Just had my first trackday and there are a few things I would like recommendation on..

The track in question is Winton Raceway in Melbourne, Australia. It's a tight track with a lot of hairpins.
Condition on the day was wet, i've only had one session in dry/moist.

The car is completely stock AP1, with ... crappy.. at least I think they are crappy tires. I don't remember the model.. but the front are different from back.. running std width and etc.

Issues I'm having are..

Oversteer
LOL, I guess nothing new....
In most hairpins (2nd gear corner - 6000rpm), I brake, release the brake a bit, turn in and at about this point i'm nearly at the apex and my rear would slid out. (oversteer).

I've tried do less trail braking to see if the car would oversteer less.. it does, but the car feels really unsettled, on the edge and not planted. Just doesn't feel secure.

At the apex the car feels fine and exist is of course.. oversteer.. but it's easier to control ...

I've had two laps in the dry and the car transforms!.. until the 3rd lap.. which then I think the rear tire overheated.. and started to slid as it would in the wet...

Brakes
This might be related to my turn in oversteer issue above.. since my foot is still on the brake padel when I turn-in...

But with brakes, I'm using Ferodo DS2500 front and rear on OEM rotors.

The pads them self and the braking ability were great! But I've found more brake dust on my rear wheel compared to the front

Further more, the brake dust color are different, the front ones are black and the rear are brow (rust colored)... why is that??

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So i'm looking for feedback and recommendations on what should I do/drive different to improve.

Personally.. i think i should start with same spec tire front and rear... and then stiffer suspension.... I guess I need help to find a good starting point.

Thanks!!!

 

Dunlop star specs and a UK alignment.

 

Wow, that is one short reply LOL.

I'll go and research on those two things u've said. Thanks.

 

Trail braking, mid corner lift, and full power too soon are all going to result in oversteer. The question is, for THAT corner in YOUR car, is the amount of oversteer you are getting appropriate?

If its a downshift corner, do your revmatch down shift while approaching the corner, get back on the gas(Partially) before you turn in, the apply gradual throttle until you understeer. Now dab the brake a little with your left foot (The hardest part is getting used to DABBING the brakes with your left foot, as its used to SLAMMING the clutch) until you feel it go neutral. Now full on power for the exit.

If its a highspeed corner, dab the brake in the straight, and keep on the gas as much as possible through it.

Dont be afraid to be in a higher gear, many people ride around at 7krpm and when they corner get too much power oversteer, just change up, and you will be able to pull more speed in the corner because its smoother.

 

Get good tires. Don't worry about the suspension until you get enough track driving experience to really be feeling what the suspension is doing. Besides, a stiffer suspension will probably make the car more prone to oversteer, not less prone.

 

^ and when you do change, get adjustable, so you can dial in over/understeer for desired tracks/events

 

Get an instructor; a good one. Someone sitting in your car giving you specific pointers is invaluable.

When you start getting consistent and fast, see if you can hitch a ride with a very good driver, in a similar car. That way you'll see what can be done.

 

Good tires, an alignment and more seat time. someone else said 'instructor'. that's a definite must.

I just had my first track day with an instructor (it's mandatory at the track I drive) I'll need to do a minimum of 3 DE (Drivers Ed) events before I get certified to run 'solo'. Personally, I think it's the smartest way to go.

I would have been lost (my driving line) in certain spots without my trusty co-pilot. Even if you're a good driver, having never driven that track before, an instructor will show you the best (fastest line), braking points etc. It really shortens the learning curve.

Trail braking was not part of the equation. I wasn't allowed to trail brake. I was told to do all my braking and downshifting before turning the wheel. Trail braking and throttle steering are things he said he'd teach me after I got more seat time.

Right now the most important things are braking at the right time, downshifts and rev matching, and hitting my marks on the track. Gotta walk before you can run, right? Good luck.

 

^^^That's a great attitude to have. I'm at a similar point in the learning process. As you gain experience you'll be able to do more in a shorter period of time. As long as you feel like you've gained something everytime you go out then you're doing alright.

 

[QUOTE=metros,Jun 9 2009, 01:28 PM]^^^That's a great attitude to have.