Drivers Ed Questions
#1
Burning Brakes
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Denver, CO (left NC)
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Drivers Ed Questions
Will be doing my first DE event at CMP later this month and wanted to get some insights from you pro's who have done this multiple times before:
- What tire pressure should I run?
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
- Any books I should read before hand that will help me out?
- Other thoughts/tips?
Thx!
PS Gonna be 68 in CLT today/tomorrow... NICE... will be driving with the top down!!
- What tire pressure should I run?
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
- Any books I should read before hand that will help me out?
- Other thoughts/tips?
Thx!
PS Gonna be 68 in CLT today/tomorrow... NICE... will be driving with the top down!!
#2
I'm a novice to DE but I have taken the PSDS.
I can tell you that two books that people keep recommending that I have bought and think are good are:
"speed secrets" by ross bentley
"going faster" by the skip barber school guys
I can tell you that two books that people keep recommending that I have bought and think are good are:
"speed secrets" by ross bentley
"going faster" by the skip barber school guys
#3
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
- Any books I should read before hand that will help me out?
- Other thoughts/tips?
-td
#5
Burning Brakes
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I have the Speed Secrets... great book... Dell recommended that one a couple of months ago.
#6
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Here's the checklist I used for years when I was just starting...
www.speedventures.com/events/trackchecklist.doc
I have customized this list over the years to adjust for the trailer, car, track support items, etc.
One item not on the list, If this is your 1st event, get an instructor in the right seat and don't be afraid to ask questions.
...
www.speedventures.com/events/trackchecklist.doc
I have customized this list over the years to adjust for the trailer, car, track support items, etc.
One item not on the list, If this is your 1st event, get an instructor in the right seat and don't be afraid to ask questions.
...
#7
Intermediate
smr996: That is a great list. www.speedventures.com/events/trackchecklist.doc
I now have a copy for myself.
Dutchie in NC: the list is overkill for your first DE, but keep it -- this stuff is addictive and you will need it in the future
Tire pressure: as above, try 2lbs less.
This means that you do need a good tire pressure gauge -- and perhaps a pump. (BUY the gauge, its vital regardless. But a pump you can probably ask around -- someone else is bound to have one if you need it.)
I take an extra large duffel bag to throw all the misc stuff in: floor mats, maps, water, some food, tools, emergency pump, etc. for when you are out on the track.
Don't forget sunglasses! (Hat & sunscreen depending.)
I also bring some windex, papertowel, some oil & oil funnel.
Finally, have at least half a tank of gas -- nothing harder to do than leave the track (and lose precious track time & instruction) because you're almost empty!
Have fun!
I now have a copy for myself.
Dutchie in NC: the list is overkill for your first DE, but keep it -- this stuff is addictive and you will need it in the future
Tire pressure: as above, try 2lbs less.
This means that you do need a good tire pressure gauge -- and perhaps a pump. (BUY the gauge, its vital regardless. But a pump you can probably ask around -- someone else is bound to have one if you need it.)
I take an extra large duffel bag to throw all the misc stuff in: floor mats, maps, water, some food, tools, emergency pump, etc. for when you are out on the track.
Don't forget sunglasses! (Hat & sunscreen depending.)
I also bring some windex, papertowel, some oil & oil funnel.
Finally, have at least half a tank of gas -- nothing harder to do than leave the track (and lose precious track time & instruction) because you're almost empty!
Have fun!
Last edited by bentlink; 02-07-2009 at 01:16 PM.
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#8
Just keep your vision ahead (where you want the car to go), focus on being smooth (inputs) rather than being fast, try to be relaxed (slow, deep breathing helps) and you'll be fine. I think most agree your first DE is one of the best, so just have fun.
Oh yeah, and never lift!
Oh yeah, and never lift!
#9
One note on headlight taping.
It's not to keep your lights from breaking but rather to keep the pieces in place if they do. That way you or the guy behind you might not get a flat tire.
Also, on some cars (BMW e36's) the fog lights can pop out if you drop a wheel off or hit a curb. Taping helps keep the pieces in place so you can take everything home with you.
It's not to keep your lights from breaking but rather to keep the pieces in place if they do. That way you or the guy behind you might not get a flat tire.
Also, on some cars (BMW e36's) the fog lights can pop out if you drop a wheel off or hit a curb. Taping helps keep the pieces in place so you can take everything home with you.
#12
Ironman 140.6
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
- What tire pressure should I run?
