Hi guys,
This is my first time posting in the track forum, and hopefully I'll be going to the track for the first time soon I have a 2002 s2k, that is also my daily driver. I've owned it for about a year and a half now, and it is mostly stock except for a PRM intake, crappy DC sport headers (came with the car), and an Invidia Q300 dual exhaust (but I will be going back to stock+test pipe before I go to the track). I plan on upgrading to SS brake lines, Super Blue brake fluid, Hawk HP+ brake pads, and possibly making brake ducts. I am sure I will be a little nervous my first time out there, so I was wondering if you guys could give me some good advice on technique or any other preventative measures I can take to ensure that my s2k will come out unscathed? Do any of you think it is a bad idea to track my DD? I have been autocrossing for a little less than a year now, but I am assuming that this is going to be a helluva lot different. Also are there any other young track goers =<21 in this forum? Just wondering

Thanks,

Zeke

 

I am a NASA instructor and I deal with these questions alot. First and foremost remember that you are not racing! You are there to have fun and push your limits. Make a checklist of everything that you need to bring with you, it's no fun showing up at the track without your helmet or something else that is important to you having a fun day. Listen to your instructor and ask questions. It sounds like your car will be ready for the track and honestly your not going to be pushing it that hard. Most people there will be driving their DD car so they will be more than courteous on track, accidents are rare but they do happen. Enjoy your day

 

When you're on track avoid the "red mist" and just work on the driving and not focusing on "chasing down" or "beating" other cars. I've seen more people get into trouble that way.

 

You wont need SS lines or ducts on your first day. Replace your fluid and make sure your pads are fresh, if not run the Hawk pads.

Smooth is fast, fast is smooth.

 

You may find a lot of this very useful, though ignore the UK specific sections: https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/582...k-day-faq-v03/

 

+1 to charles. Go at your own pace and work up to the limit slowly. Corners and braking zones come at you differently than autox, but the speeds can be much higher, and if you get in to trouble you can hit a wall, not just a cone. You will have a blast, just be smart and keep your cool- at all times.

 

When I did my first track day I upgraded the rotors, pads, lines and fluid. The rotors had already been resurfaced once so it was time to toss them. Although stainless lines might not be required, lines are a maintenance item and if the car is more than a few years old it is probably a good idea. Plus, they are relatively cheap as well...I got a whole package with HP+ pads, lines, and Super Blue from GT Motoring for $275 shipped. The HP+ should be enough for your first few times out...I never felt a hint of fade on them. If you eventually move to a wider tire up front and R Compound tires you might need a Carbotech XP10 as most guys run.

Only other thing I'll say to any other new guys trying it out, is go with an open mind, listen to your instructor, respect that he's in the car with you risking his safety to teach you to be a better driver, and have fun while trying to learn. You will build a rapport with the instructor and he will be more likely to want to help you. I listened diligently to my instructor the last event and tried to apply what he was saying and consequently I noticed him decreasing my braking zones by the end of the second day. To me, this showed he was comfortable riding with me and therefore wanted me to improve as a driver.

Have fun!

 

Thanks for the good advice guys. I needed to be reminded that this is all about building myself up as a driver and not about seeing who's time I can beat or which cars I can pass. It's normally my style to take things slow and work my way up from there, so I think I'll be able to really find where my limits are toward my last runs. How much tread should I expect to lose off of my tires? I just bought a new set of Hankook V12's which I know aren't track tires, but I'm just hoping they won't get cooked all in one track day. Also what spring rates are you all running for your coil overs? I'm looking at getting the Fortune Auto 500's or 510's this summer and I'm thinking about doing 12k f 10k r. So do you think that 100 lbs difference in the spring rates is too much? Oh and I forgot to mention that I'm going with a non staggered wheel set up after my ap1 rears are finished being bored. Thanks again for all the great advice!

 

Precisely 1/32"



Not much unless you lock up the wheels. I doubt you'll be able to tell by eyeing it.

 

Tire wear for me on my first track day was noticeable, but not devastating. It seems like most guys around me are getting a good few track days on their tires before needing to replace them. The instructor in my experience was what made the day my first time though. Good luck and have fun out there.

-Ian