Advice for Road Atlanta on the 19th

[naikaidriver]

I'm finally getting the opportunity to run the FRS on an actual race track for a PDX at Road Atlanta on the 19th. To say that I am stoked doesn't quite give it justice.

So, now comes the scramble to get the car ready to handle what has been described as one of the best road courses in the country. For those of you not familiar with RA, it has two long straights and 3 corners that the FRS should be approaching at over 100mph easily before slowing down to around 50mph for two of the corners. From what I have heard, this is a brake fluid-boiling, and pad-melting track and I don't doubt it.

So my question to you guys is this. While I know that I will have to replace the brake fluid for something with a higher boiling point, and it would be a good idea to replace the pads, do you guys think that replacing the rotors is equally necessary for a one-day PDX?

While I have every intention of going to the track as often as I can, the only "real" competition this car will likely see in the near future is Solo. I do plan on replacing the rotors all the way around eventually, but this particular month has been rough for us government contractors.

Scott

[GTM_Challenge]

Having run Road Atlanta a few times, I would make sure that your brake pads are up to snuff - turn 10a at the end of the back straight can be rough on brakes, as can turn 1. Turn 6 after the short back straight can be rough on brakes for a newer driver as well. Road Atlanta is a very fast track. Last time I was there, my average speed was a little over 89mph in my s2000 if that gives you any indication.

I'd skip replacing the rotors. You can leave the stock brake pads, but expect for them to be toast by the end of the day, so I'd go ahead and upgrade.

Let me know if we can help you with anything. We will be down at Road Atlanta next weekend for Global Time Attack.

[ATL BRZ]

Originally Posted by naikaidriver

So my question to you guys is this. While I know that I will have to replace the brake fluid for something with a higher boiling point, and it would be a good idea to replace the pads, do you guys think that replacing the rotors is equally necessary for a one-day PDX?

Yes and yes. You will likely boil the OEM brake fluid and overheat the OEM pads at Road Atlanta.

Don't worry about replacing the rotors. Just pads and fluid and you should be fine.

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge

Having run Road Atlanta a few times, I would make sure that your brake pads are up to snuff - turn 10a at the end of the back straight can be rough on brakes, as can turn 1. Turn 6 after the short back straight can be rough on brakes for a newer driver as well. Road Atlanta is a very fast track. Last time I was there, my average speed was a little over 89mph in my s2000 if that gives you any indication.

This is great advice.

[naikaidriver]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll order the parts today. I preferred to not upgrade the rotors just yet since if I were to be forced into doing so, I wouldn't have been able to afford the rotors that I really want and I would have ended up replacing them in a few months after the this sequestration mess gets sorted out.

Scott

[GTM_Challenge]

Originally Posted by naikaidriver

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll order the parts today. I preferred to not upgrade the rotors just yet since if I were to be forced into doing so, I wouldn't have been able to afford the rotors that I really want and I would have ended up replacing them in a few months after the this sequestration mess gets sorted out.

Scott

We're still running our car on the original rotors and have done 4 track days and a weekend in the mountains. Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Austin

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge

We're still running our car on the original rotors and have done 4 track days and a weekend in the mountains. Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Austin

I will definitely hit you up down the road. I'm the kind of person that tries to set my cars up intelligently and for a specific purpose as opposed to just "throwing parts" at it.

My upcoming weekends are booked solid with car shows and events over the next few weeks so I won't be able to get down to Atlanta before the 18th but I will be spending the entire weekend down there.

Scott

[GTM_Challenge]

Originally Posted by naikaidriver

I will definitely hit you up down the road. I'm the kind of person that tries to set my cars up intelligently and for a specific purpose as opposed to just "throwing parts" at it.

My upcoming weekends are booked solid with car shows and events over the next few weeks so I won't be able to get down to Atlanta before the 18th but I will be spending the entire weekend down there.

Scott

Sounds like us

My s2000 only has coilovers, rear wing, wheels tires, test pipe, brake pads/lines and safety equipment, all else stock.

So far, our FR-S only has coilovers, wheel/tires, and brake pads/lines

[ayau]

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge

Sounds like us

My s2000 only has coilovers, rear wing, wheels tires, test pipe, brake pads/lines and safety equipment, all else stock.

So far, our FR-S only has coilovers, wheel/tires, and brake pads/lines

Sounds like CSG's BRZ lol.

[BadCompany235]

hit up forged or topspeed for some brake supplies, they are local and may even deliver your parts to the track. but pads and fluid will get it done. i did RA back in feb when it was still freezing. the only place the car is a little light in my opinion was the entry to the esses. everywhere else it's spot on. ask for advice on driving 12 if this is your first time to this track. if you want i can send a guy i know out there to coach you. let me know.

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by BadCompany235

hit up forged or topspeed for some brake supplies, they are local and may even deliver your parts to the track. but pads and fluid will get it done. i did RA back in feb when it was still freezing. the only place the car is a little light in my opinion was the entry to the esses. everywhere else it's spot on. ask for advice on driving 12 if this is your first time to this track. if you want i can send a guy i know out there to coach you. let me know.

I just might take you up on that.

A few of my local, ALSCCA buddies are competing in the TT down there that weekend and have offered to help out with some instruction as well. I'll keep you posted.

Scott