Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

The one Scheides linked to is SA-rated, you can get the M-rated version for a bit under $100 I believe.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Did you end up getting yours off eBay brandon?

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Yeah, all the pics are in the thread. I personally don't need anything SA rated which is why I went with that one. To each their own!

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I will be needing to buy an SA rated helmet for racing this summer so I'll have my black Snell 2005 M-rated helmet for sale. Even comes with a nice MitsuStyle decal on it. :)

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Are you serious? Hot metal flying off red hot brake rotors, scary stuff! That just means he was using the brakes as they were meant to be used. :)

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

We weren't able to see it, but it concerned the corner workers. Almost considered upgrading the brakes this winter to improve stopping even more, but probably wont get it done this year. Might get rid of the factory pads though.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I'm certainly going to make as many autox's as I can this year. I have 2 reliable autocross worthy cars and a much better work schedule, so no more excuses really.

No drag racing for me this year, but I'd like to go to BIR at least once if I can.

My only limitation is working weekends in July and August. I have most of my weekends available in May, June, September, and early October though.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Northstar BMW is at BIR May 14-16 for those interested

*** Mark your calendars in advance: Our Spring Performance Driving School at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) will be held May 14th - 16th, 2010. We will be driving on the long-track. Registration will open early 2010. ***

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

win

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I sent an email to the people to see the process for registering and if anyone can go. Sounds like a great deal and I will definately sign up if they allow different cars.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Any idea on what that is going to cost?

*edit: I found it. $350

*2nd edit: I think they allow non-BMW's but I'm not sure. It says they allow non-members.
Looking at my calendar though, I wont be going. I'll instead be attending the MAC DCTC test and tune that weekend. Not as exciting I know, but it's cheaper I'm already spending a ton of money on car stuff in May.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I would like to try an autocross test and tune day for sure..and of course rallyx is my main form of racing and takes all my moneys, if anyone is interested in trying this with me feel free..nothing a little reassurance tape cant handle if your worried about rock chips.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

lemme know what you do. I'd likely be game.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I sent an email about the BMW day to the event email address yesterday morning and am still waiting to hear back. I went into the registration area and the event is not listed there. Will post up what I hear back.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Ordered my helmet yesterday! $148 shipped, with free balaclava and helmet bag.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartg...lag=3&brand=67

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

^^ lol

Scheides while driving this summer:
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/nascar/2009...nhardt.510.jpg

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Everyone wanting to do autocross, please heed my advice: Do the novice school first! You will enjoy your time more at future events, and you'll be faster at future events! Please, just trust me.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Bah, where'd all the drag racers go... for those of us too poor to auto cross.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

^^^I'll be with ya on that one most likely. Auto-x seems fun, but I have a feeling I'll be spending more money then I need to, doing it. The occasional trip to the track is enough to get my fix for racing.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

A funny way to look at it. Launching breaks all kinds of very expensive things on Evo X's. I'd have to upgrade the center diff pins for sure...it'd be wise to upgrade front & rear diffs as well. $5-6k I'd guess.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

It breaks all kinds of things on dsm's too, I garentee I will snap at least 1 axle this summer racing... I snapped one with street tires on 45degree pavement 3 months ago so I'm willing to bet in the middle of the summer 1 bad hop in first is gonna happen.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

This right here is why I stick to DSM's. Cost for parts when broken are easier pills to swallow. I don't need a new car, or a newer vehicle when I can still have a blast with my old, faded vehicle.

I'm looking forward to some racing coming up really soon.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Since when was autocrossing expensive? There are people driving a Taurus, stock base model Focus, G5 GT... Why? Because it's fun. A single autocross event costs just as much as a day at the drag strip, maybe less because it's local.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I look at the fact that if I even wanted to attempt to auto cross a dsm it would need springs at a minimum... I guess I'm more competitive in the sense that going out and being last isn't fun for me... besides the tire wear, and the fact that I don't even have tires that are anywhere remotely sticky for the street...

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Drag doesn't wear tires? haha. The rubber on the track must come from somewhere.

