1st time to the track help.

[Mr_YUzU_FRS]

So I live in the Sacramento area in Cali and was thinking about taking my frs to test out at the Thunder Hill track in Willow. It will be my first time ever at the race course. Can anyone explain to me the process and requirements (ie helmets, car specs, anything). Also any tips for me would be much appreciated.

[jamies31]

a lot of tracks have their own regulations, So I would suggest checking with them. Jealous wish I lived close enough to try that one out.
I would suggest a helmet just good safety, mainly just go out and have fun and don't push yourself beyond your limitations

[strat61caster]

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

Good instructors will be the most useful thing first time. If you're comfortable hitting the ABS under braking then you will overheat the stock pads/fluid. If not you can probably get away with going 100% stock the first time (everything else in the car is up to the task except the brakes for intermediate and up drivers) and at the end of the day you may start feeling the limits of the brakes and tires, imo an experience worth having to realize that all equipment has limits.

Thunder Hill is a good first time track (be prepared to watch V8's haul away in the long straights and catch them up slowly over the rest of the course, the real joy of a momentum car like ours), watch some videos before you go so you don't get lost out there.

The group you go with will have details on what's needed, they want you to show up and have a good time, email them with questions.

[humfrz]

Yell out to everyone "THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ON ANY KIND OF RACE TRACK"!

.... and they will all pull off and let you go by ......



humfrz

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Mr_YUzU_FRS

So I live in the Sacramento area in Cali and was thinking about taking my frs to test out at the Thunder Hill track in Willow. It will be my first time ever at the race course. Can anyone explain to me the process and requirements (ie helmets, car specs, anything). Also any tips for me would be much appreciated.

It is generally the same, but regs can very from group to group. Who are you going to run with? SpeedSF, NCRC, HOD?

A good option is to come out to the Norcal86 Cup prior to running an event yourself to just hang out and gain some insight. A lot of drivers are even willing to give ride alongs if you have a helmet. Check out 86drive.com/86cup or http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77651 for more info.

[Vincenttam]

so jealous atm!!!

[Mr_YUzU_FRS]

Oh, I did not know it has to be in groups. They don't have regular non-race days where drivers can just enjoy the tracks for practice?
I'm really looking forward to it, even though my car is 100% stock with the TRD goodies that came with the RS 1.0.

[LucidMomentum]

Originally Posted by Mr_YUzU_FRS

Oh, I did not know it has to be in groups. They don't have regular non-race days where drivers can just enjoy the tracks for practice?
I'm really looking forward to it, even though my car is 100% stock with the TRD goodies that came with the RS 1.0.

Most likely no. That would cost you a lot more than a standard track day.

Also it won't really be a "race" day, as you'll probably find a mish-mash of various cars on the track. It's a "track" day where everyone will just be enjoying themselves and trying to set their own best times for their car.

Remember track etiquette, be respectful of other people's cars, and don't push your brakes too hard if you're stock and don't have a lot of track experience. You may need to look into new brake pads after a track day or two, especially if it's an all afternoon thing.

[chaoskaze]

Change out stock brake pad & fluid before u go. Stock can lost its bite pretty fast after some seat time.

[DarkSunrise]

I would start with this thread. It'll cover everything you'll need. The only thing I'd add is front camber bolts as another "nice to have" item, but not necessary.

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

In terms of helmets, every organization I've seen around here requires an SA2005/M2005 rated helmet (will likely switch to SA2010/M2010 after this year), but you'll want to check with your specific track and organizer.

[torqdork]

Originally Posted by Mr_YUzU_FRS

Oh, I did not know it has to be in groups. They don't have regular non-race days where drivers can just enjoy the tracks for practice?
I'm really looking forward to it, even though my car is 100% stock with the TRD goodies that came with the RS 1.0.

"Groups" refers to sponsoring organizations for that particular day at the track. You'll see that most days offer entry into several classes, typically Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, HPDE and others. You'll want Novice with an Instructor.

There's tremendous difference in Instructor competence at garden variety track days. Check or ask in forums here for recommended Instructors and request one of them.

You'll be fine, a little nervous during the first stint or two but that's expected so work on smoothness and consistency as you gradually build speed.

More than likely your insurance policy will not cover you for the event so you can assume the risk or buy a separate policy for the day available from the sponsor's site.

About the only equipment item I didn't see listed is gloves, useful if your hands become sweaty. Rules are usually casual for track days so I use open finger cycling gloves with a grippy suede side and ventilated back side.

Mind the stock brakes. If you encounter fade slow down, brake earlier and more gently for a lap or two. You probably won't have an issue on your first day but be alert on your last stint of the day since you're building speed, confidence and bravery just as you lose the brakes at the end of the longest straight. That tends to focus the mind and pucker the shorts and will have you shopping for pads and fluid.

Have fun! Chances are you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to drive your RS 1.0 quickly, gaining massively on the higher powered fat cars through the twisty bits.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

In terms of helmets, every organization I've seen around here requires an SA2005/M2005 rated helmet (will likely switch to SA2010/M2010 after this year), but you'll want to check with your specific track and organizer.

Generally speaking they'll take the two most recent ratings, 2005 & 2010.

Next year expect 2005 to be dropped as 2015 helmets are available, there's probably a grace period through this year, I heard the 2015's are slow to hit retailers.

Edit: IMO I was really satisfied with Hooked On Driving's instruction that was my first track day at Thunder Hill last year, they're more expensive but they really control the environment: a nightmare for some, a godsend for newbies.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Generally speaking they'll take the two most recent ratings, 2005 & 2010.

Next year expect 2005 to be dropped as 2015 helmets are available, there's probably a grace period through this year, I heard the 2015's are slow to hit retailers.

Edit: IMO I was really satisfied with Hooked On Driving's instruction that was my first track day at Thunder Hill last year, they're more expensive but they really control the environment: a nightmare for some, a godsend for newbies.

Ah yeah I should have been clearer and said SA/M 2005 and up helmets.

That reminds me, I'll need to start shopping for a new helmet this year. Just another couple hundred bucks to the track gods, no biggie

[Mr_YUzU_FRS]

Nice! All helpful tips. I will be hitting thunder hill end of this month or beginning of march. Will definitely tell everyone about my experience.
Where u guys buy ur race gears? Helmets and gloves etc.