What Did You Wish You Knew Before Your First Track Day?
04-20-2010, 03:23 AM
#1
Racer
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What Did You Wish You Knew Before Your First Track Day?
I'm going to Thunderhill this Friday to pop my trackday cherry with a Trackmasters DE event. 
The car is fully prepped as far as I can tell. My 77 911S with 3.2 conversion has been gone through over the last two years with a complete street/track suspension rebuild, weightloss program, chip, cat bypass, new tires, brake lines, fresh high temp brake fluid, steel lugnuts, etc, etc. Thanks to those of you who have helped with this process.
Got the Go Pro camera for self critique and comedic value (yes, I know It will be me not the car that is slow)
Mainly I'm looking for advice from you track junkies who remember their "first time" and wished they had that golden advice on a piece of equipment, technique or bit of etiquette that a rookie would miss.
I know my car inside and out and I'm really looking forward to pushing myself a little in a controlled environment. Mainly I just want to use the car for its intended purpose and have some fun! (It's sooo frustrating driving on the street).
I'll try to post a link to some video next week if things work out with the camera.
The car is fully prepped as far as I can tell. My 77 911S with 3.2 conversion has been gone through over the last two years with a complete street/track suspension rebuild, weightloss program, chip, cat bypass, new tires, brake lines, fresh high temp brake fluid, steel lugnuts, etc, etc. Thanks to those of you who have helped with this process.
Got the Go Pro camera for self critique and comedic value (yes, I know It will be me not the car that is slow)
Mainly I'm looking for advice from you track junkies who remember their "first time" and wished they had that golden advice on a piece of equipment, technique or bit of etiquette that a rookie would miss.
I know my car inside and out and I'm really looking forward to pushing myself a little in a controlled environment. Mainly I just want to use the car for its intended purpose and have some fun! (It's sooo frustrating driving on the street).
I'll try to post a link to some video next week if things work out with the camera.
04-20-2010, 08:01 AM
#2
Instructor
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Be prepared for the "big grin" at the end of the day. Sounds like our cars are very similar. Here are the things that come to mind: track brake pads; fire extinguisher; pedals adjusted for heel-and-toe shifting; practise heel-and-toe elsewhere before going; proper clothing; spare alternator belt; brake fluid; tools; drinking water; spare oil; a plastic tub to hold all this stuff. Unless you're running Motul 600 or higher temp or you have brake cooling ducts, expect the possibility of your brakes fading due to high temps. Leave your ego at the gate - and have fun! 
04-20-2010, 08:15 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Your going to have a great time!
Sounds simple, but I would suggest from my first event to just focus on relaxing. Personally I would not even consider heel/toe braking or track pads for a first time, you will have plenty to focus on learning the line. I was much to worried about car prep the first time and wish I would have just showed up and drove. Give yourself plenty of time for the class and pre grid, drink water, shift and brake smooth, pit if you feel tired or stressed. Now read the last two sentences again. The camera might be fun but I would consider leaving it home the first time too, more to fuss with. Bring a quart of oil, rain-x, duct tape, torque wrench for wheels, and water. Listen to your instructor and have fun learning the line. Again, for me the key would be to relax more and worry about winning the rookie of the year less!
Sounds simple, but I would suggest from my first event to just focus on relaxing. Personally I would not even consider heel/toe braking or track pads for a first time, you will have plenty to focus on learning the line. I was much to worried about car prep the first time and wish I would have just showed up and drove. Give yourself plenty of time for the class and pre grid, drink water, shift and brake smooth, pit if you feel tired or stressed. Now read the last two sentences again. The camera might be fun but I would consider leaving it home the first time too, more to fuss with. Bring a quart of oil, rain-x, duct tape, torque wrench for wheels, and water. Listen to your instructor and have fun learning the line. Again, for me the key would be to relax more and worry about winning the rookie of the year less!
04-20-2010, 09:54 AM
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"What Did You Wish You Knew Before Your First Track Day?"
In-depth layout of the track.
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Helps some people to review in-car videos of Thunderhill. This can reduce confusion by helping you keep your eyes up by memorizing what turn comes next. Also helps in establishing where "the line" is.
For safety: check wheel lugs for torque before and after session, get cold tire pressure to at least minimum. You have added substantial weight in the back with 3.2. Check brake pads/rotors/fluid. Bring an extra set of brake pads.
