First time on track in the M last night - mini review

E

Easty-5

Member
 Aberdeen
I had my first trackday in the M last night. It was at Knockhill but in reverse direction. It had been raining pretty heavy all day so the track was very slippy. It was the first time I had been out in reverse so it boggled the mind for the first few laps. It was completely different and nothing was familiar so I took it fairly easy just trying to learn the lines and get some references for braking points etc. I didn't even give a second thought to trying to learn the car a bit too, that came later. Anyway, as I was getting more confident with my lines I started to push on a little more. This is where it all started to go downhill. The car is bog standard as far as I am aware. I knew the main issues would be brakes fading very quickly and the rear tyres. They are cheapo Acceleras that the dealer put on the car before I collected it.
I knew the car would be twitchy but nowhere near as twitchy as I actually found it. All I can say is thank god for the traction control. I have critised it in the past on here for road use, but by god, it is very very good on track. If it wasn't for the TC my night would have ended very early. I turned it off once and fell off at the first corner!! As I exited the corner and got on the power, the rear stepped away in spectacular fashion, I fishtailed a bit then took a wee detour over the grass. From that moment onwards, the traction control stayed firmly on! :lol: The track was pretty damp so the TC light was flickering away like mad. As the track started to dry out a bit I was getting a bit braver and pushing a bit harder and was starting to find a little bit more grip, that is when I felt the understeer characteristics coming into play. Nothing drastic but I imagine on a completely dry track it would be a lot more prominent. The power of the car was plentiful and the long third gear was excellent, especially on a short track like Knockhill. I did find that I slid around a fair bit in the seats, so some extra lumber support would be good but it's not a big deal as the car will only be doing occasional trackdays. I was also pleasantly surprised at how efficient the oil cooler is. My temps never rose about 100 although I realise on a hotter and drier day that they will go higher.

Overall, I found the car very difficult to drive smooth and fast. That is, I believe, very little to do with the car itself and more my own skills. It felt very nervous and when the rear did let go it wasn't very progressive, I found it really snappy which made it very hard to control at times, even with the TC on. I do believe that once I get to grips with the car and learn how to properly control it, then it will be a very rewarding car to drive. I can't wait to get back on track but before that happens, some grippier tyres will be put on the rear and the brake pads will be upgraded.
 
Sounds like you had fun! :thumbsup: Yes the rear might seem a bit quick to breakaway but you will learn to anticipate it. Just takes practice! Even after more than 3 years driving mine I still can't say I've mastered it.
 
I'd ditch the ditch finder tyres and then try again in the dry. You'll find the rear tyres break traction in a progressive fashion and the handling is fairly predictable (once the tyres are warm). If you have OEM Contis on the front, you'll then find understeer to be a problem more than oversteer so I'd consider changing all four and selling the existing tyres here or on eBay.
As soon as you are confident, turn off the DSC (but be CAREFUL with your right foot in the corners). The chief reason for switching off DSC is that it is over sensitive and will apply the brakes every time you approach the limits of traction in the bends. This will quickly cook the pads on a dry track, especially on a warm day. You may even overheat the brake fluid. I suspect you got away with it this time because lack of grip kept your speed down and spray cooled the brakes.
If you keep at it you'll be sure to find that understeer is increasingly frustrating. This can be improved greatly by investing in decent front tyres. You will also find smaller incremental improvements with a strut brace and by increasing the front track with spacers. Increasing negative camber at the front by pulling the camber pins sharpens up turn in and reduces understeer but at the cost of straight line stability on poorly made roads and a more twitchy rear end at the limit. Send Exdos a PM if you want advice on suspension geometry. I don't mind volunteering him because he's a decent chap and I'm sure he would be very happy to give you advice :thumbsup:
The OEM brakes are really very good. When I ran a completely stock set up, I didn't suffer much with fade until the end of my first track day. However, as I've got more used to the car and have started to push much harder, I've changed to DOT 4.1 fluid and EBC Bluestuff race only pads. This set up is phenomenal but I wouldn't change your pads just yet if they have lots of life left (although a fluid change is pretty inexpensive and worthwhile if you experienced any pedal sponginess on the track).
Ultimately you may want aftermarket coilovers and a big brake kit, but don't underestimate the stick setup - Beedub was running at least stock suspension if not stock brakes when he first fitted his supercharger :evil:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom