As a track newb (with cars) I'm looking for some suggestions.

1. With the money I spend on stupid things, I'm thinking that buying a quality helmet wouldn't be the biggest mistake I ever made. I assume that you shouldn't just order one online based on written instructions for sizing your head. I'd like it to fit properly. What's the difference between SNEL 2005 and SNELL 2010 for a non-FIA private event? I would also like to get one that's as light as possible, without stepping up to the level of a Formula 1 helmet that costs $30G. Recommendations?
2. I bought one of those CG Locks that holds your butt in place with the lap belt. No harnesses for me, as I don't want to deal with getting new seats to do it safely. I've seen a suggestion by someone that also locks the shoulder belt by sliding the seat back a little, jerking on the belt so the emergency tensioner kicks in, and then pushing the seat back forward to your normal position, with a now fixed belt. Are there any safety issues with doing this? It seems like this is exactly what the car is designed to do in the event of an accident, so I guess the concern is that you may "wear down" the tensioner through repeated use? (I'm doubtful)
3. Food/Beverage - Any suggestions for track snacks? I'm planning on bringing a few jugs of Poland Spring water.
4. Insurance - I know this is a tricky one. Most people claim that cars are still covered on a track by your normal insurance, as long as it is not a competitive event where you are racing others or there is timing. Does anyone have a source for supplementary "light track insurance" that fulfills those criteria, as well? Full race insurance is probably excessive for a non-competitive event, and I am unlikely to do more than a couple of events in a year, but if the price is right, I'd like to have a piece of paper that says "you are 100% covered."
5. Track clothes? I don't plan on buying a nomex race suit, although it may look cool wearing around the house. Do places rent these, if the event requires them? (I'd probably just buy one, as I'm not a fan of wearing other peoples' clothes.) Gloves?
6. What random objects should I bring? I've seen some people tape up their front bumpers with painter's tape. I don't think I'll do that. Any hand tools? Anything else?

Thanks for any help.

 

1. I have an Arai helmet that is pretty good
2. That will be fine
3. Bring a small cooler with some drinks, snacks of your choice and a sandwich or 2 for later.
4. I don't know about the insurance deal but make sure you have AAA in case of a break down.
5. Pants and a long sleeve shirt will do. Driving shoes would be nice.
6. Bring a tire gauge to check pressures and basic tools needed for bolt on fixes (some random sockets, screwdrivers). I would bring a small fold up chair to sit in along with some sun block. Also some windshield cleaner along with rags.

Have fun.

 

the first thing you need to do is check the event requirements as that will specify what clothing, safety equipment, helmet year and tech inspection may be required...if you can self tech make sure you do it.

1) get a Snell 2010...the 2005 will only be good for a couple more years. Most tracks or event providers have helmets for rent if you don't want to buy one yet. you should go where you can try on several different helmets to get a good fit.

2) CG locks will be ok for your first event...you don't want racing seats and a harness without roll protection anyway as in a roll over the seat and harness will hold you upright and an accident you might have walked away from will become a fatality.

3) some energy bars, fruit and water should get you through if there is no food at the track.

4) there is track specific insurance that is very expensive and usually covers only one event or a few events at most...can be hard to get...no regular car insurance will cover you even for DE.

5) check the event requirements..most DE events just require sneakers and cotton clothes..no driving suits...gloves may be required by the track safety team so bring some even if not specified by the group.

6) you need a good torque wrench and tire pressure gauge...you can probably do without the tire pressure gauge your first event because you likely won't be going fast enough to build up much heat..if you have the gauge check pressures after each session and adjust your hot pressure for your tires (probably under 38f-40r) the torque wrench is essential and you should check the wheels before every session. Spare oil if your car uses any. you will need car numbers unless provided by the group (this should be specified in the event requirements). Take the self tech serious and remove your wheels and check the brakes and suspension for anything loose...show up to the event in time for the dirvers meeting and try to find your instructor and get a ride before your fist session. View on track videos ahead of time, if you can find any, to learn the proper line...have fun and be safe

 

Excellent advice from both Buckey and Chuck...I've had green group students many times...just relax, have fun, come with an open mind and check what you thought were good driving habits at the door. Listen to your instructor, ask questions, take some time to look at the track map, if you can walk the track do it. Otherwise bring a good pair of comfortable shoes, and a chair (with a shade visor if it's hot out)...and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 

I have in the past when running a track I haven't been on before search YouTube for similar (PCA) i'll search "PCA track events" and watch the lines and get fimilar with the track before I get there, remember it's all fun, relax and enjoy the day

 

Great advice from both of the posters above.

