Originally Posted by reidry

The only thing better than tracking your car is letting someone else track your car! That's benevolent, worthy of sainthood

I humbly volunteer, just let me know when and where.

Ryan

Originally Posted by randr

Some basics (and depending on age and usage)

The driver
Buy a good quality, properly fitted helmet (get some anti mist solution if you wear glasses or have the visor down)
Buy a pair of race boots - they are comfortable and allow plenty of pedal feel
Have a long sleeved cotton shirt and pants on hand (to wear on the day)
(consider gloves if you have a leather wheel)
(download Harrys Lap Timer - more to track your lap than to track your time)

Things to take with you on the day:
(1) food and water
(2) tire pressure gauge and pump
(3) 1l of Mobil 1 0w-40
(4) tow hook (Porsche provide one in the toolkit in the frunk)
(5) screen cleaner, cloths and wipes
(6) duct tape

The car
Check fluids - brake, oil and water. If you are coming up to a service interval you may as well get the oil and brake fluid changed (if more than a year old in the case of the brake fluid) drained, replaced and correctly bled.

Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear

Check tires - replace damaged or plugged tires

You are now good to go. The car will be fine so long as it has been well maintained (and see above).

Personally I have never worried about a "clear bra" as most of the track rash is due to bits of molten rubber that get flicked up the sides, on the bonnet and around the rear fenders (elbow grease gets rid of this). Windscreens are disposable items.

On the day itself
The instructors should be very clear about the rules

(1) track entry and exit
(2) passing points
(3) warm up and cool down protocols
(4) flags, lights and signs
(5) explanation of the driving line for these cars
(7) If possible - get the instructors to walk key corners with you - from entry brake point to foot down corner exit
(8) If possible - get an instructor to sit in with you
(9) ensure you go into a group with a similar skill level and keep in mind the lead drivers in the more experienced groups may put 20 plus seconds a lap on you. So being in the correct group is essential for confidence and safety.
(10) make sure you do warm up and cool down laps
(11) keep an eye on oil pressure and temperature
(12) keep an eye on fuel level (you'll be surprised/shocked how quickly it goes down)
(13) if you have sport chrono and PDK go to sport plus mode
(14) after you have done a cool down lap and pull up in pit lane, DO NOT put your e-brake on

Then go out enjoy yourself - most tracks are very safe - concentrate on maintaining a line and understanding your braking points. Its better to be slow and get the basics right with the aim of building pace through accuracy and consistency.

You'll have a blast

Originally Posted by tasman

Tracking sucks. Don't do it. Your car will fall apart and be worthless.


Just kidding It is a blast. Lots of good advice and I don't have much to ad. Relax , have fun and go at your pace. No prizes at track days.

Originally Posted by bronson7

Okay you two trouble makers, it took me all day to finally decide to read this thread, only to be shocked (NOT), that somewhere, somehow I knew my name would be brought up. I guess I have no response, but you're both right.

Originally Posted by 997rs4.0

Went to my first car show today at Amelia Island. Amazing experience watching so many people walk around looking at cars. I enjoyed it but really missed the smell of gas/oil/rubber/brakes that are normally included in a car day for me.

Rob, have fun on track and just enjoy the ride. You'll do great.

Originally Posted by C.J. Ichiban

man so many people got Marv'd by this one

Originally Posted by MaxLTV

Yes, once you lose ALL fear of death, pain or monetary damages, it becomes like a good videogame, just a bit more realistic.

Originally Posted by reidry

The only thing better than tracking your car is letting someone else track your car! That's benevolent, worthy of sainthood

I humbly volunteer, just let me know when and where.

Ryan

Originally Posted by robmypro

Thanks for all the tips and advice, guys! Just to make sure I have it right... 1. Make sure I get there early, so everyone can drool over my car, and stroke my ego. 2. Have a few good songs picked out, because that drivers briefing is BORING! 3. Warm up laps are for pussies. Just flog in on the first turn. 4. Open lapping is essentially racing. Show no mercy. 5. Oh yeah, bring a quart of oil.

Originally Posted by robmypro

Thanks for all the tips and advice, guys! Just to make sure I have it right...

1. Make sure I get there early, so everyone can drool over my car, and stroke my ego.
2. Have a few good songs picked out, because that drivers briefing is BORING!
3. Warm up laps are for pussies. Just flog in on the first turn.
4. Open lapping is essentially racing. Show no mercy.
5. Oh yeah, bring a quart of oil.

Originally Posted by Country911

Rob:
If this is your very first time, I strongly suggest that you invest in a painted helmet to match your Stand 21 driving suit with matching gloves and driving shoes...cuz,
when you step out of your tow vehicle, decked out like this, EVERYONE will know that "this dude means business...better give HIM a point by......"

Originally Posted by tstafford

I find going with a fire suit one size smaller than normal makes me go faster. I'd recommend that.

Originally Posted by Country911

Rob:
If this is your very first time, I strongly suggest that you invest in a painted helmet to match your Stand 21 driving suit with matching gloves and driving shoes...cuz,
when you step out of your tow vehicle, decked out like this, EVERYONE will know that "this dude means business...better give HIM a point by......"

Originally Posted by robmypro

Thanks for all the tips and advice, guys! Just to make sure I have it right...

1. Make sure I get there early, so everyone can drool over my car, and stroke my ego.
2. Have a few good songs picked out, because that drivers briefing is BORING!
3. Warm up laps are for pussies. Just flog in on the first turn.
4. Open lapping is essentially racing. Show no mercy.
5. Oh yeah, bring a quart of oil.