Ever see what a high horsepower Mercedes-Benz can do at a track?

A local car club is organizing a day at Silver Dollar Raceway in Georgia on Sunday, 10/10/04. Even if you don't wish to run your car, come out and join in the fun and meet some of the local enthusiasts of the Mercedes-Benz community!

Pre-registration will save you a few bucks for those running on track. I'll post some links soon with more details and directions.

I'm certain many in the local AMG 'crew' will be interested in attending this. You might just see an SL65 (or two), CLK55s, C32s, E55s, C36s and SLK32s in a tire-smoking extravaganza!

Hope to see you all there

Great track, great people and great Mercedes Benz / AMG performance.....I'll be there with my red C36!

-drags

You can pre-register and save $5 here....

http://www.importshowdown.com/

I just signed up. I'll post some friendly inquiries at the BMW and Lexus forums too

I'll be there with my W208 CLK GTR. I'm running a Drill Competition at Dobins on the 9th but I'm free all day on the 10th. Don't have a car to run but I'll come out and watch for sure.

Sounds fun. Now how the hell do I get there. I guess I'll hover over there or something.

I will probably register this week.

As long as nothing changes in my schedule I can give you a ride out there.

Two AMGs signed up so far at http://www.importshowdown.com/

Plus, at least another 8-10 cars coming

Invite your friends with BMWs, etc. for a friendly grudge match

I'm going up to SC that day. Maybe I can stop by briefly on my way up. We'll see.

Finally got around to signing up. Goal for the races is to beat Chappy's best time. He has more events under his belt (this is my first time to the drag strip) so advatage Chappy.

Three AMGs are now pre-registered....more to come. This should be an excellent turnout

Just registered mine (E60) and my wife's (M3) cars. I've never done a drag event before. Any tips for a noobie? Is there a secure area for coolers, chairs, tools, etc. for when you are on the track? Can you rent helmets? I'm not sure I'll need one, but just in case...

Glad you signed up!

It's a very laid-back atmosphere. There will be plenty of room for your coolers, chairs, etc. as most of the MBs (and BMW friends) will generally park in the same area. Just don't leave out any cameras, etc.

I'm not certain what helmets may be available for rent or loan from the track or by GA DSM club. I would suggest to e-mail them directly with any specific questions like that. NHRA rules apply...means that if your car runs 13.99 or faster, a helmet is required. I ended up just buying one (about $200) as I knew I'd be hitting the track on occasion.

As for tips, that will depend heavily on your traction issues....whether your E60 just burns rubber from a stop or you have traction control. Me, I switch ESP off and roll the throttle as opposed to just hitting the gas...it still takes some practice as the adrenalin sometimes gets in the way!

BTW, what year M3 is your wife driving?

The M3 is a '98. We've only had it for a couple months.
As far as traction control on the MB, I don't have it. It will spin the ires pretty good off the start. Am I better off leaving it in "D", or manually shifting through the gears? With street tires (Michelin Pilot Sports) do I have a chance of 13.99 or better?

Is your E60 a RENNTech E60? What is the rated horsepower? 408? If so, then I'd say you are definitely in the 13s.

As for manual shifting, you'll have to try it both ways...I usually just leave mine in drive.

I have the same issue about a helmet, have not decided what I am going to do.

Probably better to let the car shift on its own. Although you may consider starting in 1st or 2nd. In my SLK32 shifting manually the trans is very slow to respond.

This is what I bought....

Yes, it's a RENNtech E60. I contacted RENNtech and they said the 408HP includes their ss exhaust and carbon fibre airbox, I have neither. It dyno'd at 328hp and 348tq at the wheels if I remember right. They couldn't print the slip and I wasn't very impressed with the operator. I guess I'll have it done again at a reputable place.

You should be low 13s.

Last time we drove down, we met here:

http://www.bjs.com/locations/clubs/145.shtml

The event at Silver Dollar starts at 10am. If we want nice cool air, my feeling is the earlier the better....

I suggest we meet at BJ's Wholesale at 8:15am, departing promptly at 8:30am.

I'm coming from the northside and will try to meet at BJ's.

See you guys Sunday

What is the roll call at this point?

I will see you guys at BJ's.

My helmet through so it might be a short day for me at the track. Unless I can rent, beg, borrow, or steal one.

I might have an extra helmet. I'll be at BJ's around 8:15...