Read this article from OCALA.com, it's also on edmunds.com/insideline

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<U>Driver of BMW in fatal crash sought Web advice on making it go faster</U>
BY RICK CUNDIFF
Star-Banner

(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) OCALA - Less than 12 hours before he died, Joshua Ammirato was posting messages on an Internet message board seeking advice about how to drive his 2008 BMW M5 faster.

Ammirato, 18, logged onto M5board.com Thursday and Friday, asking other M5 drivers how to shift smoother in the 500-horsepower machine.

"The problem is when I'm going pedal to the metal pushing 140 and upshifting, there tends to be thud noise with the gear change," he wrote in one post.

Ammirato and four other young Marion County men were killed at about 3:45 a.m. Saturday, when the BMW M5 he was driving sailed off the end of the Greystone airstrip in Anthony and crashed into a tree.

Messages on the board devoted to M5 enthusiasts show Ammirato logged on shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday as "AmericanM5."

"Let me say I am beginner when it comes to high performance cars as I am only 18 so take it easy on me," he wrote.

Other members of the board expressed skepticism that Ammirato could have a car with a base price of $82,900 at such a young age, but warned him to take it easy until he gained more driving experience.

"Maybe your 2 years driving experience in your whole life is the problem," one member wrote.

"The fact that I never drove a manual car before may be true, but I've been driving for a lot longer than two years buddy," Ammirato responded.

Ammirato's M5, according to his posts, was equipped with a "sequential manual gearbox," which shifts like a traditional manual transmission, but without a clutch pedal.

Automobile Magazine has described the M5 as "a fearfully intimidating machine," with writer Michael Jordan adding "we've found that the SMG transmission ... makes you feel like a victim of speed, not its master."

Ammirato told forum members he'd had the car for about three weeks. The vehicle is registered to his father, Santo Ammirato, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

In his posts, Joshua Ammirato listed his other cars as a 2008 BMW 535i, a 2007 BMW 335i and a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. All have less horsepower than the M5.

News of Ammirato's death drew condolences from forum members on Saturday and Sunday.

"My prayers are with Josh and his family as well. Being that I am 21 and going on my second M5 I know the temptation is great and sometimes hard to handle at that age," one member wrote. "This is a very serious car with extraordinary performance, i have learned to respect it because there is a VERY, VERY thin line between losing it and keeping it on the road."

Another hoped others would learn from the tragedy.

"Truly a sad, sad event. May God be with the families and friends," the poster wrote. "Hope that they have not died completely in vain -- that many young drivers (and their parents) will take this to heart and learn from it."

Ammirato asked forum members on Friday about turning off the M5's electronic stability control for higher performance. A member wrote back with concern.

"With all (due) respect, gradually learn your car before you turn off (stability control)," he wrote. "With a little mistake combination of your mind and your right foot, you can be history. Be safe and enjoy.

"P.S. People on this board care about each other, especially when someone owns 500 hp car at age of 18. Don't take it personal. We all watch each other(s) back."

Another member expressed concern about Ammirato's maturity.

"[I]t's just disturbing to know, if you're for real, that an 18 year old who is asking these questions about a 500hp car is driving the same streets I am. I don't have anything against young guys driving nice cars, but an 18 year old behind the wheel of an M5 is what accidents are made of," he wrote.

Ammirato responded at 5:33 p.m. Friday that he was responsible.

"I completely understand where you are coming from assuming that I am irresponsible ... that is definitely understandable. I do sometimes make bad decisions but I am young and I do drive safe and I will not endanger the lives of others."

A member from Australia again cautioned Ammirato to be careful.

"My only bit of advice matey -- If you crash in a big way expect to be on the news," he wrote. "Enjoy and resist the temptation to drag others at the lights."

Ammirato responded, in his last post, at 9:02 p.m. Friday.

"Thanks guys, don't get me wrong I never said I didn't respect your wisdom," he wrote. "[T]hanks for the welcome and I am looking forward to getting to know you guys better ... Josh."

Rick Cundiff can be reached at rick.cundiff@starbanner.com or at 352-867-4130.

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i remember posting pix about some retard totalling Nismo Z couple weeks ago.
i wonder what the aftermyth on this looks like.
i have no condolences for the drivers like this.
my respect goes to their friends and family.......

 

souns like most of the ap1 drivers on here

 

I sincerely hope his parents realize THEY are the cause of his death by buying him a F&*king 2008 M5 at the age of 18.

Rich spoiling parents FTL.

Not suprised in the least, kid needed to grow some brain instead of *****.

