Hey you guys... So i really never have tracked a Turbo before...Gonna go out in the next few weeks with a Turbo x50 coupe and put about 20+ laps on the car... I was woundering if you guys have tips... I mean we have a section for best drag times but nothing really on driving tips... so yeah..

THANKS

 

Are you talking road course or oval? For a road course, I suggest you hire a pro to teach you. First off take it slow...learn the track (proper apexes) & learn your cars capabilities (where and how it understeers and oversteers). Master the track without using brakes (steering and gearing). Then add brakes (maybe day 2 or 3).

 

To echo wross, start slow. Hopefully you'll be able to walk or very slow drive the track without the pressure of doing laps with other people. Start slow, doing laps without really needing brakes. Have an instructor with you if you can- actually this is usually mandatory for track noobs.

Most important- you'll have one of the fastest cars at the track but there may be lesser cars that run faster than you do. Don't let machismo make you drive over your head.

 

Pagid orange pads (on all four corners)
lower your tire pressure (end up around 34 lbs hot)
Keep your PSM on for your first weekend or two at the track
short shift (no need to run to redline)
concentrate on smoothness--it was hard for me to learn that
I do not MASH the throttle and MASH the brake.
I would also suggest high temp brake fluid.
Cinch yourself in tightly before entering track by moving seat way back,
putting on seat belt and then move forward until you can almost not breathe.

Good luck, keep the tire side down (especially on a CAB)
MartyK

 

I forgot about prepping the car...good advice Marty. I got the CG lock for this...works great:

http://www.cg-lock.com/

 

Great advise (as usually) from great guys! Do what you're told (concerning Pro help and car prep) and you'll enjoy it like very few other things in life!

 

car is great on the track. check tire pressures and keep around 40 psi hot. driving gloves help, also some chairs a fan and gatorade at the track.
read a driving book first to learn some basics so when the instructor starts talking about late apexes, tracking out or trail braking at least you will have heard about it!
Very fun, hopefully you will get hooked and continue to enjoy the car at the track, you will be amazed!!!! have fun, let us know what you think.

 

Oh yeah and you will need a helmet. Also check to see if the track has any specific clothing or car safety requirements (this varies from track to track). You amy also want shoes and gloves...the list goes on.

 

Great Post Marty ... You're dead on.

DO NOT try to go fast until you are really comfortable with the car. With this much power and performance a noob can get himself in real big trouble in a real big hurry.

Also, choose a safe track in the beginning! I can't emphasize this enough.

Finally, I will never track without a HANS and recommend you don't either. My preference is the Isaac. If you can afford this car, you can afford 6 point belts and a $1,000 HANS.

 

are you allowed to run your A/C on the track? since it drips water?

 

I would emphasize two items. Either have an instructor in the car with you or follow one (with him driving relatively slowly) and bleed your brakes before you track the car. Your best bet is to sign up for a high performance driving clinic type of event put on by local PCA clubs. The Potomac Founders region requires this prior to driving in a Driver's Ed event.

Have a blast.

 

window are open and all electronics, fans, A/C is off during the time on the track (at least in my car)

 

tom kerr and the rest of the guys who have experience,

What driving books would you guys recommend?

Thanks a bunch.

 

well to be honest i have a great deal of laps under my belt from various tracks...my issue is this is my first time ever with a motor in the rear.. i was woundering if you guys had tips along the lines of if it was better to take a late or early entry point into the turn with the turbo...is it better to be aggressive with it or more at ease with the car... My biggest problem i feel is going to be understeer... any idea on what to do about that? THANKS

 

The TT definitely understeers, but this can be somewhat dialed out with suspension an sway bar upgrades. The safest is going to be a late apex, and to go "in like a lamb and out like a lion".