Going to first track day.. what else do I need?

[MisterSheep]

Hey everyone,

I will be signing up here in a few days for a track day at the 5 mile Thunderhill track on May 30th. I wanted to see what else I would need to get in order to have a fun and successful track day.

My current suspension/braking mods;
Castrol DOT4 brake fluid
Rays 57extremes: Front 18x8.5+33 w/ 245/35 & Rear 18x9.5+40 w/ 255/35
Michelin Pilot super sport tires.
Whiteline camber bolts and SPC camber bolts, top and bottom
Tein Springs
aligned with -2.4 degrees camber up front and -2.5 in rear, 0 toe all around.
I do not think I have stock pads.. They squeal a little bit and I haven't felt any fade on them.. but don't know for sure and they look almost brand new.

I know it's probably a good idea to get new pads, I was recommended Winmax W4 pads by a friend of mine who own a local shop. I will also more than likely be picking up an OFT so I can monitor oil temps while out on the track.

I'll also have to purchase a helmet, anyone have any good recommendations that won't break the bank? A local shop sells Bell and HJC helmets, any known brands to stay away from?

Are there any other items I'm missing or need to get? Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks!

[CSG Mike]

It's your first day. The most important part is to just go.

Worry about the rest after your first day.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

It's your first day. The most important part is to just go.

Worry about the rest after your first day.

Would honestly be a lot cheaper

[LOLS2K]

There's nothing else you really need. Your list could have been like this:

My current suspension/braking mods;
Stock

And you'd be fine for your first track day. I'm having a hard time getting a few buddies out to the track because they want to go in with full blown race cars. Yet they have never set foot on a track other than to take pics of my car on the track. Aside from the obvious maintenance things, you'll be perfectly fine with what you have already. I guess you could upgrade your pads if it won't hinder you from getting out there.

You're going to/should be more focused on your driving and figuring out the course anyway. Good luck out there, enjoy yourself and take lots of pics...and stay hydrated.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by LOLS2K

There's nothing else you really need. Your list could have been like this:

My current suspension/braking mods;
Stock

And you'd be fine for your first track day. I'm having a hard time getting a few buddies out to the track because they want to go in with full blown race cars. Yet they have never set foot on a track other than to take pics of my car on the track. Aside from the obvious maintenance things, you'll be perfectly fine with what you have already. I guess you could upgrade your pads if it won't hinder you from getting out there.

You're going to/should be more focused on your driving and figuring out the course anyway. Good luck out there, enjoy yourself and take lots of pics...and stay hydrated.

Thanks! but I guess one of my concerns as well were to picking up a helmet and which helmet is a good value for your money.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Thanks! but I guess one of my concerns as well were to picking up a helmet and which helmet is a good value for your money.

The one that fits you best and is Snell SA/M 2010 certified or newer The mods on your car look good. Go have fun!

EDIT: If you're going to datalog with your OFT, make sure to pick up a reliable mount (and an extension cable). You don't want that thing flying around in the cabin on the track.

[LOLS2K]

Now that's a whole other topic. Now that we're passed all the other stuff
What's your budget? I know that I picked up my Pyrotect helmet for under $200 a few years ago. It's a good value, Snell2010, and provisions for a HANS device. Eventually I'll "upgrade" to something carbon fiber, or with some kool design.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by LOLS2K

Now that's a whole other topic. Now that we're passed all the other stuff
What's your budget? I know that I picked up my Pyrotect helmet for under $200 a few years ago. It's a good value, Snell2010, and provisions for a HANS device. Eventually I'll "upgrade" to something carbon fiber, or with some kool design.

Just want to reiterate I don't need new brake pads nor an OFT to monitor oil temps? I should just buy a helmet and go?


And for helmets I do not know anything about good brands etc.. I was hoping to spend anywhere between $150 or so but I think my max budget for a helmet could be $300.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

The one that fits you best and is Snell SA/M 2010 certified or newer The mods on your car look good. Go have fun!

EDIT: If you're going to datalog with your OFT, make sure to pick up a reliable mount (and an extension cable). You don't want that thing flying around in the cabin on the track.

Thanks! and yeah I've been looking at how other people mount their OFT and have been reading up on those threads as well.

[LOLS2K]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Just want to reiterate I don't need new brake pads nor an OFT to monitor oil temps? I should just buy a helmet and go?

And for helmets I do not know anything about good brands etc.. I was hoping to spend anywhere between $150 or so but I think my max budget for a helmet could be $300.

Next weekend will be my first time with OFT, and I honestly probably won't monitor temps (gets in my way). I'm sure that I should, but being as my car is all stock with OFT, if it can't handle the heat then I don't want that shit. I really have no good experience with the various helmet brands. My mentors have always simply used a properly certified helmet, and pushed me to just get out and drive.

My vote is helmet and go. @CSGMike lays it out pretty good here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25485

[TMF]

I do mostly agree with CSG Mike...don't worry about any mods.

But, here are a few simple things that everyone should do for a track day:

-Change your brake fluid (especially if it hasn't been changed in the last year).
-Set your cold tire pressures to the cold tire pressure spec (inside the door jam) and monitor your tire pressures and tire wear after each session (a quality tire pressure gauge [not a stick gauge. If you want inexpensive and accurate, get a digital tire gauge] and chalk go a LONG way for learning the correct pressures and adjusting the handling of the car).
-Have an open mind and listen to your instructor

For helmets: The Snell SA2015's have now been released, and will be valid for 10 years with most clubs, and even longer with some clubs. You might be able to score a good deal on a SA2010 though, and it will still be valid for at least 5 years, and longer with some clubs.

For inexpensive, yet quality helmets, I've had good luck with my Pyrotect helmet. If the local club/track does not require a full face helmet, you can get an open face helmet, which will save you some money.

If you can find a local helmet shop to try on the helmet first to get the best fit, that really is the best. My helmet is a hair too big and I really should get a new one...I regret not getting properly fit.

If you just want to monitor oil temps and other parameters, skip the OFT and get an bluetooth OBDII dongle + the Torque app. You can monitor oil temp in the Torque app, along with many other parameters. I have this inexpensive OBDII reader that I use for Torque and logging autox runs in Solo Storm...only ~$20 and works great:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461340267&sr=8-2&keywords=bluetooth+obdII"]Amazon.com: BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool for Android Devices: Automotive[/ame]

Finally, here is a good track day prep article from Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...to-a-track-day

Be safe and have fun! And try not to get too addicted

[strat61caster]

Picked up my helmet from saferacer.com, think it was <$200 for their bargain helmet labeled Zamp.

Some people say $5 helmet for a $5 brain, and wouldn't touch a bottom barrel helmet made in China. imo SA ratings exist for a reason, my usage is casual right now and driving a modern car with modern crash safety tech if the quality of my helmet comes into play shit has gone so wrong that even a top dollar helmet won't keep me out of the hospital.

Open faced is cheaper but limiting, a full face helmet you can take to the local karting place with some buddies and not use their smelly loaners. Also in case you hop into a car with the windshield chopped off, closing the face will be nice. (fingers crossed for that ride in an Ariel).

Read this thread again:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25485

Check and make sure your brake pads still have a bunch of material left on them, tires inflated properly, car is not low on any fluids and have fun.

[MrFisty]

A better driver

[Fish Eagle]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

It's your first day. The most important part is to just go.

Worry about the rest after your first day.

What the wise man above said.
Just get yourself there and enjoy.

The only really important things to consider are:
- be wary of your brakes. If you feel fade, take it easy and take a break.
- keep your confidence level one click behind your skill level and you'll be OK.

Take it all, but take it easy