 

im young and i drive pretty safe, the only time i lose control is when im actually practicing on my driving in an open area. (trying to understand the limits) so i dont think its fair to categorize all young drivers.

but i do understand the actions of my peers speak as a whole for all younger drivers out there. i really cant get over the fact that he took 4 people with him. i think its absolutely mindnumbingly retarded to drive wrecklessly when you have passengers with you. it's one thing to idiotically risk your own life, but a whole other thing to put other's lives in danger for a cheap thrill.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dagle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">im young and i drive pretty safe, the only time i lose control is when im actually practicing on my driving in an open area. (trying to understand the limits) so i dont think its fair to categorize all young drivers.

but i do understand the actions of my peers speak as a whole for all younger drivers out there. i really cant get over the fact that he took 4 people with him. i think its absolutely mindnumbingly retarded to drive wrecklessly when you have passengers with you. it's one thing to idiotically risk your own life, but a whole other thing to put other's lives in danger for a cheap thrill.</TD></TR></TABLE>

there are many younger guys that are responsible and be respected.
but those guys don't get the attention, while morons like on this article gets all the attention.
when you drop few drops of black ink on clean water, does the water still stay clean or turn black?
same ****, these idiots are ruining younger crowds reputation

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Firstoost &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I sincerely hope his parents realize THEY are the cause of his death by buying him a F&*king 2008 M5 at the age of 18.

Rich spoiling parents FTL.

Not suprised in the least, kid needed to grow some brain instead of *****.</TD></TR></TABLE>

it wasn't his car, nor his parents bought it for him.
he claimed on m5board.com as it was his car , but it was actually registered under his dad's name.
it's funny how he posted on the forum couple hours before he killed himself.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GRAF-FITI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">souns like most of the ap1 drivers on here</TD></TR></TABLE>

are you referring to the white ap1 that was totalled couple weeks ago in PA?
but i do agree partially with you. there are lots of idiotic AP1 drivers out there, but goes same for AP2 too.
03 AP1 vs 04 AP2 isn't that much different in terms of cost.

 

there are more idiotic ap1 owners because they are more affordable; therefore increasing the # of owners and thus increasing the chances of more idiot. duh

 

although the prices can be argued for whatever reason, i think the reason that the majority of the morons that represent us (the ap1 drivers) are the morons simply because they bought the AP1 specifically to have 9k RPM and to use it. whereas the AP2 are the people who have 8k RPM and can drive without caring.

im not saying all AP1/2 owners are this and that. im saying the factor outside of cost would be the capabilities of the car first and foremost.

 

i disagree

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GRAF-FITI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">souns like most of the ap1 drivers on here</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not me. Its all about knowing your limits and thinking twice.

And if your refering to Joe then thats a lowblow. He was an amazing kid and knew how to drive. It was the fuccking dips fault and him not anticipating it. I know if he was going the speed limit it wouldnt have happened but who goes the speed limit when your cruisin around with your buddys??

So if you were throwing joe into the "most of the ap1 drivers on here" then thats pretty gay beacuse you didnt know him and you werent there when it happened.

Anyways I dont have a problem with you just would think your being a lil disrespectful if your talking about joe.

RIP Dude I still got your back.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GRAF-FITI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">souns like most of the ap1 drivers on here</TD></TR></TABLE>

great post

 

link to story about joe?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GRAF-FITI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">souns like most of the ap1 drivers on here</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you kidding? So what you think you are better because you have a AP2 and some how drive better too. Get your head out of your a**.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by s2000 mf &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Are you kidding? So what you think you are better because you have a AP2 and some how drive better too. Get your head out of your a**.</TD></TR></TABLE>
WTF does driving a AP2 have to do with anything?
If you drive like a fuking moron either ap1/ap2 or any car for that matter, your taking risk's with your life and life of others. I use to drive like an idiot when i first got my license and thank god nothing happend to anyone or to myslef. I look back now and i was a f-ing idiot speeding tickets and everything else isn't worth lives.
To all the new younger owners with high milage Ap1's, and those with money that are just idiots, take it easy and drive safely. Or just take it to the track

If you drive like this, just sell the car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob8wArLNSaA

 

Theres a thread titled R.I.P. Joseph Spires on this s2k forum. If you can't find it I have the link in my profile. I would post the link but I'm on my iPod touch and I can't copy/paste.

 

1. black - i saw the thread about your buddy but did not read it...in no way was that comment at all related to what happened. i am sorry for your loss.

