[Track] What you Need to Track your Car
12-03-2010, 12:51 PM
#1
Thread Starter
[Track] What you Need to Track your Car
So you've had your S2000 for a while, you've romped around on the streets with it, you may have gotten a ticket or two pushing the legal speed boundaries but you know the car has more to give. Autocross is a great place to start, especially if you're on a budget. If you are wanting to reach higher speeds and really test the limits of your car then you take it to the track.
Tracking your car is a ton of fun but it has its consequences which you must understand before pursuing. Tracking your car once or twice a year will not be too hard on the car. It's when you frequent the tracks several times a year that you will be replacing consumables such as brakes, tires, fluids, wheel bearings, etc. There's also debris that other cars will kick up so unless you use painters tape you WILL get rock chips in the paint and on the windshield. There is also a higher inherent risk of damaging the car from going off track. There is always the possibility of rolling the car if you go sideways off of the track. It's a low possibility but it's still there.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way and you want to venture in to the world of tracking, please read on!
What all does a track day entail?
Track days are a learning experience. It's not about about racing other cars. It's about pushing your personal limits to meet the car's limits. You will not become a pro in a single track day/weekend; this process takes time, usually years, to progress to a high skill level so take your time and get the most out of your sessions that you can.
How much am I looking to spend?
This is also track and club dependent. Typical track experiences run from $150-$200 for a single day and up to $300 for a weekend (2 days). What this entry fee will get you is normally four to five 20-25min sessions (per day) depending on how many people attend. Instructors are usually provided for Green and Blue run groups. Food is normally not provided though they may be selling it at the track. Plan accordingly. Plan to spend a full tank of fuel per day, maybe more depending on the power output and weight of your car. Expect to only get 8-10 mpg while on the track. If the price bugs you, think of it this way...
- It's cheaper than a speeding ticket
- It's cheaper than running off into a tree on the side of the road
- Cost-to-Seat-time is cheaper at the track than autocross. Track: $2.25/min. AutoX: $4.20/min
- You can chill in the shade/clubhouse when you're not driving. Don't have to work unless you chose to work to pay for the track day (more on that later).
Can I drive my S2000 on the track without a dedicated roll bar/cage?
All S2000's come with stock roll hoops which most tracks allow. Although, there is a guideline called the "brookstick test." Basically if you sit in your driver's seat with your helmet on and someone can put a broomstick across the windshield and the rollhoop and still be 2 inches or higher than your helmet, then you pass. This is for safety in case of a rollover incident. You should be okay for a typical High Performance Driving Event but if you track more often I would strongly encourage taking out the roll hoops and installing a proper roll bar to protect your head.
What will I need for a track day?
- You
- Your Car
- A SA2005 or SA2010 rated Helmet
- Tech Inspection form (if required by club)
- Driver's License
- Tire pressure gauge
- A quart of Engine Oil
- A can of brake fluid
- Plenty of Water!
- Torque wrench for lug nuts
What should I wear or bring to wear?
- Cotton apparel only in case of a fire; other materials will bond to the skin in a fire.
- Jeans and a long sleeve shirt (in case the track requires these, otherwise a t-shirt is fine)
- Bring a jacket for the wind (you'd be surprised how windy it gets out in the open)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Shoes that allow you to easily access the pedals.
- Bring a separate change of clothes to go out for the night or to drive home. It sucks driving home in sweat-drenched clothes in the heat of summer.
Nice to Haves
- Mechanix Gloves
- Paper towels
- Windshield cleaner
- Snacks
- Jack stands
- Hydraulic jack
- Tools to bleed brakes
- Driving gloves
- Video camera and mount to record sessions and review later
What do I need to check for the week/month before an event?
- Check all fluid levels
- Check tire tread depth, have more than 3/32" all around and no cracks.
- Check brake rotors. Make sure there are no cracks.
- Check brake pads to make sure they're not almost gone.
- Not necessary but make sure your alignment is in check.
- Check wheel bearings. There shouldn't be any play/slop/noise.
- If event requires tech inspection, get that done several days before an event to make sure you can fix items that did not pass and get reinspected.
