy to hear Jeff say that I was a natural and didn’t succumb to many of the beginner mistakes that are typically made. Woohoo! Session 2: After Session 1, I sat during the QA session with my adrenaline peaked, not really paying much attention to the questions being asked. Instead, I reflected on what the hell just happened and began questioning whether I could intentionally push my car as much during the second session. I think this may highlight how instinctual one can get when in the situation. Things that you think you would consider when driving just don’t occur. On both sessions, I wasn’t once worried about my car, going off track, what others were doing, etc. It was the most focused I have been since I can remember on one (seemingly) simple thing – driving (and listening). After a brief QA session (and car cool down period), the instructor said, “let’s not work on gaining much speed, let’s work on consistency and really engrain what you learned in Session 1.” Taking his advice, we immediately took off at the same rates of speed as when I concluded the first session. All my “reflection” quickly went out the window and I just went into “do” mode. It was incredible. There aren’t enough words to describe this incredible experience (puts skydiving to shame). In the first session, I hit ~80 mph in the first few laps on the fastest straight. Toward the latter part of the first session and during the entirety of the second session, I repeatedly hit 100-105 on the straight (the consistency part I referred to earlier). I was lapped by a few people on the first session, but wasn’t at all on the second. My point here is not to brag about my driving (certainly nothing to write home about), but to point out how much better you can get with just 20 laps and how much I understand some of my car’s potential. This was also realized by other newbies on the track with me. Incredible! After The Dust Settled: If you’re a first timer like me, you’ll likely be too overwhelmed to really interpret what just occurred. I was immediately excited after both sessions, but my adrenaline was so high that it was difficult to really understand how I would feel about the experience from a long-term perspective (like, would I do this again and how often?). I’m happy to report that the experience, having had a few days to cool off, was just incredible. Tracking your car does take a particular personality – the love of speed, adrenaline, intense focus, pushing your car, etc. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s likely difficult to see where you might land unless you just try it. I will definitely attend more track days, as it just struck all the right chords for me. Given that my M3 is my daily driver, I don’t plan to go to but two or three track events per year. However, this should hold me over from my longer-term goal of having a more track focused car and a truck as a DD (which has now been reinforced x 1000). Until that time comes, the M3 fits the bill perfectly. If there’s one thing I leave you with, it’s to try a track day. Please try it; you owe it to yourself and your car! If you decide that it’s not for you, well, fair enough and at least you gave it a go! Photo credit on this one goes to the Doc, once again . My one disappointment after this experience is that I didn’t have a GoPro camera. After having done well on my first track attempt, I really regret having not purchased one beforehand. Rather than fret about that, I’m very grateful that both Damasconia & M4pewpew had one and I get to review that day vicariously through their footage. One thing I guarantee is that I WILL have one before the next track event (thinking sometime this Fall when the weather cools down a bit). Until then… Damasconian's footage: m4pewpew's footage: Random Pictures __________________ *2019 ///M5 Competition* On Order: 2023 ///M3 Competition xDrive
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06-30-2015, 10:38 PM	#2
3er Major 946 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (0)	Also be sure to check out Doctor///M's great thread/thoughts as well! http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1145264 __________________ *2019 ///M5 Competition* On Order: 2023 ///M3 Competition xDrive
	Appreciate 1 Quote

06-30-2015, 11:25 PM	#3
OneRib Colonel 1105 Rep 2,448 Posts Drives: 2015 AY M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (2)	Looks like it was a lot of fun. Low stress, good guys, great cars, and a dry track; perfect combination. Makes me think about doing it myself. __________________ 2013 E92 M3 LMB (gone but not forgotten) 2015 AY F80 M3 ED 7/9/15 Drop off 7/20/15 Redelivery 8/25/15 My AY M3 ED
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06-30-2015, 11:49 PM	#4
idocm4 Lieutenant 190 Rep 570 Posts Drives: MG F82 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Baton Rouge, LA. iTrader: (3)	Great review and pics. You captured the experience really well. Thanks for sharing!