2. to these noobs velocityracer and s2000 mf...GTFO...do you even understand the concept of sarcasm? or the fact ap1 vs ap2 is an ongoing "argument" in this forum? NO YOU DON'T...your lack of intelligence and the lack of ability to comprehend sarcasm makes me better than you....

although i will say: younger inexperienced drivers will more than likely end up with an ap1 because of the lower price tag than an ap2...thus, with more of the younger inexperienced crowd driving ap1's, the likelihood of something stupid like this happening in an ap1 is perceivably greatter than that of an ap2...think about it

 

seriously i know for a fact that graf wasnt making fun of joe... he was merely starting up the AP1 bashing, possibly at the wrong time, but nonetheless it wasnt to hurt anyones feelings... as far as the AP1 comment, its true that the AP1 feels like it oversteers a little more than the AP2 hence young drivers not being able to control the car...

and when i have kids, they will get Volvos, and will learn on them until they are ready to handle a sports car...

 

ABC News posted:
The 18-year-old behind the wheel of a BMW that crashed this weekend, killing five Florida teens was reportedly online hours earlier seeking advice on a BMW chat room on problems he was having with the transmission when he hit 140 mph in the $80,000 car.

The grisly accident took place around 3:45 a.m. Saturday at the Jumbolair Aviation Estates, an exclusive gated enclave for private jet owners in Ocala, Fla., where actor John Travolta is a resident.

Residents also complained to police about the lack of security at the airstrip, saying teens had been caught sneaking cars onto the runway.

Authorities say Joshua Ammirato, 18, of Fairfield, Fla., snuck his his father's gray 2008 BMW M-5 onto the main runway, with four friends onboard. Police say after racing down the strip, the car flew off an approximately 85-foot-high embankment at the end of the runway. They say the car was going so fast it went airborne for about 200 feet before slamming into a tree.

The car was split in two upon impact, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, ejecting three passengers and partially ejecting the other two.

All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Ammirato likely "braked and turned," said the patrol's Lt. Mike Burroughs, after he either "saw a hazard coming or realized that he was nearing the end of the runway," flipping the car sideways before sending it over the edge.

Burroughs told ABC News he could not speculate on the exact speed of the car at the time of the accident.

All five victims had recently graduated from high schools in the area. James Devon Hime and Dustin Dawe, both 19, had been co-captains of the wrestling team at North Marion High, Kathy Quelland, the school's principal, told ABC News. Ammirato had also been on the wrestling team; 20-year-old Isaac Rubin played football at a nearby high school.

Quelland said the community was "devastated" upon hearing of the accident.

None of the victims was a resident of the exclusive community.

Authorities said it appears Ammirato and his friends entered the compound through a back entrance that gives access to the 1.5-mile-long runway used by residents to land their private planes, according to Burroughs.

"Several community residents told us that it was common knowledge that yes, there is a back way to this airstrip," Burroughs said. "We know that troopers accessed the scene through that roadway without being challenged. There was no restrictive access."

Jeremy Thayer, co-owner of Jumbolair Aviation Estates, told ABC News that he didn't know how Ammirato and his friends got onto the property but that teenagers from the surrounding areas had to be chased off the runway in the past.

"It's a private airport, it's not a public airport," Thayer said. "So it doesn't have the same level of security that a public airport has. It's a tempting situation for young kids I guess."

Besides its 7,550-foot-long, 210-foot-wide runway, Jumbolair, which bills itself as "the nation's largest and most exclusive fly-in community," boasts private airstrips that allow residents to taxi their private jets to their doorstep and park them in personal hangars attached to their homes.

Travolta, the enclave's most-famous resident, keeps a Boeing 707 and a smaller Gulf Stream jet at the house and reportedly three other planes as well.

"We are all so distraught and devastated for these families," said Thayer of the Jumbolair community's reaction to the accident. "It's hard just to even talk about it."

Officials told ABC News they found no alcohol on the scene and couldn't confirm reports in the media that the group had been drinking in celebration of one of the victims' 19th birthday the night of the crash.

But less than six hours before the accident, a user who called himself "AmericanM5" logged on to a BMW M-5 online forum asking for advice on how to make the 500-horsepower car go faster.

Florida newspaper the Star Banner identified the user as 18-year-old Ammirato.

"The problem is when I'm going pedal to the metal pushing 140 and upshifting, there tends to be thud noise with the gear change," AmericanM5 wrote in one post, adding, "Let me say I am beginner when it comes to high-performance cars as I am only 18 so take it easy on me."

Others on the online forum doubted AmericanM5's claims of owning such a high-powered BMW at such a young age and warned him to take it slow.

A member logged in as "M5Froth" wrote, "Its [sic] just disturbing to know, if you're for real, that an 18 year old who is asking these questions about a 500hp car is driving the same street I am. I don't have anything against young guys driving nice cars, but an 18 year old behind the wheel of an M5 is what accidents are made of IMO."

