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Track Day
Info
A track day is a driving
day on a racetrack using either your own car or a car
supplied by the driving track. You will receive
basic driving instruction or you can have a complete one
to one driver instructor. If you have a Subaru then
you have probably considered (or will in the future)
going to a track day.
If you are using your own car then you will need to be
prepared for any eventuality.
Pre-Event checks
a) Make sure the car is in
a well maintained condition. Have it
serviced
before you go.
b) Check ALL fluid levels -
Engine oil,
gear oil,
differential oil, axle oil, clutch fluid and coolant.
c) Replace the brake fluid if it has not been changed
for 12 months. It is recommended that you replace
the fluid with one that has a
higher boiling point than
standard.
d) Check the condition/pressure of all your tyres and
make
a note of the pressures. If there is any unusual
wear on the tyres then get your tracking checked.
Don't forget the sidewalls of the tyres (OUTER AND
INNER).
e) Check the speed rating of your tyres and make a note of
this and never exceed it on track
f) Check your
brake pads for condition/thickness,
preferably put new fast road, track or comp pads such as Mintex 1155 or Ferrodo
DS2000 pads in front and rear
g) Check your
brake discs for condition/corrosion and
replace them if necessary. If you get to the track
and cannot go then you have lost a day and some money
but if you cannot stop it could be your life!
h) Remove any accessories that are not required or are
not securely fixed.
i) Remove any floor mats from the drivers foot-well
j) Remove the spare tyre if you have secure storage, it
weight a few kilos.
k) Take some basic tools with you, enough to change
wheels and
brake pads at least and a couple of screwdrivers
l) Take an axle stand for when you change the
pads
m) Take some rags and hand cleaner.
n) Fill up with the highest octane fuel you can get even
on standard spec engine to give the engine more
protection from detonation. Buy some
octane booster in
case you cannot get high octane when you get there.
Spares etc to take
a) One set of brake pads, front and rear
b) One 5 litre can of Engine oil
c) Tape to cover your light lenses
d) A helmet
e) Thin soled sports shoes. These aid with brake "feel".
Pre-track checks
a) Recheck your tyre
pressures - if one is down you may have a slow puncture
which could blow when at high speed
b) Increase the tyre pressures by 3-6 PSI higher than you
run on the road
c) Tape up those headlights
d) Pay attention at the driver briefing and ensure you understood
everything. If you are
not sure about any aspect then ask for clarification. Ensure
you understood the passing rules in particular!
e) Put on your helmet
First lap on every run
a) Never thrash the car on
the first lap, speed up gradually bringing the oil/water
temperatures to normal working parameters
b) Gently bring the brakes up to temperature
c) Use this lap to get familiar with the track.
d) Try and give yourself space front and rear. Don't be
tempted to follow the car in front too closely as you
will be concentrating on him/her and not learning the
track
e) Get used to checking your mirror before and after
each corner, you will be amazed how quickly some cars
will catch you if you are a track novice.
Rest of laps
a) Bring up the speed
gradually if you are a novice, you will learn more
b) Remember your there for fun not to win races.
c) If you experience any brake fade this could be due to
brake fluid boiling. Don't think it
will go away before the next corner, slow down, it is
very likely to be worse the next time.
d) If you feel a power loss coming out of a tight bend
then ease off. Don't keep your foot to the floor.
You are probably getting the first sign's of fuel
starvation due to the fuel in your tank all rushing to
the side on the bend and not going down the fuel pipe
and if you keep your foot down you are risking detonation due to a week
mixture so return to the pits and refuel. This can happen
with half a tank of fuel on board so don't get fooled
into thinking it cant be happening already, it can!
e) Check your oil level.
Last lap in
a) Do a slow last lap in.
b) Try to avoid using the brakes at all to give the
disks and pads some chance to cool down.
c) Don't stop looking in your mirror, there might be
some idiot still out there with his foot to the floor.
Entry to pits/stopping
a) Do enter the pits slowly,
look out for kids and spectators, it is easy to not hear you
coming
b) DO NOT SWITCH OFF YOUR ENGINE
c) allow the engine to idle for at least 2 minutes or
more.
d) DO NOT PUT THE HANDBRAKE ON OR SIT WITH YOUR FOOT ON
THE BRAKE PEDAL and you will be making the pads stay in
contact with the discs and can cause warping of the
discs because of overheating or causing the pad material
to be deposited onto the disc surface causing judder.
e) Stop
on a level surface or arrange for someone to chock you
wheel.
f) Let everything cool down before your check the following:
Post run checks
a) Check the brake pads for
wear, you will be amazed how quickly they are used up.
b) Check ALL fluid levels again. You may never use oil on the
road, you are almost guaranteed to do so on a track day
run.
c) Check your tyre pressures, if one has dropped you may
be on the way to a blow out.
d) Check the tyres for wear and cuts.
e) Check you are still not wearing a silly cheesy grin.
If you do not have your own
car or do not want to use your own car on track then you
can buy a track day or driver dream day. You get a
car supplied, anything from a Mini to a Ferrari to a
Formula 3 racing car.
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