Hey All,

Planning my first track day next month and have several questions since I really have no idea what to expect. I will be running in a PCA organized event with an instructor. I will be changing my oil in the next week or two.

1. I will be buying some 19" wheels (have stock 20") for use for AX and hopefully a few track days a year.

- Is it even remotely possible to load up 4 19" wheels w/tires in a 991? I would rather not drive on these to/from the track unless I really have to. It would be nice to have my street tire as a back up if something happens.
- If this is possible, will there be space to leave my 20" while I am on the track?

2. My OE pads likely need to be changed and I am not ready to commit to something like Pagid's just for a few track days but thinking about the Ferodo DS2500 as a slight step up from OEM. Thoughts? Note I have already changed my brake fluid (using SRF now). I need to read up on pad changes but any other recommendations? I will probably replace sensors vs tie them off but need to find a non-oem one that doesn't have the Porsche tax.

3. Plan on bringing helmet, maybe gloves, proper clothing, tire pressure gauge, inflator, jack if I bring an extra set of wheels, chair, cooler. Other recommendations?

4. Need track insurance and will do the searches but if anyone has a recommendation, feel free to share.

Any other things I should be considering?

 

I have 5 track days under my belt 4 with my stock Targa 4 and 1 with a Turbo S. I actually just picked up a 718 GTS just for track duty. Here is my feedback:

Track wheels are great 18-19 wheels plus track tires are great. But don’t worry about driving them to the track - no way you run through tires the first few days you track. I got signature wheels for the track and Cup 2s and would drive to the track and back and got three days out of them and still have tread left.

stick with stock brakes for now - I got four solid days before I needed to replace pads and rotors and even then it was on the rear only (Torque Vectoring plus Rear Engine means rears wear out). The fronts have 80” left. Stock 911 brakes are very track able esp for a beginner. Also track brakes will just squeal and squeal.

https://opentrack.com/ is a good place to look for insurance. If you plan on doing more than 4-5 days a year might ask for an annual quote.

The stock 911 is such a track friendly car I wouldn’t invest money until you get to 3-5 days when you really start to push to - and past - the limits of what the car has. And enjoy! I have a bunch friends who prob track 20 times a year and they never had an accident.

 

If you have 19's, you can get 2 in the back and 1 in the pass seat, but the 4th one wont fit in the frunk.
I bought a roof rack to take an extra set of tires to the track.

But as a beginner, forget that and just run on the ones on your car. bridgestone 71R's are great street/track tires
after you wear out what you have now.

Ferodo DS2500's have a good rep as street/track pads so that would be good. If you run OEM pads, check them after each session as they could wear quickly. I would tie up the sensors to keep them out of the way.
On the track you should look at your tires and brake pads after each session to track wear rates. You have a good brake fluid so you are set there.

On equipment, you may what to still bring the jack and a jack stand as switching tires side to side might help balance tire wear.
Remember you will want to run hot tire pressures of 35 to 38psi so you may need to drop pressure before the session and bleed-off pressure right after the session. Tires will pick up 8-10 psi running a session. Ask your instructor about this.

Listen to your instructor and have fun.

 

1. I wouldnt worry about this yet or tires as long as you have decent amount of tread left for first day.
2. If you are sure you need new pads. Consider that a set of OEM pads is like $400 vs ferrodos will be over $1000 but last way longer.
3. add torque wrench, painters tape for car number, zip ties, screw drivers, knife or cutters for zip ties, window cleaner, detail spay possibly, rags for cleaning as well as grease, torque wrench, water, snacks
4. opentrack.com

 

Hey Wujohn, I'll be there at the track. I forgot, you mean Big Willow or Chuckwalla? I think Chuckwalla. Excellent track for first time! I'll be at both. Give me a call if you want, and I can fill you in on any details you need. Be sure to read carefully the huge info document that Greg sent out last week. Your OEM pads are fine, just make sure they have lots of life left. Same with tires.

Also, Chuckwalla is many miles from anywhere, so you need to be self-sufficient on food, water, etc. You staying in the cabins? Some people stay in Indio, but the back and forth to the track is tedious, and you'll miss out on the evening fun Saturday.

 

To give an idea of its remoteness:

 

Empty your car out of all non essential stuff before u go or your going to have to do it when u get there. If your mats are loose or move around leave them at home. Take down any radar detectors or any thing stuck to windshield. On your first event i would not worry about changing the tires 1. U dont need an extra set on your first track day 2. It would be a PITA to carry an extra set and have to change them multiple times at the track.
Theres going to be plenty of other info u will need to absorb and things to do at the track before you start driving from tech station to check ins to hooking up up with your drive along instructor etc..

 

Single most important thing: Listen to your instructor. The only trophy to win at a DE is the one you get when you bring yourself and your car home in one piece.

