Event date: Sunday, 12 February 2023

Arrived at Sandown for the 07:45-08:30 driver check in. Drivers briefing to follow at 08:30.

With Practice commencing just after 09:00 on a relatively dry track (a light shower had come through earlier), the track was unfortunately declared wet after rain halfway through run group 1.

By the time I went out with run group 4 on a very wet and slippery track, there were puddles around the track, it wasn’t a matter of practicing lines etc. it was spotting the laying water and staying off the kerbs. My aim was to make sure the car was running as it should, driving skill was high on the agenda to ensure the car made it through the day. A few people in previous groups having some close calls, I wasn’t out there to set any land speed records.

I have only had my car on the road for about 6 months after replacing the engine, I felt I had a lot at stake.

Session 1 was again a wet track. With it raining in the previous groups. We had missed the rain but once again it was wet when I went out, concentration was at it peek as I kept the car straight staying off the kerbs.

With the track slowly drying out as the session went on and we got more laps in. It was still very wet and fairly unpredictable between turn 2 and 4. Everyone seemed to enjoy the greasy conditions, Luckily with no incidents but there were plenty of smiles at the end of the day.

Session 2 the track was drying out. Putting in some good times and both allowing for faster traffic and trying to maneuver through the slower traffic. This shows how important starting position can be with getting a few good laps in. I do like it when a faster car passes, it provides an opportunity to follow them through a few corners, you can look at their lines and how they are pushing the car. Drivers were patient and allowing easy no fuss passing.

Session 3 and 4 were near perfect conditions. Track was dry, sun was out. The track felt very fast. After going back to the garage and looking on Natsoft.com I was just over a second faster in session 3 than in session 4. With the track conditions improving and getting familiar with lines, braking points and the limits all contributing.

The smiles on the faces in the pits after made me think I wasn’t the only one.

In Session 5 AROCA started to combine groups, some people obviously happy with their times and pulled the pin, some with car issues and others who had evening commitments. The track again was near perfect, Was great to drive with other cars and drivers to get a different feel and compare track speed and lap times.

Session 6 was pretty much all the drivers that wanted an extra session could, I was having a few car issues so I took advantage of it to try and rectify a mechanical issue but also getting my fastest time for the day in the process. I couldn’t believe it. I think it was a combo of the brakes not cooling fully from the previous session, the track temp and knowing it was the last session all contributed.

Over all the day was great, It was my first super sprint with the BMWDC as well as my first event with AROCA. I’ve been a club member of BMWDC for about 3 years but have only ever done the come and try days. The event from what I could tell went smooth and was well organized. With Pizza and Coffee available at the track, friendly people and the opportunity to drive on a national track I will definitely be back.

On top of that I got to take my son 14 (who is a car nut and the main reason I attended this event), for a few laps around such a circuit was awesome. All the help and motivation he gives me to forget about work for a bit and go to the shed and work on my car, it was great for me to be able to reward him for a few laps around a track. Seems little, but the joy it gives both of us is amazing.

I think it is also a great way to get new interest in the sport and get to take their pride and joy for a lap on such a circuit.

Zac Dunn | Member #527
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne