Haha, not 8 years, but I tracked a stock engine 1.6 numerous times.


Same when I had my R6, I don't know why it's such an ego issue for people to give the point-by, or if they really are that oblivious.

Laughed when I saw the black flag :party0030:

Ahhh the joys of open track days... I used to start at the back of the pack and then give myself a big gap in order to get a couple decent laps in, when I get too close I'd slow down again for a lap and go again, of course this works best at the larger tracks that don't get a lot of lapped traffic... What really sucks is it only seems to get worse the higher class you get into up until the top couple of classes, then it's not quite as bad... High Intermediate always seemed to be the worst though, I'd rather be with the beginners.

You have to use a PowerPoint so the M3 drivers will know what you're on about.

I love how you "reached out" to the Vette during that straight....

I have the same problem as the OP, in all of my cars, including the M3.

I would always be the first to grid to give myself maximum open track in front of me.


The last track day I did, I continually started last because a buddy and me were sharing the car for the day, so I didn't have a choice. And typically this group was going out in the same order.


Every session I caught the next two guys before the end of the first lap...........1.8 mile 10 turn track........in a 1.6 Miata.


Always be first to grid unless you're slow.

Oh hey, that's me in front of the red S2k and finally getting past the Q50 on the inside of 15. That session was combined with time trial practice and I was trying to get through traffic lol.

Please tell me that wasn't an advanced group....

It was. I have no idea why he moved to the outside but I took it since he opened it wide. Advanced group etiquette is not to surrender the line though, he should have taken his corner on the correct line and simply let me pass on the straight by lifting.

Beginners are taught to hold their line. True advanced drivers in a hot lapping session will be predictable, and do whatever it takes to make an easier pass.

If I'm cooling down, I will be watching my mirrors and adjusting my own pace to make sure I am off-line anytime someone needs to fly by me, or pick up my pace to not be in their way, until I can facilitate a pass.


It's similar to how beginners are taught that smooth is fast, but experienced drivers are anything but when driving at qualifying pace.

Or how beginners are taught two feet in...

Even if I'm being passed a 500+hp car I still coast to give them more time, especially if the passing zone is small.

Don't think so 😉 but our cars do look alike!

But what you get after the first lap is still an unknown.

My last session at Laguna Seca on Saturday was like this:

- first one on pit lane, first one out on track
- by the time I start my first flying lap, I already am running into late stragglers coming onto the track
- for about 2-3 laps, I constantly ran 2-3 seconds faster than my previous PB (1:52.xxx) thru turn 5 of Laguna Seca, only to run into traffic at the top of 7 or after the Corkscrew (Rainy Curve is NOT a place to pass on a flying lap if you are on the outside of the turn w/ street tires). Could've had a sub-1:49 pace if I had a clean lap.

All in all, at the end of the day I just tell all my friends the same thing: who gives a shit what lap times you put down? If you can leave a track day with a grin on your face, you've become King for a day.

-alex