First track day
Discussion
I have my first track day this Friday. Four of us my 450 Chim a Griff an Eleese and a 340R.
My question is. Should I give it stick, if so how much I don't want to brake it. What should I worry about. I read you should uprate the brakes, can't imagine I would drive it that hard.
We thought of a stading quater mile, who will muller who.
Any stories of similar days would be great.
Many thanks.
Vince
My question is. Should I give it stick, if so how much I don't want to brake it. What should I worry about. I read you should uprate the brakes, can't imagine I would drive it that hard.
We thought of a stading quater mile, who will muller who.
Any stories of similar days would be great.
Many thanks.
Vince
Well from my experience here's a few comments :-
Firstly - check you car is sound for the road, obvious I know but the last thing you want is a problem at 130mph!
2. Check Steve's 'bible' as it has a good section of reminders & tips
3. Check car fluids (but don't fill fuel more than 2/3!) - take spare oil & water etc.
4. Remember to empty the car before you start - no use having a flying Garfield at 130mph either!
5. Crash helmet - you'll be required to wear one (although some places will loan/hire them)
6. Check you'll have enough tyre tread to drive back on - assume some wear!
7. Ensure the car is warm before you start to drive it 'properly' - and take it easy to build up the laps. So many people just get there and floor it - one thing you'll notice is just how many 'bad' drivers there are who think they are fast. By bad I don't mean deliberately dangerous but that they just don't understand slow in fast out and racing lines etc.
8. Be prepared for the 340r to trounce you around bends etc - last time I was with one they were able to go around the outside of most cars!
9. DON'T use the handbrake in the pits at all! You'll either warp things or as it cool's it will come off - remember Mallory in March anyone?
10. Always remember to do a cool down lap after a stint - to air the breaks, engine etc. (heat soak can be a problem for any car if you don't)
11. On normal brakes etc you should manage 10-15 'proper' driven laps before you'll know it's time to come it. But don't ignore this as brake fad / boil can happen quickly and can be quite a shock!
12. It isn't a race! Your insurance people (check your cover VERY carefully - better still tell them explicitly) will remind you of this and so will the organisers. Remember there are always better/different cars/drivers (no matter who you are) so don't get stressed if they pass you or hold you up!
13. Take it smoothly - my Chim responds much better to smoothness and no dramatic changes of attitude. Unlike other one's (eg Lotus/Caterham etc) which can be driven hard as hell.
14. Search on these Forums as there's plenty of FAQs on track days
Lastly - enjoy it, these cars really come out of their shells on these days! And it's damm good fun!!
Oh and prepare for bills as you realise just how addictive these days are and start booking them up left right and centre... Let alone the brake/engine mods you'll want!
>> Edited by tvrforever on Sunday 2nd June 16:41
Firstly - check you car is sound for the road, obvious I know but the last thing you want is a problem at 130mph!
2. Check Steve's 'bible' as it has a good section of reminders & tips
3. Check car fluids (but don't fill fuel more than 2/3!) - take spare oil & water etc.
4. Remember to empty the car before you start - no use having a flying Garfield at 130mph either!
5. Crash helmet - you'll be required to wear one (although some places will loan/hire them)
6. Check you'll have enough tyre tread to drive back on - assume some wear!
7. Ensure the car is warm before you start to drive it 'properly' - and take it easy to build up the laps. So many people just get there and floor it - one thing you'll notice is just how many 'bad' drivers there are who think they are fast. By bad I don't mean deliberately dangerous but that they just don't understand slow in fast out and racing lines etc.
8. Be prepared for the 340r to trounce you around bends etc - last time I was with one they were able to go around the outside of most cars!
9. DON'T use the handbrake in the pits at all! You'll either warp things or as it cool's it will come off - remember Mallory in March anyone?

10. Always remember to do a cool down lap after a stint - to air the breaks, engine etc. (heat soak can be a problem for any car if you don't)
11. On normal brakes etc you should manage 10-15 'proper' driven laps before you'll know it's time to come it. But don't ignore this as brake fad / boil can happen quickly and can be quite a shock!
12. It isn't a race! Your insurance people (check your cover VERY carefully - better still tell them explicitly) will remind you of this and so will the organisers. Remember there are always better/different cars/drivers (no matter who you are) so don't get stressed if they pass you or hold you up!
13. Take it smoothly - my Chim responds much better to smoothness and no dramatic changes of attitude. Unlike other one's (eg Lotus/Caterham etc) which can be driven hard as hell.
14. Search on these Forums as there's plenty of FAQs on track days
Lastly - enjoy it, these cars really come out of their shells on these days! And it's damm good fun!!
Oh and prepare for bills as you realise just how addictive these days are and start booking them up left right and centre... Let alone the brake/engine mods you'll want!
>> Edited by tvrforever on Sunday 2nd June 16:41
quote:
Well from my experience here's a few comments :-
Firstly - check you car is sound for the road, obvious I know but the last thing you want is a problem at 130mph!
2. Check Steve's 'bible' as it has a good section of reminders & tips
3. Check car fluids (but don't fill fuel more than 2/3!) - take spare oil & water etc.
4. Remember to empty the car before you start - no use having a flying Garfield at 130mph either!
5. Crash helmet - you'll be required to wear one (although some places will loan/hire them)
6. Check you'll have enough tyre tread to drive back on - assume some wear!
7. Ensure the car is warm before you start to drive it 'properly' - and take it easy to build up the laps. So many people just get there and floor it - one thing you'll notice is just how many 'bad' drivers there are who think they are fast. By bad I don't mean deliberately dangerous but that they just don't understand slow in fast out and racing lines etc.
8. Be prepared for the 340r to trounce you around bends etc - last time I was with one they were able to go around the outside of most cars!
9. DON'T use the handbrake in the pits at all! You'll either warp things or as it cool's it will come off - remember Mallory in March anyone?![]()
10. Always remember to do a cool down lap after a stint - to air the breaks, engine etc. (heat soak can be a problem for any car if you don't)
11. On normal brakes etc you should manage 10-15 'proper' driven laps before you'll know it's time to come it. But don't ignore this as brake fad / boil can happen quickly and can be quite a shock!
12. It isn't a race! Your insurance people (check your cover VERY carefully - better still tell them explicitly) will remind you of this and so will the organisers. Remember there are always better/different cars/drivers (no matter who you are) so don't get stressed if they pass you or hold you up!
13. Take it smoothly - my Chim responds much better to smoothness and no dramatic changes of attitude. Unlike other one's (eg Lotus/Caterham etc) which can be driven hard as hell.
14. Search on these Forums as there's plenty of FAQs on track days
Lastly - enjoy it, these cars really come out of their shells on these days! And it's damm good fun!!
Oh and prepare for bills as you realise just how addictive these days are and start booking them up left right and centre... Let alone the brake/engine mods you'll want!
>> Edited by tvrforever on Sunday 2nd June 16:41
were you there in March then tvrforever? if so, what were you in?
Nik
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