A&Q about 350Z
Q:
As discussed on the donny thread lots of newbies have questions & maybe an idea to have a sort of FAQ thread where more experienced bods can give some of their advice.
Im so busy at mo I can only nip in & out of the forum, but if all of us with a bit to say just nipped on & off this thread over a couple of months we should have a decent little resource for track newbies, that coudl easily be edited later on.
Loads of bits to cover, id say basics inc- pre trackday car prep, track manners, & on track day checks.
So for now just a few quickes from me-
Pre day prep-
Brakes wise just be aware you may see 20k easy out of a set of road pads even with fast road driving but at under 50 miles on track & they can be down to the metal. New fluid & good pads is therefore a bare minimum on that front with fresh oil & filter & good check over on engine, driveshafts & wheel bearings.
On track checks-
Check wheel nuts before & also during the day- DONT DO WHEEL NUTS UP WHEN JUST IN FROM A SESSION, WAIT FOR THEM TO COOL! & check tyres pressures throughout day too, presures are car & driver preferences, but as an average for older Golfs 30psi all round hot is a good base to work from.Check the oil before each session, keep an eye on the water temp and watch your tyres for wear.
At end of each session- Do a cool down lap, cut the revs right back stay off the brakes and just toodle round keeping out of everybody's way, then when you get to the paddock park up, leave it in gear and the handbrake off
A:
Thanks Alex - that's all good info.
There's a draft thread at the moment which links to all pages like these - the plan is to merge these all together into one comprehensive, easily readable thread, with headers etc.
Post away folks - it all helps
A:
In no particular order...
if running slicks or sticky tyres on a hot day also check hub nuts are still tight, i've had these come undone so now have tell tales on them with tipex.
Enjoy the social side but try not to get too ****ed the night before, trackdaying with a hangover is no fun , i speak from experience but tbh i do struggle with following this rule.
Always try and get there early, it's nice to be able to grab a garage when possible but also stops the 1st part of the day being a manic rush, allow time to sign on and do all your unpacking and car checks before the drivers briefing so that if your group is first then your ready to go straight out after the briefing.
If you're adjusting your suspension remember to soften it back off at the end of the day and recover brake duct if necessary, both things i've forgotten which are a PITA doing 10miles down the road in the dark.
Generally somebody (ie me!) will have plenty of tools/spares but it's always worth bringing a few basics of your own.
No need for your 1st few trackdays to worry about having a track prepped car but ditto what alex said, the brakes will take a hammering so it is worth having fresh pads and fluid in, and checking them either thro the day or before you go home.
If you feel the brakes going off during a session, maybe a lenthening pedal or perhaps a hard pedal which is less effective than it was (both can be quite subtle).DO NOT IGNORE IT. SLOW UP AND GO STEADY FOR A GOOD COUPLE OF LAPS TO COOL THEM DOWN. FULL ON BRAKE FADE/FAILURE IS NOT NICE (again speak from experience!)
Try to Relax, have fun, remember it's not a race and try not to get the red mist if somebody does get in the way.
Don't be afraid to ask question in the briefing or from other experienced trackers if you're not sure about anything. Also don't be afraid to have a chat and blag passenger laps form your fellow trackdayers, good way to pickup tips/lines and experience.
Keep an eye on your petrol gauge, running out is a cardinal sin but also don't brim the tank as it can overflow out of filler around long corners.
Thats about all that springs to mind now, i'll have another think and we can edit the waffle later.
A:
When going out for your first session of the day, don't set your tyre pressures to 30psi and think "thats me set for the day". After one lap your 30psi will soon be 34-38psi and driving on an overinflated tyre will loose you alot of grip.
Try dropping them to around 26psi cold and check then straight after your first session to see what they have climbed up to.
As said, it's personal preference/style of driving but I find 25/26 to be a good starting benchmark. They don't take long to warm up.
A:
thanks for the info on tyre pressures not really checked them before