tracking the z3

[yellowjacket]

Hello all - I'm looking at an opportunity to do a track event (Just Track It at Road Atlanta) and wonder whether anyone's had issues with the convertible's qualifications, particularly if the factory roll bars (I have a 2001) have been deemed acceptable to run at the track. Thanks in advance for any feedback. I'd hate to register and have problems later, although tracking the Accord instead would be interesting.

 

[andyglym]

@Lee @Brian H and a few others have tracked their Zeds so maybe able to fill in some gaps.

 

[Sean d]

be prepared to wipe out your brakes and tyres

 

[Brian H]

Hello all - I'm looking at an opportunity to do a track event (Just Track It at Road Atlanta) and wonder whether anyone's had issues with the convertible's qualifications, particularly if the factory roll bars (I have a 2001) have been deemed acceptable to run at the track. Thanks in advance for any feedback. I'd hate to register and have problems later, although tracking the Accord instead would be interesting.

Hi @yellowjacket , The factory roll bars should be OK for you at this event, I had a quick look on the Just Track It web site and it states the following: -

Convertibles

• Convertibles are welcome however they must have a factory installed roll bar or aftermarket roll over protection that meets SCCA PDX or NASA requirements
• Driver and passenger must be below the top of the windshield and rollbar with helmet on (broomstick rule)
• Convertibles that do not have a rollbar (such as Corvette, Camaro, Mustang, Saturn Sky, Pontiac Solistice, NA or NB Miata) must have an aftermarket rollbar meeting SCCA or NASA requirements to participate

It is maybe worth a quick email to the organisers below to check though to save any disappointment, another note is that In the UK we also have to have a full face helmet in a convertible now, even with the roof up.

Contact details
Vehicle type must be suitable for on track activities – if in doubt, please email info@justtrackit.net for clarification.

The one thing that is not on the list above is to go and have fun, the Z3 is a real hoot to drive

 

[yellowjacket]

Thanks much, Andy, Sean, and Brian. I've followed Brian's advice and contacted Just Track It, and they're OK with the factory bars in Novice and Intermediate I groups. (Is it wrong to be anxious about what I'd do in Intermediate II?) I've tracked a manual e34 535 some 20-odd years ago, so I'm prepared for wear and tear, though this would be my first two-day event. Happy driving.

 

[Brian H]

I'm prepared for wear and tear, though this would be my first two-day event. Happy driving

Please flush your brake fluid with some high temp fluid and put in a decent set of pads, it won’t cost a lot to do this but will pay dividends when on track. I’m sure after 20 years it will be like riding a bike, you never forget!!!!

 

[yellowjacket]

Excellent advice. It's funny, but the south Florida BMWCCA chapter recommended this back when. I hope JTI has their own instructions--it would be a good sign that they'd recommend solid basic stuff like this. p.s. nice color for the Z--I need to get a better picture than the end of a driveway for mine, tho!