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07-01-2015, 12:47 AM	#5
m4pewpew Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 256 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: ATX iTrader: (0)	You guys take beautiful photos. I'm jealous of your talent! I had great fun and I really enjoyed playing with all of you. I look forward to another HPDE event in the future with you all, hopefully with more Ms :-) I love H2R too because it's actually a pretty safe race track. If you go off it's kind of hard to hit anything. I asked my instructor about COTA and he told me it's actually more dangerous over there because of the energy absorbing walls. He also told me if you scrape it, the cost is about $1000 per ft, and since it's a much faster race track, you can easily make a 30ft damage on the wall... and you gotta pay it. __________________ BMW M4: Mineral White. DCT. Exec Package. Optional 19". Full leather. 7/7/14: On the waiting list \| 9/8/14: Order submitted \| 10/2/14: Order approved. Production number received \| 11/7/14: In Production \| 11/15/14: End of production \| 11/21/14: En route to the US \| 12/7/14: Finishing touches \| 12/13/14: At the dealer \| 12/15/14: Car in garage Last edited by m4pewpew; 07-01-2015 at 12:56 AM..
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07-01-2015, 08:38 AM	#6
Doctor///M Brigadier General 1789 Rep 4,216 Posts Drives: 2023 AUDI RS6 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2023 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] BMW M2 Competition [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [0.00] 2015 M3 [9.52]	No worries, mate. You got everything on point here so I deferred to yours. Now that the track bug has bitten, hope to see you guys out there again! __________________ 2020 F87 M2 Competition /l\ LBB /i\ Executive Package 2013 E70 X5M /l\ Space Grey /i\ Full Silverstone Leather /l\ LED Headlights /i\ Comfort Access /l\ HUD /i\ Ventilated Seats /l\ 22" BBS SV BMW CCA Member
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07-01-2015, 10:20 AM	#7
Damasconian Lieutenant Colonel 742 Rep 1,555 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	What a great post. Thanks for taking the time to put it all together. Here is the hot lap with my instructor at the wheel. __________________ 2015 M4 6-MT
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07-01-2015, 10:46 AM	#8
dkhm3 Brigadier General 1881 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 2020 X3MC Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	awesome ! thanks for this. __________________ Currently: 2018 GT3 2020 X3MC Previously: 1999 M3 2002 M3 2005 S4 2008 C63 2015 M3 2016 X5M 2019 911S
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07-01-2015, 12:10 PM	#9
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24083 Rep 190,614 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Thanks for the pics, looks like fun __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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07-01-2015, 03:51 PM	#11
smajin Private First Class 46 Rep 141 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a good experience and nice pics! AY is really growing on me, looks great in these pictures.
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07-01-2015, 08:35 PM	#12
3er Major 946 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the great comments. It truly was an awesome day and I can only encourage anyone with an ///M car to go to a track event at least once!! If you don't like it...fair enough and at least you know going forward. If you do, it's like crack cocaine (or so they say ) and it will open a new world to you. I no longer care as much (I still care a little ) about what a dyno says because at the end of the day, accelerating in a straight line is weak sauce compared to romping around a track. That's really where the fun lies. Yes, I'm afraid that I'm a lifer. __________________ *2019 ///M5 Competition* On Order: 2023 ///M3 Competition xDrive
	Appreciate 2 Quote

07-01-2015, 09:28 PM	#13
jim101 Private First Class 38 Rep 164 Posts Drives: F80 M3 \| G05 M50i (Ordered) Join Date: May 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Sounds awesome...thanks for sharing your experience...I may have to join you guys some day...been wanting to do something like this (I'm just short on time ).
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07-02-2015, 08:23 AM	#14
M3 Esq Automobilist 395 Rep 2,632 Posts Drives: E70 X5, 911 GT3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (12)	Another one bites the dust. Welcome to the addiction!!
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