In his last entry on the forum, posted at 12:33 a.m. Saturday, AmericanM5 wrote, "I completley [sic] understand where you are coming from assuming that I am irresponsible.. that is definetly [sic] understandable. I do sometimes make bad decisions but I am young and I do drive safe and I will not endanger the lives of others.. and I hope you are not under the impression that I am the one to brag, I have never been that way and never will."

This weekend residents mourned the victims who they said formed part of a tight group of friends.

"People are really just in shock," Quelland told ABC News. "Number one, the severity of the crash and just how devastating that was, but people aren't used to losing three people that they're close to at once."

Students from North Marion and others gathered at a Baptist church Saturday to remember the victims, according to local media reports.

"We wanted to have a place where everyone could get together and mourn," Kathy Crile, the mother of a former student and friend of the victims, told the Star Banner. To "hug and cry."

On one hand, I want to say that this kid wins the Darwin Award for 2008. But 5 people dead, that really really sucks. Do you think that the parents of the 4 will sue the father of the driver? After all, it was his vehicle.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dagle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i think the reason that the majority of the morons that represent us (the ap1 drivers) are the morons simply because they bought the AP1 specifically to have 9k RPM and to use it. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I hate to admit it, but I think there's some truth to this. For the most part, young drivers don't know how to humble themselves behind the wheel of an enticing vehicle. Some, not all, are stuck in this "it can't happen to me" mind frame, thus resorting to rash and irresponsible approaches behind the wheel. I'll also admit, I was like this at one point...I'm sure for the most part (generally speaking for the other older members on here), we all were like that.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.60trim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I hate to admit it, but I think there's some truth to this. For the most part, young drivers don't know how to humble themselves behind the wheel of an enticing vehicle. Some, not all, are stuck in this "it can't happen to me" mind frame, thus resorting to rash and irresponsible approaches behind the wheel. I'll also admit, I was like this at one point...I'm sure for the most part (generally speaking for the other older members on here), we all were like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

agreed

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.60trim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I hate to admit it, but I think there's some truth to this. For the most part, young drivers don't know how to humble themselves behind the wheel of an enticing vehicle. Some, not all, are stuck in this "it can't happen to me" mind frame, thus resorting to rash and irresponsible approaches behind the wheel. I'll also admit, I was like this at one point...I'm sure for the most part (generally speaking for the other older members on here), we all were like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i can honestly say ive done a lot of stupid **** as a kid and im lucky i didnt get hurt or hurt anyone else... weve all been in close situations that resulted in just a scare, you just have to learn from it and evolve...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.60trim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I hate to admit it, but I think there's some truth to this. For the most part, young drivers don't know how to humble themselves behind the wheel of an enticing vehicle. Some, not all, are stuck in this "it can't happen to me" mind frame, thus resorting to rash and irresponsible approaches behind the wheel. I'll also admit, I was like this at one point...I'm sure for the most part (generally speaking for the other older members on here), we all were like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

agreed here too
HOWEVER!!! i've never ever did stupid things with people in my car.
i've said it before many times but i'll say it again
playing with your own life is ok as long as you don't hurt someone else.
playing with someone else's life is NOT ok even if you don't hurt someone else.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Black S2K &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not me. Its all about knowing your limits and thinking twice.

And if your refering to Joe then thats a lowblow. He was an amazing kid and knew how to drive. It was the fuccking dips fault and him not anticipating it. I know if he was going the speed limit it wouldnt have happened but who goes the speed limit when your cruisin around with your buddys??
</TD></TR></TABLE>

WTF? how was it the dips fault??? RIP to the guy, I read the story but it's no ones fault but himself. He was young & dumb and it cost him his life.

I too use to drive like a jackass and I almost killed myself 4 years ago because I was driving wrecklessly. I didn't blame the curved street I didn't anticipate while I was drivng at a much higher rate of speed than I should have.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Alex_G &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

WTF? how was it the dips fault??? RIP to the guy, I read the story but it's no ones fault but himself. He was young & dumb and it cost him his life.

I too use to drive like a jackass and I almost killed myself 4 years ago because I was driving wrecklessly. I didn't blame the curved street I didn't anticipate while I was drivng at a much higher rate of speed than I should have.</TD></TR></TABLE>

you need to seriously shut the expletive up...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by S2KILLA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

you need to seriously shut the expletive up... </TD></TR></TABLE>

expletive you I'm posting my opinion. Who the expletive are you to tell me to shut the expletive up?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Alex_G &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

expletive you I'm posting my opinion. Who the expletive are you to tell me to shut the expletive up? </TD></TR></TABLE>

actually go expletive yourself douchebag... i knew the kid that died so thats who i am... its not cool to expletivein rag on someones loss... He was young & dumb and it cost him his life. no need for that comment, so like i said before shut the expletive up...