I assume you are running street tires? If so I'd shoot for around 36 front, 40 rear hot. So you'll probably start around 4 lbs under that cold (since it's your first and it won't be too hot that day you probably won't raise the pressure too much, but if you are aggressive you may see a bigger rise) and measure temps as soon as you pull off. After that I'd tune for feel
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
Personally, I wouldn't bother with this
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
Bring a good quality pressure gauge. Long sleeve shirt and pants. A helmet. A good attitude, and don't be afraid to ask your instructor for tons of advice and pointers
- Other thoughts/tips?
Check to make sure all of your brake lights are functioning properly before you head to the event. Change you brake pads prior to the event if you have less than 60% of the material remaining. Additionally it's not a bad idea to check your pad wear after each run. The stock pads will wear quickly on the track.
Have fun!!
I assume you are running street tires? If so I'd shoot for around 36 front, 40 rear hot. So you'll probably start around 4 lbs under that cold (since it's your first and it won't be too hot that day you probably won't raise the pressure too much, but if you are aggressive you may see a bigger rise) and measure temps as soon as you pull off. After that I'd tune for feel
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
Personally, I wouldn't bother with this
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
Bring a good quality pressure gauge. Long sleeve shirt and pants. A helmet. A good attitude, and don't be afraid to ask your instructor for tons of advice and pointers
- Other thoughts/tips?
Check to make sure all of your brake lights are functioning properly before you head to the event. Change you brake pads prior to the event if you have less than 60% of the material remaining. Additionally it's not a bad idea to check your pad wear after each run. The stock pads will wear quickly on the track.
Have fun!!
#13
Burning Brakes
A couple of things I learned at my 1st DE:
- Don't be shy about the communication you have with your instructor; +1 on asking lots of questions, but also remember that you're paying for his/her knowledge and instruction. If you two don't click after a couple sessions, I'd respectfully ask for another instructor.
- Stay hydrated by bringing water and or some snacks; you don't realize how exhausting it can be after a couple sessions
- Don't use your hand brake when you get off the track - the heat from the pads resulting from a spirited run can fuse the pads to the rotors
- Consider borrowing a in-car video camera mount. You'll be able to relive the experience many times, and you'll be able to see what you did right and wrong.
Enjoy. If your experience is like mine, you'll never forget it and you'll be chomping at the bit for the next one.
Bob
- Don't be shy about the communication you have with your instructor; +1 on asking lots of questions, but also remember that you're paying for his/her knowledge and instruction. If you two don't click after a couple sessions, I'd respectfully ask for another instructor.
- Stay hydrated by bringing water and or some snacks; you don't realize how exhausting it can be after a couple sessions
- Don't use your hand brake when you get off the track - the heat from the pads resulting from a spirited run can fuse the pads to the rotors
- Consider borrowing a in-car video camera mount. You'll be able to relive the experience many times, and you'll be able to see what you did right and wrong.
Enjoy. If your experience is like mine, you'll never forget it and you'll be chomping at the bit for the next one.
Bob
#14
Will be doing my first DE event at CMP later this month and wanted to get some insights from you pro's who have done this multiple times before:
- What tire pressure should I run?
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
- Any books I should read before hand that will help me out?
- Other thoughts/tips?
Thx!
PS Gonna be 68 in CLT today/tomorrow... NICE... will be driving with the top down!!
- What tire pressure should I run?
- Have heard people talk about racing tape and taping headlights. What is this for (protection from stones, I gues?)... should I tape things up? Is this just simple painters/masking tape?
- Other than the usual stuff that PCA recommends to bring, any other items you can think of?
- Any books I should read before hand that will help me out?
- Other thoughts/tips?
Thx!
PS Gonna be 68 in CLT today/tomorrow... NICE... will be driving with the top down!!
For tire pressure, just run around OEM pressure settings, your first time out should be completely about learning, not going fast. Playing with tire pressures won't net you any real gain at this point, just ensure that the pressures are correct for the car.
Taping can help hold broken pieces together, in case something gets shattered. On the other hand, I've never taped a street car. A lot of people tape everything, bumper, wheel wells, etc.. it can make cleanup of melted rubber a little easier I guess, but it's not worth the effort IMO.
I'm not sure what PCA suggests, but what others said here is good. Ray S and himself were spot on with the good attitude and no ego part. If a stock civic is on your bumper, let him pass, don't try to prove that your car is faster, listen to your instructor, etc. You will be slow, you SHOULD be slow at your first event.. if you are doing 10/10ths in your first event then you will spin (or worse) the car in short order. I've seen it many times, just stay focused on learning.
CMP can be rough on brakes, so make sure your pads are good.
Oh, and don't lift in the kink