from unitedBMWonline.com

When we awoke it appeared we had gone back in time; well at least 12 months. This time last year it was less than 40 deg and today it was the same, the only difference being the winds were stronger and no snowflakes! Today was the first time in 10 days we had the luxury of sleeping in until 7:30am as the skid pad competition would not be starting until 9:00am.

For the final event we lined up in reverse order, so we had an opportunity to watch cars from the other end of the field take to the track first, while shivering in the freezing conditions. The goal of the dry skid pad is to circulate the concrete surface in the fastest time and pulling the largest number of G’s. Believe it or not our Dunlop Sport Maxx tires looked to be in the same condition as we left South Carolina 10 days ago. As Mike has stated during in the last few days, that was the good news, the bad news was the tires looked in the same as we started! This event really turns out to be a formality unless someone really screws up, but that rarely happens. In the end we didn’t lose a position, nor did we lose out to anyone else.

As soon as this event was over the fun begin and I think this is what the spectators turnout for; the Tire Rack Smoke Show. As in past years any competitor who wishes to have fun on the skid pad is encouraged to do so and burn off as much rubber as they wish. First off was Brian Hair in Robin Sparrow’s BMW 335i Coupe followed by a Mustang, then Mike Renner, not in the X6 M, but in Neil Simons supercharged M Z Coupe, and finally Lee Keane in the event winning Porsche 911 GT2. You can see their showman ship below.

As soon as the smoke had cleared we were ushered into the Tire Rack warehouse for the awards banquet. Every year Tire Rack organize a wonderful buffet for the competitors, it make such a nice change to some of the fast food we’ve consumed on the road. This year the theme was local dishes from the states we visited during the week.

As the buffet wound down Brock Jr. started to offer thank to all a people that made the event possible, then introduced the founding father of the event Brock Sr. After a few words from the elder statesman, the awards were handed out for each class, followed by the top 10 overall trophies.

After a week long battle with the race prepared Mazda 5, we finished 2nd in class and 18th overall. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together as a team and left the event very impressed with the capabilities of the X6 M, both from the exploits on track and the comfort it provided on the transit sections. During the event, the only time we lifted the hood was for inquisitive bystanders, and all we did at each event was check the tire pressures and check the toque of the wheel nuts. It also appears that a number of competitors also recognized how much fun we had with this BMW as during the event, a number of them approached us regarding the potential purchase of this amazing BMW.

It was soon time to say our goodbyes and exchange contact information and begin our journeys home. One couple had to leave immediately for the their hometown in Texas, and on their return load up their other car and be in Utah for a SCCA event next weekend!

Over the last week, if we have peaked your interest in an X6 or any other BMW product contact me, Steve Maguire 678.832.4600 to arrange your purchase or lease and we’ll arrange delivery of your new BMW at the BMW Performance Center with Mike Renner. Definitely an experience not to be missed.