Driving school at NHIS - what an awesome experience!

[M3_Boogie]

At the risk of starting yet another meaningful thread in NE section, I write this review of my 1st DE for the benefit of those who haven't been.

Here's a map of the track for reference:

For someone who has never been to the track before, I was a little nervous at first, but most of that went away as soon as I got behind the wheel. My instructor (Dave) drove us through the course for 2 slow-ish laps at the beginning to point out the line, turn-in points, apex's and the like, then 1 lap "at speed" - holy butterflies in my stomach! Then it was my turn to drive...

The rest of my 1st session (of 4) I took it relatively easy and learned the line, turn-in points, easing on and off the thottle/brakes, how much to slow down before the tight turns, etc. This really calmed any remaining nervousness I had.

2nd session: Much improved since I already had a good picture of the track in my head. What an incredible feeling it is to be throttling out of a slightly banked, on-camber left turn (turn 2) towards a concrete wall at ~85 mph and just feeling the car go where it is supposed to go

3rd session: Probably the most fun (since I started to get a little tired in the 4th). On one lap I managed to nail turn 6 (a sharp, bowl-like on-camber turn leading to some uphill S's) just right and by the time I got to the crest of the hill (just before turn 8), the car was going so fast, the suspension unweighted slightly! After I got it settled and braked for turn 9, Dave says while laughing "ha ha ha, wow... that was fast!"

4th session: Starting to get a little tired, so I took it easier having full intentions of driving my car home. I practiced a few techniques I learned throughout the day (trail braking, heel-toeing, etc).

All the sayings you've heard about not fully appreciating what your car can do and what incredibly intense fun can be had at a driving school are entirely true! If you've never been to a driving school, I highly recommend trying this!

Thanks again to all of you who offered advice, tips, etc, and Steve for the loaner helmet, and John for pulling cones out from under my car at the ADSS ).

[///M3Driver]

Sounds like you had a blast. I'd like to go sometime just to watch. I think it would be a great day.

Did you take any pics of your awesome experience? I'd love to see them! If you did..post'um up!

[M3_Boogie]

There were a lot of people taking pics there, but I haven't seen one of me yet. Without CMT's skills, it was hard to take pics of cars moving that fast without a tripod. Here is one of Dave coming out of turn 2 on a solo run during one the instructor's sessions.

[///M3Driver]

Nice. Do you know when they are holding another event? I'm there.

[Max M3]

Originally Posted by M3_Boogie

There were a lot of people taking pics there, but I haven't seen one of me yet. Without CMT's skills, it was hard to take pics of cars moving that fast without a tripod. Here is one of Dave coming out of turn 2 on a solo run during one the instructor's sessions.

I was up there taking pics on 4/19... I haven't posted them but if anyone was there and wants to know if I got you, just let me know.

[M3_Boogie]

Originally Posted by A4driver

Nice. Do you know when they are holding another event? I'm there.

Check your local BMWCCA chapter site, or whatever club you're interested in (SCCA, SCDA, etc). NHIS even has a site that may have some info.

Originally Posted by Max M3

I was up there taking pics on 4/19... I haven't posted them but if anyone was there and wants to know if I got you, just let me know.

Damn, wrong date. I got a little excited there. Cool of you all the same Max.

[Max M3]

Here's one from 4/19:

[AntiHero]

How far of a drive was it to get there? I really wanna go to one of these things soon. Sounds like you had an awesome time. Im sure it was alot of fun.

[tiger740]

Originally Posted by Max M3

I was up there taking pics on 4/19... I haven't posted them but if anyone was there and wants to know if I got you, just let me know.

Hi, Do you have any pictures of the midnight blue NSX?
I was supposed to be there with my Alpine White M3, but took the NSX instead.

Thanks so much.

[EDIT]

Oh, I just realized that I was there with Alpine White M3 on 4/19.
I was there with my NSX on 4/29.

[tiger740]

Oh, I just realized that I was there with Alpine White M3 on 4/19.
I was there with my NSX on 4/29.

[Max M3]

Originally Posted by tiger740

Oh, I just realized that I was there with Alpine White M3 on 4/19.
I was there with my NSX on 4/29.

I have only 1 Alpine in the shots from that day. It's #44 with a BIG wing on the back... is that you?

[kvcicca]

Yeah, it was a good day. Perfect weather and everything.

I was able to experince a spin, luckly, not in my car. I was with my instructor, no damage, just ate some dirt.

My car # was 30x (i dont remember the last digit) if there are any pics, I would love to see them.

[M3_Boogie]

as a matter of fact, I did get a pic of the NSX, although from a distance but again on turn 2. Here are the rest of my pics.

tiger - PM me if you want the full size version.

[M3_Boogie]

Originally Posted by kvcicca

I was able to experince a spin, luckly, not in my car. I was with my instructor, no damage, just ate some dirt.

Nice! I saw the carnage from that around the Esses (turn 11).

[tiger740]

Originally Posted by M3_Boogie

as a matter of fact, I did get a pic of the NSX, although from a distance but again on turn 2. Here are the rest of my pics.

tiger - PM me if you want the full size version.

Thanks so much M3 Boogie!!