Cost Effective Z4 Motorsport

Fishy Dave · Post by **Fishy Dave** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 2:19 pm

Hi all,

I'm guessing that some of you have thought about taking part in some sort of competition but have been put off by the cost, risk of damage, changes to car etc. Well, this may be the answer?

In 2018 I am going to take part in a couple of rounds of the Javelin Sprint Series: http://www.javelinsprintdays.co.uk/sprint/ (Calendar dates pending)

A Sprint is a competition against the clock, with only one car running at a time, usually geting about 6 runs throughout the day. What I like about the Javelin description is that their is no need for an MSA licence, fireproof overalls or boots and you don't need to drill holes in the car as you don't have to have harnesses.
For those of us with Roadsters we do have to run a hardtop, but other than that standard seats and belts are fine. Coupes of course are good to go. Classes are based on engine cc and modifications.

So, to take part you need to: pay to register with Javelin, pay £5 per round for a 'licence' (presumably covers insurance) plus entry fee, run a hardtop and have a suitable helmet.

Are any Z4 owners up for this? It's open to all E85, E86 and E89 of course.

Having originally started in trackdays I soon wanted a taste of competition; my budget at the time didn't allow me to circuit race so I took up Sprinting for three seasons, about 14 years ago. Since then I've raced off and on, whilst I love racing my E30 it's not a cheap hobby, but it certainly is exciting. Next season I will continue to race the E30, R53 Mini and more but wanted to use my Z4 for something other than trackdays. I was going to give Time Attack a go but would have had to fit a race seat, harnesses and run Pirelli Tropheo R tyres.

*I have no vested interest in this other than wanting to encourage more Z4 and their owners to get out on track.

TrackDriver · Post by **TrackDriver** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 4:51 pm

Sounds like fun, it would be great to get a few Z4s together head to head. Let's see, it depends on my other racing commitments.

Ed Doe · Post by **Ed Doe** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 10:12 pm

I'm keen! Need more seat time on track in general, but would love a go at this

Sky-drive · Post by **Sky-drive** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:09 pm

thanks for the headsup on these trackdays ... I might be interested in this next year.

Just one thing: I was reading the Javelin trackdays regulations and saw this:

"Convertible and open top vehicles in all classes must have sufficient practical roll over protection in the form of roll hoops or a roll cage or be fitted with a hard top."

..... will the roll hoops already fitted on the Zeds not suffice for the series?

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:25 pm

I've done Javelin trackdays (not sprints or any other comp) with no hardtop. Might also be circuit specific.

Fishy Dave · Post by **Fishy Dave** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:38 pm

Yes, Ive chatted to the organisers and they are sufficiently happy with the rigidity of the Z4 roll hoops and screen surround to accept that just a hardtop is needed for their sprint series. No such restriction for their non competitive trackdays of course.

Scooba_Steve · Post by **Scooba_Steve** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:48 pm

They must be anticipating higher risk!

Fishy Dave · Post by **Fishy Dave** » Tue Dec 12, 2017 8:12 am

Yes, running against the clock they know that some will push a little harder than on a trackday

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:59 pm

Might well join you for one of two of these Dave, just to see exactly how much faster a coupe is over the roadster

Fishy Dave · Post by **Fishy Dave** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:20 pm

TomK wrote: ↑Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:59 pm Might well join you for one of two of these Dave, just to see exactly how much faster a coupe is over the roadster

Sadly I think yours will be

it won't stop me trying though

bradz · Post by **bradz** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:58 pm

Count me in!

Silverzedtom · Post by **Silverzedtom** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 4:18 pm

I’d be up for that 100%

Just need a hard top!

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 11:02 pm

LOVE the sprinting scene !! Grew up in it and actually built my car to be competitive at my local circuit , whats great is you on your own, car stays minty fresh ( as long as you dont crash) and car control gets so good with the technical twisty tracks! Nice post dave!

Fishy Dave · Post by **Fishy Dave** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:42 pm

Thanks Beedub

Provisional calendar is now up: http://www.javelinsprintdays.co.uk/spri ... post_id=33

paddy wright · Post by **paddy wright** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 11:35 pm

Oh- sorely tempted!

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