For anyone interested, I thought I would post my experience taking my 2001 CLK55 to a full Porsche Lapping Day (track day) at the Miller Motor Sports Park. Track training was first (course, passing, flags & technique) for about 40 minutes. I was able to go because I went to the event with my cousin who was running his 997 Porsche Carrera S, with Michilin Pilot Sport Cups on. He did very well. You can see his car in one of the pictures below, as well as my instructor's M3.

In the morning sessions, there were three groups- two beginner and one advanced. I was in one of the beginner groups. Cars in my group included two Porsche Cayman S, Boxers, 911 Carreras and a 911 Turbo, two Audi S4, Mercedes CLS 6.3 and a Sub STI. I had a personal instructor on the two 22 mintute sessions. I was also able to ride with my instructor in his BMW E46 M3 on another session to see the correct technique and line, which had the SMG shifting package. I thought the M3 shifted horribly with violent jerks. It also didn't have the powerful feel the the CLK does. The instructor was very impressed and surprised that the stock brakes were so good. The power and torque in our cars is significant. I could easily tell the cars that had horspower but no torque (like a Cayman S or Audi S4) because they couldn't build up the speed near as quickly from slower corners where our powerband is low and always there! Personally, I was really impressed with the CLK on the track (has some upgrades- see signature).

In the afternoon sessions, it was open track and all cars were hot on the track. Experience here was much more apparent. Most cars that were in the advanced group were running R-compound tires which stick like glue and are very wide (285 yo 335 in the rears). I had to work pretty hard on keeping smooth lines and braking hard before slow corners so as not to understeer and scrub the tires (which I did alot). The tires had a real workout for sure. Ride quality with the H&Rs was very good. I didn't notice body roll and I had an instructor in the car which added 180 lbs. The ESP didn't kick in all the much when turned off but if I didn't turn it off it was in my face apparent. Sadly, I decided to not shift the car manually because I was not at that level yet. I will next time as I could stay in 2nd and 3rd the entire track. I had four 22 minute sessions in the afternoon with instructors.

Gas milage was 7.8 mpg. A full tank went about 122 miles. The car never overheated. The right front brake rotor was about 600 degrees after a session. The tires would heat up and increase about 10 psi when hot!

It was over all an excellent experience and one that has left me wanting more.

 

Looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing

 

Awsome well done. Looks like a new recruit for our next AMG outing!!!!

-O

 

Are you doing dyno tomorrow? Please post the result if you do.

 

Dyno will take place tomorrow at 8:00 am MST. I will post the results and attempt to determine what the results are at sea level as well. I am very interested to see the results from the chip program, if any. I just wish I had the original numbers before the dyno. Oh well, will have to generalize.

 

Here is a shot from our track day!
-O

 

WOW, that will really start your disease. Good luck shaking the "apex's". Your gonna want them, your gonna need more man, just try and survive. What a day, I think I am having a flashback

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...58583668199483

 

Rich I love the way she sounds!

 

Sounds like a fun time. I'd like to get to an open track some day. How were your lap times compared to the other cars in the beginner group & your friends 911?

 

The event was not timed, as that is an insurance risk. However, my cousin timed me in the morning session at 2:04, which is pretty good for a first time morning sessions. I passed everyone in my group (beginner) but this was a result of more initial knowledge and skill (plus our cars are powerful, fast and have good brakes). Basically, I read several racing books, studied the track and watched track videos months before I went. This significantly helped the learning curve.

My cousin driving the Carrera S has been to the track about 6 times and is a good driver. He was probably the fastest on the track that day, except for the GT3 Cup cars. He was running Michilin Pilot Sport Cup tires (track tires), which are 305s on the rear and he sticks like glue. He is probably running times in the 1:85-90 range (guess). In the afternoon sessions, I could hang with him for a while (3 turns at most) but then would have to allow other faster drivers to pass me and I would lose him. It was fun trying though.

Overall the experience was great and I know what I need to do to improve for the summer. First item is R-compound tires!

 

Anyone know of any tracks that I can take my cabrio to? Would love to go but was told I can't cause its a convertable!

 

Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond.