M3 on a Go-Kart Track. In-Car Video

[FrenchBoy]

Some of you may recall that I took my E90 M3 to Pacific Grand Prix go kart track a month or so ago and had a complete blast.

Well, there was another event on Thursday and this time a few forum members joined me, i.e. Dawgdog, KM3 and Adamk24 (very nice meeting you Adam). What a hoot of a day it was.

Thanks for KM3's camera mount, I was able to shoot a couple of in-car videos of my sessions. Here is one with Dawgdog riding shotgun. Sorry for the poor sound quality.

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And here is a quick video of the M3 going past the front straight.

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Enjoy.

[FlyFish]

When did they open the new go-cart track at Pacific? How often do they open it up to open track? I noticed you didn't have a 'track-person' in the car, they let you on this one alone?

Sweet video, by the way!

[DC5ITR88]

next time close ur windows....thats if u didnt have tints

[Serious]

drove go karts on that track 2 weeks ago... it a really fun track. Im suprised the m3 got around some of the tighter corners as easily as it looks like it did.

[skierman64]

Looks like fun, were you on PS2s? It seems like they would get hot quickly, did they get squirmy? My el cheapo video camera has a electronic wind noise eliminator. I don't know if that's a common feature or not but you might want to see if it's available on your camera.

Holy cow that Porsche was loud.

Thanks for sharing.

[signes]

Must have been fun. Nice gloves BTW, don't see those much any more. Supporting your homeland...

[KonigsTiger]

hahaha!! Looks like great fine but the track does seem a tad too small. Go carts - figures.

[spicoli024]

Originally Posted by DC5ITR88

next time close ur windows....thats if u didnt have tints

that would help with the noise for sure!

That Porsche sounded amazing. Aside from exhaust, do you know if it was stock?

Thanks for sharing, twisty course looks fun!

[335iTrace]

wish they had that in NC

[dawgdog]

Was really a fun day. Nice low stress venue to work on car control. Mostly S2000s, but also a number of Lotus', BMWs, and even a GTR. Next time we are doing a video I will keep my mouth shut.

[dawgdog]

Forgot to thank KM3 (Jet Black e92 M3) for helping with the photos.

[datbimmerdoe]

Awesome pics and vids.

[KM3]

Photos and videos look great, guys! Had a blast driving this course (despite the crazy understeer with the stock setup) - wish I could have stayed the full day. Looking forward to the next one - maybe I'll have my track setup by then.

[KM3]

Originally Posted by DC5ITR88

next time close ur windows....thats if u didnt have tints

No can do - windows stay open for safety reasons.

[lacrosse]

That Lotus must have kicked ass!

[dawgdog]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

That Lotus must have kicked ass!

I took a ride with Chris, the event organizer, in his black Lotus. Very quick. But when I informally timed the cars French Boy was very competitive.

[lacrosse]

Originally Posted by dawgdog

I took a ride with Chris, the event organizer, in his black Lotus. Very quick. But when I informally timed the cars French Boy was very competitive.

Good to know. I figured on sucha tight circuit the Lotus would have the advantage. Thanks!

[zenderm3]

Nice job - and great track - we have a go karting track here in Brisbane, however it is a lot smaller and more compact than yours... great concept though!

[edcvin]

That looks like it was so much fun.


-Vin

[skierman64]

French Boy,

What is the rule on passing? Seems like it would be difficult with such a tight circuit

Originally Posted by 335iTrace

wish they had that in NC

You live about 2-3 hours from one of the best facilities in the country, VIR.

Originally Posted by lacrosse

Good to know. I figured on sucha tight circuit the Lotus would have the advantage. Thanks!

One thing you'll find out is when you go to the track is speeds are as much driver dependent as they are car dependent. Cars that should be slow are sometimes passing cars that should be fast. See my sig in bold below.

[KM3]

Originally Posted by skierman64

What is the rule on passing? Seems like it would be difficult with such a tight circuit

Absolutely no passing allowed. There are four cars on the track for each 10 minute session, so they are spaced out in such a way that you generally won't catch up with the person in front of you. If you do, you ease back, give them some space, and then resume. Or, you come of track and get waved back on.

Originally Posted by skierman64

One thing you'll find out is when you go to the track is speeds are as much driver dependent as they are car dependent. Cars that should be slow are sometimes passing cars that should be fast. See my sig in bold below.

100% agree. This track is very tight and technical by its nature, and as a result, it really points out flaws in technique and areas for driver improvement. The M3 is extremely well mannered on a tight track (surprisingly so, though the weaknesses of the stock wheel/tire combo show through) and with some practice and eagerness to learn, can hang with some of the best of them.

[FrenchBoy]

Originally Posted by FlyFish

When did they open the new go-cart track at Pacific? How often do they open it up to open track? I noticed you didn't have a 'track-person' in the car, they let you on this one alone?

The go kart track opened earlier this year I believe. It's taken an awful long time to get done but it was worth it if you ask me. So far, the track has been rented for actual cars about once a month since July. very casual atmosphere. It's pretty much a bunch of guys who rent the track for themselves for the day. It was my second time and I'll be back for sure ;-)

Originally Posted by skierman64

Looks like fun, were you on PS2s? It seems like they would get hot quickly, did they get squirmy? My el cheapo video camera has a electronic wind noise eliminator. I don't know if that's a common feature or not but you might want to see if it's available on your camera.

No, I was running my track setup: 275/35/18 Direzza Star Spec all around. KM3 was running on his PS2 which did okay. The main issue with the stock setup is pronounced understeer which is quite noticeable on such a tight track.
I used my stock pads this time, as opposed to my Carbotech last time I went. I was a bit disapointed with their performance. Fading was not really an issue on this track since the sessions only last 10 mins. However, the initial bite is pretty weak. I had to brake much earlier than I did last time.

I need to check if my camera (a Canon PS880 IS) has this feature. Would be nice.

Originally Posted by signes

Must have been fun. Nice gloves BTW, don't see those much any more. Supporting your homeland...

Thanks. Love them. Stand21 is not only from my homeland, they're from my hometown: Dijon, France
21 is the number for the departement of "Cote d'Or" where Dijon is.