n00b with a few questions

[m6rk]

Ok if there is a good FAQ somewhere please gimme the link and tell me to RTFM...

I've done about a bazillion trackdays on motorbikes on most circuits in the uk, but always fancied having a go with a car.. I Got myself a ep3 civic as a second card which is totally standard and was wondering where you more experienced people reckon would be a good place to start? ie airfield days vs tracks?

Can I turn up with standard tyres / brakes and still have a good day and be able to drive it home? I've got lazy with my race bike and bike trailer - so the novelty of turning up and driving the transport on the circuit seems novel

Any other tips or tricks really appreciated

[iguana]

Race pads & race fluid- or at least new brake fluid needed really. You might just manage your 1st ever day on stock pads, but usually fadeoramma after 3 laps even being super gentle.

Road rubber fine.

I prefer track vs airfields, tho airfields are good to play on & experiment with rwd or as a quick test of something if you have one nearby.

[Stephanie Plum]

Have a look at www.hondas-on-track.com - lots of help there for you.

[m6rk]

thanks for the info folks..

apparently according to the last owner it's got some higher temp dot4 fluid in and fast road pads so I should be good to go..

wish me luck ;-)

[RB Will]

Just make sure you do a good slow cool down lap and don't put the handbrake on when you get back to the paddock, park it in gear or just leave it if car park is flat.

[andyiley]

Even if it has dot 4 fluid, I would change it for ATE blue race fluid & make sure you AT LEAST take a spare set of pads......You will be amazed how quickly they dissappear on track.

In order to reply to your other question, that depends on where you are & what is nearby.

Blyton Park is excellent for a beginner, good flat sticky tarmac & lots of run off.

Edited by andyiley on Friday 17th May 17:44

[Herman Toothrot]

1st time out it'll be fine, it's after the 1st time you start thinking improvement, done many days with bog standard cars. It's only once you have learnt their behaviour and start to push you realise weaknesses. Far to many people think you need a race car for track days, you don't. If the brakes start to fade ease off back to pits let it cool and out again. Certain cars have big weaknesses for track, I.e oil starvation but I don't think that's an issue with a civic on road tyres etc.

If you have done bike days choose a track you know, at least that way you don't spend the morning learning lines etc.

I did all circuits when I started out as people said its the 'real experience', it is but you can have a great time on airfields and much cheaper. Some are all Tarmac as well so not even the ruin tyres answer, i.e Abingdon, all Tarmac mostly good run off, quite tight, would suit a civic as its got enough power you want be feeling you need more on the straights etc.

mSe are doing. A day next Friday, will be a good few from here there, always is :-)

[Herman Toothrot]

P.s open pit is thesis thing I want these days, sessions are pants.

[Terzo204]

IMHO Don't worry too much about brake fluid, DOT 4 will be fine.

Go ou there and enjoy it.

Airfield TD's are great but not a track. Again, IMHO 80% of a track experience, but great for a first day. If you run out of talent it's not trouble.

[GrumpyTwig]

m6rk said:

where you more experienced people reckon would be a good place to start? ie airfield days vs tracks?

Your profile says Cambridge, so that'd make you a stones throw from Bedford right?

http://goo.gl/maps/zve70

Flat, open, lots of run off, no visibility issues. Should be a good start.

I'd suggest just making sure the car is safe for the first time out, take it steady and just use it as an opportunity to find the cars weaknesses and where you might need to do some work or spend some money.

Can't say I was all that cautious my first time as I just turned up to Oulton Park having only driven around on computer games and proceeded to cook the brakes on my car how glad was I to have a small tarmac run-off at Knickerbrook!

[krunchkin]

I just did my first track day today, at Snetterton , and it was absolutely brilliant. Had fitted my s2000 with semi race pads , discs and fluid and it drove like a dream. Getiing it properly up to speed on track and really testing the handling and it performed superbly. - managed to cane a few Porsches and plenty of hot hatches in it - no match for the big blue bd M5 that was out there though - now that is a FAST car.

What an amazing buzz. I will be back out on track very soon. Made a big confidence boost knowing I had brand new tyres, pads, and discs though - really felt I could trust the car

[ESDavey]

Your Civic will be lite so maybe brakes will not be too much of an issue. Good advice above re cool-down and take your time building up speed ... warm tyres make a massive difference so take the 1st lap gentle !

[daz1001]

Keep a check on your tyre pressures - make sure the pressure in them are enough to prevent the sidewalls from being rolled over and getting scuffed while cornering.

[Blair357ci]

Mallory.. I hear it hosted the best track ever once upon a time......

[edh]

daz1001 said:

Keep a check on your tyre pressures - make sure the pressure in them are enough to prevent the sidewalls from being rolled over and getting scuffed while cornering.

And not too high so that you lose all grip

Get some tuition - will get you round faster and safer, with less wear on the car

Should be good enough for a first track day in the spec you have - Honda brakes are usually pretty good.

EP3 is now a bargain track car.