Racing Tips!!!
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Elk Grove, CA
06 S55 AMG, 03 SL55 AMG, 02 S430(sold), 05 F150, 06 Ranger, My baby 07 HD Rdking
Racing Tips!!!
I have an S55, thinking about going to the track next weekend, which I've never done, Looking for some experienced tips, on launching, and also tips on whether to use D, or the shift manually. and also while rollinng just in general, on freeway, whether to just gun it, or is there a certain way to accelerate more sucessfully? 
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
After driving my S 500 on the track as well as a formula one I can tell you that usually these track days are all about handling and not necessarily speed.
You work on entering and exiting the curves as fast but efficiently as possible and the balancing characteristics of the car are part of the whole thing.
Using the steptronic is fun and proper downshifts at the right time etc. all make for a nice driving experience.
Of course its fun to go as fast as possible on the straights, but you'll likely get more out of the track day than just the opportunity to go fast.
When you get back to the city, you'll notice how much better of a driver that you are. Have fun!
You work on entering and exiting the curves as fast but efficiently as possible and the balancing characteristics of the car are part of the whole thing.
Using the steptronic is fun and proper downshifts at the right time etc. all make for a nice driving experience.
Of course its fun to go as fast as possible on the straights, but you'll likely get more out of the track day than just the opportunity to go fast.
When you get back to the city, you'll notice how much better of a driver that you are. Have fun!
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
I have an S55, thinking about going to the track next weekend, which I've never done, Looking for some experienced tips, on launching, and also tips on whether to use D, or the shift manually. and also while rollinng just in general, on freeway, whether to just gun it, or is there a certain way to accelerate more sucessfully?
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From: Friendswood, TX
'08 CLS63
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
There is a company outside of Toronto where you drive a formula 1 for a day.
You start off in an S Class, then an SLK, then a formula star etc.
By the afternnoon you're driving a formula one. You get the rev's up to about 13,000 rpm, then let it go. You are low to the ground and when beside an SLK, you look up at it like its an SUV.
Nice experience, and anyone can do it.
You start off in an S Class, then an SLK, then a formula star etc.
By the afternnoon you're driving a formula one. You get the rev's up to about 13,000 rpm, then let it go. You are low to the ground and when beside an SLK, you look up at it like its an SUV.
Nice experience, and anyone can do it.
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
S65 Renntech'd, GL450, Super Charged Range Rover
You can drive INDY cars at the Las Vegas speedway for like 200 bucks. I did it last summer. You take a 2 hour course, then get in the car and go 165mph around the track in your own car. It's a blast.
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From: Friendswood, TX
'08 CLS63
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From: Toronto, Canada
2008 S63 2005 996 Turbo S, 2006 Sennia XLE Limited AWD
There is a company outside of Toronto where you drive a formula 1 for a day.
You start off in an S Class, then an SLK, then a formula star etc.
By the afternnoon you're driving a formula one. You get the rev's up to about 13,000 rpm, then let it go. You are low to the ground and when beside an SLK, you look up at it like its an SUV.
Nice experience, and anyone can do it.
You start off in an S Class, then an SLK, then a formula star etc.
By the afternnoon you're driving a formula one. You get the rev's up to about 13,000 rpm, then let it go. You are low to the ground and when beside an SLK, you look up at it like its an SUV.
Nice experience, and anyone can do it.
Last edited by MBS63; Jan 28, 2008 at 12:08 AM.
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From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
I have an S55, thinking about going to the track next weekend, which I've never done, Looking for some experienced tips, on launching, and also tips on whether to use D, or the shift manually. and also while rollinng just in general, on freeway, whether to just gun it, or is there a certain way to accelerate more sucessfully?
Put the car into d/s, lightly hold the car at the starting beam.
Upon the third amber light lighting up ease into throttle then hammer her to the floor and keep the car straight.
you should try a lot of different things , as your car will be different than any other. You must learn from trial and error what will earn you the best trap speed and ET.
Usually in the 55 folks leave t/c on and roll into the start vs. mashing the pedal from a stop.
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From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
A few things juicee didn't mention.
The suspension should be on comfort so weight shifts to the rear.
Turn off ESP during the burnout. Since you have a 55, you probably need to turn it back on before launching. On a 63, the torque comes on later.
The suspension should be on comfort so weight shifts to the rear.
Turn off ESP during the burnout. Since you have a 55, you probably need to turn it back on before launching. On a 63, the torque comes on later.