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"The main thing is to remain calm." -- Benny Brandenberg
In-depth layout of the track.
----------------
Helps some people to review in-car videos of Thunderhill. This can reduce confusion by helping you keep your eyes up by memorizing what turn comes next. Also helps in establishing where "the line" is.
For safety: check wheel lugs for torque before and after session, get cold tire pressure to at least minimum. You have added substantial weight in the back with 3.2. Check brake pads/rotors/fluid. Bring an extra set of brake pads.
-----------------
"The main thing is to remain calm." -- Benny Brandenberg
04-20-2010, 10:00 AM
#7
Team Owner
"What Did You Wish You Knew Before Your First Track Day?"
..it was going to snow 6" that day ... had to push my car around the track .. that abruptrly ended my experiences with the track ..never went back ...
..it was going to snow 6" that day ... had to push my car around the track .. that abruptrly ended my experiences with the track ..never went back ...
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04-20-2010, 10:48 AM
#9
Parts Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
anyhow, what to know is you will not drive harder or faster or more dangerously than you will allow yourself to drive. Think of it as one of your "bursts" on the road, but lasting much longer and not worrying about the police....
your car will have to pass inspecting before showing up (right?) so just show up and have fun, dont be intimedated or feel you have to proove yourself.
04-20-2010, 11:26 AM
#10
Team Owner
well there was about three of us stuck at the bottom of a hill and literally stuck .. when I say snow I mean snow .. it was now polished and about 20 guys had to push each car up the hill . it was a mitigated disaster . remember not many people have there snow tires on a Porsche for track day .
It was actually an introductory track day and each of us payed about 250.00 to push our cars around the track .. could have spent the coin on my car .. and so I did .. ever since .
It was actually an introductory track day and each of us payed about 250.00 to push our cars around the track .. could have spent the coin on my car .. and so I did .. ever since .
04-20-2010, 12:10 PM
#11
Parts Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I understand... its really tough to drop that kind of coin for "nothing" and even a "good track day" doesnt actually make your car any better, any less worn or any more cleaned up....in fact much the opposite.
all things being equal, the money is still well spent for "most" people because the biggest improvement/mod/upgrade you can make on your porsche is fixing the nut behind the wheel....
(not implying you are a loose nut )
all things being equal, the money is still well spent for "most" people because the biggest improvement/mod/upgrade you can make on your porsche is fixing the nut behind the wheel....
(not implying you are a loose nut )
04-20-2010, 01:20 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Doug runs good events, so just follow "the program."
But understand that you'll be going slower than you will on a brisk street drive. No way, no how is a competent instructor going to let a first timer overdrive a car. You have to learn where the track goes first, and deal with traffic. (Figuring you are scheduled in the beginner group. Stranger things have happened.) There will be your AM sessions. Maybe, after lunch, and if the instructor has assessed your inherent skill level, you'll work on the basics of line repetition. Yes, even a first timer of competent skill after ~10 laps should be able to hit the basic marks consistently. Only after all of this has been demonstrated will you be "pushing" the car at all. And by that I mean carrying enough speed to let the chassis work a little bit from apex to exit, as opposed to you steering it out there. The most complicated issue you'll have going is that I'm nearly sure you won't have an instructor that has significant experience with a torsion bar 911. We rarely see them in non-race car form anymore!
But understand that you'll be going slower than you will on a brisk street drive. No way, no how is a competent instructor going to let a first timer overdrive a car. You have to learn where the track goes first, and deal with traffic. (Figuring you are scheduled in the beginner group. Stranger things have happened.) There will be your AM sessions. Maybe, after lunch, and if the instructor has assessed your inherent skill level, you'll work on the basics of line repetition. Yes, even a first timer of competent skill after ~10 laps should be able to hit the basic marks consistently. Only after all of this has been demonstrated will you be "pushing" the car at all. And by that I mean carrying enough speed to let the chassis work a little bit from apex to exit, as opposed to you steering it out there. The most complicated issue you'll have going is that I'm nearly sure you won't have an instructor that has significant experience with a torsion bar 911. We rarely see them in non-race car form anymore!
04-20-2010, 03:24 PM
#13
Team Owner
I agree . i have been to many a track day to spectate and the guys who do it love it, Some of these guys are realy good and can really fly.. i enjoy watching them without having the slightest desire to be out there .... it is a great thing to see .. and our rennlist track days are awesome and we have some really great drivers. ( not endorsed by Rennlist at all , just a bunch of Rennlist guys getting together )
04-20-2010, 04:21 PM
#14
Drifting
#1 See if you can find video of the track you will be driving - watch it, learn it, live it...
