Greg's E46 M3 Race Car with 18" FL-5 Wheels

APEX: Tell us some details about yourself & your car.

Greg: My name is Greg Tolson with GT Auto Lounge out of Folsom, California. My hobby is road racing but when I’m not on the track I enjoy golf and fitness. I race my fully prepared 2002 BMW E46 M3 in national SCCA and NASA events throughout the year.

APEX: What is your track day wheel setup?

Greg: – APEX 18×10.5” ET22 FL-5 Wheels in Satin Black – Yokohoma Advan Race Slicks – Full Ground Control Race Suspension

APEX: Why did you choose APEX Wheels over the rest?

Greg: I chose APEX wheels due for their weight and durability.

APEX: What other modifications have been done to your car?

Greg: – Weight Reduction (3000lbs with driver) – Full Race Cage by Mad Hamster Race Fabrication – AP Racing Brakes – Headers – Pulleys – 3.5″ exhaust – 4.10 Differential – Dual Disc Clutch – Lightened Flywheel – Custom Tune by Epic Motorsports

APEX: How did you get into track racing & for how long?

Greg: My Dad got me into racing, he used to race SCCA. He had me racing Quarter Midgets as a kid and I started open track days when I turned 18 at Thunder Hill. I would do occasional Thunder Hill open track days in a Fox Body Mustang race car over the years. Then got really into it when I got this E46 M3 last year and built it from completely stock to where it is now. I recently received my racing license and started road racing competitively earlier this year.

APEX: What is your favorite memory or entertaining story from the track?

Greg: My favorite memory would be running at Laguna Seca for the first time and hitting the legendary Corkscrew.

APEX: How many events do you participate in each year, care to share any track results?

Greg: Around 20 events per year now, between open track days, SCCA, and NASA events. I was able to get the car down to a 1:45 lap at a Sonoma event last weekend. I finished 3rd place in my class at my first race ever – which was a NASA event at Thunder Hill earlier this year. I also finished 2nd place in my 2nd NASA race at Sonoma Raceway shortly after.

APEX: If you could give one tip to a new racer, what would your tip be?

Greg: A tip I’d offer is to be educated on the driving line. If you have access to a simulator, get to know the track on there before racing at a new track for the first time. It was a big help for me when I went to Laguna Seca for the first time.

APEX: Where can we follow you?

Greg: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GTAutoLounge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTAutoLounge

APEX: Do you have any clubs, shops or racing buddies you want to give a shout out to?

Greg: I’d like to give a shout out to Tim Barber at TFB Performance, Mad Hamster Race Fabrication, JZ Fab (@JZ_Fab), Sharp Details & Tint (@SharpDetails)

Tom M.

Tom is a BMW Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining the company in 2019, he worked for BMW of North America as Fleet Manager: Portland (OR) for the ReachNow car-sharing program, and as Warranty Administrator/Loaner Fleet Manager at BMW Portland. In addition, Tom has extensive training in BMW TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) as well as in-depth knowledge of all BMW chassis and their wheel fitment options, with and without aftermarket brake and suspension upgrades. His high-performance driving experience includes autocross events in southern Oregon and track days at PIR in his 2004 E46 330i with 17x9 ET42 APEX ARC-8 wheels. Vehicles he owned prior to indulging his passion for BMWs include a 1989 Jaguar XJ6 and a 2006 S197 Ford Mustang. Fun Fact: Tom is a huge Formula 1 fan. Have questions about wheels for your BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Tom.