From Appetizers to the Main Course

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When it comes to entertaining their customers, Schomp knows best. Throwing an elegant celebration for becoming M certified was just the appetizer before the main course, a private track day at High Plains Raceway.  Just east of Denver, High Plains Raceway opened its strip of pavement to some lucky Schomp guests to test not only their own cars but to compare them to the M machines Schomp brought.

Arriving to the sounds of V8s and the new F30 335 twin-scroll turbo I immediately knew Schomp was here to have some fun. Everything from the new 550i to a M6 was represented. The selection of cars was overwhelming and made it tough to decide which one to drive, so why not drive all of them? The array of ultimate driving machines was impressive but this was no bare-bones track day. Schomp treated their guests to a fully catered lunch, helmets, drivers briefing, and GoPros to capture their unique experience.  After the drivers briefing each guest was able to push their cars to the limits before taking the wheel of one of Schomps machines. Elevation changes, long straights and a few tight corners proved challenging but provided the perfect opportunity for each guest to experience how their cars handle at higher speeds. Instructors were on site to give pointers and advice for each guest, helping them to increase their confidence behind the wheel.

After the first few laps and learning the course I was able to put the new 335i to the test. Improving upon the last model in every aspect the new 335i did not disappoint. Hitting the back straight-away I was able to stretch its legs and see how the twin-scroll turbo delivered its power. Low end power was where the 335 held its ground. Coming out of a turn you could be in the wrong gear and still have enough power on hand to catch the person in front. The gearbox held up quite well providing head jerking shifts when exiting a corner. Even though the 335 could provide fun spirited driving it’s not built specifically for the track and had significant body roll in the corners. Even this one dismal aspect was not enough to de-rail how fun the new 335 was.

Stepping into the cockpit of the new E93 DCT M3 you were immersed in fine leathers and the M symbol everywhere. Launching onto the back straight shot shivers down my spine. The loud V8 roared through the gears delivering its power higher in the power-band. The DCT transmission held up to the task and kept the hair standing on end on my arms. The one disappointing featuring of the new M3 is the lack of power at low RPMs. This was only a slight inconvenience overshadowed by the amazing agility the car displayed in the corners. The new M3 had an amazing engine wrapped in an even better shell.

At the end of the day Schomp sent their guests home with grins from ear to ear but not before terrifying them with a drive in the Schomp sponsored M3 race car. Video captured the screams and nervous laughter from the passengers while they flew around the track at neck breaking speeds. Everyone left overly satisfied with their experience gaining confidence behind the wheel. Schomp upped the ante with this event and it’s hard to fathom what they have in store for their next great event.