Enjoy...it's a slippery slope from here.

 

Have fun @Wujohn I’m envious. I’ve only been on a track once with my Focus RS (since sold), so I’m a total novice. I would love to have a complete weekend off to do a DE event with PCA in my Porsche. Looking forward to your impressions.

 

For your first time at the track, there are only two things you need to worry about: 1. your car is in good shape 2. you are prepped physically and mentally. For #1, tires have plenty of tread, pads have plenty of thickness, oil is fresh, brakes are bled, lug nuts are torqued, tire pressures are set. For #2, you're well rested, you've studied the track, you have proper food and hydration, you listen to the instructor, and you have fun. The most important mod is the 'driver' mod. Work on improving your driving instead of thinking about improving the car. The 911 is extremely capable stock, no need to even think about new wheels and tires yet. A novice in a 911 will still get blown away by pro in a Miata.

 

I would keep it simple. Think of it as a few 20 min sessions to explore the car, the circuit, the flag positions, having an instructor speaking to you via an earpiece. For that you won't need much.

You would not be able to fit four wheels and tires in the car, nor will you need them. Run your stock setup. Run your stock brakes, but in this case based on wear replace with any pad that seems good to you, product and price wise.

Make sure you get your tech inspection done or otherwise processed before arrival, and are aware of any other requirements the club or party renting the track have. Helmet type, sound limits, long sleeve shirts, etc. Being rested, alert and feeling up for physical activity is the most important thing.

You will need to have your number affixed (I use masking tape), and any lug bolt covers removed for torquing in the on-site tech inspection. Make sure you have access to food and water. Come with a full tank of fuel.

In terms of insurance, I have used, ontrackinsurance and Lockton. They usually have a coverage limit, which has often been less than the value of the car I am using, for example 150k on a 180K GT3. You might be able to find a policy for agreed value. Sometimes I get insurance and sometimes I don't. If you can afford a 1500 dollar policy for the day it seems like a good idea. Depends on the car and situation.

Looping back to the wheels. My concern is getting to and from over an on-track need. Without a full support situation (trailer), you're hoping nothing happens on the way, and preparing for if something were to happen on the way home. If you have a spare, bring that as you would normally. There is space to leave things like that and any other items and tools while you are out on the circuit. You will park in an area that is your area all day.

Have a great time. There is nothing like driving on a race track and learning your car in a way that is not possible on public roads.

 

Gents,

Thanks for the replies and additional info.I have no illusions of what my performance will be on track and will be there to learn and hopefully have some fun while doing it. While my brakes are not quite done, they have worn enough that I need to replace in order to not miss out on some fun. The Ferodo's are actually about the same price as OEM, so if I get some marginal improvement, I think that is a win either way. Was planning on getting a used set of 19's so the reasoning for carrying them vs driving them was to ensure I don't run out of tread life but it looks like I'll have to make a game-time decision once I get my used set as to which shoes I wear to the party.

Mike - will reach out; thanks for the assist!

 

Great first weekend (of hopefully many more) at the track. Learned a lot, found out that I have a "purse" in the way of my right foot sometimes, need to brake harder (and shorter) and there are many easy seconds left on the track for improvement.There is another local guy driving a similar car to mine and he has several seconds on me. Lesson learned - its all about the driver and there is a lot left in my base before I even tickle its capabilities. Still, was able to find the line after some corrections, practice throttle steering on a big track (vs just AX) and see how much better drivers do it. Got a chance to meet a few Rennlisters, try out my "new" set of used wheels and change my rear pads (thanks to RL guidance) while everyone else was having a beer. Can't wait for the next event. Ignore the poor track tape job - was in a rush when I put it on and it just got worse over the weekend.

 

Correct, it's all about the driver. Part natural ability, and a whole lot of practice. Most F1 drivers probably started out in karts when they were 4 years old. For reference, a stock power 1st gen ND Miata (167hp) with coilovers and wheels/tires can do like 2:02 at Chuckwalla with a good driver. These are drivers with hundreds, if not a few thousand, hours of track time. You'll get faster with practice and coaching.

 

Hi John,
There is lots of good video of fast 911's at Chuckwalla. (under 2:00 and mostly cup cars or GT3rs) Watch them before we go again! Having the line and braking zones for the track memorized will greatly enhance the learning process. At Chuck, there's a rumble strip on the racing line side that you can use on most turns to start your braking.

Don't use Miata's as a reference, it's going to be embarrassing on a technical track like Chuck. But that 2:02 Miata is running 245 RE71's, 40mm over stock 205 tires and it's a 1000 lbs lighter. That combo means little braking at Chuck for a Miata, they're flat out most of the time!
Fritz