Track day Vs ???

[gavnewby]

Hey guys,

I'm kinda new to the scene, I bought my 3R a few months ago and I've not owned a car anything like this before, I have done track days in the past (incl in a Noble) but never in my own car, or without instruction.

With the weather startin to get better I kinda like the idea of taking my car somewhere where I can drive it beyond what the law allows (which reminds me, speed awareness course soon, bks), although the car may be ready for the track, I seriously doubt my driving skills are, so dont know if a) I'll get value for money out of a track day and b) what state it will leave my car in, damage, new tyres, oil change etc. In fact don't know much about tracking my own car.

Was kinda hoping there was somewhere I could just go and have a bit of freedom for an hour or so, instead of jumping onto a track full of people who know what they are doing and will probably curse me for not being on the right line or something.

I'm in the south east (near Reading) and my 3R is in immaculate condition, un-modified and only done 12k miles, hense my reluctance to track it without knowing what I'm letting myself in for.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated

[andygtt]

you wont be alone, don't assume everyone on track is going to be experts.

Main thing is to drive to your limits, don't let other cars push you along or get red mist because a peugeot 205 catches you up etc... that will be one of the hardest things.

Car preparation wise, make sure its insured for the track, almost all insurance specifially excludes it so if you crash you loose everything, comp car insurance include 5 track days in their cover.
Next check all fluids, brake pads tires etc.. maybe go as far as getting it serviced before hand.

Im assuming your car has an LSD and track day sump as its a 3R but best to confirm

[goo-goo-gjoob]

Also check your lugnuts are torqued properly, and that you have plenty of brake pad left. Check your oil a few times during the day; when running hard, the turbos eat oil. Open your clam between sessions to let heat escape. Make good use of the warm up and cool down laps to help your tires and engine life. After you do a few trackdays (and hopefully before your first one) I would have someone go through the intake/exhaust and suspension to check that all bolts are tight.

If you have a few trackdays experience, that's great. I did my first trackday in the Noble. What a car to start out in! With very little track experience, and a lightweight, powerful car like the Noble, you just have to make yourself work your way up to speed slowly. Concentrate on driving smoothly, and you can slowly build up the speed as you get more experience.

The Noble has plenty of torque, so you can be in a higher gear than you might think. On my first day, my instructor had me driving the entire track in one gear, to concentrate on learning the line and being smooth, before messing around changing gears, but that's up to you and the type of track.

Don't expect to be the fastest one on the track just because you're in a Noble. I got passed by everyone on my first day, but I didn't care. I would rather slowly build up my speed than ruin my car. It's not a competition, drive what you're comfortable with, and have fun.

[TuxMan]

A few things to also remember , there is a full briefing by the organizer before the day opens outlining the rules of the day , also Goldtrack offer free sighting laps with a instructor to help you settle in , you can also pay extra for a hours instruction which I always start the year with to get me out of any bad habits !!
As long as your car is in good order there is no reason why track use should damage your car , I normally do 1 warm up lap 4 flying laps and 1 cool down lap , then clips up let cool then repeat .
Come along on the 10th of may , there will be plenty of guys to help !!! Tux

[mgbond]

My first track day was at Brands and I had 3 instruction lessons also. One first thing, the other part way through and the last at the end.

It was a great day just don't try to go above you limits and don't worry if a lesser cars passes you.

My only issues I had was I had trouble getting it into 2nd once and the car went light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dca0OZtuEtQ

Also, check out the other thread about driver training.

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

Bondy

[gavnewby]

Thanks guys I'll look into all that service advice,
And ta for the invite on 10th May, but I'll be enjoying the Canarian sun that week, I'll keep my eyes open on the forum for the next meet tho.

Guess a track day it is then, I'll look into what my options are, track wise, and instruction available.