learning my cars and my limits
Discussion
just a looking for abit of advise really. im now the very proud owner of a e46 m3 and want to learn to drive her properly. im thinking that a track is the safest and best way todo this. id love tobe able to know how hard i can push the car and when and also learn abit of car control. having all that grunt going through the rear wheels id like to be able to hook it up leaving a wet roundabout maybe with abit of slide (only if its quite of course) and be able to get the maximum out of it. but shes my pride and joy and id be snapped if i wrapped it.so im thinking about maybe a airfield/trackday with a instructor.any advice and prices would be welcome thanks.
I'd echo the comments above - don't bother with a conventional 'circuit' track day if you want to push the envelope, go to either a car control day or a drift day.
You're definitely making the right call. You'll be amazed at what both your car and yourself are capable of under the right conditions.
I've only done the activity day at Car Limits (cheaper, much less track time and more casual guidance than full-on tuition), but I've heard lots of good things about the full car control days. Andy Walsh's style of instruction does seem to go down better with some people than others, but there's no doubt it's extremely effective.
You're definitely making the right call. You'll be amazed at what both your car and yourself are capable of under the right conditions.
I've only done the activity day at Car Limits (cheaper, much less track time and more casual guidance than full-on tuition), but I've heard lots of good things about the full car control days. Andy Walsh's style of instruction does seem to go down better with some people than others, but there's no doubt it's extremely effective.
reccy with claws said:
just a looking for abit of advise really. im now the very proud owner of a e46 m3 and want to learn to drive her properly. im thinking that a track is the safest and best way todo this. id love tobe able to know how hard i can push the car and when and also learn abit of car control. having all that grunt going through the rear wheels id like to be able to hook it up leaving a wet roundabout maybe with abit of slide (only if its quite of course) and be able to get the maximum out of it. but shes my pride and joy and id be snapped if i wrapped it.so im thinking about maybe a airfield/trackday with a instructor.any advice and prices would be welcome thanks.
Just be really careful - even after having taken instruction or maybe especially because you have taken instruction and think you're on top of it - with breaking the rear loose on a public road. Even the most skilful driver can get caught out if the asphalt's polished or there's a bit of a bump or camber change. flemke said:
reccy with claws said:
just a looking for abit of advise really. im now the very proud owner of a e46 m3 and want to learn to drive her properly. im thinking that a track is the safest and best way todo this. id love tobe able to know how hard i can push the car and when and also learn abit of car control. having all that grunt going through the rear wheels id like to be able to hook it up leaving a wet roundabout maybe with abit of slide (only if its quite of course) and be able to get the maximum out of it. but shes my pride and joy and id be snapped if i wrapped it.so im thinking about maybe a airfield/trackday with a instructor.any advice and prices would be welcome thanks.
Just be really careful - even after having taken instruction or maybe especially because you have taken instruction and think you're on top of it - with breaking the rear loose on a public road. Even the most skilful driver can get caught out if the asphalt's polished or there's a bit of a bump or camber change. 
True, but having that experience can also be a life saver.
I remeber the first time I lost the back end on the road - I was 17, it was totally unexpected and at quite high speed after swerving to avoid some idiot who'd pulled out in front of me (tail happy car, no ESP etc). My (pretty minimal) karting experience was probably the only thing that prevented a spin and a very nasty accident.
COBRO said:
CAT Driver training are also top notch. Plus they have full use of Millbrook testing ground so have high speed bowl, handling circuit, alpine route and skid pan. I used them for exactly the same reason to understand the limits for my 911.
+ 1.I have done courses with CAT and Colin is a very special instructor. He is highly qualified.
I was very lucky to have him with me for two laps at the 'Ring last week.
PetrolTed said:
fatwomble said:
The most useful instruction I've yet had.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff