Ewheels
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Driving on track is a great way to grow as a driver and have some fun driving at speed in a safe environment. Going out for your first time can be rather intimidating but with the right preparation, it can be a relaxed and fun experience.
How to Sign Up
drivenasa.com
scca.com
chintrackdays.com
motorsportsreg.com
tracknightinamerica.com
Preparation
Wheels & Tires: Check that your lug nuts are torqued to spec. Tires should have plenty of life with no chords showing. Tires that have been plugged to fix a leak should be avoided as the plugs can fail.
Engine: Fresh oil is recommended but not necessary. Check for any leaks that could spill onto the track. Oil and coolant can be slippery which could cause a dangerous situation for you and other drivers.
Brakes: Again, check for any leaks in the calipers or lines. The brake pads should have at least 50% material remaining. Check that your brake fluid is clean and filled to the maximum fill line on the reservoir. DOT4 fluid is recommended but don't mix DOT4 and DOT3. Bleeding the brakes prior to the event is recommended and always a safe habit to have.
Helmet: Most (if not all) track day organizers will require drivers to wear a helmet. Any SNELL rated helmet of the past 10 years will suffice. Some organizers may rent out helmets so be sure to ask if you do not have one.
General:
- Car numbers are usually required; blue painters tape works great. It's easily applied and does not damage paint.
- Increasing tire pressures can help prevent excessive wear on the sidewalls.
- Take everything out of the car that is loose. Loose items will fly around in the car due to hard braking and hard cornering. These loose items can be distracting and dangerous to you and to other drivers if they fly out the windows.
- Make sure your windows are clean and clear.
- DO NOT apply the parking brake in the paddock. This will trap excessive heat in your brake rotors and can crack and warp them. Turn the car off in gear or in park.
Things to Bring: For your first time out, stick to the essentials: basic tools, torque wrench, extra oil, tire pressure gauge, etc. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen as necessary. Keep track of your belongings you've taken out of your car; don't let things blow away.
What to Expect
For your first time out, you will not be setting lap records. There are no trophies in HPDE. You cannot win. Instead, focus on trying to absorb as much information from your instructor and other drivers as you can. Learn the proper lines and braking zones. Try to be smooth and confident with your inputs; speed will come naturally. Be courteous to other drivers as they may be more nervous than you. Above all else, have fun.
Extra Tips
1. Start slow - you are likely driving your daily driver. The goal is to go home in one piece.
2. Brake in a straight line - braking in the turns will likely cause the rear end of the car to slide out. This could cause you to have a bad day.
3. Check your fuel - you will get terrible mpg while on track. Don't enter the last session of the day with an empty tank.
4. Check your tire pressures - things get hot and when they get hot, pressures go up.
5. Drink lots of water!
6. Leave your ego at home - too many first-time drivers think they know what they're doing and end up creating an unsafe environment. Leave the nannies ON; they just might keep you from hitting a wall.
7. Be a leader, not a follower - don't assume the person in front of you knows what they're doing. Listen to your instructors.
8. Don't be afraid to go off track - if you carry too much speed into a turn, don't panic and brake mid-turn or turn sharper. Let the car go off into the grass or dirt and gently apply the brakes. It's not embarrassing, it's safe.
9. Let people pass - if a Miata is on your bumper the whole lap, the Miata IS FASTER THAN YOU. Let them pass and everyone will have a better day.
10. Don't use your brakes on the cooldown lap - the last lap of the session is intended to allow your car to cool down. Try to coast the whole lap.
How to Sign Up
drivenasa.com
scca.com
chintrackdays.com
motorsportsreg.com
tracknightinamerica.com
Preparation
Wheels & Tires: Check that your lug nuts are torqued to spec. Tires should have plenty of life with no chords showing. Tires that have been plugged to fix a leak should be avoided as the plugs can fail.
Engine: Fresh oil is recommended but not necessary. Check for any leaks that could spill onto the track. Oil and coolant can be slippery which could cause a dangerous situation for you and other drivers.
Brakes: Again, check for any leaks in the calipers or lines. The brake pads should have at least 50% material remaining. Check that your brake fluid is clean and filled to the maximum fill line on the reservoir. DOT4 fluid is recommended but don't mix DOT4 and DOT3. Bleeding the brakes prior to the event is recommended and always a safe habit to have.
Helmet: Most (if not all) track day organizers will require drivers to wear a helmet. Any SNELL rated helmet of the past 10 years will suffice. Some organizers may rent out helmets so be sure to ask if you do not have one.
General:
- Car numbers are usually required; blue painters tape works great. It's easily applied and does not damage paint.
- Increasing tire pressures can help prevent excessive wear on the sidewalls.
- Take everything out of the car that is loose. Loose items will fly around in the car due to hard braking and hard cornering. These loose items can be distracting and dangerous to you and to other drivers if they fly out the windows.
- Make sure your windows are clean and clear.
- DO NOT apply the parking brake in the paddock. This will trap excessive heat in your brake rotors and can crack and warp them. Turn the car off in gear or in park.
Things to Bring: For your first time out, stick to the essentials: basic tools, torque wrench, extra oil, tire pressure gauge, etc. Make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen as necessary. Keep track of your belongings you've taken out of your car; don't let things blow away.
What to Expect
For your first time out, you will not be setting lap records. There are no trophies in HPDE. You cannot win. Instead, focus on trying to absorb as much information from your instructor and other drivers as you can. Learn the proper lines and braking zones. Try to be smooth and confident with your inputs; speed will come naturally. Be courteous to other drivers as they may be more nervous than you. Above all else, have fun.
Extra Tips
1. Start slow - you are likely driving your daily driver. The goal is to go home in one piece.
2. Brake in a straight line - braking in the turns will likely cause the rear end of the car to slide out. This could cause you to have a bad day.
3. Check your fuel - you will get terrible mpg while on track. Don't enter the last session of the day with an empty tank.
4. Check your tire pressures - things get hot and when they get hot, pressures go up.
5. Drink lots of water!
6. Leave your ego at home - too many first-time drivers think they know what they're doing and end up creating an unsafe environment. Leave the nannies ON; they just might keep you from hitting a wall.
7. Be a leader, not a follower - don't assume the person in front of you knows what they're doing. Listen to your instructors.
8. Don't be afraid to go off track - if you carry too much speed into a turn, don't panic and brake mid-turn or turn sharper. Let the car go off into the grass or dirt and gently apply the brakes. It's not embarrassing, it's safe.
9. Let people pass - if a Miata is on your bumper the whole lap, the Miata IS FASTER THAN YOU. Let them pass and everyone will have a better day.
10. Don't use your brakes on the cooldown lap - the last lap of the session is intended to allow your car to cool down. Try to coast the whole lap.
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