First Timer - Track Preparation?
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First Timer - Track Preparation?
I am planning on tracking my car soon and wanted to ask you experienced folks about a few things:
1) My car currently has about 8k miles at 50% oil life (maybe another 1,000 to 1,500 miles before the next oil change). I have yet to replace the differential oil and will do so on the next change. Is it best that I wait after my fluid changes before tracking?
2) I live in Southern California, so it gets hot here. I'm guessing "hot" is not too good for tracking ... what effects will these have to my tires?
3) I am planning on getting a SA2005 helmet and gloves. I will be bringing top off oil fluid with me to the track. Do you guys have any other preparation tips or suggestions I should be aware of?
Thanks!
1) My car currently has about 8k miles at 50% oil life (maybe another 1,000 to 1,500 miles before the next oil change). I have yet to replace the differential oil and will do so on the next change. Is it best that I wait after my fluid changes before tracking?
2) I live in Southern California, so it gets hot here. I'm guessing "hot" is not too good for tracking ... what effects will these have to my tires?
3) I am planning on getting a SA2005 helmet and gloves. I will be bringing top off oil fluid with me to the track. Do you guys have any other preparation tips or suggestions I should be aware of?
Thanks!
don't worry so much and have some fun! 
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Joined: Mar 2008
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On your first track day, it's unlikely that you will need anything other than a helmet, and even that you can rent it at the event for around $30, bringing extra oil is not a bad idea if it will give peace of mind.
Most important thing is drive within your comfort zone, even if people are passing you, don't get tempted to push your limits by other racers on the track, if you feel your heart beating fast, your hands are sweating and things are happening so fast around you it means you are driving beyond your limits and you are more likely to make mistakes, be smooth and take your time learning the track and have fun.
and like the posts above, read the FAQs, it's has some great info.
Most important thing is drive within your comfort zone, even if people are passing you, don't get tempted to push your limits by other racers on the track, if you feel your heart beating fast, your hands are sweating and things are happening so fast around you it means you are driving beyond your limits and you are more likely to make mistakes, be smooth and take your time learning the track and have fun.
and like the posts above, read the FAQs, it's has some great info.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,751
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From: Santa Cruz
[QUOTE=Late@Apex,May 9 2008, 07:29 PM]On your first track day, it's unlikely that you will need anything other than a helmet, and even that you can rent it at the event for around $30, bringing extra oil is not a bad idea if it will give peace of mind.
Most important thing is drive within your comfort zone, even if people are passing you, don't get tempted to push your limits by other racers on the track, if you feel your heart beating fast, your hands are sweating and things are happening so fast around you
Most important thing is drive within your comfort zone, even if people are passing you, don't get tempted to push your limits by other racers on the track, if you feel your heart beating fast, your hands are sweating and things are happening so fast around you
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: San Francisco
I forgot one important point - check your tire pressures after the tires warm up. Depending on which tires you have, something around 32 hot would be ok. If you run 32 cold for regular driving, they'll get up to maybe 42 while hot and you'll be slipping around the track.
Took me 3 track days to figure this out
Took me 3 track days to figure this out
