Track Day at Serres Circuit: Round 3 of the BMW Club Bulgaria Championship

Our Track Day at Serres Circuit: Round 3 of the BMW Club Bulgaria Championship

When we headed to Serres, we were excited for adrenaline-pumping moments, speed, and the chance to test ourselves and our BMW M3 G80 on one of the best tracks in the Balkans. Organized by BMW Club Bulgaria and Mirafiori, the event was part of the 3rd round of the amateur championship in the Time Attack format.

Now, let’s share how this two-day Track Day went and what we learned during our first race with the new car!

About Serres Circuit: The Perfect Spot for Adrenaline

Serres Circuit is one of the hidden gems of the Balkans, located in northern Greece. With a length of 3.186 km and 16 challenging corners, the track demands serious focus and excellent driving technique.

The wide racing line and the mix of fast straights and technical sections make it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts across Europe. These very characteristics inspired us to participate in the 3rd round of the championship here.

Day 1: Cold Asphalt, Warm Emotions

The Weather and Preparation

The first day, November 22, 2024, greeted us with cloudy but warm weather – around 15°C. However, the asphalt was cold, which meant we had to work harder to heat up our semi-slick tires – the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.

Following the organizers’ instructions, we warmed up the tires off the racing line, but we quickly noticed that we were picking up leftover rubber from the track. This resulted in a build-up on our tires, causing vibrations. Unfortunately, we realized the issue after about 20 laps, and despite our attempts to clean the tires, the grip was far from optimal.

How Did We Perform?

Our category included 10 participants – 7 with BMW M3/M4 and 3 with M340i. The best time we managed to achieve that day was 1:35.5, which placed us in 7th position.

For comparison, the best time in the category was 1:27.3, achieved by a participant driving a BMW M4 equipped with Toyo R888R tires. While our result wasn’t among the fastest, we were satisfied with our performance, especially given it was our first time racing with the new car.

Day 2: Sunshine, Wind, and a Bit of Chaos

Challenges and Incidents

The second day, November 23, 2024, brought better weather – sunny but quite windy. The asphalt was slightly warmer, which made warming up the tires a bit easier.

However, the increased activity on the track brought more unforeseen situations. Some of the other drivers seemed more experienced – or maybe just braver – and didn’t spend enough time warming up their tires. This led to two crashes during the day, which canceled two of our sessions due to a blocked track.

There was also a third incident where one of the drivers’ engines failed, spilling oil on the track. Cleaning it up took about 40 minutes, further delaying the schedule.

The Results

Unfortunately, the second day wasn’t as successful for us. We didn’t manage to improve on our best time from the first day, but the experience was invaluable, and we learned more about the track and how our BMW M3 G80 handles under these conditions.

Lessons We Took Away

This Track Day was much more than just a race – it was a learning experience. We understood the importance of properly warming up our tires, how to handle unexpected situations on the track, and how our new car performs in real racing conditions.

Most importantly, it was the atmosphere – sharing these moments with our team and friends who came to support us. This event was just the beginning, and now we’re more motivated than ever for the next season!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the Time Attack format?
Time Attack is a racing format where each driver competes not directly against others but against the clock, aiming for the fastest lap.

2. What are the challenges of Serres Circuit?
Serres Circuit demands precision and adaptability – especially in its technical corners. Cold asphalt and heavy track traffic can also pose significant challenges.

3. How can we improve our time next time?
We plan to focus on better tire warming techniques, refining our cornering skills, and considering tires with better grip for competitive conditions.

Final Thoughts

Our Track Day at Serres Circuit was an incredible experience – not just because of the racing spirit but also for the lessons we learned. Thanks to BMW Club Bulgaria and Mirafiori, we had the opportunity to push our limits and create unforgettable memories.

Now, we’re looking ahead to new races, more practice, and, of course, even better results. Until next year – we’ll be more prepared, more confident, and faster!