Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombii
Hey guys, this is my first post here, but I just wanted to ask a few questions after my first track day. This is also my first sports car, and the first car in which I'm in charge of everything (last car was a hand-me-down), so forgive me if these are some really basic questions.
First off, I had an absolute blast, and I'm trying to go back as soon as I can, but I'm a little worried about tracking my DD. Is there anything I should look out for in regards to this?
Second, do I need to change my fluids after every track day? My car is still on factory fluids (5.5k on the odo), and I clocked about 70-90 miles at my last track day.
Third, I experienced a little fade towards the end of the day (after some especially hot laps and a few hotter-than-I-should-have-been corner entries), before the track day, my pedal feel was instant, with bite being pretty strong after only about 1-1.5cm of travel (or at least that's what it felt like), now it feels like I can get a good 1.5-2 inches of travel before I get anything, and the bite is far less aggressive than it was before. Do I need to replace my pads? Should I keep this set a little longer? Is there a way to inspect them without a jack or putting the car on a lift? Also speaking of brakes, what is the factory fluid, DOT3? Is there a specific brand that most people run as DOT4? How hard is it to replace the fluid myself? What would it run me at a shop? Speaking of shops...
Fourth, for days that require inspection, how do I get that done? Do I just go to a shop/dealer and ask for an inspection and hand them the sheet? Is it done at the track?
Finally, what do I need to bring to a full-scale HPDE? (My first trackday was an 'instruction' day that was supposed to be a lead-up to an HPDE instead of jumping in all at once.) Do I need to bring extra parts? Tape for numbers? A jack? I realize there's another thread for this, but I'm just wondering if everything mentioned in that thread is really necessary if it's not a full race-spec car.
Sorry if these are a lot of questions, or if they've already been asked/answered.
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1) Track day insurance. There's a fairly even split of those who are in favor of it and those who are not. Personally, I am and always have had track day insurance since this is my daily/only car. I can afford to pay it off if I were to stuff it, but would prefer not to. You generally shouldn't be tracking a car you aren't willing to write off if the worst happens, but track day insurance will give you some piece of mind. Check out:
https://locktonmotorsports.com/product/hpde-insurance
If you do track day insurance, and know you'll be doing multiple HPDEs within a given year, my advice is to purchase a multi-event pack to save money and try to sign up for as many two day HPDEs as possible, since policies are on a per-event-basis (not per-day).
2) Short answer, no. But you should be checking your oil and brake fluid before and after every event. You should be at the least bleeding your brakes before each track day. Other fluids change intervals will vary depending on what fluids you put in, how hard you drive the car and how much you drive in between events daily. There are lots of threads on here covering each type of fluid change in more detail.
3) Brake fade after a track day is pretty normal, particularly if you were on stock pads/fluid. You might be able to get an idea of pad thickness without jacking the car up and removing the wheels/pads, but it's probably a better idea to just do that. You can check for glazing and chunking then too. The fade is most likely caused by boiling your fluid. You should at least be bleeding your brakes before every event, but you're going to be changing it fairly often if you're getting into HPDEs.
It's pretty easy to do yourself with the right tools, but simpler if you have a friend. As for brands, most people seem to go with Motul RBF600 or RBF660. I use ProjectMu G-Four 355, and there are other options. All are good options, but I'd definitely recommend reading into it more. The guys at CSG were very helpful when I was picking pads and fluid for track days. Oh, and on the matter of pads, pick up a set specifically for track days. Track pads and street pads both have intended uses, and neither are ideal for the duty of the other. CSG will be great at helping you pick the right pad for your experience level and the tracks you will be driving at.
4) Depends on the organization, some do require you to get the inspection done before coming to the event. Most, at least in my experience, will do them the morning of the event. I've always gotten my tech done day of at the track.
5) You shouldn't need to bring extra pads (depending on how much life is currently in the ones you have). But as I suggested above, it's a good idea to have a dedicated set of track pads you switch to either before going to or at the track, I suppose then your OE/street pads are a backup set. Numbers are normally supplied in the form of a decal that goes on your window, but I would check with the organizing group you sign up with. A jack, tools, extra brake fluid and oil, sunscreen, a camping chair, water, and snacks/other drinks are all good things to bring with you as well. If you don't have a jack, I'd recommend getting one so you can at least take care of your brakes at home. (The simple tools required for that job are a good idea too). I wouldn't worry too much about running out and buying a bunch of tools to have handy for your first few track days. Every HPDE you go to will have just about any tool you can think of between all the participants, and nearly everyone will be happy to loan you tools and/or a helping hand.
There's a lot more detailed information on these questions, and on some good ones you haven't asked yet and/or are likely to have in the future, in this thread. Read lots, don't be afraid to ask questions and have fun!
