A Dream Come True
I had always been dreaming of going around the racetrack ! Even if that was as a passenger. And you don’t want ANY compromises on your first time no ?
Sure, I’ve virtually raced through countless circuits in Virtual Reality, but feeling the actual G-forces, the shakes, the smells, the brake squeals, tire screeches, and the engine rumbling through your whole body — with a concrete wall just inches away — now that hits different. Like… “the kick of a mule.”
It was raw, it was passionate, it was packed with adrenaline — and yeah, there were definitely a few “instant ripuli” moments (brown pants kinda scary).
This was an incredible new experience for me — I got to ride shotgun for a lap with the one and only Julius from Tampere, a true Finnish car lover. And the car? An exceptionally rare and wild BMW 1M Coupé built to tickle you in all the right places.
Massive thanks to Julius for this unforgettable ride, and for making my first time at the track hella fun — and safe!
Ahvenisto Track
Do you LOVE roller coaster rides? Because that’s exactly how I’d describe this wild, technical, and downright thrilling piece of tarmac. For my first-ever track experience, Ahvenisto wasn’t just a ride — it was a ride of a lifetime.
One of my fellow car enthusiast friends, João, calls it a “Mini-Nürburgring” — and honestly, I can’t argue with that. It’s tight, twisty, unforgiving, and absolutely addictive. The elevation changes alone make your stomach do flips — and that’s before the car even reaches full boost!
Tucked away in the scenic town of Hämeenlinna, Ahvenisto is a true gem in Finnish motorsport history. Opened back in 1967, this legendary 3.95 km (2.45 mile) track is as thrilling as it is technical — with 11 unique turns, wild elevation changes, and a layout that demands serious skill.
Surrounded by peaceful pine forests, Ahvenisto has hosted everything from local events to international races — including the Finnish Formula 1 Grand Prix in its golden days. It’s a raw, old-school circuit that still carries its historic soul, even after safety upgrades.
Whether you’re a pro driver or just a passionate enthusiast, public track days at Ahvenisto are the real deal. It’s the kind of place that grabs your attention the moment your tires touch the tarmac — and refuses to let go.
the high-speed curve at the back of the track throws you straight into a short “straight” — if you can even call it that — before slamming into an uphill right-hander that demands serious braking force. No chill.
Now you’re charging downhill through a curving section, foot flat to the floor, until you hit this fast left-hander that puts you scarily close to the wall. It’s like the track dares you to give it a kiss.
Immediately after that? A blind uphill left-hander with minimal runoff, followed by yet another blind corner in the opposite direction. I mean… just look at the track map above. It’s chaos, but the fun kind.
Then you pop over a tiny bridge — blink and you’ll miss it — only to be thrown into a tricky downhill left with zero time to breathe. From there, it’s a few more fast, flowing corners before you find yourself diving under the very same bridge you crossed three turns ago.
And just like that, you’re back on that mini-straight at the rear, prepping for another wild lap. This track doesn’t let up — and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
The Day
BMW Club Finland hosts several track days throughout the year — but this one felt extra special. I mean, just think about it: rear-wheel-drive monsters, high horsepower, and a circuit that punishes even the smallest mistake. It’s the stuff of YouTube compilations titled “BMWs Doing BMW Things” — you know the ones where the back end decides to say goodbye and spin you into next week.
But despite the danger, one thing is certain: Finland is home to some seriously skilled drivers. Many of them start racing from a young age, and it shows. Fast, clean, confident laps — it was non-stop action all day.
Now here’s the thing… Finnish culture tends to lean toward early mornings — something I’m, let’s say, not particularly aligned with. So by the time I rolled up to the track, half the cars were already gone. But hey, silver lining: I got to experience the track in a nearly private setting. No lines, no chaos. Just the sound of tires, brakes, and turbo whooshes echoing through the forest.
The Ride
Details about the 1M? What is there to say, really? It’s the only M car that doesn’t actually start with the letter M — and one of the few modern BMWs that Jeremy Clarkson genuinely loved to bits. And if there’s anyone who’s driven it all, it’s him. So yeah… that means something.
But here’s the thing — this wasn’t just any 1M. This one was purpose-built for the track: sharp, lightweight, reliable, and brutally fast. It’s been dialed in with precision to handle high-speed laps with confidence and grace — yet it still keeps that raw, analog soul that makes the 1M so special.
From the aggressive suspension setup to the Recaro buckets hugging you tight, everything about this car says one thing loud and clear: “I was made for this.”
The brakes bite hard. The car squats on those sticky semi-slicks, ready to launch. And when it does? Oh boy — this thing goes like nobody’s business.
BMW, in their infinite wisdom (or madness), decided to stuff an inline-6 N54 engine under the hood, and not with just one, but two turbos strapped to it. The result? A screaming 400 horsepower being hurled through a compact crankshaft straight to the rear wheels. The kind of power that pins you back and makes your spine vibrate.
And this car isn’t just about brute force — it’s built for the track, and built right.
Mod List:
BMW 1M Coupé – Full Track-Ready Build (TÜV Approved)
Engine & Performance
- N54 twin-turbo inline-6
- ECU tune
- BMW 550i clutch + flywheel setup
- Wagner Competition intercooler
- Cat-back exhaust with sport catalytic converters
- K&N drop-in air filter
- Aluminum charge pipe
- FTP oil catch can
- CAE short shifter
- Engine mileage: ~35,000 km (with receipt)
Cooling & Reliability
- Large oil cooler
- Aluminum radiator
- FTP oil catch can
- Motul Power 5W-50 engine oil + additives
Wheels & Tires
- Apex EC-7 wheels: 9.5×18″ (front) & 11×18″ (rear)
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires: 265/35/18 (F) & 295/30/18 (R)
- 5mm spacers for optimal stance and clearance
Suspension & Handling
- KW Clubsport 2-way coilover suspension
- H&R sway bars (front & rear)
- Adjustable rear control arms (included in sale)
Brakes
- Floating brake rotors
- Track pads front
- Ferodo DS UNO rear pads
- High-performance racing brake fluid
- New rear DS UNO pads recently installed
Interior & Safety
- Recaro Pole Position bucket seats
- 5-point racing harness for driver
- Half roll cage
- Rear seats and trunk area removed for weight reduction
- All original interior parts included
The X-Perience
What can I say? This video captures every emotion I felt — the nerves, the thrill, the laughter, the full-body adrenaline rush. I poured my heart into editing it, and honestly, I’ve rewatched it way too many times.
If you enjoyed it too, drop a comment on the video — it means the world to me and helps keep the passion alive. Thanks for riding along.
Big Gallery
A selected gallery of the most beautiful shots of the day. Between the excitement of first ride along on a real track, getting to shoot cars this fast this up close, and balancing filming and shooting, this turned out to be an alright gallery.
I hope you enjoyed this gallery and if you want to show your appreciation by donating to my future gear, please use the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA6W3AETBBE7J
Pouya Lucky 