Maybe someone who's connected with Infiniti can answer this fully.

I did an autocross event in my old BMW 5-er and loved it. One of the most fun things I've ever done. I really want to get out and do another autocross event here in South Texas or head to Texas World Speedway for one of their "performance driving" weekends. I'm planning on upgrading wheels this summer so I'll keep my stock 18s to put on for track duty and I know it'll tear up my brakes - so upgraded pads/rotors would be in my future.

But beyond tons of wear on the tires/brakes - do I really run any risks "tracking" the car. I've heard insurance will cover anything as long as its not timed (i.e. - performance driving schools like TWS and MSR in Texas). But what warranty issues will I run into? I've already pushed the hypothetical limits with an exhaust I had my dealer install for me, but will it be obvious I'm tracking the car (I'll bring it to them with my new wheels) and will I run into any issues?

Thanks for reading

 

I took my car to the dealer for service with tons of mods, they never said anything. They even replaced my throttle body assembly under warranty when I had an intake installed. Not saying you'll have the same experience, just sharing what happened to me.

 

Don't say you did, and they won't ask.

Re: Insurance. Check your policy. In the past, HPDE were covered as long as they were not timed (meaning: not competition). Now, a lot of companies have changed, and will not cover any events at a track period. Make sure you are covered, or be VERY careful. Accidents do happen.

http://hpdeins.locktonaffinity.com/Default.aspx

 

Obviously! When I traded in my old 5-series they actually noted how chewed up the tires were and decreased the trade-in by $500! I'd hope they wouldn't "assume" I race, but if they asked would I just lie?

Yeah, I'm mostly worried about losing my warranty. I wouldn't do any driving events where there's traffic (other than I-10 during rush hour!). Just AutoX or high performance drivers ed where there's no passing allowed so I'm not THAT worried about on-track damage.

Although that website with the track-use insurance is a great idea!

Thanks for the help so far

keep em coming guys!

 

There is really nothing to worry about. With the 5AT in autoX, you aren't going to hurt anything beyond what you would in street driving (other than the aforementioned brakes and tires).

 

In an AutoX, You can't hurt the car unless you accidentally shift into park at 50 mph. The tranny won't let you go into reverse or a gear too low. The brakes will be fine as well.

Tracking... is a different story.

As far as warranty is concerned, you can't overrev a 5AT; as long as you don't do neutral dumps, you'll be fine.

 

Thanks guys, I'm not really worried about it. From the time that I did it, there doesn't seem like there's that much real risk involved to the car. In all honesty, since my mom owns the car and knows nothing about cars or what autox is, she thinks the car will fall apart hahah. I need to just convince her, and you guys are pretty reassuring about it. Having my second set of tires for autox will be helpful too.

I know when you get your car tech'd they look at your tires. My tires are very unevenly worn, the inside of the fronts are quite worn and the outsides still have decent tread. Would they really make any fuss about how worn the tires are?

 

you're racing your mom's car? yikes.

Just curious, but have you been paying for those mods in your sig?

 

Nono, she has a 5-series. It was my graduation present (so she "owns" it, but has only driven it once). Yes I agree, completely unnecessary car and I can't believe we ended up at the Infiniti dealership for a present, but UT tuition is only 8grand vs high 30s at other places I was looking at (50K+ for USC)

Yeah I pay for anything besides service, she thinks I'm crazy doing stuff to the car