OT: Tracking Your GT3
03-10-2017, 12:59 PM
#16
Race Director
Thread Starter
03-10-2017, 01:00 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
03-10-2017, 01:03 PM
#18
Race Director
Thread Starter
03-10-2017, 01:04 PM
#20
Race Director
Thread Starter
03-10-2017, 01:06 PM
#21
Race Director
Thread Starter
It is just with all the value threads, and CJ's driving thread, the moment was just right. I thought the title perfectly summed up the situation.
03-10-2017, 01:16 PM
#22
Race Director
Thread Starter
Do it and you'll wonder why you ever bothered doing anything else with the car. Trust us.
The 'abuse' on the car is purely psychological. It's not abuse if the car was designed for it. My GT3 has over 60 track days and over 6000 miles on track. These are hard days and miles driven at full tilt. It still drives just like it did the first day I owned the car. No creaks, no squeaks. Rock solid. The only issues, that were addressed under warranty, have been a failed coil pack and a leaking oil cooler. Maintain the car properly and it will be fine.
The 'abuse' on the car is purely psychological. It's not abuse if the car was designed for it. My GT3 has over 60 track days and over 6000 miles on track. These are hard days and miles driven at full tilt. It still drives just like it did the first day I owned the car. No creaks, no squeaks. Rock solid. The only issues, that were addressed under warranty, have been a failed coil pack and a leaking oil cooler. Maintain the car properly and it will be fine.
Rob - do you have a clear bra on the car? If not, this temporary stuff works well (used it for Euro Delivery):
http://www.xpel.com/xpel-tracwrap-temporary-ppf/
Painter's Tape at the hardware store looks worse and doesn't protect quite as well, but is cheap and easy.
You could do a PCA DE, but my personal preference is for the Open Track Days at HPR - often sparsely attended and very relaxed (with plenty of time for driving and resting on your own schedule). It is helpful to attend with someone experienced (I'm happy to help as are many others).
You could also hire a professional instructor if you feel this is right for you.
http://www.xpel.com/xpel-tracwrap-temporary-ppf/
Painter's Tape at the hardware store looks worse and doesn't protect quite as well, but is cheap and easy.
You could do a PCA DE, but my personal preference is for the Open Track Days at HPR - often sparsely attended and very relaxed (with plenty of time for driving and resting on your own schedule). It is helpful to attend with someone experienced (I'm happy to help as are many others).
You could also hire a professional instructor if you feel this is right for you.
Listen to Joe.
That said, MAINTAINING and DRIVING these cars and their consumables on track is expensive. ~1000/day roughly maybe more once you get to a decent level (tires, brake pads, oil changes, brake fluid changes, etc, etc).
But the cars, they can take it. And based on what I see at my shop, the cars that are driven and maintained are much happier. Stuff doesn't seize, seals don't leak, etc.
That said, MAINTAINING and DRIVING these cars and their consumables on track is expensive. ~1000/day roughly maybe more once you get to a decent level (tires, brake pads, oil changes, brake fluid changes, etc, etc).
But the cars, they can take it. And based on what I see at my shop, the cars that are driven and maintained are much happier. Stuff doesn't seize, seals don't leak, etc.
Rob you owe it to yourself to take this car to the track and you will be pleasantly surprised as it reveals it's true brilliance and will take your enjoyment to another level.
There is no need to go 10/10ths to have this experience. Try it a few times to get the hang of track driving and just enjoy it. I track mine about 3 to 4 times a year at about 8/10ths at the most and truly enjoy the experience. I just perform the regular maintenance and the car has been bullet proof so far.
Go have some fun
There is no need to go 10/10ths to have this experience. Try it a few times to get the hang of track driving and just enjoy it. I track mine about 3 to 4 times a year at about 8/10ths at the most and truly enjoy the experience. I just perform the regular maintenance and the car has been bullet proof so far.
Go have some fun
If I get a GT3 and I ever get through concussion protocol, I'm definitely going to take it to track a couple of times a year, PCCBs and all. Very much looking forward to seeing how the car experience on track compares to motos, but no intention to become a track junkie again at my age. I have no worries that these cars can take it and I don't really care if it shows some wear and tear. My C2S is a pretty much a pure performance build (no creature comforts) and I'm even considering tracking that this year if I get healthy enough in time.
