Track day

Yes, the day finally arrived. Our local race track was having an open day and the day was split into free practice in the morning and timed laps in the afternoon. It was a very well organised affair. All cars were scrutinised and numbered in the morning. All drivers were subject to a briefing. All drivers had to wear helmuts, long sleeves and long pants and shoes. Only 10 cars were allowed onto the track at the same time. Passing was only allowed on the right hand side and no passing was allowed in corners. I thought that male ego's would get the better of some people but out on the track it was quite well behaved. Now for the intersting bit. I had been out on this circuit before with my 4 door e36 m3 so knew what to expect. However, the e46 m3 with smg was something else. The paddle shift really came into itself, lights and all. With both hands on the wheel at all times and only your fingers grabbing the paddles, your driving is so much sharper, especially in the corners. I tried some alternate laps with the DSC on and off. For me though, in the end I left it on as there were one or two corners where there was some loose rubber and the back would come out. Here the DSC would step in and keep the car in line by not letting you get on the gas . After the morning session I came to realise that this car is actually the perfect track day car. However, in street trim it has its shortcomings. First of all, the oil temps. I had never seen my needle go over 100 degree C until today. The car definitely needs a bigger oil cooler and an oil pressure gauge. Secondly, the brakes. The go soft very very quickly. They still work perfectly, its just the pedal goes soft. Again, maybe an upgrade to stainless steel lines and racing spec brake fluid. Finally, tyres. Yes, whenever you do a track day you need a set of semi slick tyres. You really destroy your normal road tyres if you give it a good go on a track day. During the afternoon timed session I had a really good run. I set the third fastest time of the day (91s). I front of me were two guys in the same car, an M5 (the V8 one not the new V10). So theoretically I should have gotten second place as there was only one car in front of me (even though driven by two different people) but those were the rules unfortunately. All in al, a great day out at the track for the M3. And I impressed the kids by coming home with a trophy !