Prepping your car for track day

Altezza-Dan

Altezza-Dan

Octane Boostaholics
So for all you experienced track day folk, can you give some of us noobs some good advice for getting the best out of your car on the day? I ain't going to go hard core weight reduction like Colm but any pointers would be appreciated. If I do need to leave any gear out of the car on the day is there anywhere to leave it? Tools etc
 
there will be garages available on the day in the pits to put any bits and pieces from the weather.

make sure you have the following with you on the day

helmet
drivers licence, very important, no one will be going on track with out one
gerry cans for extra fuel, there is a applegreen garage about a mile down from mondello that can be used at the lunch brake but if not back in time the the track is reopened at 2 there is no way back out on track!
make sure the inside of your car is clean with no bits and pieces on the floor
also make sure your windows are clean and that your wipers are in good working order incase of rain
incar camera if you have one

probably more stuff but im only out of bed
 
My advice would be to drive as much as you can!

Go out for 3 or 4 laps and then give the car a break but don't wait too long before going out again. I found when I did my first (and only) day, that at the end of the day I realised I could have done more driving. I might have been a bit too conscious of going easy on the car.

If you get a chance fall in behind someone who knows what they're doing to get an idea of lines and braking points (just watch your mirrors whilst watching the car in front).

All the practical things that Johnny has listed above are spot on. I taped down a few things that I had in the glove box and removed everything else.
 
anyone have a spare exterior camera mount? i want to do maybe an interior one between the headrests and then one on side or roof maybe :653:
 
goin mad i cant make this :icon_cry: , sure ill go on the next one...

Only thing cheering me up is that i'll be on a bender with my mates in the UK :icon_jook: :icon_jook::icon_pidu: :xmas_cheers: :xmas_cheers: :xmas_cheers:
 
Keep the fuel tank above 1/4 full to avoid possible fuel starvation to the engine. Don't put on new tyres before the track day as new tyres usually need miles on, to wear the shine off the threads. I always put fresh engine oil/filter in before and after a track day. This may be over kill but at least one oil/filter change is good. Happy Lapping :multijump:
 
Fresh oil & filter if you're near due a service. Personally I'd do the diff and box aswell. Drivers license or proof of license. Some extra petrol. Take your spare and tools out of the boot but don't leave them at home, leave them in the pit when you get there, just in case on the way home!

When you've done a couple laps and come in for a break don't use your handbrake, just switch off and then put her in gear (obviosuly wait 'til the engine is off if you've a turbo-timer :D )

Make sure your window wash bottle is full and your coolant levels etc are nice and full and your wipers are in good nick.

Also, enjoy the day! :subaru:
 
If anyone wants a noticably more capable car on track for not much outlay get a set of competition pads like carbon lorraine and braided lines-less brake fade then and no chance of a bulging rubber hose
 
B4 soon said:
If anyone wants a noticably more capable car on track for not much outlay get a set of competition pads like carbon lorraine and braided lines-less brake fade then and no chance of a bulging rubber hose
Click to expand...

well sean do you know a good spot to get lines for the ek4 and carbon lorraine... whats the story with not putting on handbrake
 
Move the car back and forth a quarter turn of the wheel just by pushing or pulling. The concentrated heat from the hot pads on a specific area of the brake disc can cause problems, especially as you brake to stop the car the pad will be firmly against the disk.

Also, do a few laps around the back of the paddock at a gentle pace to let the brakes etc cool down before coming to an immediate stop.

padraic said:
whats the story with not putting on handbrake
Click to expand...

If you put on the handbrake while the car is roasting hot, then its been known for the handbrake shoe to melt onto the disk. And thats why its a good idea not to do.
 
padraic said:
B4 soon said:
If anyone wants a noticably more capable car on track for not much outlay get a set of competition pads like carbon lorraine and braided lines-less brake fade then and no chance of a bulging rubber hose
Click to expand...

well sean do you know a good spot to get lines for the ek4 and carbon lorraine... whats the story with not putting on handbrake
Click to expand...

Where you based?
 
wel robbie done my oil chamge changed rad and coolant but f ing some sort of air lock i hope tats all it is ill deffo be sorting out this track day see what the beast can do,,, beast of a driver lol cheers ill tackle it in morning :angry:
 
always wondered why you never became a full member :cuckoo:
its a no brainer Dave
Do It
you will never look back :thumbsup:
dave b said:
wel robbie done my oil chamge changed rad and coolant but f ing some sort of air lock i hope tats all it is ill deffo be sorting out this track day see what the beast can do,,, beast of a driver lol cheers ill tackle it in morning :angry:
Click to expand...
 
Are lads bringing 2 sets of wheels for the track day or just one set for all weather :dontknow:
 
I only have my everyday wheels putting 2 partworn tyres on the back and running standard brakes
As its my first track day im not planning on thrashing just gona enjoy not having traffic lights or sunday drivers or the cops to worry about although i know the brakes etc wont last past the track day anyway just as long as there safe enough to make it home afterwards if i had cash to spare i would have upgraded at least the pads(only fitted new standard ones a month ago) but am on a budget of petrol only for the day so il just have to make them last.
 
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