[Cpatel]

Where do you guys go to drive your car on the track. I'm in the LA area but OC isn't too far.

[bimmer456]

Irwindale or Fontana.

[Cpatel]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Irwindale or Fontana.

Both of these tracks are just circular loops right? Are there no public tracks with cornering sections and things that exhibition tracks have?

Also, how does going to the track work? Do you show up and take a number or something like that?

[cfm56d7b]

It's a bit of a drive but Palm Springs area has a track worth visiting. It's the same track used by BMW Performance Driving School. I recall it's a private track. Do not know if visitors are allowed.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

It's a bit of a drive but Palm Springs area has a track worth visiting. It's the same track used by BMW Performance Driving School. I recall it's a private track. Do not know if visitors are allowed.

It's called Thermal or something like that. They have events where you track your own car.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by Cpatel

Both of these tracks are just circular loops right? Are there no public tracks with cornering sections and things that exhibition tracks have?

Also, how does going to the track work? Do you show up and take a number or something like that?

Yes just loops. Not sure about that. Bimmerfest west takes place in Fontana and they use the inner area for tracking events as well as the oval.

[CalCarNut]

Irwindale is an 1/8th mile track IF it's still open along with the 1/8th mile circle track that was there (but not used for amateurs..)
Fontana has a 1/4 mil track but thats a heck of a trek.......

[Gen13 F36]

It's a bit of a driver...there are open track days at buttonwillow raceway. Use to $30 for a full day of fun but last time I check was $60

[97supratt]

Buttonwillow, willowsprings (big willow) and (streets of willow), chuckawalla, cali speedway (fontana) with the roval, norcal you have laguna seca, thunderhill.

[Cpatel]

Originally Posted by 97supratt

Buttonwillow, willowsprings (big willow) and (streets of willow), chuckawalla, cali speedway (fontana) with the roval, norcal you have laguna seca, thunderhill.

Thank you guys

[CHANTARS]

Streets of Willow is def one of my favorite tracks out here, but it is a drive but definitely worth it. I recommend going with Speed Ventures, last time I went with them, the track day was really organized and everyone was friendly!

[Gen13 F36]

If your going to a far away track be sure keep an eye on your tires...lol. you might end up with expensive tow.

[chenry]

BCCA San Diego Chapter has a very active auto cross schedule - about every 5-6 weeks at Qualcomm stadium parking lot - generally the track they set up is pretty , instructors are great and everyone I have met there is super friendly. Typically they serve lunch and have refreshments throughout the day. Hotels in the are are relativly inexpensive if you want to drive down the night before. My Son I will be there next month. Here's a link:

https://www.sdbmwcca.com/upcoming-autocrosses/


If you've never been I'd be happy to answer any questions....

[jmg]

I've been to Button Willow and Willow Springs. Willow Springs has Big Willow and Streets of Willow. Big Willow is FAST, and has "the fastest turn on any racetrack west of the Mississippi River." Lots of fun! Here's me at Big Willow:

20181101_1635 - Willow Springs - 6D - IMG_9070-Edit_100 by JMG, on Flickr

I'll post a vid of the track when I get get a decent one uploaded.

[jmg]

Here's a quick video:

[Bluebeasty]

Nice! On my bucket list to track my car.......

[97supratt]

Originally Posted by jmg

I've been to Button Willow and Willow Springs. Willow Springs has Big Willow and Streets of Willow. Big Willow is FAST, and has "the fastest turn on any racetrack west of the Mississippi River." Lots of fun! Here's me at Big Willow:

20181101_1635 - Willow Springs - 6D - IMG_9070-Edit_100 by JMG, on Flickr

I'll post a vid of the track when I get get a decent one uploaded.

Nice , best lap time?

[jmg]

Originally Posted by 97supratt

Nice , best lap time?

1:42.5 on street tires and OEM pads. Not great, but okay for my first time I guess. I slowed down quite a bit on turn 8. My buddy came off the track at turn 9, so I was a little spooked. Here's my fastest lap, you can see that I hit turn 8 at about 101 mph but I think I could have kept it at 120 or 115mph. I was a bit early in turn 9 and if my angle was better I think I could have hit 140+ on the front straight instead of 138mph.

[97supratt]

Originally Posted by jmg

1:42.5 on street tires and OEM pads. Not great, but okay for my first time I guess. I slowed down quite a bit on turn 8. My buddy came off the track at turn 9, so I was a little spooked. Here's my fastest lap, you can see that I hit turn 8 at about 101 mph but I think I could have kept it at 120 or 115mph. I was a bit early in turn 9 and if my angle was better I think I could have hit 140+ on the front straight instead of 138mph.

Ya turn 9 can be dangerous i've seen too many people go off. You can lower your lap time a bit. Just keep hitting the track. It's all about smooth apexs and and entry and exit speed.

[Gen13 F36]

You guys so lucky you have this toys (camera, in dash monitor) to record your track day. Back in the days you need to mount full 8mm camera....lol

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

You guys so lucky you have this toys (camera, in dash monitor) to record your track day. Back in the days you need to mount full 8mm camera....lol

Yeah, super easy. I just use Harry's LapTimer (Petrolhead Edition) on my iphone for lap, g-force, and speed telemetry synced with a GoPro for video. My only complaint is the microphone, which picks up mostly wind noise from the windows being down. I should probably mic the rear exhaust!

[nyc_dude]

Porsche event in Late March 2019 in Fontana.

http://www.zone8.org/events/speedfestival.php

Porsche Entertainment Center in Carson at the 405 and 110. Rent a Porsche for a few hundred $$$ to go around the track. Nice new facility with a fancy Cafe and Restaurant in the heart of the Southbay.

They also have an offroad area for Porsche Macans and Cayannes.

Should be crazy in the summer when the sun goes down late.

Cheers