Looking to start Track Days
Discussion
Black_S3 said:
Yeah that’s more like the wear I’ve experienced which leaves me thinking the people who can eat a set of higher end road pads/low end track pads in a day are probably driving way harder than someone will be when they’re starting out or have cars that are destroying parts that aren’t up to the job. That said I’m not exactly fast and maybe a more experienced/better driver may have problems that don’t seem to effect me.
I think you are correct, the other other point I would add is the number of laps. The track car is shared between me and my partner, as there is 2 of us using it many laps are completed. Weirdly she is much easier on the brakes but harder on the tyres so there must be elements of style involved too.Interesting thread. I've just had my first track experience and I'm about ready to sell a kidney to fund some more.
I was debating what car to get, not really considering the cost of consumables, but based on this I'll be going for something light weight, with common spares, and easy to work on at home, rather than the fastest thing my budget will allow.
Well, until that lottery win arrives.
I was debating what car to get, not really considering the cost of consumables, but based on this I'll be going for something light weight, with common spares, and easy to work on at home, rather than the fastest thing my budget will allow.
Well, until that lottery win arrives.
Heavy on the brakes is often a good thing, trailing brakes and dragging out the braking for a long distance is a common noob mistake, which puts a lot of heat into the pads,and can eat them up quickly.
Consumables is a pretty important factor, especially if you plan on driving fast, deep trail braking etc. Anything north of 1300kg will seriously eat tyres and brakes.
If you are budget minded building air ducts to the brake calipers from the front, or gt3 scoops on the suspension arms(can be bought for the price of a pint at the local porcshe dealer) can seriously lower the rate you burn through brake pads. Cooling really is king here.
Consumables is a pretty important factor, especially if you plan on driving fast, deep trail braking etc. Anything north of 1300kg will seriously eat tyres and brakes.
If you are budget minded building air ducts to the brake calipers from the front, or gt3 scoops on the suspension arms(can be bought for the price of a pint at the local porcshe dealer) can seriously lower the rate you burn through brake pads. Cooling really is king here.
I used to track my VX. I tracked it for about 4 years I guess and shared the costs with a one mate for two years and another mate for the other 2 years.
We both put in £80 per month to cover track day consumables and fuel.
I set some pretty strict rules on my mates as it was my pride and joy. Change gear at 5k (red line was about 5.6-5.7k), and give plenty of time for braking.
I did some work to the brakes (braided lines, new discs, mintex pads and racing blue fluid) after they caused a few problems at Bedford. After that they were fine, went through one set of pads and one set of tyres doing about 4-5 track days a year.
Sharing a car can work, if you have someone you trust not to be a dick, I'm no driving God, and was pretty slow on most days, compared to what the car could do, but we had a huge amount of fun. I was fully aware I wasn't pushing too hard and would always let faster cars past at the earliest opportunity.
Now I'm back in the UK I'll be looking at getting a track car again. I can't afford another VX sadly, so will be looking for either a Mk2 MR2 (I just prefer the styling) or a Tiger (or other 7 type car). I'm nervous about a 7 though, as they just look so flimsy if anything goes wrong. if I get an MR2, I'll budget to give it a really thorough service, sort the brakes out (decent discs, pads, fluid and braided lines again). Hopefully will have some budget for a decent set of shocks (what are "coilovers" by the way, is that just a term for adjustable shocks?), and some harnesses (I understand these are one of the best things you can do to feel more connected to the car).
In short sharing can work if you trust who you're sharing with. I forgot to mention I had insurance for the VX for all drivers on track and both my mates knew if it went wrong they would be responsible for any excess.
We both put in £80 per month to cover track day consumables and fuel.
I set some pretty strict rules on my mates as it was my pride and joy. Change gear at 5k (red line was about 5.6-5.7k), and give plenty of time for braking.
I did some work to the brakes (braided lines, new discs, mintex pads and racing blue fluid) after they caused a few problems at Bedford. After that they were fine, went through one set of pads and one set of tyres doing about 4-5 track days a year.
Sharing a car can work, if you have someone you trust not to be a dick, I'm no driving God, and was pretty slow on most days, compared to what the car could do, but we had a huge amount of fun. I was fully aware I wasn't pushing too hard and would always let faster cars past at the earliest opportunity.
Now I'm back in the UK I'll be looking at getting a track car again. I can't afford another VX sadly, so will be looking for either a Mk2 MR2 (I just prefer the styling) or a Tiger (or other 7 type car). I'm nervous about a 7 though, as they just look so flimsy if anything goes wrong. if I get an MR2, I'll budget to give it a really thorough service, sort the brakes out (decent discs, pads, fluid and braided lines again). Hopefully will have some budget for a decent set of shocks (what are "coilovers" by the way, is that just a term for adjustable shocks?), and some harnesses (I understand these are one of the best things you can do to feel more connected to the car).
In short sharing can work if you trust who you're sharing with. I forgot to mention I had insurance for the VX for all drivers on track and both my mates knew if it went wrong they would be responsible for any excess.
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