Feedback from the chassis (seat aka butt dyno)
Feedback from the steering wheel (what I see vs what I feel vs where the wheels are pointed)
Visual (gotta see where I'm going, and be aware of what's AROUND me [not just in front])
Auditory (does anything sound off? Tires making noise? Do I hear other cars? Is anything dragging?)
Smell (do I smell anything overheating? burning?)

Don't use taste though.

chicken! we need to get you out east of the shop and get you and your car DIRTY at the lucern drylake bed!

Sounds like an invitation :happy0180:

Yikes! Never let go.

This has got to be a meme somewhere :lol:

Sometimes it's al you can do :(

A la titanic

Which SA rated helmet would you recommend in terms of weight and price?

@CSG Mike

Still sort of new to the brake pad world. Canyou shed some light for me on how to determine remaining pad life? I have a set of HP+ pads with 2 track days on them that I used on OEM tires. Frankly, they look great to me, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something a more experienced eye would catch. I can take pictures if you'd like as well.

What's your budget? This is one area where I'd spend as much as possible; you only get one chance in protecting your noggin. A lighter helmet will result in less fatigue on your neck.

Also, try on as many as you can, so that you can find one that fits your head best. It's kind of like how everyone's head is either an Arai or Shoei shape.

I go by visual inspection. Pad life remaining can be determined by pad thickness. You *CAN* run the pads to the backing on most makes, but you don't want to score the rotors by having the backing actually touch the rotor (this is indicated by a grinding sound and shuddering feel in the pedal). Street pads typically have indicators built in that will cause noise when you get low (around 2mm pad material typically). New pads are usually 10-11mm (pad material) thick, unless you run a BBK like the AP Racing BBK we run, which uses 16mm pads (for virtually the same price!).

If you take the pads off, you can see if there are signs of glazing/fading. If you post pictures, I'll be more than happy to give you my feedback.

I'd say $500 or so. I know that's not Arai SA helmet budget. Maybe a Bell or HJC? I've read that the HJC Si-12 is one of the lighest out there.

I have an HJC AR-10-II and I love it! No weight issues, neck is completely fine after a full track weekend.

Hmmm that's the range I spent on my helmet. I have a Simpson (although I fear I may have bought into the name.... due to the prowess of their marketing dept. giving the Stig a Simpson).

I did purchase before my first track day ever...

The HJC is pretty solid, and is something we can get for you.