What do I need to do when I arrive?
- Park your car
- See if there is a registration/sign in sheet. There will probably be a waiver form you will need to sign.
- Check oil level
- Check brake fluid level
- Set tire pressures. Ask around if you are not sure what to set them to (it will probably change later as you fine tune the car)
- Remove anything from the car that is not secured down so it doesn't fly at you or out of your car on the track.
How is Track Progression Made?
From my experiences there are run group orders which are encoded from least experienced to most experienced:
Green
Blue
Yellow
Red and/or White (one is usually labeled as "instructor" depending on the track)
Green and Blue groups usually have an instructor with them unless a driver is deemed worthy enough to run solo (this usually doesn't happen until Blue and Yellow levels. An instructor must go along on a check-ride to determine if you can move up to the next run group.
I ran in blue/yellow group at track A, why am I in green here?
It's ultimately up to the track to decide where you run. Different clubs and different tracks determine which run group you run in. Just because you advanced with one group doesn't mean you're at that same skill level as a different group. Same goes if you're in blue or yellow at Harris Hill Road, that doesn't mean you can start in blue or yellow at Texas World Speedway if you've never driven there before.
Earlier you mentioned working to pay for the track day, what more is there to this?
Some tracks allow you to work one day flagging at a corner station in order to pay for the other track day; or they'll give you credit towards your next session. This is track and club dependent as well so talk with the respective people about this.
Thanks for reading, I hope to see you out there! If you'd like to take a ride-along at the track to see what it's like just let me know and I can drive you around at Harris Hill Road. If I missed anything or if you have more questions please don't hesitate to ask here in the forum so I or others can answer and so others can read. Thanks!
Tracking your car is a ton of fun but it has its consequences which you must understand before pursuing. Tracking your car once or twice a year will not be too hard on the car. It's when you frequent the tracks several times a year that you will be replacing consumables such as brakes, tires, fluids, wheel bearings, etc. There's also debris that other cars will kick up so unless you use painters tape you WILL get rock chips in the paint and on the windshield. There is also a higher inherent risk of damaging the car from going off track. There is always the possibility of rolling the car if you go sideways off of the track. It's a low possibility but it's still there.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way and you want to venture in to the world of tracking, please read on!
What all does a track day entail?
Track days are a learning experience. It's not about about racing other cars. It's about pushing your personal limits to meet the car's limits. You will not become a pro in a single track day/weekend; this process takes time, usually years, to progress to a high skill level so take your time and get the most out of your sessions that you can.
How much am I looking to spend?
This is also track and club dependent. Typical track experiences run from $150-$200 for a single day and up to $300 for a weekend (2 days). What this entry fee will get you is normally four to five 20-25min sessions (per day) depending on how many people attend. Instructors are usually provided for Green and Blue run groups. Food is normally not provided though they may be selling it at the track. Plan accordingly. Plan to spend a full tank of fuel per day, maybe more depending on the power output and weight of your car. Expect to only get 8-10 mpg while on the track. If the price bugs you, think of it this way...
- It's cheaper than a speeding ticket
- It's cheaper than running off into a tree on the side of the road
- Cost-to-Seat-time is cheaper at the track than autocross. Track: $2.25/min. AutoX: $4.20/min
- You can chill in the shade/clubhouse when you're not driving. Don't have to work unless you chose to work to pay for the track day (more on that later).
Can I drive my S2000 on the track without a dedicated roll bar/cage?
All S2000's come with stock roll hoops which most tracks allow. Although, there is a guideline called the "brookstick test." Basically if you sit in your driver's seat with your helmet on and someone can put a broomstick across the windshield and the rollhoop and still be 2 inches or higher than your helmet, then you pass. This is for safety in case of a rollover incident. You should be okay for a typical High Performance Driving Event but if you track more often I would strongly encourage taking out the roll hoops and installing a proper roll bar to protect your head.
What will I need for a track day?
- You
- Your Car
- A SA2005 or SA2010 rated Helmet
- Tech Inspection form (if required by club)
- Driver's License
- Tire pressure gauge
- A quart of Engine Oil
- A can of brake fluid
- Plenty of Water!
- Torque wrench for lug nuts
What should I wear or bring to wear?
- Cotton apparel only in case of a fire; other materials will bond to the skin in a fire.
- Jeans and a long sleeve shirt (in case the track requires these, otherwise a t-shirt is fine)
- Bring a jacket for the wind (you'd be surprised how windy it gets out in the open)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Shoes that allow you to easily access the pedals.
- Bring a separate change of clothes to go out for the night or to drive home. It sucks driving home in sweat-drenched clothes in the heat of summer.
Nice to Haves
- Mechanix Gloves
- Paper towels
- Windshield cleaner
- Snacks
- Jack stands
- Hydraulic jack
- Tools to bleed brakes
- Driving gloves
- Video camera and mount to record sessions and review later
What do I need to check for the week/month before an event?
- Check all fluid levels
- Check tire tread depth, have more than 3/32" all around and no cracks.
- Check brake rotors. Make sure there are no cracks.
- Check brake pads to make sure they're not almost gone.
- Not necessary but make sure your alignment is in check.
- Check wheel bearings. There shouldn't be any play/slop/noise.
- If event requires tech inspection, get that done several days before an event to make sure you can fix items that did not pass and get reinspected.
What do I need to do when I arrive?
- Park your car
- See if there is a registration/sign in sheet. There will probably be a waiver form you will need to sign.
- Check oil level
- Check brake fluid level
- Set tire pressures. Ask around if you are not sure what to set them to (it will probably change later as you fine tune the car)
- Remove anything from the car that is not secured down so it doesn't fly at you or out of your car on the track.
How is Track Progression Made?
From my experiences there are run group orders which are encoded from least experienced to most experienced:
Green
Blue
Yellow
Red and/or White (one is usually labeled as "instructor" depending on the track)
Green and Blue groups usually have an instructor with them unless a driver is deemed worthy enough to run solo (this usually doesn't happen until Blue and Yellow levels. An instructor must go along on a check-ride to determine if you can move up to the next run group.
I ran in blue/yellow group at track A, why am I in green here?
It's ultimately up to the track to decide where you run. Different clubs and different tracks determine which run group you run in. Just because you advanced with one group doesn't mean you're at that same skill level as a different group. Same goes if you're in blue or yellow at Harris Hill Road, that doesn't mean you can start in blue or yellow at Texas World Speedway if you've never driven there before.
Earlier you mentioned working to pay for the track day, what more is there to this?
Some tracks allow you to work one day flagging at a corner station in order to pay for the other track day; or they'll give you credit towards your next session. This is track and club dependent as well so talk with the respective people about this.
Thanks for reading, I hope to see you out there! If you'd like to take a ride-along at the track to see what it's like just let me know and I can drive you around at Harris Hill Road. If I missed anything or if you have more questions please don't hesitate to ask here in the forum so I or others can answer and so others can read. Thanks!
12-03-2010, 12:59 PM
#2
Thread Starter
Tracks in Texas
H2R : Harris Hill Road (San Marcos, TX) - http://www.harrishillroad.com/
TWS : Texas World Speedway (College Station, TX) - http://www.texasworldspeedway.com/
MSR-H : Motorsports Ranch Houston (Houston, TX) - http://msrhouston.com/
MSR-C : Motorsports Ranch (Cresson, TX) - http://www.motorsportranch.com/
ECR : Eagles Canyon Raceway (Decatur, TX) - http://www.eaglescanyon.com/
GSS : GrandSport Speedway (Houston, TX) - http://www.grandsportspeedway.com/
TMS : Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX) - http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/
DA : Driveway Austin (Austin, TX) - http://drivewayaustin.com/
H2R : Harris Hill Road (San Marcos, TX) - http://www.harrishillroad.com/
TWS : Texas World Speedway (College Station, TX) - http://www.texasworldspeedway.com/
MSR-H : Motorsports Ranch Houston (Houston, TX) - http://msrhouston.com/
MSR-C : Motorsports Ranch (Cresson, TX) - http://www.motorsportranch.com/
ECR : Eagles Canyon Raceway (Decatur, TX) - http://www.eaglescanyon.com/
GSS : GrandSport Speedway (Houston, TX) - http://www.grandsportspeedway.com/
TMS : Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX) - http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/
DA : Driveway Austin (Austin, TX) - http://drivewayaustin.com/
12-03-2010, 12:59 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Track Clubs to Run With:
PDS - Performance Driving School - Hosted by individual tracks
TDE - The Driver's Edge - http://www.thedriversedge.net/
HPDE - High Performance Driving Education - http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/
LHRA - Long Horn Racing Academy - http://longhornracingacademy.com/
PCA - Porsche Club of America - http://www.pca.org/
VA - Velocity Adventures - http://velocityadventurestexas.com/
RPM - Revolution Precision Motorsports - Just started up : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Revolution-P...136905973033246
OTD - Open Track Day - Some tracks hold open sessions usually on a Friday with a slightly smaller entrance fee.