I had this same question just last year. I have been doing actual wheel to wheel racing in a different car, but had never been to a PCA DE. I obviously didn't need to bring my whole race toolkit and equipment.

1. Definitely get the newest Snell rating. You will be able to use it longer just for the rating. Older ratings become obsolete and are not allowed to be used after a certain point. Definitely go try some helmets on to see how they fit. Even if it is not the exact helmet that you want to buy, you can get an idea of your size and the fit of different brands. Arai is always one of the best, but there are many other good brands: sparco, bell, shoei, etc.

2. I did not use the lock you mention or the other method, but I have heard of many people doing that with favorable results.

3. Definitely bring a cooler with lots of hydration inside. Power bars are good. Around here, usually on the lunch break a lot of the guys will hit up a local place for a quick bite.

4. Probably depends on the terms of your insurance. I did not do anything specific, but I am sure that someone else out there is smarter than me with regard to this. I know there are companies that offer specific insurance for DE events.

5. I did not wear my driving suit. I wore a comfortable pair of jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt, and my driving shoes. I did not wear my driving gloves, some people do, I might next time around. Definitely bring a hat.

6. Definitely bring a torque wrench and air gauge. Around here everyone re-torques their lugnuts before every round. I did make several tire pressure adjustments throughout the weekend. Some people bring small compressors and everyone is friendly. Small foldup chair is essential as are glass cleaner and paper towels. With regard to the painters tape, I did not do that and no one else did that at the session I was at, but if you are even slightly worried about it, I would do something. Either get a clear bra, a temporary clear bra, or tape up. The front of my car was so covered in rubber and other track debris I was very surprised. Definitely did pick up some paint chips.

 

I looked into the insurance question several months ago. Here's what I discovered.

• Most auto policies do not cover track events of any sort but a few do. Check directly with your broker/agent. If he tells you you're covered, try to get it in writing (email) just in case for the record.
• If you're not covered, chances are any separate liability policies you hold are not in effect either.
• You can purchase comprehensive coverage on the secondary market but it's spendy. PCA has a relationship with a carrier that offers a discount for members.
• Most track guys just assume that if they break the car or wreck it, they are responsible for fixing it.
• Most large organizations, PCA, SCCA, NASA, etc., carry event liability coverage. In signing the required waiver to attend and participate, you agree to hold everyone, the track, the organizers, etc. harmless in the event of an incident. As I understand it, the policy would be used to defend those waivers in a court of law should a suit be filed by someone who decided "holding harmless" wasn't such a good idea after all. If you were to be named, the policy would defend you and probably pay any judgment.
• Some small events, one-off charity things, etc., sometimes neglect this coverage for reasons of cost or convenience and those are the ones you want to watch out for! If something happens, you truly are on your own.

Hope that helps! Best,

 

I've been using a CG Lock for 2 years now with my sport seats and it has been excellent. Tire pressure gauge is a must as any tire that goes over 38-40lbs will overheat and get slippery. I don't have track insurance but then I don't drive on the ragged edge because I want to go home with the car in the same condition it arrived in. That said, hitting an oil slick at speed can ruin your car and there is nothing you can do about it. Definitely buy the Snell 2010 helmet over the 2005.

Your first track day can be overwhelming with so many things to take in so relax, listen to your instructor and don't try to be Patrick Long. Have fun, it's a blast.

 

Good stuff. Thanks, guys.

 

[quote=landjet;3164561]I've been using a CG Lock for 2 years now with my sport seats and it has been excellent.

I had never heard of this device until reading this thread. Sounds like a great idea for those of us w/ 3 pt belt set up. Does anyone have any other comments to add? Thanks,

 

Add the following:
1) Make sure you have fresh brake fluid. ATE BLUE or GOLD is fine for now.
2) Brake pads should have at LEAST 1/4 inch thickness.
3) Expect sensory overload.
4) Get a good nights sleep. Yeah right!

Have fun.

 

For the first time the most you need is luck....the advice they gave you are very important also.

 

Yes to all above, don't push it, relax, it is not a race. Smooth = Speed.

 

Seth you're from NYC...if this DE is at Watkins Glen...one more bit 'o advice...Stay off the blue Armco!! I went off in a race weekend just as the green flag came out in a sprint race once and kept it off but it comes quick not much runoff at the Glen but it's an amazing track - you'll love it! I also went off once at the "laces of the boot" and managed to correct and keep her off the armco during a qualifying session, that was a close call...beleive it or not they stick ya with a bill for any armco damage as some of the racers found out that weekend!

 

Actually, the event is at Pocono Raceway. I'm not sure which configuration they'll be running it in, though.