[hkj]

Had another high performance driver's ed today. This is my third time at an HPDE at Thunderhill. I felt this car can do so much that I have not begun to approach its limits. So, no performance mods for me, only driver "mods" (upgrades).

Big thanks to Hooked On Driving and its instructors for hosting an educational, safe, and fun event. I really felt I learned a bunch new things about my car everytime I attend their school. Having used up a full tank of gas on the track alone, I'm both exhausted and thrilled a the end of the day, and can't wait for the next HPDE event.

With another 10 or so driving schools like this under my belt and I'll be ready for the 400+hp, V8-powered BMW M3.

Also thanks to Dito Milian of gotbluemilk for taking those track shots. Top notch photography.:rocks:

Without further ado, here they are:

• Some photos during the morning prep:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Me driving on the track:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Got a Z8 on my tail:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• An instructor giving me a demo lap:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• More of me on the track:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Going solo: no instructors, just me and my trusty 330
  
  

-hkj

[18LLC]

niceeeeeeeeeee how much did you paid for this driving event? i want to go too.

[LOLrance]

Pictures look awesome. Looks like you had alot of fun im planning on going to the bmw performance driving school so hopefully it'll be just as fun.

[shragon]

nice!! looked real fun!!

[just4kickz]

SHELBY!

[Konstantinos]

Which track is it?It looks like Laguna Seca from gt4!Nice cars there were like the red Shelby!

[hkj]

Hey thanks guys. Yeah it was load of fun. There were some seriously nice car out there today: 2 Shelby's, 2 996 Turbos (!), 2 996 GT3s (!!), an RS6, a Z8, and an E60 M5. Plus the usual suspects (C5/C6/Z06 Corvettes, STI's, Lotus Elise, bunch of 996/997 Carrera's), and some race-prepped E30 and Miatas.

Originally Posted by 18LLC

niceeeeeeeeeee how much did you paid for this driving event? i want to go too.

Awesome! It's always better to have more E90s on the track with me. haha.. Of the 3 times I've been to the track I have yet to see another E90. We gotta represent the E90 community!

The event is organized by Hooked On Driving. It's around $250 for a 1 day event. Check their site out!

Originally Posted by l4wr3nc3

Pictures look awesome. Looks like you had alot of fun im planning on going to the bmw performance driving school so hopefully it'll be just as fun.

Wow.. you're one lucky guy to be attending the ///M school. I read about it on the Bimmer Magazine and it sure looks fun. Let us know how it goes. I'm sure you'll have an unforgetable experience.

Originally Posted by Konstantinos

Which track is it?It looks like Laguna Seca from gt4.

Good guess! That little downhill section off turn 9 does look very much like the famous cork screw on Laguna Seca, doesnt it? The track is actually Thunderhill Raceway Park, also located in the northern California, about 400 km north of Laguna Seca.


-hkj

[NFS]

Those photo's are incredible and the driving tuition sounds great for the price.

Just don't forget to check your tyres.

I've been bitten by the bug after a couple of corporate trackdays and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before I track the e90.

[BLITZ]

US car with a m sport body kit.

[dlg]

nice I like that 5th pic...

[txusa03]

dude, I would love to be in the driver seat doing what you do...do you have an auto or manual? that z is all over your...if you know what i mean, but it def looks fun

[Bimmerista]

How did your tires hold up. Looks like you were running the stock tires/mags ?

Do you have the OEM brakes and if so, how did they perform and wear ?

I am very tempted by track events, but concerned about wear on brakes and tires.

[hkj]

$250 seems to be the standard affair for a 1 day HPDE around here. I know BMWCCA charges about $500 for their 2 day HPDE on weekends.

BTW one thing I find very helpful is to ask one instructor drive your car around the lap (if the driving school allows this). It's both a exhilirating and humble experience, seeing what can be done and how much more I can improve. Also you get a clearer picture (and feel) on where your car needs to be at any point on the track. This is one thing I wish I had done sooner in my previous HPDEs.



needforspeed: corporate track day?!! That must have been a nice event . I'd love to see pics of your M-sport on the track

txusa03: I have an auto. lol, Yeah that Z8 is all over me. That guy's a really good driver and has been doing this for a few years. That Z8 is a total beast though; weighing about the same as the e90 but with a 400hp V8 under the hood..


-hkj

[remmib]

Oh man that look awesome, seems like so much fun.

Looks like you drove pretty fast

[06E90Rostik]

Riding dirty

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by hkj

Holy rollover batman...turn 11...know it well.

here is me at TH..at turn #5


turn #10



turn #11

[BoostedBMW]

That looks like so much fun its not even funny.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

That looks like so much fun its not even funny.

I am overdue...I do have about 120 track days so far...lets see how many I can get before I cant drive anymore.

Here is my dedicated track car:

[Ryan323i]

wow awesome shots man your car looks good! and props to the guy that took the pics!!

[Guga79]

Sweet pics

[arakele]

looks like fun, I have heard thunderhill is a blast

Here is my track-rat..

[darkcloud]

Damn, looks likem sooo much fun! I'm near positive I'm going to drag my ass down to Mid-Ohio this summer. Mid-Ohio is supposed to be SICK!. All I wanna do before hand is get some good rims/tire, zsp spring/shocks(dont have zsp) and talk my SA into knocking my 130mph limiter off.