Tracking my daily driver
 

Hello!
I apologize if this topic has been addressed already, but I've never been able to get the search feature of this site to function very well for me. I have recently had the opportunity arise to run my '16 FR-S at a track event, and although my immediate reaction was to jump on it I had some people (non-car people) confront me saying it was a really bad idea since my car is my only car (and that I was likely to blow the engine). Now I have taken good care of my FR-S, and it only has about 25k on it, so I assume the risk level is low but...

My question is what is the risk level (high/medium/low) of mechanical failure for an event if I am running 4 30min sessions and a 20min session in the novice class?

Any questions you need to ask about me or my car to accurately answer, I'm an open book! I'm looking for either a validation or a wake up call.

Any forum or google links on this topic are appreciated as well!

Thank you all for your consideration

From my experience, if you cannot afford to replace it, don't track it.

It's not just mechanical failures, it's more likely for some muppet to crash into you.

In saying that, autocross can be a ball, just don't bounce of the limiter or try to be drift king and you will have a ball.

On track days keep checking your mirrors, alot of track newbies crash, into walls, tyre barriers, other cars, themselves, and they lose control in the pits, on the track, exiting the track, corner entry, mid corner, exiting a corner, on the straight.

The amount of drivers who think they are good does not equate to how many actually know what they are doing, know what the flags/lights mean, be nice out there, don't act like a muppet.

Do a risk assessment, if you can lower or remove some of the risk, then risk it for the biscuit.

Do 2 warm up laps, then 3 fast laps, then 1 cool down lap, then another 3 fast, rinse and repeat, look for clean air, it's better to let they quick guys past before starting your fast laps, you might get lucky and get clean air for 1 or 2 laps, if your lucky.

Throw a instructor in your passenger seat ASAP, your first ever run would be a good time for an instructor.

Don't race against anyone, only try to improve your times, lines, braking, cornering, track position, but don't rush it, video footage is good for critiquing after the run, plus LOLS for when you do lose it, you must post so we can all laugh.

Everyone loses it

Do a skid....and have fun

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25485

Risk of your car failing if you don't do anything stupid (money shift, ignore fading brakes, etc): very low
Risk of your car spinning into a wall of you don't do anything stupid: very low

I'd say risk of mechanical failure is lower than risk of driver error in this car for the average newbie.

Thank you for all the intel, I definitely want an instructor with me. My only aim is to have fun! I have some experience in autocross, it's a blast, but to drive on a track is sort of a bucket list item that I don't know if I'll ever have an opportunity to do again. After talking to my friend who is a seasoned driver at the track I'm planning to go to it sounds like they require all the novices to have an instructor with them, which would hopefully limit the chances of stupid happening.

Is driving in track a risk? Yes. Is it more than a risk than driving in the street? IMO opinion, no. In fact, I feel MUCH safer driving on the track then driving on the street.

Also, the chances of blowing your motor are slim, but they are real.....especially if you're not familiar with what you're doing. Don't try to be a hero. No reason to shift every time at red line.

My advice would be to do it, but be smart. You're not out there to set any records. LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!! If this club doesn't put an instructor in your car, then that's a huge mistake. Find one.

Go out there and have fun.......again, be smart.

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I did this for years. I always knew it was foolish, and always tried to rein it in somewhat and not go H.A.M. with my grocery getter but some days I did better at self control than others. Still, that doesn't matter if somebody hits YOU, or you hit a patch of fluid that the other cars dropped, etc. Anything can happen regardless of how careful you are.

It's not my daily anymore. I still wouldn't say that I can afford to bin it and just throw it away, but at least i'll get to work the next day if something drastic happened to it.

I ALWAYS have a bit of anxiety when tracking - it never goes away for me. I still LOVE doing it and still do but i'll never be wealthy enough that I can look at a car and feel it's disposable.

As others have said - autoX is a nearly guilt-free alternative.

Get an oil cooler. Make sure you have fresh, high temp brake fluid. No need to go expensive. Get track brake pads (not hybrids). Make sure your tires have life left. Check the oil. Then you should be fine.

As long as you can maintain your self control, you should be fine. It's not a race. Some drivers get that red mist and tunnel vision, losing sight of reality. At the end of the day, the only trophy you go home with is your car.

If you keep that in mind, you should be fine. Keep your eyes up and look where you want to go. Don't focus on the car in front of you or that's where you will go.

As jsimon mentioned, make sure your brake pads and fluid are solid. I boiled my brake fluid my first track day and it's not fun not knowing whether you can slow down at the end of a 100+ mph straight. Oil cooler is nice to have, but if you're a novice, you should be ok without it. Probably throw a 0w30 or 5w30 oil in there to be safe.

