1st track day. A few questions please...
Discussion
Hi all.
My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
nick_j007 said:
Hi all.
My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
First off I'll be there too - yellow S2 111S - have done a few trackdays but never Goodwood, so I'll be a newby too, say hi.My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
Not sure what the recommended pressures are for AD07s but as a rule of thumb run them hot on track at the recommended cold pressures. Check them every session for the first few sessions. Yes, take a pump. Though I and others will doubtless have one you can borrow.
Do your car normally use coolant? I've never needed to top mine up and would use plain water if I did. It'll only change the mix fractionally.
Clothes - that's fine.
I take the roof off if the weather is half way reasonable.
Technically bike helmets are not approved for track days and if it gets checked it might not be acceptable. I've never seen it actually happen though.
Tuition early is a good idea. I take tuition every day I do.
Engine oil, a litre spare is worth taking, obviously the ideal would be whatever is in the car at the moment, if you don't know what that is a good quality 10W-40 should be fine (or whatever the manual says).
Suction mounts are also usually not allowed, solid attachment to something robust is usually necessary. I would check with LoT on the day.
Underwear ... who can say ...
Other things:
1. drive at your own pace
2. Indicate and keep right to let faster drivers passed
3. Overtake on the left only (I'm assuming Goodwood isn't one of the odd tracks that overtakes on the right)
4. Warm up and cool down - brakes tyres etc.
5. when you park up after a session don't put your hand brake on, park on level ground and leave it in gear
As above really. The only thing I would add is buy yourself a small tyre pressure gauge for a tenner as this will let you maintain your tyres as described which could save you trashing them. Don't do sessions of more than 15 minutes to begin with. The car might cope with it but you might not if it's your first TD.
Take plenty of bottled water (for you and the car) plus snacks for between sessions. Make sure you don't run out of petrol, you'll use a lot more than on the road and take lots of photos!
As you have mentioned, get some instruction. I almost always book an hour even on a circuit I know. Theres always more to learn.
Have you looked at any track guides and instruction sites?
Take plenty of bottled water (for you and the car) plus snacks for between sessions. Make sure you don't run out of petrol, you'll use a lot more than on the road and take lots of photos!
As you have mentioned, get some instruction. I almost always book an hour even on a circuit I know. Theres always more to learn.
Have you looked at any track guides and instruction sites?
Thank you both very much!
I'll come over and say hello to you in your Elise you bet. What's your name?
My S2 is silver, name Nick. The one with a slightly nervous, strained expression I expect
Levels stay good on the Elise since new water pump, so should be ok. Water for me and car...noted thanks.
Is there a decent cafe there, or do I need to bring my own might you know?
Might get myself a simple foot pump then (you use a simple foot pump?) for Halfords.
I'll Google the ADO7's for pressures. I had a note for it but misplaced it.
Just watched the weather to see that it will be DRY, but cold in the morning. So glad it'll be dry anyway.
A pity if I can't place my camera inside the car. Will have to ask once there.
Cheers guys and see you Tuesday. Yippee!
I'll come over and say hello to you in your Elise you bet. What's your name?
My S2 is silver, name Nick. The one with a slightly nervous, strained expression I expect
Levels stay good on the Elise since new water pump, so should be ok. Water for me and car...noted thanks.
Is there a decent cafe there, or do I need to bring my own might you know?
Might get myself a simple foot pump then (you use a simple foot pump?) for Halfords.
I'll Google the ADO7's for pressures. I had a note for it but misplaced it.
Just watched the weather to see that it will be DRY, but cold in the morning. So glad it'll be dry anyway.
A pity if I can't place my camera inside the car. Will have to ask once there.
Cheers guys and see you Tuesday. Yippee!
If you've not seen it this is a good web site to give you an intro and overview of track driving.
http://www.drivingfast.net/
http://www.drivingfast.net/
Goodwood is fantastic - I love the place.
Ref the advice above in terms of time out on track - Goodwood normally allows 10 cars out at a time on 98db days and you'll be sessioned at 15/20 mins each time normally, so your track time will be pre determined.
Overtaking is on the left as is usual. It's a quick track - get tuition early on if you can - Goodwood is a circuit where local knowledge really helps. If Goodwood are running and marshalling the day (not sure whether LOT use them or not for it) they offer sighting laps for newbies in their Ford Ranger with the chief instructor - definitely take them up on it as they are very useful. LOT may just do sighting laps as they do at other circuits.
If I use my liz on track I tend to run 24F 26R when hot - it's an S2111S with AD07s on.
Unless you already have a coolant leak (?) you shouldn't need any - also mine has never used any oil on track but I guess it never hurts to have some with you. Tyre gauge and pump, gaffer tape and cable ties always get packed though.
Your bike helmet will be fine there as well. I always wear gloves. Someone whose opinion counts to me, said that should you have an accident, you may have to climb out of the car, with broken glass, and possibly hot fluids to be negotiated - gloves could save your hands on that sort of occasion.
Above all - enjoy it! Goodwood is a classic track, and LOT run top days
Ref the advice above in terms of time out on track - Goodwood normally allows 10 cars out at a time on 98db days and you'll be sessioned at 15/20 mins each time normally, so your track time will be pre determined.
Overtaking is on the left as is usual. It's a quick track - get tuition early on if you can - Goodwood is a circuit where local knowledge really helps. If Goodwood are running and marshalling the day (not sure whether LOT use them or not for it) they offer sighting laps for newbies in their Ford Ranger with the chief instructor - definitely take them up on it as they are very useful. LOT may just do sighting laps as they do at other circuits.
