Naked at Streets of Willow?

[herosfc]

I'm doing the BMWCCA autocross event at Streets of Willow this weekend. It's an auto-x event, but it'll be on the track. There will be no passing. I just had my bumper repainted so there's no clear bra on that part of the car (the Premier guys aren't installing it until the following week).

Given that it's not a "track" event, am I safe to run naked with no protection on the bumper? Is it overkill to tape up the car? No sure if there will be that much rubber flying around on the track.

This will be my first auto-x event.

Thanks!

[herosfc]

And will I look like a douche for showing up with my car taped up?

[ShadeD1]

I've not been taping mine up and I've done 5 track weekends with no problems

[clubspec330i]

I personally don't do it because it is a hassle but a friend suggested tape up the headlight which I thought was reasonable. So, I only take up my headlight and that it is.

I have seen a 335i @ The Street with tapes everywhere and yet a GT3RS ran naked the whole day.

To each his own.

[karussell]

you are more at risk driving up to willow springs from la than having something hit your bumper at an autox unless its a cone or something. streets of willow is dirty and rough track but as long as no cars are in front of you as is the venue you are entering then you will be fine. don't tape up your lights either. thats also due to gummy tires spitting rocks out. pointless in an autox.

this is your first autox. good for you. LA chapter and San Diego chapters are excellent clubs. i suggest plenty of rides with instructors and have them sit with you as often as possible. enjoy have fun!

[herosfc]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Sounds like I'll be fine without any "protection."

Really looking forward to tomorrow. At the M Driving School in South Carolina, my favorite event was the auto-x. I did well for a newb, but I'm looking forward to sitting with the instructors tomorrow!

[aus]

I'd tape up if you're planning on putting on a clear bra.
Just use clear contact (shelving) paper from Target or Walmart, then painter's tape for the tight/small areas.

[Premier Protective Films]

Recommend you tape up the areas directly behind the tires.....those will get pelted from the debris on the road.

[herosfc]

@aus, I ended up going with your advice with the Contact paper. I'm glad I did! I was a little wild during the slalom and hit a bunch of cones! I ended up with some scuff marks:



I peeled off the Contact paper and it was fine! Thanks for the advice.

Despite my run-ins with the cones, I ended up placing 3rd in the ///M Class. Not bad for my first ever event!

[FruitCake]

just tape up the areas behind the wheels
thats wat i did

this is how I ran my car at streets, tho I do have a clear bra :X

[aus]

Originally Posted by herosfc

@aus, I ended up going with your advice with the Contact paper. I'm glad I did! I was a little wild during the slalom and hit a bunch of cones! I ended up with some scuff marks:



I peeled off the Contact paper and it was fine! Thanks for the advice.

Despite my run-ins with the cones, I ended up placing 3rd in the ///M Class. Not bad for my first ever event!

COOL!!
That stuff is cheap, it thicker than painters tape and comes off clean. I read about it in an issue of Road and Track a few years back You can also cover a large area pretty quickly and then use the painter's tape for the smaller areas.

Originally Posted by FruitCake

just tape up the areas behind the wheels
thats wat i did

this is how I ran my car at streets, tho I do have a clear bra :X

Nice pics and the car looks good.
My only concer with the clear bra is, once it gets pitted, it kinda stands out.

[FruitCake]

Originally Posted by aus

COOL!!
That stuff is cheap, it thicker than painters tape and comes off clean. I read about it in an issue of Road and Track a few years back You can also cover a large area pretty quickly and then use the painter's tape for the smaller areas.



Nice pics and the car looks good.
My only concer with the clear bra is, once it gets pitted, it kinda stands out.

I had a bunch of black tire marks on my clear bra afterwards, but i just used a clay bar and it comes out 100%
my clear bra looks perfect after 3 track days.