By Colin van Son
SummerΒ skid pan
Following the previous waterless skidpan that took place in winter with 28 participants, on this hot summerβs day we had a total of 31 participants.
We again split the group into two β one group would first take part in the xDrive experience using new BMW X3s and the other group would use their personal vehicles for a fun autocross on the Skidpan.Β After two hours, the groups would swop so everyone got a turn on both activities.
With the BMW Driving Experience instructor providing guidance on the xDrive track, our members got to put the latest BMW X3 through its paces on the xDrive course. Β Β A variety of different obstacles were overcome on the course β from sandy and rocky axle twisters, 45 degree angle obstacles, steep ascents and descents on dirt using the automatic descent control, a beach sand crossing and a water crossing.Β The participants I spoke to were amazed at the off-road capabilities of the X3 which is definitely an off-roader and not a soft-roader as some people may have previously thought.
The slippery waterless skidpan just levels the playing field entirely and as a result we had a huge variety of BMWs both M and non-M, including 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 series, and some non-BMWs including Audi, Nissan, Opel, Mini, Toyota, Ford and Jaguar.Β In addition, compared to a wet skidpan, once the limits of traction are breached, a spin usually results where the waterless one is more predictable and can usually be saved.Β And the bonus with the waterless skidpan is that no washing after the event is required.
The format for the skidpan part of the event was a mirror image track (left and right) that each participant got to attempt three times for a total of six runs for the day.Β The best five times would count with the slowest time being discarded.Β Knocking a cone over carries a two second penalty and a wrong route was the slowest correct time plus two seconds.Β The track for 2023 was kept unchanged from the previous event.Β The left track started with a sharp left followed by a tight slalom right into a U-turn left that become a long outside loop with another U-turn followed by another tight U-turn into half a figure 8, followed by a sharp right before stopping in the garage.Β The right track was just the mirror image of the left track.Β After all the participants walked the route, the timed runs got underway.Β Initially there were a few wrong routes but as the day progressed, the times got quicker.Β After the timed runs, there was some time to have some fun sideways untimed runs.
There were a total of five classes with trophies awarded for the top 3 positions.Β The classes were BMW 1 and 2 series, 3 and 4 series, 5 and 6 series, Ladies and Non-BMW.Β While the committee captured the times and checked the results, the participants could enjoy hot or cold refreshments in the xDrive building that offered some cool respite from the hot day.
Great fun was had by both drivers and spectators and we look forward to the next event!Β A huge thank you BMW SA for sponsoring the venue for an incredible event!
Photo Gallery:Β https://www.bmwclubs.africa/bmw-ccg-skidpan-and-xdrive-challenge-4-photo-gallery/
Results:
