After years of reading topics here goes my first post...

For those in the area who have not taken there S to the track, I recommend doing so the next chance you get. After autocrossing the last few years, I finally ventued out on the track this year. What a rush! Here's a short list of observations and pieces of advice-

1) The s2000 in stock form makes a great track car and with the addition of brake pads, brake fluid, and R-compound tires will hang with cars that cost 5 times as much. Stock S0-2's are great to learn with- they squell nicely at there limits to give you feed back.

2) I do recommend a oil catch can. After 6 track days this year, my can had about 8 oz. of oil in it. Much better to have oil in the catch can than back into the intake.

3) Front brake ducting, though not a must, leads to no brake fade and front brake temperatures that are barely warmer the the rears.

4) For those concerned about the allignment- stock allignment is O.K. for the track and the car is very neutral. Needless to say, I will be going more agressive soon with more camber front and rear.

5) Autocross is a great way to learn about car controll and the experience transfered well to the track.

6) If you are too intimidated to go the the track yourself, go with a friend. It will be that much more enjoyable. Still not up for it- just go watch an event and talk to the participants, you can learn a lot this way.

Please respond with any criticism or comments. Get out to the track!!!!
Warning--- once you go you will be hooked.

 

Yep, S2000's at the track are a BLAST.

These ain't TOO shabby either:





I can't agree more with the above. I overheated the brake fluid on every trip I had up there so far (once in each car.) The next time I go, will be with Stainless Brake lines and DOT4 racing fluid.

I don't have a good way to transport R compound tires to the track yet, nor do I have the cash for an extra set of wheels and tires. Mabey next year I will try that. For now the street tires held up VERY well.

The only other advice I can offer is get an SA rated helmet. People bitch about the cost of the SA helmet vs. the M helmet. Pay the extra money for the SA helmet, you only have ONE head and it's pretty hard to replace.

 

where do they let you race without a roll bar?

 

I've been running at the Autobahn Country Club. I know there are a couple groups running out there in June and July that you could hook up with. I do not know the exact dates, but I'm certain someone else on the board does. I've run at Blackhawk also. It not only depends on the track, but what group is running the event.

Anyone else know which of the midwest tracks allow running without rollbars?

 

Gingerman.

 

Road America

 

I'd love to run some laps at Road America; nothing like follow the leader where the speed is paced, but also something where I won't feel forced to overdrive my skill level. Is anything like this available?

 

http://www.racenasa.com/

Is one group that I know of...Pat and I went with them to Road America, and will probably join them at some other tracks this year.

Other options if you must get to RA...would be to sign up for a "track tour" at lunch during one of the major race weekends. Pace is limited to around 80mph though, so you could just drive deeper into the corners before even lifting!

-Justin

 

what track is this at? it sounds like fun

 

Yeah, LIMITED, Riiiiiight!

I heard a rumor that despite the 60MPH speed limit imposed on the touring session that there was a REALLLY nice and clean looking Silverstone there last year that was hitting triple digit speeds between 3/5 and down the back straight.

Of course, I wouldn't know ANYTHING about that (or have ANY video footage either. )

BTW, Sidisen, we are talking about Road America at Elkheart Lake Wisonsin. (RA)