Finally drove Hockenheimring

[Rikx1M]

Lived here for 6 years and finally did about 20 laps on the Hockenheimring track (http://www.hockenheimring.net/en/tourist-rides).

Wow, what an intense experience.... trying to avoid accidents, dealing with faster cars and slower cars...trying to moderate my stock brakes (DOT 5 brake fluid though) so I didn't have any surprises, and playing with manually shifting my DCT and then 6-7 laps letting it do it by itself via sport mode.

I did two sessions at about 20-25 minutes each...average laps seem to be around 2:25 which is slow but for a stock 135 with RFT (see photos) and an inexperienced track driver (me)...I'm happy!

And the crazy thing is you see everything on the track, from Smart cars to VWs to new & old Porsches, expensive AMG M-Benz, Ford Mondeo, a van, I even raced a station wagon...let's not go there.

I'll post some video of one of the sessions after it gets done processing.

Generic info on the track from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockenheimring

Hockenheimring (2002-present)
Surface : Asphalt
Length : 4.574 km (2.842 mi)
Turns : 13
Lap record: 1:13.780 (Finland Kimi Räikkönen, McLaren, 2004)

BTW...I recorded 8.7 mpg........how funny.

[Dackelone]

Nice pics Rick. Now... I am waiting for the videos!!!

[pixelblue]

waiting for the video! btw nice splitter. which one is this? you were in good company with all the 135's

[Elsabor67]

I got video too but over inflated tires and an uneasy driving feeling because of it left me with people passing me . That is a pretty black car........ It was great getting to meet some of the forum guys there today. A great day overall.

Rick, you mind if I post the pics I got from today here too?

Nick

[Rikx1M]

Video uploaded...

Finally got a chance to test my new video cameras and also drive Hockenheimring. Two things I have to fix...tilt up the camera and record a different audio source instead of up to 130mph wind on that long sweeping curve called Parabolika, perhaps inside the hood...just raw, unadulterated N55 engine audio!

It will be fixed in the next track recording....got some upgrades in mind!

And before you flame me for bad driving, understand this was my first track experience...so tips on my lines and braking and track skills are fine, just be positive...

[Dackelone]

Nice video Rick. That is really wild - in the states they would never let people just show up to a track and let loose. No novice groups or any saftey gear! lol Thanks for posting, it was fun watching your video.

[Focusedintntions]

Yeah seriously...crazy they just say have at it! Very nice vid and glad to see you put her out there. Just nuts they put novices out there w/o instruction!

[JimmyT]

It was good to see your "patience" with other cars and driver on this track. I am jealous of your experience.

[Xaeryan]

Jealous.

Do you mean DOT 5.1 fluid? In the past, DOT5 (different from 5.1) has not been recommended by Brembo/BMW, as the silicone in it can react with rubber seals (i.e. in pistons) and cause damage. It also doesn't mix well with DOT4/5.1, just FYI.
Ditch the DOT5 for some good quality DOT4 instead (ATE Super Blue/Gold is cheap and has worked great for me and everyone else in the past).

[m_thompson]

I hope that you checked out the museum while you were there.

[RimasRS]

Great vid! Did you felt some heatsoak after longer driving?

[Elsabor67]

Originally Posted by RimasRS

Great vid! Did you felt some heatsoak after longer driving?

I did at about the third lap or so. Still had some power but had no way of really telling. Planning to sit down and see all my options cooling wise.

Unlike Nurburgring, I feel that Hockenheim is more demanding on the engine and brakes since you are mostly running in 2-4th gear with 5th on the long stretch before the hairpin.

[RimasRS]

Originally Posted by Elsabor67

I did at about the third lap or so. Still had some power but had no way of really telling. Planning to sit down and see all my options cooling wise.

Unlike Nurburgring, I feel that Hockenheim is more demanding on the engine and brakes since you are mostly running in 2-4th gear with 5th on the long stretch before the hairpin.

Are you running some after market intercooler? Also I think stock airbox is simply the best for track and dd.
Oil cooler?

Cheaper solution to cool down intercooler --> http://www.speedalliance.com/catalog...roductid=21272
I was using something similar on my MAZDA 323 GTR

[Elsabor67]

I have the Afe intake and the stock oil cooler. No aftermarket intercooler yet but I've been keeping an eye on a couple of setups.

I'm gonna check that link out. Thanks.

[Dackelone]

Hey Guys, It might be time for you all to change your oil & filter and maybe your brake fluid too. I am sure you guys put a few thousand miles of wear on your brakes/tires.

I enjoy the pics and video. Do you guys have any more photos?


Dackel

[chachacha28]

<jealous! i want to run here at least once before the 'ring in may.

[Elsabor67]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Hey Guys, It might be time for you all to change your oil & filter and maybe your brake fluid too. I am sure you guys put a few thousand miles of wear on your brakes/tires.

I enjoy the pics and video. Do you guys have any more photos?


Dackel

Dack, New brakes and front slotted rotors are on the way to include Cool Carbon pads and also buying the oil today.

I am trying to upload my photos on to pbucket but I think my modem/router can't support the speed since a snail can run faster than it

[Rikx1M]

Originally Posted by Elsabor67

Dack, New brakes and front slotted rotors are on the way to include Cool Carbon pads and also buying the oil today.

I am trying to upload my photos on to pbucket but I think my modem/router can't support the speed since a snail can run faster than it

Nick...I just uploaded via the built in attachment uploader here at the forums...just don't upload all your images. Or start a flickr account. I put up maybe 6-7 images out of the 50 or more I shot.

As far as track prep goes, my only mods were brake fluid. I did have slight brake fade after heading to the paddock after the first round but the second round I used dct and stopped manually shifting which actually resulted in better times and less stress shifting which allowed me more time (milleseconds) to analyze traffic and approaching speed demons....I enjoyed the second round better than the first and suffered no brake fade after 10-12 laps.

Hope that helps.

[adrean8j]

Grrr....so, so, so jealous...I lived in the area for almost 6 years and half that time the track was closed to non-race trackdays.....how much did it cost to run?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

Grrr....so, so, so jealous...I lived in the area for almost 6 years and half that time the track was closed to non-race trackdays.....how much did it cost to run?

Yea... how does it cost? Are there any rules or tech inspections? Or is it just run what ya brung type thing? Do you need a helmet? TIA

Dackel.

[Rikx1M]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Yea... how does it cost? Are there any rules or tech inspections? Or is it just run what ya brung type thing? Do you need a helmet? TIA

Dackel.

Cost is 12 euros a session which lasted 20-25 minutes...seemed like a longer time though.

I brought a helmet but didn't wear it....would have been nice if I'd gotten banged up and tossed off the track.

Supposedly rules of the road, no racing, and no inspections other than what you do to the car to make sure you are ready.

[adrean8j]

No racing? Umm...what exactly does that mean? No passing zones? If that is the case then it sounds like a "taste of the track" session at a stateside HPDE.....booo....but for 12euros I wouldn't complain, that is a pretty decent price!