Sam’s 2002 BMW E46 M3 With APEX Track Wheels

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

Sam Ratcliffe: My name is Sam and I’m 27 years old from the United Kingdom. My hobbies include cars, all kinds of push bikes and going fast! I drive a 2002 BMW E46 M3 on road and track as well as a Renault Clio RS200 Cup for my daily driver.

APEX: What is your track day wheel setup?

Sam Ratcliffe: I have a couple track day wheel setups from APEX 18×10” ARC-8 ET25 wheels with semi slicks and APEX 18×9.5” EC-7 ET22 wheels with Dunlop racing slicks. I also run a set of Team Dynamics (don’t shoot me I hate them) 18×9” ET26 with Dunlop racing wets.

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

Sam Ratcliffe: I chose APEX wheels over the rest because I could pretty much pick any size I wanted, they look awesome and are nice and lightweight.

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

Sam Ratcliffe: I got into track driving through my BFF Grant, who is a decade older with a lot more experience coming from an Aasbo drifting background. He knows how to handle a wheel. We had been karting together forever and I won a few races, but I was still nervous to jump onto a race track. After the first successful day I was relieved, Grant’s words were “you took to track driving like a duck to water.” Two and a half years later and I still have the track driving bug.

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

Sam Ratcliffe: The fondest memory I have track driving is being able to show up to track and be faster than not only quicker and much more expensive cars but also more experienced drivers. But really the best part to me is when there’s an empty track and the BFF and I can go out following/hassling each other and really push each other to the limit.

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

Sam Ratcliffe: I try to do at least a track day each month, but that doesn’t always workout with car preparation and other commitments. Here are a few track times I’m pleased with… a time of 2:09 around Snetterton 300 and a 1:39 around Rockingham International Super Sports Car Long Circuit. Both of these times have room for improvement.

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

Sam Ratcliffe: The best advice I would give any racer is to learn to be smooth before fast. It is important to gain confidence then speed will come naturally.

APEX: Where can we follow you?

Sam Ratcliffe: Instagram.com/samratcliffe Instagram.com/_TBFF

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

Sam Ratcliffe: I have received a lot of support from Hack Engineering and have Grant Ross to thank for getting me heavily into track driving.

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.