If I use my liz on track I tend to run 24F 26R when hot - it's an S2111S with AD07s on.
Unless you already have a coolant leak (?) you shouldn't need any - also mine has never used any oil on track but I guess it never hurts to have some with you. Tyre gauge and pump, gaffer tape and cable ties always get packed though.
Your bike helmet will be fine there as well. I always wear gloves. Someone whose opinion counts to me, said that should you have an accident, you may have to climb out of the car, with broken glass, and possibly hot fluids to be negotiated - gloves could save your hands on that sort of occasion.
Above all - enjoy it! Goodwood is a classic track, and LOT run top days
nick_j007 said:
Hi all.
My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
Goodwood as a first trackday! Fair do's My first TD coming up at Goodwood this coming Tuesday.
I have an S2 Elise K series. 160 bhp.
Car is in good running order with an MOT due Monday (cutting it very fine, but it should pass!)
I Yokohama AD07's on it all round and I like them very much. What pressures would you suggest, and how often do I check them pls? Do I have to take a pump, or will they have such facilities. I have a hand dial type pressure meter.
Will I need extra coolant? Where do I get it from? Halfords do a premix maybe? I have a new water pump and coolant as of January this year.
I have no specialist clothing. Would jeans and thickish cotton long sleeve top be ok?
Should I keep my roof on even if really sunny?
I have a bike helmet from my brother that fits well.
I shall get tuition early on in the day (I might be first to get it as a first timer)
Should I take engine oil? What type do I require please? I have a decent Halfords near me.
Will I be ok if I rig my palm sized camera inside the screen on suction mounts? Any rules against it?
Will I need a change of underwear?
Many thanks. Let me know if I have overlooked anything.
Nick
I normally run 23f/25r cold pressures with AD07s and unless you're a driving God they should be fine for you on track
Coolant i dont normally worry about.
Jeans and a long sleeve top will be fine.
Take the roof off whatever the weather,its an Elise for gawds sake!
I use a good bike lid but it really depends on the organiser/operator so check their t&c's
Early tuition is a great idea.
Take a litre of 5/40 or 10/50 synthetic oil to top up with and a hand full of tools just in case(17mm socket and bar for the wheel nuts,pipe grips/adjustable spanners,couple of screwdrivers and the obligatory duct tape!)
Best advice is to not try and be as fast as possible but drive within your capability and make sure YOU ENJOY YOURSELF!!
Keep an eye on your mirrors,indicate when you're pulling over for someone and similarly if someone moves over for you then a little wave of thanks never hurts.
If its open pitlane then do 20min stints max,do a cool down lap at the end of each run and dont put the handbrake on when you park!
Be warned its a slippery slope and your disposable income will become disposed of rapidly
VTECMatt said:
Try Cold Pressure 21F 22.5R, aim for 26F 27R Hot. I used this all the time when I run Road tyres on an S2 Elise.
Thank you all very much! A lot of solid advice which I shall heed.These tyre pressures...
Does this mean I arrive with the cold figures (these are good for the road too?) run the car to warm up, and then adjust pressure up to the hot?
I assume I'll need to adjust them between sessions?
Thanks!
Yes - adjust them between sessions. Spend your first session learning the circuit then check them as soon as you're in. I would suggest nsf first, followed by nsr then the offfside tyres. Goodwood is very hard on your near side tyres.
It will depend a lot on the weather and how hard you are trying tbh - but as a habit I check them after each session.
Google Tyresure if you're going to get the track day habit - I have one on the 2-11 and they're great.
It will depend a lot on the weather and how hard you are trying tbh - but as a habit I check them after each session.
Google Tyresure if you're going to get the track day habit - I have one on the 2-11 and they're great.
Stephanie Plum said:
Yes - adjust them between sessions. Spend your first session learning the circuit then check them as soon as you're in. I would suggest nsf first, followed by nsr then the offfside tyres. Goodwood is very hard on your near side tyres.
It will depend a lot on the weather and how hard you are trying tbh - but as a habit I check them after each session.
Google Tyresure if you're going to get the track day habit - I have one on the 2-11 and they're great.
Thank you Stephanie.It will depend a lot on the weather and how hard you are trying tbh - but as a habit I check them after each session.
Google Tyresure if you're going to get the track day habit - I have one on the 2-11 and they're great.
Will I see a notable difference in pressures between hot and cold tyres with no adjustment by me? Curious.
The Tyresure system. Do you fit each wheel's unit yourself, or is that done at your local tyre fitter?
Thanks.
Nick
You could see a difference, but it depends on ambient temperatures, how many sessions you do and how hard you're trying - only sure way to know is to check each time you've been out. I tend to find myself adding a little air after the lunch break, especially on a cold day.
Ref the tyresure gauge, you need to get them fitted at a garage unless you're a tyre fitter by trade You'll find the wheels will need rebalancing after fitting as well.
Ref the tyresure gauge, you need to get them fitted at a garage unless you're a tyre fitter by trade
You'll find the wheels will need rebalancing after fitting as well.
It was certainly a fabulous day - one of the best track days I've done for sure.
A really wonderful circuit.
Videos from the day:
http://www.vimeo.com/11664863
http://www.vimeo.com/11831265
http://www.vimeo.com/11693162
http://www.vimeo.com/11874647
A really wonderful circuit.
Videos from the day:
http://www.vimeo.com/11664863
http://www.vimeo.com/11831265
http://www.vimeo.com/11693162
http://www.vimeo.com/11874647
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