SICAONE

How does everybody prepare their car for the track? What kind of tape should I use and where to prevent rock chips etc? I have seen cars with mirrors, hoods, bumpers, lights taped up; Is this all neccessady in order to avoid a heart attack?Does the track take a real toll on your car? I know that the rim center caps should be removed but that is it. Thanks guys in advance, John <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Sloth

I will be taking my 996 for its first DE next month. In prep for this I am going to make a mag bra to cover the entire hood and I will tape the headlights and the front of the bumper. I will also have to remove my center caps and all loose items in the car.

Other than that, you can minimize impacts of marbles and such by not tailing the guy in front of you.

Sloth

... it would seem that if the center caps are fitted into the wheel from behind then you would not need to remove them, if it is a center cap that fits into place from the front then you would have to remove them. I suppose it depends on the group.

TT Gasman

Tips for DE/track events:
1. Remove all loose items in car, including floor mats.
2. Tech inspection prior to track event.
3. Bring a large rubbermaid type box to store all your stuff in while at the track.
4. Tools, torque wrench- I'll recheck all wheels before each run session.
5. Tire gauge- a good analog dial type.
6. Vinyl tape for numbers/leading edges of magnetic numbers. 3M makes colored vinyl tape, Home Depot and all hardware strore have in stock. Do Not Use Duct tape! aka "racer's tape"
7.Lots of fluids
8. Lots of fluids!!
9. Folding chair
10. Driving shoes-optional
11. A Snell 95 (at least) helmet, if not a Snell 2000.
12. Can of spare motor oil
13, Portable air compressor
14. Full tank of gas.
These are what I bring to the track for a weekend DE event.As far as taping up the lights, some do, some don't. I will often use a bra for the track to protect the paint. Interestingly, most rock chips etc. occur on the way up to the track.
Have fun, be smooth!
Doug

996FLT6

Things to bring is a storage box for tools and quart of oil and coolant/tire guage to check pressures after each run/check oil after each run too making sure it has enough oil/remove any loose items from car. A good option is well if tracking under hot conditions is bring in a watercooler with plenty of ice and put towels inside so you can cool down(heat really kills you) and drink alot of fluids. Taping is optional and as one pointed out chips never occurred while tracking but mainly getting there which I don't do. Also after each run NEVER use the emergency brake or it will warp the rotors. Have fun- it's a blast!!! Regards. Mike

Palting

Wow, guys. Excellent list and advice. I actually printed up DJ 996's post!! Thanks DJ. And thanks, SICAONE for starting the thread.

I fretted about those rock chips and what-not. I researched tape, bra, loungerie, duct tape..... I finally decided that I was either going to be so scared to bring the car to the track that I might as well put it in a bubble, or just go out and enjoy the car. So, I just went out with a brand new Simpson helmet, a garbage bag for all those loose items and a folding chair. I even left those crests on!! Official said nothing about it, they probably figured I knew what I was doing!! Did it twice now. See thread <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=001485" target="_blank">2nd time on track</a>

Just washed and waxed the car yesterday, one day later. Not a scratch nor stone chip. Despite an oil fire on the track, cars running off backwards, debris, several overtaking episodes (yahoooo!!!). One thing I did make a point to do was to not tailgate, come up to the guy I'm going to overtake only at the end of the turn and stay off to his one side or the other until he lets me pass. In both events, nice bunch of guys who kept abreast of what was going on and were aware I was coming up to them and always let me pass early at the straights.

pfb

In addition to DJ's list, I'd add:

Brakes: Do a brake inspection. Make sure you have plenty of pad material. Make sure your fluid level is topped up. Preferably, change to a high temperature, low moisture absorbtion fluid like Ate Super Blue or Ate Typ 200. Consider upgrading to a better street/track or track only pad.

Tires: Make sure you have good tread left. Make sure your tire pressures are even and elevated over street pressures. Check for tire roll-over after a few laps (inspect the side wall for scuffing. Some tires have little arrows on them showing optimum roll-over). Make sure your wheels are properly torqued.

Engine: Check the cooling system. Make sure there are no leaks, everything is topped up. Check the oil level. Bring extra oil.

I've never bothered with racers tape or bra's. Some tracks require you tape the headlights to prevent broken glass on the track. I've seen Modena's at the track all wrapped up like a christmas present. Why bother? Cars are made to be driven!

Palting

TT Gasman

Forgot about the hand brake... just forget it is even there, don't use it, leave the car in gear. You don't want to apply it to hot rotors or may cause warpage.

Mike in CA

This very well written article has some interesting things to say about "warped" rotors.

<a href="http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/warped_rotors_myth.htm" target="_blank">Stoptech article</a>