Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[wparsons]

Man, I NEED to drive that track in real life!

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by jjaisli

So this is kind of a silly question and probably the ultimate noob thought, but here it goes. I'm going to an event, by myself, it's too far to drive there and back in one day. So I'm going to have an overnight bag, maybe a camera, a phone, a folder with some paperwork, along with the usual 'emergency' items you might have in your trunk (fluids, repair kit, etch). Exactly what does everybody do with these items while you're on the track? Obviously you can't (or at leas shouldn't) leave them in your trunk. So what do you do with them?

I guess every track and event is a bit different. But what passes for conventional wisdom? Is it just like at the beach where you leave your supplies somewhere and sort of hope/trust that nobody touches anybody's stuff?

In truth, this is the very least of my worries, but I just keep wondering.

Leave it in a pile by wherever you're pitted. Generally you shouldn't take anything too expensive to the track, but I've never had a problem with theft at the track. Everyone is there for the same reason.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

Another piece of advice that I ALWAYS get push back on from every single newb:

Leave your damn car STOCK (except for brake pads and alignment) until you know how to properly drive it. You are very likely making the car WORSE or slowing yourself down (at best it doesn't change a thing) with a set of springs that weren't matched to the dampers you are using. Everyone thinks they can outsmart an OEM engineer by adding a bar or spring here and there. They are professionals with a budget that dwarfs yours. Think about it.

Nobody listens, nobody buys into it. Ever. You won't either. Then you'll advance far enough and realize it's the truth. We're all guilty of it (myself included). This is one of the points that I don't push anymore because everyone needs to learn this for themselves.

This.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

For you experienced racing types, would it be beneficial to watch videos of laps at your upcoming track to try to get a decent idea of the route before you show up?

Absolutely. It's no different from studying up on a route before you go hiking, or doing research before you purchase a part.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by CSG David

It's a good idea to figure out if you need to go left or right, but what videos do not convey as well as realistic perception is elevation, depth, and how wide the track is. It's always different driving on track vs. checking out video.

On another note, I faded the Dixcel RA1 pads around this corner and I couldn't scrub enough speed so I trailbraked into the corkscrew at LS. I originally caught the slide, but the downhill right hander pulled the rearend out. It's hard to see that banked right hander, but dude, it pulls you hard!

Dat reverse corkscrew entry.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by solidONE

The amount of roll with the factory setup is not confidence inspiring compared to the stiffness and feel I gained with the swift springs I had on previously. Not saying you're wrong about the terminal under. Just looking for something to give confidence to push harder (which the springs did for me).

No offense, but it's probably in your head. There isn't a ton of body roll stock, even on sticky tires.

The nice thing about body roll is that it gives you a sense of what the chassis is doing. If it's totally flat you have no progression between tons of grip and oh shit I'm sliding.

Originally Posted by jjaisli

Thanks Mike. I'm less worried about my dirty clothes than I am about say, my camera equipment. It's a bit of a hobby for me and I actually love taking motorsports shots. But tempting as it is, the more I think about it, it's probably for the best if I would just leave everything home or it's going to end up being nothing but a big distraction.

EDIT: That said, let me know if you bring a trailer.

I've left piles of tools, gopro gear, dSLR gear, etc in bags at tracks without any issues at all. The only time I've been concerned was an event that was held by the BMW club that was a massive show + autoslalom + lapping, with tons of spectators. And despite my worries, no one went near my stuff at all.

[AZP Installs]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

He finally gets it.



No, I'm a dbag. I call it like it is. I fully admit I have no patience for this kind of stuff, which is why I've never accepted any instructor positions and only instruct friends I know well because I can yell at them. Fortunately you have some nice guys here like mike, david, AZP, etc to hammer the point home.



Another piece of advice that I ALWAYS get push back on from every single newb:

Leave your damn car STOCK (except for brake pads and alignment) until you know how to properly drive it. You are very likely making the car WORSE or slowing yourself down (at best it doesn't change a thing) with a set of springs that weren't matched to the dampers you are using. Everyone thinks they can outsmart an OEM engineer by adding a bar or spring here and there. They are professionals with a budget that dwarfs yours. Think about it.

Nobody listens, nobody buys into it. Ever. You won't either. Then you'll advance far enough and realize it's the truth. We're all guilty of it (myself included). This is one of the points that I don't push anymore because everyone needs to learn this for themselves.

100% I would add tires too as a mod, especially on this car.

Upgrading the car only will mask where you need to improve...

-mike

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

He finally gets it.



No, I'm a dbag. I call it like it is. I fully admit I have no patience for this kind of stuff, which is why I've never accepted any instructor positions and only instruct friends I know well because I can yell at them. Fortunately you have some nice guys here like mike, david, AZP, etc to hammer the point home.



Another piece of advice that I ALWAYS get push back on from every single newb:

Leave your damn car STOCK (except for brake pads and alignment) until you know how to properly drive it. You are very likely making the car WORSE or slowing yourself down (at best it doesn't change a thing) with a set of springs that weren't matched to the dampers you are using. Everyone thinks they can outsmart an OEM engineer by adding a bar or spring here and there. They are professionals with a budget that dwarfs yours. Think about it.

