First Track day what to prepare for.

[xyr03]

I have a first track day coming up next month and just wondering what I should look forward to or expect. I'm running at VIR and doing it with an instructor. I also need some advice on buying a helmet and and gear that i would need for this event.

[dale.m]

Good choice on the track! VIR rules!

What to expect...hmmm

Prepare to learn a lot and be willing to listen to your instructor.
Prepare to get passed a lot at first as you learn the line.
Don't get cocky, stay focused and aware of your car relative to other traffic.
It's ok to be nervous at first, but remember to have fun!

The thing I tell people the most is that it's a learning experience, not a race. It's not timed, so take the opportunity to learn and become a better driver.

Gear wise, a helmet is all you need. Make sure to where long sleeves and long pants. Different organizations have different standardization on helmets, so I would check with yours to figure out what helmet you need. Some times helmets are provided.

Car wise, I'd get some beefed up brake pads and switch out the brake fluid for some ATE Super Blue.

Have fun man! It's an experience you will never forget!

[FT-86 SpeedFactory]

Dale hit everything spot on.

The instructor is your greatest asset there. Listen and learn and it will be the best money you ever spent on your car.

[7thgear]

but also be weary of poor isntructors (they always seem to make it into the cut)

if an instructor is setting the pace for you (faster faster, gas gas, go go go, etc) tell him to relax. YOU set the pace.

However if your pace is SLOW, you can shame a little but don't be a ****, let people pass you.

A good instructor will also catch you if you start to get overloaded (a classic sign is the deathgrip and silence). If you're tense and not talking, you're not learning and simply relying on your instincts to keep you alive. If you need to slow down to be able to think about different things again, do it.

This is not a traditional learning environment. HPDE days are worse than speed dating, because not only do you have to get to know your interlocutor but you've got to PERFORM right the spot.

good luck and have fun.

[ABQautoxer]

Best advice as an instructor I can give is don't drive faster than you can understand, process, and execute what I'm saying. The first few laps on a track are critical as that's what your brain will use for your internal course map. Drive it wrong by trying to go too fast and you'll repeat the error(s) potentially for years. Instructors are human and thus they can personal problems, personality problems, etc but realize 99% of them are volunteering to do this because they want to genuinely help them so try to let them. Make sure you are prepared mentally by having plenty of sleep, plenty of water to stay hydrated, food/snack, chair to relax in, etc. Make sure you bring a tire gauge and set your tire pressures higher than you think because it will be cold in the morning and usually on a track you end up much higher than on the street. Most people's track day is VERY memorable in a good way and try to enjoy the moment.

[xyr03]

All great advices. Thanks everyone. Any hement choices?? Bell? Simpson? They are quite pricy and I want something that'll b ok to use on any track event. and where's the best place to buy gear?

[celica73]

You certainly need a helmet. Spend the $$$ for a SA2010 rated helmet, it doesn't have to be a top of the line model, but that rating will get you the most use - and the most resale if you really hate it.

Most clubs "require" you to put fresh brake fluid in the car. I think it's a good idea, but I'll leave it up to you. If you are in a bind the shop at VIR carries a few brands at almost reasonabl eprices ($18 for 500 mL of Motul 600, that's about a $3 markup), so don't worry if you need to buy some at the track.

For my first event in the BRZ, I bled the brakes with Motul and ran a dedicated set of track pads and rotors. I'm also not a novice. You can probably get away with the stock pads (full course?) but you might want to take a spare set with you (even if they are Wearever Gold from Autozone). Better to have something to run than to not run at all.

What club are you running with?

[YawMomentRacing]

Originally Posted by xyr03

All great advices. Thanks everyone. Any hement choices?? Bell? Simpson? They are quite pricy and I want something that'll b ok to use on any track event. and where's the best place to buy gear?

I would look at OG Racing (www.ogracing.com). They are located in NOVA so the shipping would be quick for you. Do you live in Richmond? That's where I grew up and started racing. Enjoy VIR....it is a blast!

For helmet brand, it is personal choice. I have a Bell and an Arai and the Arai fits my head nicely, but I've found G-Force helmets to be uncomfortable. Different head shapes will fit better in different brand helmets. Without going to the store and trying them on or trying out friend's helmets, you may have to guess this time.

[Dave-ROR]

OGRacing is good people.

I always suggest trying on helmets though!

[King Tut]

I agree with the trying helmets on, but unfortunetly most towns don't have shops that will carry SA2010 helmets. I would check with local forums and find other guys that do track days and see if you can try their helmets on to see what you like. I would also recommend doing a pad and fluid change prior to the weekend. My theory has always been spend the time and money before you get to the track to ensure that your money spent for the track weekend is maximized by being out there driving every session. If you "hope" your OEM pads will make it through the weekend and they don't, then you will probably miss a session or miss the rest of the weekend trying to correct that mistake.

[SOneThreeCoupe]

Look ahead, it reduces apparent speed and allows you to gather slides more easily as well as not overloading your senses. Corners don't sneak up on you when you're looking through them.

When it comes to all inputs, remember feeding, feeding, feeding. Nothing is an on-off switch and you should focus on smoothness.

[rice_classic]

Famous saying used by instructors to their students: "Don't try to impress me and don't try and scare me because nothing you can do will impress me and I'm already scared."

The advice above is terrific, nothing really new needs to be said except for... Good luck managing your new addiction.

[wheelhaus]

I'll add to the consensus, great advice. Find out if you need to have a tech inspection performed, it's usually a free service from a local shop and a quick checklist they go over with you, you may need to present it signed/stamped to participate at the event.

If it's your first day on a track, you won't (shouldn't) be pushing the car hard enough to overwhelm the OEM brakes. However, since brakes are one of the single biggest safety items, using upgraded pads and fluid is a great idea.

As Dale mentioned, expect to get passed (if your skill group allows it). It's VERY easy to navigate a track when you know everyone is going the same direction and you have the entire width of the "road" at your disposal. However, everyone will eventually be driving a similar line, so just be aware of your surroundings (read: other cars) and don't get scared if someone is right behind you, drive smoothly and your instructor will help you understand how and when to let them by.

And yea, have fun, it's addicting...

[YawMomentRacing]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Famous saying used by instructors to their students: "Don't try to impress me and don't try and scare me because nothing you can do will impress me and I'm already scared."

The advice above is terrific, nothing really new needs to be said except for... Good luck managing your new addiction.

I'll have to remember that quote...I like it.