Discussion
i've got a chance to go to spa in a couple of weeks time on a track day with my year old griff 500. i've only had it a couple of months and cos its new of course i'm worried that it's going to get thrashed and never be the same again (i've just had front end re-spray, engine, brakes etc). i realise it's a bit noncey but can someone give me an honest assesment of how much wear and tear a car takes on board during an average track day.
help appreciated.
Ultimately it's up to you how much punishment you give the car!
You can drive it like you drive normally and then expect the same wear and tear as normal driving.
Alternatively you can reg the arse off it, have lots of fun and pay the price later.
I usually go for something in between.
You should be fine with regard to stone chips as Spa is very smooth and clean.
You brakes will take a bit of punishment though and you would be advised to take a spare set of pads.
Tyre wear could be an issue, again depending on your driving style, so make sure you have a spare.
The odd day here and there of thrashing the car will not do it any harm and will help loosen it up.
I wouldn't expect more than 8mpg on the track though!
You can drive it like you drive normally and then expect the same wear and tear as normal driving.
Alternatively you can reg the arse off it, have lots of fun and pay the price later.
I usually go for something in between.
You should be fine with regard to stone chips as Spa is very smooth and clean.
You brakes will take a bit of punishment though and you would be advised to take a spare set of pads.
Tyre wear could be an issue, again depending on your driving style, so make sure you have a spare.
The odd day here and there of thrashing the car will not do it any harm and will help loosen it up.
I wouldn't expect more than 8mpg on the track though!
All depends on your driving style, I did Spa last year in my Impreza, wear was fairly minimal for a trackday, but then it was wet in the morning. IIRC I used 50% of the front brake pads, barely touched the tyres (because it was wet) but did use *loads* of fuel, 220 track miles saw 30 gallons of fuel being burnt 
Good job the petrol station is right outside the circuit !
As has been said, the surface is *very* smooth, so tyres shouldn't be too much of a problem if you wang the pressures up to stop them rolling over. If it's dry though I would expect it to eat a set of brake pads, just like it will at Folembray next month.
Have fun though, it's what trackdays are about
Mike
Good job the petrol station is right outside the circuit ! As has been said, the surface is *very* smooth, so tyres shouldn't be too much of a problem if you wang the pressures up to stop them rolling over. If it's dry though I would expect it to eat a set of brake pads, just like it will at Folembray next month.
Have fun though, it's what trackdays are about
Mike
Make sure there's plenty of oil in it, a bit over max, as it can slosh below the intake in the sump.
If you've not done a track day before, then the biggest wear and tear danger comes from being over enthusiastic, so take it easy and build up speed gradually over the day.
Don't worry about the car - mine always felt even better after a good thrash around the track!
Dr C
If you've not done a track day before, then the biggest wear and tear danger comes from being over enthusiastic, so take it easy and build up speed gradually over the day.
Don't worry about the car - mine always felt even better after a good thrash around the track!
Dr C
You'll be ok with a Rover V8 on road tyres as long as you make sure the oil is at the max mark, or even slightly over. Especially if you have the serpentine engine with the better pump.
If you spot the oil pressure dropping around a corner, make sure you pull off straight away though...
danny
If you spot the oil pressure dropping around a corner, make sure you pull off straight away though...
danny
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