Have fun!

All this feedback is fantastic! Thank you all! I plan to do an oil change before track day (using my preferred brand of Amsoil) and replace my brake fluid with type200. Like I said before doing this, and especially with this car, is a dream come true. I don't care all that much about going fast, imho that's not what the FR-S is about, just having fun in a safe controlled environment!

You won't be driving 10\10 so don't worry about it. Most track days are very safe. Point by passing in designated places on the track. You don't have to go to redline every shift, in fact you'll be faster in some instances in a taller gear anyway.

The main thing is not to be intimidated by track days. You approach it within your own comfort zone. Too many people have the impression that it's a free for all destruction derby type of deal and it's nothing like that especially in the novice groups. You'll have an instructor and you'll leave trac control on. Go out and have fun and plan on going down the rabbit hole.

If you enjoy it and plan on doing it again get an oil cooler. Before your first day get track brake pads and the correct high temp fluid.

You can buy insurance to lessen the blow of walking away from a wrecked car.

https://locktonmotorsports.com/hpde-insurance/

There are other companies that offer coverage as well.

Edit: imho I tracked knowing I could lose my car, I couldn't afford another 86 at the time but knew I had the cash to buy a Miata or something within a week and my life wouldn't grind to a halt. I agree with Angel, autocross is great car control practice, I stopped doing hpde because I found autocross more fun.

Track is a bit of a different animal from mountains and such, but shouldn't be unapproachable. I have friends who, after years, I'm still trying to convince to come tracking with me. It's heaps of fun, but all about safety at the end of the day. I think the FR-S is a pretty reliable car for tracking. Check your oil between sessions. Make sure your brakes are up to the task. Definitely recommend doing brake fluid, something DOT4 like ATE 200 or Motul RBF600/660. Check lug torque between sessions. Take it easy when you're starting out and learn the track and braking zones, efficient lines etc, before worrying about going fast. Safety and awareness are first and foremost. I'd always recommend an instructor, whether you're beginner or high intermediate.

A side note, but I'd also look into some local autox events if you want to get your feet wet in closed course events. The environment is pretty different from track, it's more time trial in style and with different dynamics. I'm somewhat active in both and enjoy both for different reasons. The FR-S is a riot of a car for that as well.
Have fun out there.

My .02.

If you cant afford to walk away from a totalled car, I wouldn't do it.

Buy track insurance if need be. Is it likely to happen? No. But it can happen.

Do it. It's a ton of fun and typically pretty low risk if you're doing it right.
-Maintain the car (oil change, brake fluid change, as you're doing)
-Drive within your comfort limits
-pick tracks with good run off area to limit the risk of hitting a wall
-pick well organized groups who use designated passing areas with point by only AND WHO FOLLOW THEM.

Sounds like you've got the maintenance thing covered and if the group is giving you an instructor then that should be a good organization to run with. Watch some onboard videos of people at the track to see if there's good run off area (also a good idea to learn the track and lines prior to arrival). Most importantly; obey your own driving ability. I don't care if someone catches you in a Echo; forget your ego and give them a point by (in the designated zones and lift throttle early if they need it) both they and you will have a better and safer day because of it.

Everyone here has pretty much covered everything, but I'll make two points.

1. I will echo the track insurance. If this is your only car and you can't afford to just write it off, absolutely get track insurance. You still need to accept that it'll be a notable expense if the worst is to happen, but track insurance makes it much easier to manage. The slightly higher entry cost (figure ball park $120-150/event) is well worth the piece of mind.

2. Like others have said, autocross is a great way to get into grassroots motorsports with what is probably the lowest barriers for both cost and risk. But I wouldn't let that scare you away from tracking, feeling like you need to autocross first. I did autocross first, and naturally most people do, but it isn't necessary. Though I wouldn't advise against it either. I will also add the caveat that autocross is not without its risk too. I have seen several accidents/totaled cars in autocross over the last several years, just within my region. The instances are far less than track days, but they exist. Don't let that scare you away at all, but it's important to understand that there is a real element of risk still.

You shouldn't need an oil cooler for your first track day. I'd get an OBD II dongle and the Torque app to monitor temps and just be cognizant of them for the first event. If you enjoy tracking, I have a hard time imaging that you won't :) , then I'd recommend investing in an oil cooler.

The best thing is that you have the right attitude to begin with. Go with a focus on having fun and learning. Stay humble, listen to your instructors, and keep an eye on your mirrors.

Also, join the Midwest 86 Cup group on FB. We are focused on learning, having fun, and continuing to grow a strong/close knit track community in the Midwest. We love answering questions and helping people get into/feel comfortable tracking.