Rob,
Plenty of guys go to HPR during the warm months. Study a few videos to know the track. Take a ride along with someone with experience, and have them do a ride along with you. Keep pace within yourself while learning. A few lead/follow sessions once you are comfortable. As Joe said, absolute religious with maintenance and these cars have no concerns. Paint protection if concerned (blue tape on headlights at least). You will know right away if it is your "thing". If you want to pursue further, then more seat time, perhaps an instructor, perhaps a PCA event (much less seat time at those, but good comraderie and cool cars).
Plenty of guys go to HPR during the warm months. Study a few videos to know the track. Take a ride along with someone with experience, and have them do a ride along with you. Keep pace within yourself while learning. A few lead/follow sessions once you are comfortable. As Joe said, absolute religious with maintenance and these cars have no concerns. Paint protection if concerned (blue tape on headlights at least). You will know right away if it is your "thing". If you want to pursue further, then more seat time, perhaps an instructor, perhaps a PCA event (much less seat time at those, but good comraderie and cool cars).
IMO if you don't take this car to the track you are missing the point of owning a GT3, at least to me you cannot safely explore the capabilities of this car on the street. I've only been going to the track regularly for the last few years but I wish I had made time earlier.
many great options for DE, not just PCA - Chin, HOD, Nasa other car clubs like Audi or BMW.
for your first few times I would have the dealership check the car and change brake fluid/oil. I have expel on my car but also use trak tape to augment (www.trakktape.com/ordering.html)
then go enjoy the car the way it was meant to be driven
many great options for DE, not just PCA - Chin, HOD, Nasa other car clubs like Audi or BMW.
for your first few times I would have the dealership check the car and change brake fluid/oil. I have expel on my car but also use trak tape to augment (www.trakktape.com/ordering.html)
then go enjoy the car the way it was meant to be driven
03-10-2017, 01:29 PM
#23
Race Director
Thread Starter
Rob - do you have a clear bra on the car? If not, this temporary stuff works well (used it for Euro Delivery):
http://www.xpel.com/xpel-tracwrap-temporary-ppf/
http://www.xpel.com/xpel-tracwrap-temporary-ppf/
03-10-2017, 01:34 PM
#24
The issue is that Rennlist only provides 1 place for all 991 GT related discussions to happen. I know there is a Racing and DE forum but I think GT owners are a bit 'exclusive' in their discussion and prefer to post in this forum.
Of course whenever a new GT car is unveiled you're going to have a bunch of options/allocation/pricing threads but it will die down.
Would having different sub-forums with the GT forum make people happy? Something like:
- Racing / DE / Setup
- Pics / Videos
- Ordering / Pricing / Allocations
- Technical / DIY
- Cosmetics / Maintenance / Cleaning
- General / Philosophical
As the GT brand grows and more cars are built, buyer segments will begin to emerge. Pure trackers were the good ol days and part of that is due to the success of the GT brand.
Of course whenever a new GT car is unveiled you're going to have a bunch of options/allocation/pricing threads but it will die down.
Would having different sub-forums with the GT forum make people happy? Something like:
- Racing / DE / Setup
- Pics / Videos
- Ordering / Pricing / Allocations
- Technical / DIY
- Cosmetics / Maintenance / Cleaning
- General / Philosophical
As the GT brand grows and more cars are built, buyer segments will begin to emerge. Pure trackers were the good ol days and part of that is due to the success of the GT brand.
03-10-2017, 01:36 PM
#25
There is no need to go 10/10ths to have this experience. Try it a few times to get the hang of track driving and just enjoy it. I track mine about 3 to 4 times a year at about 8/10ths at the most and truly enjoy the experience. I just perform the regular maintenance and the car has been bullet proof so far.
Go have some fun
Go have some fun
03-10-2017, 01:43 PM
#27
Race Director
Thread Starter
03-10-2017, 01:56 PM
#28
Rob, I'm not very far removed from being exactly where you are right now. I noticed your comment in another thread about going to the track for some laps but not taking your car. Take your car!
Hear me out...
- I've only done three track days
- I bought a membership / paid initiation dues after the second time.... it's that awesome. I couldn't stop thinking about being out there when I wasn't out there. It's the only place on earth where all my stresses and issues go away. The golf course doesn't even do that; my phone still rings, employees still need help putting out fires.
- My first day out I brought my car and did 7-8 laps with SGroer... Then I did 7-8 laps with Jon Baker. They went over do's and don'ts and showed me some lines. I assume you have a buddy or three who know what they're doing on the track.
