Going to first track day.. what else do I need?

[GeorgeJFrick]

I did my first track day completely stock, was fine. Brake problems in the second half of the day; we had a lot of time on track.

Did my second track day with just replacing brake fluid and pads; was a much better day; brakes made it through with one cool down stop.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by GeorgeJFrick

I did my first track day completely stock, was fine. Brake problems in the second half of the day; we had a lot of time on track.

Did my second track day with just replacing brake fluid and pads; was a much better day; brakes made it through with one cool down stop.

Were you able to track longer with the new pads?

The event I am going to is 7 20-30min sessions on a 5 mile track. I would like to get the most out of my money for the day

[GeorgeJFrick]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Were you able to track longer with the new pads?

The event I am going to is 7 20-30min sessions on a 5 mile track. I would like to get the most out of my money for the day

Those two days were on a much shorter track (BlackHawk Farms Raceway). When I did Road America next, at 4.1 miles; I had the same Hawk HP+ and they were fine.

When I switched to the larger/longer track; I was exhausted by the 6th session and stopped early. The amount of learning is itself exhausting...

That first track day though....

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Were you able to track longer with the new pads?

The event I am going to is 7 20-30min sessions on a 5 mile track. I would like to get the most out of my money for the day

If you're absolutely sure you'll be doing more track days, get some race pads.

It's better to have too much pad, than not enough. Given that you're a beginner, I'd rather have you grow into a pad that is initially too much, rather than recommend you a lesser pad, that you will outgrow (fade) before you finish off (the pad material).

Try these

http://counterspacegarage.com/g-loc-...t86-front.html

http://counterspacegarage.com/g-loc-...gt86-rear.html

http://counterspacegarage.com/pmu-gfour335.html

[Cop]

Been said ad nauseam already but just relax. I would check your tire pressure beforehand to make sure they're set where you want them to be, other than that get rest the night before and stay frosty on the track.

Helmet I purchased and would recommend:

HJC AR10

[Toyarzee]

Everything has been said already, so I'm just gonna say that I <3 my Shoei helmet.

Anyway, it will take a few track days before you get more comfortable and can start to worry about the details. I would very much like to visit that track, have fun!!!

[Prmspen]

Originally Posted by Cop

Been said ad nauseam already but just relax. I would check your tire pressure beforehand to make sure they're set where you want them to be, other than that get rest the night before and stay frosty on the track.

Helmet I purchased and would recommend:

HJC AR10

I've got that lid. +1 on the recommendation.

[Mr.ac]

What others said. Take some 2x4 so you don't have to use your parking brake after the runs. Most drivers meeting well tell you about it. Also one of those small tire pumps are helpful.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Were you able to track longer with the new pads?

The event I am going to is 7 20-30min sessions on a 5 mile track. I would like to get the most out of my money for the day

You'll spend the first five sessions trying to remember if the next turn is a left or a right on the longest road course in America on your first ever track day.

Most people are overwhelmed by the typical ~10 turn course their first time out and then skip out on their last (usually 5th) session (80% of the last group of friends I went with did this), you're trying to learn 26 corners and planning on driving hard for >2 hours?

Unless you're already an expert at car control at 60+ mph speeds comfortable at abusing the abs or thresh hold braking on the limit you won't kill the brakes. Hell idk, maybe you are, but if you are then you should have already experienced fade and know how to handle it. Chicken, egg.

Relax, have fun, don't try to set any records, find good lines, good rhythm, listen to instructors.

Whether you spend money on brakes is up to you, risk vs reward, for some spending >$300 on something they never get the full value out of (you may never track again, many don't) isn't in the budget. Realistically, like everyone here is telling you, at your skill level, unless you're secretly dagumi, you're unlikely to outdrive the car.

[overlookedx]

Bring a chair. There's a lot of waiting around and I always forget a chair.

[GotMunchies?]

Originally Posted by Prmspen

I've got that lid. +1 on the recommendation.

+2 Love mine.

[LBC Por Siempre]

I might be a slouch and work six months out of the year but no one here ever buys Track Day Insurance?

The Event Planners don't require Track Day Insurance? I'm sorry if I appear ignorant but there aren't many wrecks or other mishaps going on at these event's? I've seen the outlaw racing TV shows and have seen a few cars wreck and require more than $40K to $50K to fix! I wouldn't want that happening to me and my car, but then I wouldn't be racing my own car's like that either. Though I've done my share of stupid 5h!T during my life. I thank god nothing has happened to me or others as the results of my action's!

Also I'm not taking the stance that it is bad not to buy Insurance or do the things that one's do. So please if anyone want's to argue, find someone to argue with because it won't be with me... OK?

So please everyone be safe while having fun.

[overlookedx]

Please don't turn into a thread on track insurance, please don't turn into a thread on track insurance...

You can buy it, or not. It's up to you.

[LOLS2K]

In before this turns into a track insurance thread