I guess depending on what region you're in track day insurance may vary quite a bit. Last time I looked into it it would have cost me $350 for a lapping day.

Is oil temp available only if you get the paid version of the torque app? I have Torque Lite for now and I don't see it.

Easy to get online track insurance quotes.

Tracking a car is highly educational in your progression as a driver. As long as you operate your vehicle within it's design limits you shouldn't have any concerns about mechanical failure.

Definitely use instructors. Most Car Club events include instructors for novice groups. I run the majority of my HPDEs with various regions of the Porsche Club of America. You don't need a Porsche to participate (used to track my S2000 with them all the time). Very friendly, knowledgeable and affordable events).

Most have been covered but I'll add a few pieces of data as I started tracking my car about two years ago.

1) Tracking and autox is pretty different. Yes, autox is cheaper and safer, primarily b/c it's lower speeds and there are rarely barriers or cars you could hit, but you also have significantly less time behind the wheel. I did a few and found that working the cones for 5 hours for 10 minutes of time behind the wheel was not the right ratio for me. I barely have time to enjoy the car due to work, so if I'm going to spend a weekend free day I better be having a ball behind the wheel rather than running after cones. Again, personal call, as HPDE is more expensive.

2) Certain tracks are safer than others. Gingerman in MI, for example, is a very safe track. There's barely anything to hit, so even if there's a mechanical failure or you lost the car, it'll mostly likely be ok. I've had my share of "offs" on that track and the worst that's happened is a need for a new alignment.

3) I've also sampled my share of various clubs in the Great Lakes region, and they run all over the place. My first time at Gingerman the club told me that they were short on instructors so if I wasn't going to kill myself I was on my own... It wasn't my first time on track, to be fair - it was my second. On the other end of the spectrum, and the one that I run with the most consistently, is NASA Great Lakes. The entire program is structured around how to make someone the best driver possible (fast and aware with understanding of theory and practice). In DE1 you have ~5 hours of in classroom a day along with ~2 hours of track time, with the same instructor for the weekend. In contrast, most clubs do little if any classroom time (for novices), and if you're lucky you might get the same instructor more than once a weekend. I know this may not mean much to someone who's never done this before, but it's a huge deal. My first time at Road America I had three instructors tell me three different lines for the same corner... It's really helpful to have the same person work with you all weekend on a list of things to improve. Lastly, the instructors at NASA are almost all racers (NASA weekends are a combination of HPDE & wheel to wheel & time trial races), so you know it's not some random dude who just wanted a reduced fee HPDE weekend (and I've had some random dudes...).

Hope this is helpful. PM me if you have any specific questions on NASA or any other clubs in the region (I've been to a few, but certainly not all). Good luck!

If you're in Southern Cal there's a monthly event called Pure Track. It runs at Anaheim stadium. It's a road course set up in the parking lot. It's chalked out with cones at the chalk lines all around the track and has curbing at all the insides of corners. No cone language, so it's simple. Mini road course. Most times the runs are around 45 sec. You sign up for a 1 hour, 8 run stint. Show up, drive and go home. No work detail. I don't like autocross but this is a blast.

How much were you valuing your car at including mods? Also, which insurance company and track? I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if certain tracks increase coverage cost more than others based on risk. I wonder if organization factors in too, if you happen to run with a group that statistically has more incidents than others.

My first track day, with my car valued at $20.5k w/ mods, was at Road America and cost $192.46 after all the fees ($172 premium).

A later event, with my car valued at $14.3k w/ mods, at Autobahn Country Club was $169.50 after all the fees ($145 premium).

I also purchased a 6 event multi-pack, with the car valued at $23k w/ mods, that worked out to $139.77 per event.

If you know you're going to be doing a lot of events, the multi-pack is definitely the way to go. Also, do as many multi-day events as possible. The policies are based per event, not per day. So a 2-3 day event is getting you a lot more coverage for your money.

(All of my policies were through Lockton. I'd now shop around with Hagerty and others for the best deal)


It's available on Torque Lite. You have to add a new measurement, select the type of dial/graph you want to use, and then select Engine Oil Temperature.

I don't recall the company and I don't think they even needed to have the track specified (I talked to them at their booth at the Toronto International Auto Show years back). I don't recall whether I was driving my Golf or E46 at the time but either way it was less than $10k.

I see engine coolant temp, but no oil temp on mine.
Torque Lite, Veepeak OBDCheck BLE bluetooth (compatible with RaceChrono), 2013 BRZ.

My bad, just realized I spent the $5 for torque pro. haha