- Then we got in my car and drove within my comfort level for another 15-20 laps going over the same does and don'ts (DONT LIFT!), etc.
- Within a few hours I'm on my own and having an absolute blast. Go as fast or slow as you're comfortable with and watch your 6, make sure you're letting faster cars by safely and in accordance with the track rules.
- Don't overthink it. I was so nervous the first time out, heading to the track I had a really bad case of heartburn just from all the nerves. Turned out to be a complete waste of emotions.
- After my third trip I added a half cage, harnesses and got a HANS setup. I've improved my lap times very quickly and now within 3-4 seconds from the fastest guys that I run with. The addiction of perfecting the course and your lines will take over.
- I put my stock wheels with original tires before heading to the track. You can get a lot of laps driving as a moderate driver on those tires. I still have probably 3-4 days left on my original tires if they don't heat cycle out before then but they seemed to grip just the same the last time out.
- Get some Mother's Rubber remover for the sides of your car; you'll need it! Don't bother with your finger nail, it won't work.
- I do have a full Xpel wrap so don't really think twice about the paint. The install was horrible, I have stretch marks everywhere but I'll keep this one through the track season at least and just let it get beat up. I notice just as many marks after a 4-5 hour run in the mountains as I would on the track... my local track doesn't really have any rocks or debris anywhere to kick up. Just rubber.
I'm absolutely in love with the track and trying to do at least one visit a month... the RS is made for this and it begs to be out there. My car never gets to stretch its legs like it does on the track. It begs for more!
Do it do it!!
Hear me out...
- I've only done three track days
- I bought a membership / paid initiation dues after the second time.... it's that awesome. I couldn't stop thinking about being out there when I wasn't out there. It's the only place on earth where all my stresses and issues go away. The golf course doesn't even do that; my phone still rings, employees still need help putting out fires.
- My first day out I brought my car and did 7-8 laps with SGroer... Then I did 7-8 laps with Jon Baker. They went over do's and don'ts and showed me some lines. I assume you have a buddy or three who know what they're doing on the track.
- Then we got in my car and drove within my comfort level for another 15-20 laps going over the same does and don'ts (DONT LIFT!), etc.
- Within a few hours I'm on my own and having an absolute blast. Go as fast or slow as you're comfortable with and watch your 6, make sure you're letting faster cars by safely and in accordance with the track rules.
- Don't overthink it. I was so nervous the first time out, heading to the track I had a really bad case of heartburn just from all the nerves. Turned out to be a complete waste of emotions.
- After my third trip I added a half cage, harnesses and got a HANS setup. I've improved my lap times very quickly and now within 3-4 seconds from the fastest guys that I run with. The addiction of perfecting the course and your lines will take over.
- I put my stock wheels with original tires before heading to the track. You can get a lot of laps driving as a moderate driver on those tires. I still have probably 3-4 days left on my original tires if they don't heat cycle out before then but they seemed to grip just the same the last time out.
- Get some Mother's Rubber remover for the sides of your car; you'll need it! Don't bother with your finger nail, it won't work.
- I do have a full Xpel wrap so don't really think twice about the paint. The install was horrible, I have stretch marks everywhere but I'll keep this one through the track season at least and just let it get beat up. I notice just as many marks after a 4-5 hour run in the mountains as I would on the track... my local track doesn't really have any rocks or debris anywhere to kick up. Just rubber.
I'm absolutely in love with the track and trying to do at least one visit a month... the RS is made for this and it begs to be out there. My car never gets to stretch its legs like it does on the track. It begs for more!
Do it do it!!
03-10-2017, 02:05 PM
#29
Race Car
MHO: the consumables are not that bad when start tracking: your speed is probably low as a beginner.
But... Make it a habit to check your brakes and tired after every session anyway.
Suddenly you are fast and the stuff starts to wear considerable.
Not driving these cars on track is... Well you know.
But... Make it a habit to check your brakes and tired after every session anyway.
Suddenly you are fast and the stuff starts to wear considerable.
Not driving these cars on track is... Well you know.
03-10-2017, 02:15 PM
#30
Race Director
Thread Starter
You do make a compelling argument, Tony! I am thinking about it. I appreciate you sharing your progression, as it sounds like a blast. It also sounds like you are a natural!
Decisions decisions....
Decisions decisions....