Well I've been talked into a track day with a prof. driver. I am slightly anxious BTW. So what safety items are must have, should have and like to have. I know I need a helmet so what are your recommendations (3/4, full...). Clothes shoes...you name it. Thanks folks.

 

hard top? roll bar? 6 point? fire ext?

 

Let me clarify...I am NOT becoming a track junky. Just going once (so I think). I was not planning on modifying the car...just myself.

 

a hard to wont do much in a rollover, aren't they made of fiberglass. If one is made i would reccommend a roll bar that goes in place behine your front seats. I would also get a good pair of drving shoes for good grip on the pedals. What i do is i get a roll of grip tape for a skate board and put it on my pedals. I would also put a little extra air in your tires to keep the sidewalls from rolling over. good luck and have fun.

 

OK thanks... what are the best driving shoes? More air...I thought less air as the tires will heat up more...I am running MPSC BTW.

 

Well, you should invest in some permagrin remover, because you are gonna need it. For your first trip out, the most important safety item (after the helmet) is that anxiety you feel-trust it to keep you within your competency envelope. Bring a good tire gauge, a torque wrench big enough to insure your lug nuts are tight (96 ft lbs), and racing shoes if you have them. If not, thin-rubber-soled shoes with good support will be fine-you want to have good feel for the pedals and not risk having your foot slip.

Get a full-face helmet with an SA-2005 rating, and make sure it fits snugly but without any pressure points that are going to have you distracted after 15 minutes. Harnesses are good, not just for safety reasons but to keep you from sliding around in the seat through the corners. I sure hope you aren't going to do anything that requires a roll bar or fire extinguisher and that you aren't going to be on the track with anyone who does.

And drink plenty of water. It is easy to get dehydrated, and once the symptoms show up it is too late to do anything except rest.

 

no one plans on being a junky. the first track day is free.

no seriously, don't skimp on safety.

 

Imho for the first track day no need to modify anything, just check everything's okay.

MPSC's are great tires. Put cold pressure to about 2.0 bars and have fun.

And take shoes that you can use comfortable in heel-and-toe.

 

For our track days, we usually supply the air compressor, torque wrenches, etc. Other than a helmet, a good investment is a roll of the blue painter's tape from Home Depot, with it you can tape up the areas of your car that may be vunerable to potential paint damaging stones or rocks from the track:



I personally find that Pumas are one of the best driving shoes out there; thin sole with a lot of flex and very minimal arch support (for pedal feel). Other than that just bring an open mind and a thirst for knowledge!

 

Thanks much folks. Exactly what I'm looking for. I have the Puma driving shoes already....the tape is a good idea also.

 

Fresh brake fluid and pads with at least 50% of remaining material are among the more important safety precautions. A brake pedal that goes to the floor is an exciting experience. I don't know how hard you plan to push it, but with the cup tires and your extra HP, it is pretty easy to overheat the stock pads and get pad fade. Pad fade doesn't produce the "OH ****,I'm gonna die" sensation of boiled fluid, but it does limit your fun. I used pagid oranges with good results when I used to track the 996tt (there may be better options.) The oranges had much better bite than the stock pads when up to temperature.

 

>>Well I've been talked into a track day with a prof. driver.<<

I would think a simple chat with the instructor would serve as a sanity check. I would be surprised if he didn't ask about tire pressures? Maybe go with what he advises?


Cheers

R

P.S.

Hi Jay M

 

I have already replaced the brake fluid with Red Line...also bled them. Stock pads have a lot left...I think I'll be OK here (although my mechanic does want to upgrade these next.) Thanks.

 

Braking a bit later and harder is better for the brakes than "riding " them into a turn. Takes some getting used to but these cars will stop! On the tire pressures run the stock pressures for first session then check them hot. Put the pressure back to about 36-38 fornt and 40-44 rear when hot. This will require letting some air out as you will probably see close to 50 on rears when hot. This worked well for me at a de and it was a very hot day. A DE requires you to were cotton shirt and long sleeves. An old dress shirt is thin and cooler than a long sleeve T. Just make sure it does not interfere with you steering if you leave the cuffs unbuttoned. Driving shoes are good because you dont want you sole catching the back of the brake pedal when you are trying to stop. One thing you will have to focus on is being smooth with your power. You will want to STOMP it and feel the torque but smoother is faster through most of the track. You might want some gloves if it is hot but usually not crucial. Also remember DON'T shut your car off right when you come off of the track, let those new turbos cool down for 2-3 minutes minimum while idling. Have fun as you are about to experience just what your car will do. I would also tell you to have those PSS9 at least on 4,3 or it may feel a bit too leaney. Also if you are running with others drive at your own skill and comfort level, don't try to hang with a vet or something just because you know your car is faster. It is but they may be a better driver than you and the most fun is when your car leaves the same as it arrived. Enjoy!

 

from my experience with MPSC's 40-44 hot is way too high. Depending on temps I usually run around 24-28 hot.