Event date: 19 June 2022 

In a “brisk”, misty 7deg start we readied the vehicles at Sandown for our 19 June track day. Then the weather-Gods shon favourably as, under a sunny sky, the engines roared to life. 

Newbies were welcomed with in-car introductions to the course. Anyone can share a ride to hear “turn-in cone here & apex-cone there, close-wall here & run-off space there” advice from the more experienced drivers (I’m not in that learned group yet).

Cold tyres and track wet patches challenged many of us on the early laps and that gave plenty of room to improve skills through the day.

A vast array of experience was evident, from fast Porsches, newbies in M2s to Camrys, on that… Jessie joined our garage 26/27/28 squad for her very first track day. Jessie’s smile and energy we’re contagious as she replayed her in-car coaching session. “There is so much to learn”, to which I replied “we’re all learning, it’s only the angle of the learning curve that changes ”.

We experienced quite a few stoppages through the day, but mostly mishaps, which resulted in “poorly parked car” having to be moved. 

My mishap had me rejoin the action from Turn 6. That provided my key learnings for the day, which gained me the day’s “Encouragement Award”: There is no need to rush back onto the track.  If needed, safely move the car to provide good visibility of oncoming cars ensure good analysis of oncoming car speed.

Sandown provides much hard surface run-off space and offers grass beyond. One of our team used all that as he mowed through the mud off Turn 1. You can understand why his car “left a deposit” afterwards. Note the good practice of “clean up after your pets”. Again, no harm done that a Gerni can’t fix.

Thanks to the hard-core BMW DCM crew for all your hard work in prep, delivery and post-paper work.

I had a blast!

Cya next time.

Martin Taylor | Member #598
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

An early morning heading to Sandown…. The come try day. I was excited and nervous for my first track day.

After a chilly foggy morning where you couldn’t even see the track, we registered, set up the car, had the driver’s briefing then we were ready to rumble. LOL

I was so nervous but soon settled in with Igor as my instructor. Playing it very safe, learning the track and negotiating the corners. Keeping my speed pretty comfortable.

I got around the track in one piece feeling very proud of myself.

In my second run all that changed as I had Matt as my instructor, and boy did he push me harder telling me to trust him. With my foot hovering over the brake he repeated…. Trust me, trust me, foot off the brake, put your foot down. My fear reaching an all-time high!

I actually don’t think I did too badly, given my fear of speed and with each run, I think I actually improved, eventually trusting Matt enough to reach a top speed of 200k on the straight.

I am not sure if I’ll do it again but I am sure glad I gave it a go. I think I’ll stick to being Alex’s pit crew. My arms and neck were so stiff and sore from the stress and clutching the steering wheel for dear life.

It is always great to meet up with other club members and have a chat and check out their cars.

Alex and I have loved being part of this group. Jo and Graeme are great and the events they run are always so well organised.

In our retirement, we have been able to go to many events and have enjoyed each one of them and look forward to many more in the future.

Thanks for all your hard work and to all the officials and instructors that give up their time so we can enjoy the day.

Lots of thrills and spills during the day, but a bloody good day as usual with the club.

Lucy Walsh | Member #834
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne