Track day preparation?

[Ady_ftta]

I have finally taken the plunge and booked myself onto a track day - my first.

Its a standard 2.5 - is there any prep I should do on the car to get the most out of my day e.g. tyre pressures etc.

Any views will be much appreciated.

[andygtt]

usual checks, tyre pressures, oil level, brake fluid condition etc etc

I would also check you have a track day sump and LSD and if not then don't drive the car too hard.

[jay964rs]

No need to rev the engine to the red line in every gear, use the torque and change around 4/5k.
Also, don't be offended or get red mist if a billyboy racer overtakes you in his corsa.
Enjoy the day, enjoy the car and come back in one piece, ready for another trackday.

[AverageMPH]

Don't push her to hard with the 5 speed gear box,

Enjoy your day, which circuit?

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Don't run with less than 1/4 tank of fuel.

[Metalman]

My bit of advise is to do a warm up and a cool down lap, I'm always shocked at people going out in a cold car and thrashing it into the first bend, doing a few laps then pulling back in. They're usually the ones going home on the back of a lorry with a broken car!

[2.5bluenob]

Ady_ftta said:

I have finally taken the plunge and booked myself onto a track day - my first.

Its a standard 2.5 - is there any prep I should do on the car to get the most out of my day e.g. tyre pressures etc.

Any views will be much appreciated.

Have a look in your noble owners handbook it tells you how to look after your brakes on a track. its the only car i have owned that it does it

Edited by 2.5bluenob on Friday 28th January 20:29

[Ady_ftta]

Guys,

Thanks for the advice - I am off to Bedford autodrome

Its a standard 2.5: no TDS; 5 speed box (with presumably std diff) - so will take it easy.

I've read about the fuel pump wiring alteration - is this necessary for a track day as presumably I'll be pulling higher revs (even at 4-5k) for longer durations than on road.

[Metalman]

I think most people would tell you not to track your car without a tds as you'll starve the engine of oil on the bends, but if your going to do it then don't push it too hard when cornering. Bedford is a great track, perfect for your first trackday you'll love it!

[Gadgeroonie]

i suggest you keep the oil to just over the top of the dipstick to be safe

might be worth putting some slick 50 in it also to save engine if it fails to pick up some oil

[SimonJW]

I wouldn't worry about the fuel pump wiring either. I've got a 2.5 without said mod and it runs fine on track and road. Take the first few laps really easy and get faster as your confidence grows but the trick is too remain well within the bounds of the car and your own driving ability. You and the car live to do another track day. Works for me. (Although I do drive like a grandma!!)

[mgbond]

SimonJW said:

...(Although I do drive like a grandma!!)

But what fun you have Simon, which is why you already have the ring and SPA under your belt. Your now working your way down to Boy Racer. :-)

Bondy

[2.5bluenob]

Ady_ftta said:

Guys,


Its a standard 2.5: no TDS; 5 speed box (with presumably std diff) - so will take it easy.

Ive been strongly advised not to do a track day unless having a TDS.
Before noble were fitting these i think a fair few engines went pop due to track use without a TDS.

[SimonJW]

mgbond said:

But what fun you have Simon, which is why you already have the ring and SPA under your belt. Your now working your way down to Boy Racer. :-)

Bondy

Ha, ha, ha. So true. Something, unfortunately, that I never got round to as a boy! :-)

[jamescmr2]

I'm not sure if a tds is completely necessary, certainly wouldnt stop me doing a track day. I would take it easy though, mainly on long sweeping corners which there arn't many of at Bedford.

have an amazing day, i cant wait to do my first Noble trackday this spring.
only thing i think others have missed is take the car out for 15-20mins at a time and then let it rest for at least the same again. Check tyre pressures straight after coming off the track, while hot, and then adjust.

have fun

cheers

James

[S B C]

The best advice I ever had was to go out for short sessions and keep yourself and the car fresh.

Those who enjoy the day most are those who are still driving at 5pm!

[Chapppers]

Tyre pressures were recommended as 30 front 40 rear at the Andy Walsh day.

[MadMacMcMad]

I do not have a TDS and have been invited on a Track day. It is at Llandow. Very short circuit no long sweeping bends, so as long as I take it reasonabley easy and warm up and rest the car properly, I can't see any more danger to the engine than on a spirited road run.
I can fully understand the oil surge issues on tracks such as Silverstone or even Snetterton where there are right hand bends followed by right hand bends or long sweeping corners
Anyone else done track days without a TDS that want to offer advice?

[GTO400]

The last corner at Llandow before the start / finish straight could cause you a problem if your on it ! Keep as far left as possible on the entry & get your car looking up the straight before flooring it if you have no TDS.

Edited by GTO400 on Tuesday 1st February 16:14

[mr2turbo300]

Chapppers said:

Tyre pressures were recommended as 30 front 40 rear at the Andy Walsh day.

Really - sounds incredibly high (though I hear Andy is well respected)?

Anybody run them that high with success ?