Sign up for a free account @ http://www.clubregistration.net/ to register for events.
You can also register @ http://www.motorsportreg.com/ but I think everything is moving to clubregistration.net from what I've heard.
PDS - Performance Driving School - Hosted by individual tracks
TDE - The Driver's Edge - http://www.thedriversedge.net/
HPDE - High Performance Driving Education - http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/
LHRA - Long Horn Racing Academy - http://longhornracingacademy.com/
PCA - Porsche Club of America - http://www.pca.org/
VA - Velocity Adventures - http://velocityadventurestexas.com/
RPM - Revolution Precision Motorsports - Just started up : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Revolution-P...136905973033246
OTD - Open Track Day - Some tracks hold open sessions usually on a Friday with a slightly smaller entrance fee.
Sign up for a free account @ http://www.clubregistration.net/ to register for events.
You can also register @ http://www.motorsportreg.com/ but I think everything is moving to clubregistration.net from what I've heard.
12-05-2010, 08:48 PM
#7
Registered User
Velocity Adventures' next track day at Harris Hill Road is February 19, the charge for the day is $165, and registration will be online in the next two weeks or less. Chris' write-up was pretty good, but I'd like to stress that if your car is in good condition, you're likely good to go for a track day and won't overstress your car on the first time out. His list of what you should bring to the track is pretty inclusive; I have a handout that I send to participants that might add to it a bit; I'll post it up here when I have a minute.
Velocity Adventures does provide breakfast and lunch for our events, and the clubhouse at the track has snacks and drinks available for purchase during the course of the day. The clubhouse also has compressed air and water available for car care, as well as a really nice seating area with a huge tv and internet access to keep significant others entertained.
Thanks, Chris! You're awesome!
Velocity Adventures does provide breakfast and lunch for our events, and the clubhouse at the track has snacks and drinks available for purchase during the course of the day. The clubhouse also has compressed air and water available for car care, as well as a really nice seating area with a huge tv and internet access to keep significant others entertained.
Thanks, Chris! You're awesome!
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12-06-2010, 07:13 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Thanks all, hopefully it'll be of good use to everyone.
I just updated the 2nd post with all of the Tracks in Texas, their locations, and their websites. More updates to come.
Sondra, thanks for the info on Velocity Adventures. In the 2nd or 3rd post in here I will put up all of the Clubs/Groups and their contact information.
I just updated the 2nd post with all of the Tracks in Texas, their locations, and their websites. More updates to come.
Sondra, thanks for the info on Velocity Adventures. In the 2nd or 3rd post in here I will put up all of the Clubs/Groups and their contact information.
12-06-2010, 04:00 PM
#9
Registered User
Here's most of what is in the What to Bring/Things to know document that I send out to participants of my events. Chris already covered most of it, but here it is!
- Get there early. Registration opens at 7:15am and closes at 7:45.
- The Drivers’ Meeting starts at 8 am sharp in the clubhouse. Be there on time! Anyone who misses this meeting is subject to not being allowed on the track, as important track policies, rules, and procedures are covered in this meeting.
