Autocross this weekend

bigmicj · 09-02-2009, 04:31 PM

I was just curious if anyone here was going to the BMW CCLA autocross this weekend at California Speedway?

xbook · 09-03-2009, 08:50 PM

Hey hey bigmicj,

I WAS going to go, but one of the films I am working on needs to come back in over the holiday weekend for additional editorial. So, I won't be there to run or coach...MAJOR BUMMER!!!! I was planning to go, and also participate in the TSD rally on saturday. But, oh well, work commitments...gotta pay for my 1er n' all...

Have fun out there, and please post pics when you get back.

aisthetes · 09-04-2009, 10:30 AM

I'm registered. It'll be my first shakedown with the 1, stock run flats included!

bigmicj · 09-04-2009, 02:38 PM

Cool, I'll be there with my mostly stock 128. Are you doing the rally too?

bigmicj · 09-04-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xbook

Hey hey bigmicj,

I WAS going to go, but one of the films I am working on needs to come back in over the holiday weekend for additional editorial. So, I won't be there to run or coach...MAJOR BUMMER!!!! I was planning to go, and also participate in the TSD rally on saturday. But, oh well, work commitments...gotta pay for my 1er n' all...

Have fun out there, and please post pics when you get back.

Will do! Work is work, I totally understand. Are you an editor? I know that's a job that NEVER ends until the film has gone to print.

aisthetes · 09-04-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigmicj

Cool, I'll be there with my mostly stock 128. Are you doing the rally too?

No, just the auto-x on Sunday. See you there.

Robert · 09-04-2009, 05:13 PM

Anyone had trouble registering? I click on register and it says the car is already registered but I dont see myself on the list.

aisthetes · 09-04-2009, 05:22 PM

Mine didn't go through at first because the car number I chose was already taken. Once I picked a new one, it went through without issue.

former · 09-06-2009, 05:53 PM

That was some good fun! I couldn't stay the whole day due to exhaustion and other commitments but I was able to get two runs in before leaving. The 135 did very well through a unique and challenging course whose slalom design, I still don't fully comprehend.

Met some nice folks including, I think the OP and a few M3 and 335 owners. It was a well run and well organized event. Kudos to BMW CCA - LA Chapter!

The iPhone isn't really a good device for these events, but a couple of pictures came out ok.

aisthetes · 09-07-2009, 09:19 AM

I had a great time at my first BMW CCA auto-x. The 135i is a pretty phenomenal package from the factory, but the stock run flats gave me serious traction problems, particularly during the timed runs in the heat of the afternoon. The tires live up to their reputation as being heavy, hard and greasy. Still, the car performed well, and I was surprised to take 2nd in class. The best part was showing up most of the M cars out there.

I wanted to introduce myself to you guys, but it seemed we were always racing or working at different times. Hope to have the chance next time.

Final results are up:
https://axwaresystems.com/axorm/clubinfo_main.php

former · 09-07-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aisthetes

I had a great time at my first BMW CCA auto-x. The 135i is a pretty phenomenal package from the factory, but the stock run flats gave me serious traction problems, particularly during the timed runs in the heat of the afternoon. The tires live up to their reputation as being heavy, hard and greasy. Still, the car performed well, and I was surprised to take 2nd in class. The best part was showing up most of the M cars out there.

I wanted to introduce myself to you guys, but it seemed we were always racing or working at different times. Hope to have the chance next time.

Final results are up:
https://axwaresystems.com/axorm/clubinfo_main.php

Agreed on pretty much all counts. One thing that I did note is that while the understeer is fairly pronounced once you start to push it, the car does communicate quite well that you are starting to get up to the edge. I think the chassis is capable of quite a bit more performance with a merely a better tire setup.

As I was working the course and watching all the vehicles, I felt like the 1 series got through some of the technical switch back areas much more efficiently than the larger cars - we're just more agile.

I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet as well, but I did get to see you drive as I was working the course when you were driving.

aisthetes · 09-09-2009, 08:27 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I didn't get to work your run group, which also had bigmicj's 128i, so I couldn't get a detailed view of the 1's agility in action. I was hoping you'd stay for the timed runs, as you were my only true performance benchmark out there - especially since you were also on runflats!

You're right, with a proper set of tires alone, the car will be formidable. Add in suspension and neg front camber, and it'll be a little beast. Maybe once more of us start setting up our 1s for competition and using them actively, the car will gain a new level of respect from the BMW crowd. Right now, I get the sense that it's still a bit underrated.

bigmicj · 09-09-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aisthetes

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I didn't get to work your run group, which also had bigmicj's 128i, so I couldn't get a detailed view of the 1's agility in action. I was hoping you'd stay for the timed runs, as you were my only true performance benchmark out there - especially since you were also on runflats!

You're right, with a proper set of tires alone, the car will be formidable. Add in suspension and neg front camber, and it'll be a little beast. Maybe once more of us start setting up our 1s for competition and using them actively, the car will gain a new level of respect from the BMW crowd. Right now, I get the sense that it's still a bit underrated.

Hey guys, I was glad to see the 1er's represented there. Aisthetes I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. I walked over to say hello, but I think you were working the course.

