Event date: Sunday, 15 January 2023
After joining the BMW Melbourne Drivers club it was pleasing to see how active the club is and the range of meetings, events and goings on that the club schedule. Jo and Graeme are the most wonderful folks and were so welcoming to a newcomer and novice as myself.
Living on Phillip Island for many years the opportunity presented itself to become involved in sprint events. I was invited in December to come out to the track and meet everyone and see how a day goes. The day was really fun and I was able to get my first ever run around the track all be it a parade lap with some other fine vehicles. The range of motor vehicles was stunning and the process to get involved was easy to follow. After the parade lap the opportunity to go to the next level were presented, this excited me. Registering with Motorsport Australia for a basic licence in relation to my category was easy.
The vehicle I have is one of two E39's, a 5 series 1997 BMW 540i which although is great comfortable car and a renowned model for BMW in the 5 series, a luxury cruiser, the bug had bitten and I was keen to participate in sprint events. The ability to drive the vehicle in a legal and safe environment away from public roads was so appropriate.
The next event was the first round for 2023 at Phillip Island, a well known and much loved track by so many enthusiasts and professionals. 15 January 2023 the date was set. Entry was straightforward and the costs were not prohibitive. A hobby well worth the time and the small costs to accommodate.
The day came and I could hardly sleep the night before, I had done all my due diligence over and over and the car and myself were appropriately ready for the day. From 'Revolution Racegear' in Mitcham providing friendly assistance for items like a Helmut, shoes and correct attire, On the day it was a great straightforward process to meet all the requirements with officials and scrutineering. Decals and numbers were on and we were all set. Although one small item was missed, Graeme in a jiffy was able to assist in meeting the requirement for a fire extinguisher to be fitted in the vehicle, I had this basically in the car but not secured to Motorsport standards. Once this was done we were away!
I have never felt the exlihiaration of entering the circuit for the first time, my first ever time driving on a race track. Time was gratefully taken to provide a trained professional to guide me on an initial lap and explain every facet and tip for this circuit. Experience could only help develop what learnings I found. The vehicle performed well and within its specifications, I was pumping with adrenalin and almost shaking with excitement after the very first sprint. Times weren't that great but that wasn't overly important, it wasn't a race but an opportunity to exercise the vehicle unlike any public road could legally offer. Speeds up to 180klms an hour were just fine.
Chuffed to be amongst some seasoned vets and amazing vehicles, it was good to be treated so well and learn to observe etiquette and best possible practices among traffic on the circuit, this intrigued me and was no problem. Everyone had a great time. As the day went on I progressed in going out to every call, times slightly improved and the roar of the 540i was sheer pleasure and a rush to experience. Phillip Island racetrack is a quality surface and practice does make perfect, although far from 'Peter perfect' lap after lap, my confidence and ability improved. I had been a good driver for many a year and enjoyed focusing on what I had been guided on.
One brief incident where I had the back end of the car jump out on Miller corner was well handled and caused no incident to other drivers or cars, it was that moment that I felt I may just well be able to handle myself and decided this is the pastime for me.
The day progressed and I met many great people and chatted, lunch was a good meal at the trackside café and the afternoon progressed. Some went home and slowly the group calls became more frequent and eventually all groups right up to the last sprint all went out together. Some 25+ laps that day, it was such an incredible thrilling experience!
The car has done well and I look forward to making some slight improvements to the vehicle as Graeme is a seasoned pro and also has his own workshop. A well versed individual in everything BMW and motorsport. Only recently Sandown Round 2 was just another level, my second outing. Thats another story and a totally amazing experience at such an iconic part of Motorsport history. There we had all 4 seasons of weather in one day! Again everything went well and the journey continues. Great to get the car home again in one piece and no serious issues.
Completely stoked, I so look forward to continuing to participate in events and outings and meet more of the clubs amazing members and their vehicles.
Mike Skomina | Member #958
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