I think the point is that drag doesn't cost less than other forms of motorsports...you've just chosen to build your car for drag. That's a very different thing than trying to tell us you can't afford it. I've built my car with road courses in mind because that's what I want to do.

I like watching rallys on TV and hope to get out and spectate at some of these other events this year, though.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Autocrossing is much cheaper unless you aren't modifying or breaking the car you're drag racing.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Those of you interested but expressing doubts about autox or whether or not your car will do well...

Just do the novice school. Seriously. You'll get to give it a go in a non-competitive environment and be able to talk to some of the best local autox'ers about your driving and setup possibilities. You really can't ask for more.

Plus, it's a ton of fun.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I can't tell if you're just making excuses because you don't want to autocross or if you really do think that these things are issues. Autocross has nothing to do with having a properly set up car. It's just like going to a fun day at the drag strip, run what you brung!

The novice class doesn't care how fast you are. The point is to get out there and drive your car and learn how to drive it, not worry about how you're doing compared to everyone else. It's not about competition unless you want it to be, and frankly being competitive should be the last thing on your mind. Fun first, becoming a better driver second, everything else doesn't matter.

I used a set of 180 treadwear tires for a season and a half of autocrossing (19 events) and close to 30,000 driving miles. If you're using all seasons I guarantee you will not see much wear after a couple events. The tires will be scuffed, yes, but it isn't like you're taking a cheese grater to them.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Alright, you make good points. Its just a personal choice thing. I guess the drag racing is fun for me cause I am friends with a few people that are going to have cars roughly as fast as mine, so it's competitive without loosing the fun I guess. We can agree to disagree right?

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

The thing you're forgetting, and I want to make PERFECTLY clear to everyone else involved is that there is no real competition in this little bench racer's league, its to go out, give some events a try, and go from there. Sure we'll be comparing notes while at events and after, but it'll be completely about SELF-IMPROVEMENT and HAVING FUN!

Guys that have done these events before I appreciate your input, but please make sure to be respectful of me trying to just get people out and have some fun w/o making this too much about racing. At the same time, I don't want to segregate our group too much either, since we're a pretty small one as-is :D

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

to add to what MattD said... autocross is mainly the driver, not the car. By the end of the day at the novice school i was pulling times faster than a lot of cars that were more modified and could be considered 'faster' than mine.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

AutoX for me and any other kind or turning wheel stuff, well actually all of it is just so I can become a better driver and learn more about my car.

I know for drag racing I learned a lot about launching the car strip vs. street, shift points, etc.

From everyone that has done auto-x, road courses, they seem to all say the same thing that the first mod is the driver then the car and actually I have noticed a lot of people get into racing for a bit, then once they are experienced get a car that is more competitive.
Looks like i need to drive before i build the Z.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I recently read this book. Good stuff.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...SH20_OU01_.jpg

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Yep, and there will be guys with stock Miatas putting down times you and I could only dream of. :)

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

No problem, it's just typical of people to shy away from autocross because they think it's lame or something, then once they try it they like it and have fun. I don't know of any other way to get people out there than debunk their excuses and theories. Maybe pay for their novice school entries out of my own pocket?

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

^You can pay for me if you want? (if im not working by then)

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I might have to get that! I've had this one by Vic Elford (porsche factory driver) for about 10 years, fantastic read.

http://www.amazon.com/Porsche-High-P.../dp/0879388498

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

I'm not trying to bash autox or anything I have done it before, and have a few close friends whos autox events I've gone too, they are fun, and I'm not trying to make it sound like I want the drag racing in the bench racing on here to be competitive, I was referring to the group of friends that I drag race with being slightly competitive. I think the approach of just getting people out is a good one and one I would gladly partake in.

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

Ha, if my 1G dosnt brake down before the official track day date has been decided. There aint no way on earth i wont show up with a flat bed. Auto x and drag racing is like making over confident grandpa play a round of flag foot ball without prepping your car LOL

Re: 2010 Bench Racer's League
 

^Is your car that big of a hack you will for sure need a flatbed?
I would just stay home then cause it wastes a lot of time cleaning up after leaky/blowed up shit.

How is this guy still making re-tard posts?

Have any dates been set?