#2 Try and get a good night sleep the night before (I usually don't - still excited after 7 years)
#3 Big check on the ego. You'll learn more if you approach the track day like it's the first day EVER to drive a car. Start out the morning by saying "I'm here and I don't know dick about driving fast"
#4 Don't be hard on yourself - remember to have a good time. Unless your last name is Andretti and fitapaldi you will have some driving challenges ahead of you. It's OK - we have all been there.
#5 Relax - You car is 20X more capable on the track than you ever thought - It will be many sessions before your driving skills exceed the capabilities of the car - work on those first.
#2 Try and get a good night sleep the night before (I usually don't - still excited after 7 years)
#3 Big check on the ego. You'll learn more if you approach the track day like it's the first day EVER to drive a car. Start out the morning by saying "I'm here and I don't know dick about driving fast"
#4 Don't be hard on yourself - remember to have a good time. Unless your last name is Andretti and fitapaldi you will have some driving challenges ahead of you. It's OK - we have all been there.
#5 Relax - You car is 20X more capable on the track than you ever thought - It will be many sessions before your driving skills exceed the capabilities of the car - work on those first.
04-20-2010, 04:42 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
At the risk of repeating what's already been said.....
1. Don't worry about speed or impressing anyone, particularly your instructor. LISTEN to your instructor, and gradually work up the speed. Much easier/better to start slow and get the line right, rather than trying too hard to be fast and then wasting your time correcting mistakes.
2. Keep the schedule handy, and don't be late to anything. Even though as an instructor I feel its my responsibility to insure the student has a good/fun day, I really appreciate a student who's always on-time for their sessions.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Best time is during the de-brief immediately after your session.
4. DO NOT plan on making repairs onsite. Don't plan on bleeding brakes, changing pads, etc. GET IT ALL DONE BEFORE THE EVENT. The only maintenance you should plan on doing is periodically checking your oil and tire pressures, and maybe also wheel lug torque.
5. Bring plenty of water (cold if possible; trying freezing bottles ahead of time). Sunscreen. Light snacks/munchies. Full stomach not always good idea while track driving. If you're susceptible to motion sickness, consider patch or pills.
6. Consider a container or tarp to store your stuff while on-track, especially if the weather is iffy.
7. For your very first track day, I highly recommend using street tires, with tread. R-comps not a good idea for beginners. Also, street tires mean you don't have to worry about changing tires if it starts raining. You'll learn easier with street tires, because they typically make more noise. Once you're no longer a newbie, the R-comps will be better appreciated.
8. Make an effort to learn where the corner workers are stationed. They are your eyes & ears around the corner where you can't see. Wave to them during the cool down lap, and always let them know how much you appreciate what they do for you.
1. Don't worry about speed or impressing anyone, particularly your instructor. LISTEN to your instructor, and gradually work up the speed. Much easier/better to start slow and get the line right, rather than trying too hard to be fast and then wasting your time correcting mistakes.
2. Keep the schedule handy, and don't be late to anything. Even though as an instructor I feel its my responsibility to insure the student has a good/fun day, I really appreciate a student who's always on-time for their sessions.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Best time is during the de-brief immediately after your session.
4. DO NOT plan on making repairs onsite. Don't plan on bleeding brakes, changing pads, etc. GET IT ALL DONE BEFORE THE EVENT. The only maintenance you should plan on doing is periodically checking your oil and tire pressures, and maybe also wheel lug torque.
5. Bring plenty of water (cold if possible; trying freezing bottles ahead of time). Sunscreen. Light snacks/munchies. Full stomach not always good idea while track driving. If you're susceptible to motion sickness, consider patch or pills.
6. Consider a container or tarp to store your stuff while on-track, especially if the weather is iffy.
7. For your very first track day, I highly recommend using street tires, with tread. R-comps not a good idea for beginners. Also, street tires mean you don't have to worry about changing tires if it starts raining. You'll learn easier with street tires, because they typically make more noise. Once you're no longer a newbie, the R-comps will be better appreciated.
8. Make an effort to learn where the corner workers are stationed. They are your eyes & ears around the corner where you can't see. Wave to them during the cool down lap, and always let them know how much you appreciate what they do for you.