Mazda 3 Tire & Wheel Questions

Replying to: roadburner (Jul 08, 2008 12:23 pm)

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Jul 08, 2008 6:01 pm)
  • indydriver (Jul 09, 2008 8:44 am)

Replying to: indydriver (Jul 08, 2008 1:18 pm)

Thanks for the kind words. I'll try to answer your questions in order:
 
A couple of questions: first, what is the deal with getting your street ride on the track? Do they have regular open days?
 
The events that I learned at-and now instruct at-are driving schools conducted by chapters of the BMW Car Club of America, AKA BMW CCA. As the official description says,
 
"BMW CCA driving schools are designed to teach drivers how to safely improve their driving abilities and explore their cars’ capabilities. Students, using their own cars, get one-on-one instruction from experienced instructors. Our overriding emphasis is on safety, and safely learning how to control the car in emergency and higher performance conditions. The school is conducted on a paved, closed, and controlled course to minimize risk to persons and equipment. This is not a racing school, practice or preparation for racing, and it is not a timed, competitive event or speed contest."
 
The schools are typically held on weekends, with Friday usually being reserved for instructors and Advanced students.
 
I see you're wearing a helmet. Were there any other requirements?
 
The helmet must have a Snell MA2000 or S2000 rating. Your car must also undergo a pre-event inspection as well as a trackside inspection.
 
How about the cost?
 
$200-$400 for the two day event. Cost depends on the track and chapter. You also must be a BMW CCA member($40/yr).
 
Also you state inflation pressures as "35/38", I assume meaning 35 front and 38 rear. I'm sure you know the factory recommends 2 pounds more in the front "34/32". Why the reversal? Did you do this to try to lessen understeer?
 
Yes, you normally increase front tire pressure to reduce understeer, but I went with the recommendations of an experienced MS3 track driver and I thought his numbers were spot-on. The front tires run hotter due to all the work they have to do-transmit power, turn, and brake- so the pressures tend to even out front to rear.

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• indydriver (Jul 09, 2008 8:44 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Jul 08, 2008 6:01 pm)

Replying to: tom1sharon2 (Jun 11, 2008 1:33 pm)

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Replying to: blanca58 (Jul 09, 2008 12:57 pm)

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Jul 10, 2008 8:44 am)
  • indydriver (Jul 10, 2008 4:10 pm)
    • roadburner (Jul 10, 2008 8:05 pm)

Replying to: indydriver (Jul 10, 2008 2:14 am)

Replies to this message:
• indydriver (Jul 10, 2008 4:10 pm)
  • roadburner (Jul 10, 2008 8:05 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Jul 10, 2008 8:44 am)

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• roadburner (Jul 10, 2008 8:05 pm)

Replying to: indydriver (Jul 10, 2008 4:10 pm)