Meetups, Track Days and Pro Tips

Kris

Alright, welcome back to the Golden State MB Car Club Podcast—Driven by Legacy! I’m Kris, and I’m here with my man Donald. You ready to talk Benz, Don?

Donald

Oh, you know it, Kris. I’ve been waiting all week for this. Nothing like a little Mercedes talk to get the blood pumping. And hey, if you’re listening and you love the sound of a revving engine and a good story, you’re in the right place.

Kris

Yeah, and honestly, that’s what this club is all about, right? It’s not just about the cars—though, let’s be real, the cars are awesome—it’s about the people. The mission’s always been camaraderie, building skills, and, you know, pushing these machines safely. I mean, you can’t just go full throttle on the 5 Freeway. Well, you could, but you’d probably end up on the news.

Donald

Yeah, and we don’t want that kind of fame. What I love is how the club brings everyone together. We’ve got these monthly drives—sometimes it’s a cruise up the coast, sometimes it’s a coffee chat at some little spot and occasionally we do the track days. You get to meet folks who are just as obsessed with their Benz as you are. And, uh, the Q&A sessions? Man, I always learn something new. Even after all these years.

Kris

You remember your first meetup, Donald? I feel like you told me you rolled up blasting Zeppelin or something.

Donald

Ha! Yeah, guilty as charged. I pulled in, windows down, “Whole Lotta Love” cranked up. I was nervous, honestly. But the second I stepped out, people just started chatting—asking about my old W124, sharing stories. Someone handed me a coffee, and next thing I know, I’m swapping road trip tales with a guy who’d driven his E-Class all the way from San Diego. It just felt like home, you know?

Kris

That’s the vibe, man. It’s like, you show up for the cars, but you stay for the people. And the stories. And maybe the donuts.

Kris

Alright, let’s talk about the real adrenaline—track days. Buttonwillow, Laguna Seca… I mean, those are legendary. And what I love is, you don’t have to be some pro driver. The club makes it super beginner-friendly. You get an instructor, you get to learn the lines, and you get to push your car in a way you just can’t on the street.

Donald

Absolutely. And, you know, safety is everything. Before you even hit the track, there’s a full tech inspection—brakes, tires, fluids, the whole nine yards. You gotta have your helmet, fire extinguisher, suit if you’re going all out. It’s not just about going fast, it’s about coming home in one piece. That’s the club’s culture, always has been.

Kris

Yeah, and I’ll never forget my first lap at Laguna Seca. I was, like, vibrating with nerves. My instructor’s in the passenger seat, and he’s just calm as can be, telling me, “Alright, brake here, turn in, trust the car.” And then we hit the Corkscrew—man, I thought I was gonna leave my stomach back at turn six. But after that lap, I was hooked. There’s nothing like it.

Donald

That’s the magic, right there. And, you know, I’ve seen folks show up at Buttonwillow with zero track experience, and by the end of the day, they’re grinning ear to ear. It’s not about being the fastest, it’s about learning, improving, and, well, having a blast.

Kris

And honestly, the instructors are patient. They want you to get better, but they’re not gonna push you past your comfort zone. It’s all about building confidence, one lap at a time.

Kris

Alright, let’s get a little nerdy. Pro tips time. First up—tire pressure. I know, it sounds boring, but it’s huge. You dial it in right, you get more grip, your tires last longer, and you’re not sliding all over the place. I always check mine before every session, and sometimes even between runs if the temps are changing.

Donald

Yeah, and don’t forget brake pads. I mean, you can have all the horsepower in the world, but if your brakes fade after two laps, you’re in trouble. I like to run a pad that can handle a little heat, but still works on the street. There’s a balance, you know? And, uh, data-logging—if you’re into shaving seconds, that’s the way. You can see where you’re braking too early, or not getting on the throttle soon enough. It’s like having a coach in your pocket.

Kris

Totally. And we had that one member—what was his name, Mike?—who went from, like, total novice to running confident laps in, I swear, sixty seconds. He just listened, made a couple tweaks, and suddenly he’s passing people. It’s wild how fast you can improve with the right advice.

Donald

Yeah, and that’s where my engineering brain kicks in. I’m always thinking, “How can I optimize this?” Sometimes it’s the little things—tire temp, brake bias, even just cleaning the windshield so you can see the apex. It all adds up. And, you know, it’s not just about the stopwatch. It’s about feeling connected to the car, and, uh, getting a little better every time you go out.

Kris

That’s what keeps us coming back, right? The challenge, the community, and just the pure fun of it. Alright, I think that’s a wrap for today. If you’re listening and you wanna join us, check out GoldenStateMB.com for the next meetup or track day. Spots fill up fast, so don’t sleep on it.

Donald

And hey, check our our hot, new merch on the website and don't forget to follow us on socials, check the show notes for links, and come say hi at the next event. Kris, always a pleasure, man.

Kris

Right back at you, Donald. Thanks for tuning in, everybody. We’ll catch you next time on Driven by Legacy. Stay safe, drive fast—well, you know, where it’s legal. See ya!

Donald

Take care, folks. See you on the road.