I couldn't agree more with you in regard to the runflats. When others on the board talked about how bad they were, I just didn't get it. For daily street use they seemed fine to me. This weekend was quite the eye opener though. On my second timed lap, I turned off the traction control and lost the backend on the second turn. It felt like my car was constantly trying to find grip through the rest of the course.

Biggest lesson learned - I need different tires. My thrid run was pretty bad as I hit a cone and went off course, stopped and had to back up to get back on track

Even so, I had a BLAST at my first autocross and will definitely be attending more in the future

I'll post some pics my wife took a little later.

aisthetes · 09-10-2009, 08:10 AM

Yep, I also experienced heavy understeer in the tight, technical sections and oversteer putting the power down in faster segments. My front tires in particular are pretty trashed.

The car was loose overall, but still quick. I ran with all traction control off (hold button down 5+ sec), which makes car control challenging, but ultimately faster in a competition environment where slip angles under acceleration are a good thing.

Looking forward to seeing your pics.

bigmicj · 09-10-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aisthetes

The car was loose overall, but still quick. I ran with all traction control off (hold button down 5+ sec), which makes car control challenging, but ultimately faster in a competition environment where slip angles under acceleration are a good thing.

Looking forward to seeing your pics.

Hey there, I just posted the pics in the Photos section. Here's the thread:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300593

09-02-2009, 04:31 PM	#1
bigmicj Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 128i + M240iX Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LaLaLand iTrader: (0)	Autocross this weekend I was just curious if anyone here was going to the BMW CCLA autocross this weekend at California Speedway?
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09-03-2009, 08:50 PM	#2
xbook Lieutenant Colonel 131 Rep 1,540 Posts Drives: '14 EBII M235i & '06 R53 GP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northridge, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 MINI Cooper S GP [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00] 2008 E82 [0.00]	Hey hey bigmicj, I WAS going to go, but one of the films I am working on needs to come back in over the holiday weekend for additional editorial. So, I won't be there to run or coach...MAJOR BUMMER!!!! I was planning to go, and also participate in the TSD rally on saturday. But, oh well, work commitments...gotta pay for my 1er n' all... Have fun out there, and please post pics when you get back. __________________
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09-04-2009, 10:30 AM	#3
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I'm registered. It'll be my first shakedown with the 1, stock run flats included!
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09-04-2009, 02:38 PM	#4
bigmicj Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 128i + M240iX Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LaLaLand iTrader: (0)	Cool, I'll be there with my mostly stock 128. Are you doing the rally too?
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09-04-2009, 05:13 PM	#7
Robert Major General 414 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Anyone had trouble registering? I click on register and it says the car is already registered but I dont see myself on the list.
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09-04-2009, 05:22 PM	#8
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Mine didn't go through at first because the car number I chose was already taken. Once I picked a new one, it went through without issue.
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09-06-2009, 05:53 PM	#9
former Practical Idealist 9 Rep 408 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Greater Los Angeles Area iTrader: (0)	That was some good fun! I couldn't stay the whole day due to exhaustion and other commitments but I was able to get two runs in before leaving. The 135 did very well through a unique and challenging course whose slalom design, I still don't fully comprehend. Met some nice folks including, I think the OP and a few M3 and 335 owners. It was a well run and well organized event. Kudos to BMW CCA - LA Chapter! The iPhone isn't really a good device for these events, but a couple of pictures came out ok. __________________ -f 2009 135 6MT Montego Blue Coupe, Sport, Prem, Cold, Nav, CA, iPod, Smartphone \| Euro Delivery on 10/25/2008
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09-07-2009, 09:19 AM	#10
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I had a great time at my first BMW CCA auto-x. The 135i is a pretty phenomenal package from the factory, but the stock run flats gave me serious traction problems, particularly during the timed runs in the heat of the afternoon. The tires live up to their reputation as being heavy, hard and greasy. Still, the car performed well, and I was surprised to take 2nd in class. The best part was showing up most of the M cars out there. I wanted to introduce myself to you guys, but it seemed we were always racing or working at different times. Hope to have the chance next time. Final results are up: https://axwaresystems.com/axorm/clubinfo_main.php
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09-09-2009, 08:27 AM	#12
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I didn't get to work your run group, which also had bigmicj's 128i, so I couldn't get a detailed view of the 1's agility in action. I was hoping you'd stay for the timed runs, as you were my only true performance benchmark out there - especially since you were also on runflats! You're right, with a proper set of tires alone, the car will be formidable. Add in suspension and neg front camber, and it'll be a little beast. Maybe once more of us start setting up our 1s for competition and using them actively, the car will gain a new level of respect from the BMW crowd. Right now, I get the sense that it's still a bit underrated.
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09-10-2009, 08:10 AM	#14
aisthetes First Lieutenant 13 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Competition Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Yep, I also experienced heavy understeer in the tight, technical sections and oversteer putting the power down in faster segments. My front tires in particular are pretty trashed. The car was loose overall, but still quick. I ran with all traction control off (hold button down 5+ sec), which makes car control challenging, but ultimately faster in a competition environment where slip angles under acceleration are a good thing. Looking forward to seeing your pics.
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