1st track day on an unmodified car?

[chrispwill]

Hi all,

I've been considering doing my first track day sometime soon, I'd be splitting the driving and costs with a mate.

I've got an Focus ST Mk2, I'm wondering if it's generally accepted to just run a car without having had any modifications for the track? It's had a recent oil change, has Eagle F1s and standard OEM brakes, am I going to run into problems with brakes overheating etc?

Would just like some general advice, and what to expect with regards to the 1st track day and the fact my car is standard.

Thanks

[chrispwill]

Generally confidence-building comments about the brake wear, which is good to hear

I like to do things the proper way, so I certainly won't be getting caught up in racing etc, but more focused on being smooth and learning, especially as it's first time.

I trust my friend, and we would work something out if any damage was caused when he was driving.

Considering doing a novice day as the first one as well, it seems they are 7 x 20 minute sessions (which might give good resting times for the brake/tyres anyway), do people advise this or is it generally better to go straight to a non-novice track day?

[chrispwill]

HustleRussell said:

On a standard, well-maintained car it is probably realistic to complete 20 minute sessions provided there's a warm up and cool down period built in and maybe a cooling off lap in the middle. You'll probably find you can't push for full sessions anyway because people will get in the way.

Don't fall into the trap of braking gently for longer periods as this will actually get your brakes hotter than using them much harder for a shorter period (more cooling down time per lap). If you think you've gotten out of the throttle too early going into a corner don't rest on the brakes, use this moment of tranquil coasting to think about your braking and turn-in reference points.

From the start of the day get into the habit of immediately trimming your tyre pressures down when your session ends and don't pump them up again between sessions unless it gets wetter and / or colder.

Thanks! So regarding tyre pressures, should they be kept at manufacturer figures, or increase/decreased? What do you mean about trimming them after a session ends?

[chrispwill]

HustleRussell said:

I have no experience with cars like yours at all. However, more generally, your tyres pressures will increase quite drastically on track and as the pressure increases the tyre temperature increase will also accelerate- so for performance and tyre longevity you have to try to keep the pressures and therefore temperatures within sensible limits. As a starting point you could start your first session at the normal factory recommended pressures. When your first session ends, immediately get the gauge on them. They will have gone up by several PSI- so reduce the pressure back to around the starting pressures (no lower, perhaps a pound or two higher if you feel you're worried about wear on the outer shoulders). Rinse and repeat. You'll probably find you take out a little more air each session as you lean on them more. If it's wet, you can probably leave them alone. Have a pump and a decent gauge with you so that you can increase the pressures again if it rains.

It's hard to be exactly scientific about it but the aim of the game is to ensure that you aren't going to end up with the tyres 10psi too high meaning frustrating understeer and rapidly accelerating temperatures.

Thanks, that's extremely helpful. Looking forward to everything now, thanks all for the advice!