Racing with BMWCCA?

#1

Now that SE30 is an official BMWCCA class, do any of you plan on racing there?

I think CCA did two events at VIR this past year. If I can get more “local” races in vs. having to tow, it might be worth it to maintain another race license, membership in CCA, etc.

That is, if anybody shows up.

Also, I assume you have to meet all their decal requirements, etc? Like the Tire Rack banner and the white “number board” ? I see there’s a rule request to make the RA-1 a spec tire for 2013 instead of the current open tire rule. (Should probably amend that request in light of the RR’s…)

I hear good things about CCA race weekends, so it sounds like fun if I can make it work. Anybody else at all interested?

#2
  • small to nonexistent se30 fields
  • slowest car on track so you spend most of your time looking in the rearview mirror
  • higher percentage of drivers who are timid or simply suck, all of whom are in faster cars so they hold you up in turns but you can’t pass them on the straights
  • draconian rules regarding safety equipment (hnr, nets, etc)
  • no toyo bucks or bimmerworld contingencies
  • more stickers are required
  • have to maintain both bmwcca membership and club racing license but hey it’s only money right

otherwise racing se30 with bmwcca is great

#3

OK, so there’s that. So I guess it’s not worth it. Maybe I’ll look into TrackDaze or something like that and just get some extra seat time at VIR. And hopefully not miss as many races. CMP is close enough, too.

Before I close the door on this, is there nobody in favor of BMWCR?

#4

Racing with CR is great fun, Tower is just having a bad day. Groups are small, running 5-7 of us usually. There’s a couple more decals you have to put on, the windshield banner being the only pita. I put mine on with duct tape and then take it off after the event.

Jason’s passing concerns are overblown. The CR types tend to be rusty on Friday but they start remembering how to take turns at speed sometime Saturday. We are indeed the slowest class, but we’re all used to get passed by faster cars in Lightning anyhow so it’s no different.

Window nets have a 2yr life, I don’t recall re. right side nets. HANS straps are 3yrs I think. Have to have fire suppression instead of just a fire extinguisher.

Is entirely worth doing.

#5

I’m with Ranger. Even though the fields are small I’ve had a lot of fun in BMW Club races. As Scott pointed out there are some minor requirements over and above the NASA requirements.

#6

You also get to run different types of events, and sometimes, tracks. Hutchinson Island, in Savannah, for example, or an Ofest national race has a lot of buzz and ancillary stuff going on that just adds a bunch to the experience. CCA is dead serious about policing contact. 13/13 isn’t just a concept. People do get set down for asshattery.

The tech requirements just aren’t that tough. They are more like an excuse to yourself for not doing it than a legitimate barrier to participate.

Do it!

#7

Agree with Ranger, Jim and Chuck. SE30 fields in CR are small but growing and you typically get a lot more track time than with NASA (NE at least). Not sure I get tower’s comment about sucky CR drivers in faster cars because most of those same drivers also compete in NASA in GTS class? If we get more participation in CR events, there would be 2 run groups as we did at O’fest so you will have less traffic to contend with. I don’t find the traffic management issue to be as bad as when NASA NE puts 60 cars in one field.

As for safety gear, yeah the requirements are a little more but negligible in the overall costs of racing. It’s definitely worth it trying. I hope more SE30 folks join us next year.

#8

Also, there are contingencies in BMW CR but not based on finishing position. You need to show up to the awards ceremony to win by lottery. There should be some interesting additions to the program next year in terms of an Endurance Series. Stay tuned.

#9

Tower just sold his car, making his opinions invalid. Ha ha.

BMWCCA is fun. Different, but fun. If you can get a group of fellow se30 folks to attend it is moreso fun.

RP