- if you are a beginner student, your car MUST be cleaned out and track ready before the driver’s meeting. You will be ON TRACK IMMEDIATELY following the driver’s meeting; there will NOT be time to remove anything from your car after the meeting.
- Please be prepared for any kind of weather. The temperature and weather conditions can change drastically in the matter of only a few hours at the track!
- Lunch will be provided, and spectator or extra lunches are available for an extra charge.
What to bring:
- Completed and endorsed tech sheet,
- copy of driver’s license (you can black out the license #, but I need a copy)
- proof of auto insurance (you can black out the policy #, but I need to a copy)
- helmet
- an extra quart of oil or two (your car may consume some; it’ll be working hard)
- a full tank of gas (VERY important; if you are sharing a car with someone, be prepared to go get gas over lunch, too)
- blue painter’s tape (for numbers and, if desired, to tape headlights)
- tire gauge
- basic repair tools
- sunscreen- you’ll be in the sun/wind most of the day
- windproof jacket
- container to empty car into (everything not bolted down will be required to be removed, including floor mats, radar detector, glove box contents, things hanging from the mirror, etc)
- tow hook (know where this is and how to attach it!)
- paper towels (you’ll need to check your oil after every session)
- hat
- whatever you want to drink during the day. Stay hydrated; dehydration sneaks up on you when it’s cold and robs you of concentration. There are a limited number of drinks for sale in the clubhouse for $1 each. No glass containers!
- a towel
Optional, or for the OCD among us:
- extra brake fluid, in case you need to bleed brakes. Please bring everything necessary to this task, if you need to do it!
- Collapsible camp chair
- tarp to cover your belongings in case of rain
- umbrella (please, no bright or distracting colors!)
Leading up to Saturday:
- Check your brake fluid. Bleed if necessary!
- Put everything together and IN the car that you’ll need to take to the track at least the evening before, preferably earlier
- Get plenty of sleep!
- Get there early. Registration opens at 7:15am and closes at 7:45.
- The Drivers’ Meeting starts at 8 am sharp in the clubhouse. Be there on time! Anyone who misses this meeting is subject to not being allowed on the track, as important track policies, rules, and procedures are covered in this meeting.
- if you are a beginner student, your car MUST be cleaned out and track ready before the driver’s meeting. You will be ON TRACK IMMEDIATELY following the driver’s meeting; there will NOT be time to remove anything from your car after the meeting.
- Please be prepared for any kind of weather. The temperature and weather conditions can change drastically in the matter of only a few hours at the track!
- Lunch will be provided, and spectator or extra lunches are available for an extra charge.
What to bring:
- Completed and endorsed tech sheet,
- copy of driver’s license (you can black out the license #, but I need a copy)
- proof of auto insurance (you can black out the policy #, but I need to a copy)
- helmet
- an extra quart of oil or two (your car may consume some; it’ll be working hard)
- a full tank of gas (VERY important; if you are sharing a car with someone, be prepared to go get gas over lunch, too)
- blue painter’s tape (for numbers and, if desired, to tape headlights)
- tire gauge
- basic repair tools
- sunscreen- you’ll be in the sun/wind most of the day
- windproof jacket
- container to empty car into (everything not bolted down will be required to be removed, including floor mats, radar detector, glove box contents, things hanging from the mirror, etc)
- tow hook (know where this is and how to attach it!)
- paper towels (you’ll need to check your oil after every session)
- hat
- whatever you want to drink during the day. Stay hydrated; dehydration sneaks up on you when it’s cold and robs you of concentration. There are a limited number of drinks for sale in the clubhouse for $1 each. No glass containers!
- a towel
Optional, or for the OCD among us:
- extra brake fluid, in case you need to bleed brakes. Please bring everything necessary to this task, if you need to do it!
- Collapsible camp chair
- tarp to cover your belongings in case of rain
- umbrella (please, no bright or distracting colors!)
Leading up to Saturday:
- Check your brake fluid. Bleed if necessary!
- Put everything together and IN the car that you’ll need to take to the track at least the evening before, preferably earlier
- Get plenty of sleep!
12-17-2010, 10:48 PM
#10
