interested in tracking, but am clueless

[djenousis]

I've never been to a track but am interested in tracking my BRZ. I am just learning about "racing theory", so in other words I'm clueless and have 0 experience. I'm mainly worried because I normally feel disconnected from the car when driving. As weird as it sounds, It doesn't feel like I'm driving the car, but more like I'm present in the car. Can someone point me in the right direction...

What is step 1? Are there places I can go to learn before my 1st track day, like fulfilling a certain amount of hours or laps on a track under supervision or instruction? Or do I just sign up and show up at the track and start driving with people? (seems kind of dangerous to drive on a track with NO experience, No knowledge, and No skills).

I feel as though this topic would be a FAQ but I had a hard time finding the information. The search function here wasn't very helpful, but then again this is my first post so...

[donoman]

1) Step 1 is to find a good trackday provider that will give you instruction. I enjoy Hooked On Driving events. You'll be placed in a beginner's group with a ride-along instructor to help you get the hang of it. Unfortunately, nothing can simulate a track environment. Autocross and karting are very different beasts. Be very careful not to choose the necessarily cheapest trackday organizer. I've done that before and it was a complete clusterfck with 6-7 children smashing their S2000's together. The cheapest days also attract the cheapest people.

2) Sign up for a trackday (back to back weekend dates are best). www.hookedondriving.com

3) Buy a camping chair and a cooler. Trackdays are like fishing. Most of your time is spent relaxing and talking to other car people.

4) The car needs nothing for your first trackday. It is ready to go out of the box.

[strat61caster]

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

[swarb]

1. Don't take a car to the track if you aren't ready to walk away from it($$$). You may crash and total it and most if not all insurance companies won't cover it.
2. Ask/talk/search for a run group and go watch and consider if it is for you. Go for ride alongs. Look for HPDE (high performance drivers education), and groups that have instructors that can teach/help/guide you. Let them know you are beginner.
3. Light prep, mostly safety check and brake pads(NOT STOCK) and brake fluid, helmet, tool set, jack and maybe extra wheels/tires.
4. Autocross is slower and safer and much easier to get into, look into that.
5. Read number one.

[MaximeT]

The main thing is to manage trafic, it's nothing like the road.
You can learn it with SimRacing online. iRacing is the best place.
As soon as you'll get a bit faster. Like having mostly good lines and braking points, you'll need pads and fluid.
If you feel the tires are loosing grip, you need stop pushing for cooling them down. They are not supposed to be driven hard for more than maybe 3 laps.

Go on track, that's the point of driving this car.
You will learn so much.

[juliog]

Come join us at Streets of Willow next weekend for the next round of the 86CUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1444342282448992

Or get your feet wet with the 86 Dynamic Driving Academy first:
https://www.facebook.com/86DDA

Check out the 'sticky' posts in the Tracking sub-forum:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=39

[djenousis]

Thank you all so much!! This was just what I needed. Now I guess I gotta decide between the 86 dynamic driving academy and hookedondriving.

Peace Love and Respect!

[Jack Black]

Originally Posted by swarb

1. Don't take a car to the track if you aren't ready to walk away from it($$$). You may crash and total it and most if not all insurance companies won't cover it.

While this is true and you definitely want to keep it in mind, there are a couple things you can do about it:

1. First off, obey the rules, listen to your instructor, and drive within your capabilities.

2. You can get track day insurance. I'm not sure if it's available with every club, but SCCA Track Night has it available for their events.

[cjd]

AutoX may provide a venue to learn the car past the limits more safely, and seat time of any kind helps you learn the car. It may be a useful addition to the sessions you're already looking into.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Check with Lockton Affinity regarding track day insurance.

[mav1178]

For 99% of all the beginners, autocross is an easier way to start learning how to drive better as there is nothing to hit aside from cones and bodies.

-alex

[wparsons]

Autox also teaches you basic car control at speeds with MUCH lower (or zero) consequences. Spin on a track and you might hit a wall. Spin at an autox and the worst you're doing is buffing a cone scuff off your car (or fishing out a cone stuck under your car).

IMO, everyone should have autox/skidpad experience before going on a track.

Next step is learning what line you want to be on and consistently driving it before trying to be fast.

[Sleepless]

As others have said, it is important to do some AutoX/Skid Pad when first starting out. I don't think Hooked on Driving provides that so before going with them, I'd look into doing the novice school with your local BMW or Porsche club. They don't care what car you bring and most of them include a half to full day in a large parking lot doing various car control exercises and then a day of novice instruction on the track.

Hopefully someone in the LA area can say if the local clubs provide this sort of novice HPDE program, they have great programs here in the NW. There may be other clubs/schools in your area.

Be safe and have fun!

[mav1178]

SoCal:

http://solo2.com/