Nobody listens, nobody buys into it. Ever. You won't either. Then you'll advance far enough and realize it's the truth. We're all guilty of it (myself included). This is one of the points that I don't push anymore because everyone needs to learn this for themselves.

I genuinely appreciate honesty. Not so much douchey, but nobody's perfect. Lol

Originally Posted by CSG David

Think during down times. Focus on driving when you're driving.

Got it! Kinda like golf. Decide the path/trajectory you want and type of shot you need. Once you are set up and addressing the ball, no more thinking. Just hit the damn ball.

Originally Posted by wparsons

No offense, but it's probably in your head. There isn't a ton of body roll stock, even on sticky tires.

The nice thing about body roll is that it gives you a sense of what the chassis is doing. If it's totally flat you have no progression between tons of grip and oh shit I'm...

none taken. Of course it's all in the head. Specially when we're talking 'feel' and 'confidence' Some are able to work around these types of things easily. Give them a old 80's pickup truck with leafs and 3 shot dampers and they can still drive circles around most mortals. I'm not that talented nor have I that much experience to do that. What I do have experience is working on hardware to tweek them to my liking. Basically to offset deficiencies in my driving. I'm more confident with less roll where there is only so much roll before slip versus roll and more roll "is it going to slip yet? I don't know!"

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by CSG David

It's a good idea to figure out if you need to go left or right, but what videos do not convey as well as realistic perception is elevation, depth, and how wide the track is. It's always different driving on track vs. checking out video.

On another note, I faded the Dixcel RA1 pads around this corner and I couldn't scrub enough speed so I trailbraked into the corkscrew at LS. I originally caught the slide, but the downhill right hander pulled the rearend out. It's hard to see that banked right hander, but dude, it pulls you hard!

+8 pts for style.

[hushypushy]

First of all...great thread. I read all 21 pages! I'm going to my first HPDE this weekend at Thunderhill (Saturday and Sunday). Starting out in Group 1 with an instructor so I'm not too worried

I use Mobil 1 0w20. My current oil change has 3000 miles on it. My questions are these:

-Should I change my oil this week, before I go on track?

-Should I change my oil next week, after the track? Or should I just change it at the normal interval?

I only autocross maybe four times a year at most (although I've had the FR-S for one year and have only done two events...), and this is my first track day. Although I do use all the revs every day on the street (it's not babied), if that matters. I know the service interval is 7,500 but I change my oil every 5,000 because I like wasting money and working on my car...


EDIT: also had a question about this:

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Total tangent.

My boss for one of the instructing gigs I have was Alain Prost's teammate for ice racing. Or rather, Alain Prost was his teammate; my boss used to consistently beat Prost.

The guys I instruct for own, collectively, something like 25M in exotic cars...

I feel like there are two unrelated tangents here! Both of which are interesting.

What year was this ice racing gig? It's not like Prost was ever known for ice racing, but he is known for his smooth driving style. Since you replied to a quote about smoothness/ice driving with that anecdote, that must mean that your boss was an ice racing virtuoso.

Also, on the other tangent, I think we all know that money doesn't buy taste or talent. So it's good to see those guys investing some money where it matters. I spoke with a McLaren owner the other day who told me one of his best investments was track instruction. He said he knew it was time for an instructor when he was out in his Lambo on his first track day and was getting passed by "old guys in Miatas" as he put it

[dp1]

Any suggestions specific to driving automatic transmission car on track? Which nannies to leave on? Or should I do the pedal dance (if it applies to auto)? I have the trans cooler. Anything else? Thanks

[AZP Installs]

Originally Posted by dp1

Any suggestions specific to driving automatic transmission car on track? Which nannies to leave on? Or should I do the pedal dance (if it applies to auto)? I have the trans cooler. Anything else? Thanks

I haven't driven the AT version of the BRZ/FRS yet, however I do have a fairly extensive racing career and tracking career with ATs in general.

If you use it in "manual" mode, will it bounce off the rev limiter or automatically upshift?

-Mike Paisan


Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Enthusiasts since 2001.
Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) |AIM: AZP Installs
"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Bucket seat, solid steering rack bushings, good tires (tires with good sidewall, like a RE11A or AD08R, or NT01), and proper seating position.

I thought buckets were strictly for caged cars, or are they alright with factory seat belt. And seating position, you mean upright and close enough to the wheel to rest your forearms on top?

[dp1]

Originally Posted by AZP Installs

I haven't driven the AT version of the BRZ/FRS yet, however I do have a fairly extensive racing career and tracking career with ATs in general.



If you use it in "manual" mode, will it bounce off the rev limiter or automatically upshift?



-Mike Paisan





Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Enthusiasts since 2001.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

I haven't tried that yet in the past week since I got the car back from the big build. Have custom tune for JR SC and P&L exhaust...did ask tuner to soften the cutoff by pulling back timing at the limit. Don't know if it will shift in manual mode without paddle input, need to try - hope someone else can chime in who knows/tried. Thanks