Track pre-launch checklist

wolftrouble · 04-10-2009, 12:34 PM

I was wondering if anyone else had a checklist (real or mental) they go through when tracking their M. Part of this is also my curiosity about whether I can 'pre-set' any of these things (some I know you can't, like the M button). Usually just before I head to the grid I do/check:

M-Mode activated (EDC to stiffest, Power mode on)
DSC off
iDrive display off
E-brake fully off (yes, I know it warns you, but I always check)
Seatbelt tight (I have a CG-Lock, so cinch down really hard on it at this point)
Center console info display off (I used to keep this on velocity, in addition to the regular speedo, but realized it updates too slowly to be accurate under hard driving)
Gas level ok
Temperature ok (this is as much to check if it's too cold as too hot, since redline won't be where I expect if it's chilly)
Mirrors aligned properly
One last glance at the floor to make sure nothing fell down there, just in case.
Pedals work as expected (feel like they have the right weight, not too stiff or too soft, etc.)
Cycle through 1-6 with clutch depressed, making sure action is smooth.

Note this is the 'sitting in the car' checklist, other tech stuff (tire pressure most importantly) isn't what I'm talking about here and should be done before getting on the grid.

lucid · 04-10-2009, 01:01 PM

Nice checklist.

I use the "normal" throttle setting on the track. Gives me more control over the throttle input coming out of turns.

I also:

1. double-check to see that the wheels are still properly torqued (88 ft lbs)
2. double-check tire pressure
3. visually inspect brake pad thickness

Dascamel · 04-11-2009, 10:06 PM

Why turn the i-drive screen off?

V1.47fan · 04-12-2009, 08:10 AM

Power,DSC Off (non tech pack car). Throttle control is very hard to achieve with the Power button on.

At least half a tank of gas to help with traction...for a car with a low torque engine it's surprisingly easy to break traction with the Power On.

lugnut · 04-12-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dascamel

Why turn the i-drive screen off?

On a track it serves no purpose, except as a possible distraction.

wolftrouble · 04-14-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lugnut

On a track it serves no purpose, except as a possible distraction.

Exactly. There's nothing there that has information you need to see on the track, all it can do is distract you.

Similar reason why I set the center LCD console to nothing: I used to have it on velocity, but the sample rate is too low. I realized I was glancing at it rather than the speedo coming into turns, and when accelerating/braking hard the speed shown may be the speed you were going a second ago. If I'm going to into a turn and I have a specific attack speed in mind I need to know the speed I'm going, not the speed I WAS going a second ago.

04-10-2009, 12:34 PM	#1
wolftrouble Private First Class 16 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Track pre-launch checklist I was wondering if anyone else had a checklist (real or mental) they go through when tracking their M. Part of this is also my curiosity about whether I can 'pre-set' any of these things (some I know you can't, like the M button). Usually just before I head to the grid I do/check: M-Mode activated (EDC to stiffest, Power mode on) DSC off iDrive display off E-brake fully off (yes, I know it warns you, but I always check) Seatbelt tight (I have a CG-Lock, so cinch down really hard on it at this point) Center console info display off (I used to keep this on velocity, in addition to the regular speedo, but realized it updates too slowly to be accurate under hard driving) Gas level ok Temperature ok (this is as much to check if it's too cold as too hot, since redline won't be where I expect if it's chilly) Mirrors aligned properly One last glance at the floor to make sure nothing fell down there, just in case. Pedals work as expected (feel like they have the right weight, not too stiff or too soft, etc.) Cycle through 1-6 with clutch depressed, making sure action is smooth. Note this is the 'sitting in the car' checklist, other tech stuff (tire pressure most importantly) isn't what I'm talking about here and should be done before getting on the grid. __________________
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04-10-2009, 01:01 PM	#2
lucid Major General 374 Rep 8,033 Posts Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Nice checklist. I use the "normal" throttle setting on the track. Gives me more control over the throttle input coming out of turns. I also: 1. double-check to see that the wheels are still properly torqued (88 ft lbs) 2. double-check tire pressure 3. visually inspect brake pad thickness __________________
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04-11-2009, 10:06 PM	#3
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	Why turn the i-drive screen off? __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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04-12-2009, 08:10 AM	#4
V1.47fan Banned 1977 Rep 1,847 Posts Drives: TheArtist formerly known as M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NATIONWIDE iTrader: (0)	Power,DSC Off (non tech pack car). Throttle control is very hard to achieve with the Power button on. At least half a tank of gas to help with traction...for a car with a low torque engine it's surprisingly easy to break traction with the Power On.
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