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Old 09-04-2016, 10:47 PM
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rickster997
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Default Track Day

Going on a track day this month. I read that I should protect the front of the car with tape. Has anyone done this? I also read about using PlastiDip. Seems a bit extreme... Any advice would be appreciated.
Old 09-05-2016, 02:20 PM
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Karl B
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I tried plastidip but you have to put on way too many coats for it to be protective. I purchased my car used, the front had some rash and I could not cover it with plastic without it looking bad so I went without for a few years. I used blue painters tape but it really doesn't stop any heavier rocks and it always comes off, as well as being a pain in the *** to apply. I finally repainted the nose and had it covered with xpel and after 2 seasons at the track it is still perfect.
I would suggest you cover it with clear, even a half nose, if you want it to stay perfect.
Old 09-05-2016, 03:12 PM
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PJorgen
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I've seen people cover the entire front end in blue painter's tape. I guess it helps a little, although "some say" it just holds the chipped paint in place until you take the tape off.

IMO - these cars are made to be driven hard. Chips happen, learn to live with it.
Old 09-05-2016, 03:15 PM
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David993S
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Just use painters tape.
Old 09-05-2016, 03:54 PM
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rickster997
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OK, thanks. Any opinions/experience on track insurance?
Old 09-05-2016, 04:10 PM
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PJorgen
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Originally Posted by rickster997
OK, thanks. Any opinions/experience on track insurance?
No experience with track insurance, lots of opinion. Depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation.

Is this your first track day? If so and you're running with a good group, probability of damaging your car is very low, but again, it's up to your risk tolerance.

Most of the policies are declared value with 10-15% deductible. If you declare $60k value on your car, you're looking at a $6k-9k deductible, so it won't pay for minor damage.

I've tracked various cars for 15+ years and never substantially damaged any of them. However, I don't push that hard and am always willing to back off if necessary.
Old 09-05-2016, 04:16 PM
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rickster997
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It is a DE event, and I am in the beginner class...
Old 09-05-2016, 04:28 PM
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himself
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A rock traveling 30+ mph isn't going to be hindered by painters tape. Much less rocks flying by at 70 mph or even faster.

Track insurance almost doubles the cost of the event. But, it'll put your mind at ease. And if you need it...

-td
Old 09-05-2016, 04:50 PM
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Spinout
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1. Painters tape works well against small debris like flying rubber and sand grains that acts fine like sandpaper on your paint. It won't stop the larger debris items but will definitely keep your paint from getting speckled with tiny chips.

2, Track insurance provides peace of mind. I purchase it for each of the 10 or so events/year I run. It's relatively inexpensive. I pay about $225 per event for $40k of coverage. I've never wrecked a car but in the unlikely event I do, I know I'll have the funds to go get mine repaired or buy another without much $$ out of my pocket.
Old 09-05-2016, 05:03 PM
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Hatzenbach
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Use this: http://www.trakktape.com/

works great and easy to apply
Old 09-05-2016, 06:08 PM
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1990nein
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--

Last edited by 1990nein; 10-26-2020 at 01:35 PM.
Old 09-05-2016, 06:47 PM
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rickster997
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Thanks, I'll check it out.
Old 09-05-2016, 06:51 PM
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For insurance, I like https://ontrackinsurance.com
they're super nice, a little cheaper than Lockton and they're also RL members.
It's about $250 for the weekend. I get it depending on what track I'm going to as some are more
populated with walls than others.

As far as paint protection, I never worried about it. I've got some nicks in the bumper and hood but those have more likely come from A-Holes on the freeway. The rubber streaks from tire chunks come off with bug and tar remover. I just Make sure to have a fresh wax job on the car.
Old 09-05-2016, 09:06 PM
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snake eyes
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Some interesting comments...
Is the front clear bra? If not get it done call it a day. It is all I use and it works perfect
Old 09-05-2016, 10:00 PM
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Verboden
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I track alot and use cheap shelf liner paper from Walmart. The brand is "Contact", it looks like a slightly opaque clear plastic. Thicker than painters tape. Its about as sticky as painter tape but the roll is 18 inches wide. I find cutting it into 6 inch widths makes in manageable. This is non-permanent liner, its made to peel off easily.

If you have a C4, do the rear wheel haunches. Go over the existing protective plastic area plus a couple of extra inches. Where it curves out gets lots of debris.

Helps to wax the areas before applying. I don't claim this stuff dramatically prevents rock chips, but it definitely makes cleanup easier. Also do the headlights.

I end up using a combination of painters tape and the shelf liner, the tape is useful for small areas. If you do go this route, make sure anything you apply is firmly attached. Especially with the shelf liner if it can flap against the car it will slowly damage the paint.

Last edited by Verboden; 09-05-2016 at 10:01 PM. Reason: forgot something


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