Tracking Your Car

Scubbie04 · 03-17-2008, 11:55 AM

Im not sure where to post this so i will put it here. I would like to do my First HPDE this year, and would like to know some tips on preperation. I have searched and could not come up with solid info. I was hoping to hear what kind of matainance/preperations others do before an event. Oil Changes, trans fluid, diff, brakes, etc... I have a 2004 sti. My car is only a stage 2 so i dont have extensive mods. I have DF210 springs, and should have sways installed by then. I guess what i am asking is what can i do to make sure my first experiance is a good one and does not involve me breaking things lol. any insight on what i should do to my car before hand would be great. Thanks everyone!

Islandboy630 · 03-17-2008, 12:17 PM

This sticky might help

Lounge -> General -> STI - Sanctioned Motorsports

Track Day Checklist (input needed)

Scubbie04 · 03-17-2008, 12:41 PM

^ you my man are brilliant thank you!! any tips as far as driving the car ? or what to expect from other drivers?

spazegun2213 · 03-17-2008, 12:51 PM

I'll post more on this.. but an oil change before would help. Make sure the car is good to go, ie gas, tires are aired up, etc.. and go out and have fun.

**tyler_sti** · 03-17-2008, 01:07 PM

Number one for the track: HAVE FUN! thats what you're there for. So keep that in mind. As far as driving on the track, its not whos the fastest. It's whos the smartest. Brake early=gas early, gas early= quicker out of the turns. Just practice on you're lines and not so much speed.

As for prep. Expeirment with tire pressures while you're there. Start even all around with about 35-36 psi and work you're way up if you want more rotation. make sure you have a pretty recent oil change, and some pretty basic tools. If you have track pads make sure to bring the tools you'll need. I would recomend bringing a tourque wrench to double check you're wheels every other run groupe or so. Also jack and jackstands if you plan on adjusting you're sway bars (if they are adjustable).

Windex is also mandatory, because there will be alot of debri and nasty stuff on you're windshield between run groupes. Make sure you're tires have sufficent tred wear and are not near the end of their life. and like said before, HAVE FUN!!!

Scubbie04 · 03-17-2008, 01:58 PM

^ yeah i am not going out looking to be the fastest. Thank you for the tips. Remaining sharp out there i can see being very important.

upncummr · 03-17-2008, 02:08 PM

I see you're from Chicago.

The Windy City and Badger Bimmer chapters of the BMW Car Club of America run various events at Autobahn Country Club, Blackhawk Farms, Road America and Gingerman.

You might look at their web sites for upcoming events.

The BMW CCA runs first class HPDE's. You'll also see information about prepping your car and yourself for the school.

Good luck and have fun!

Gary

2slow2curious · 03-17-2008, 03:18 PM

Listen to the instructor don't push it first time out.Get to know your car in her fav enviroment.As others have said HAVE FUN.When you come out of a turn mashing it be sure to SMILE it releases tension

**boxtwo** · 03-17-2008, 03:24 PM

My first day at the track, by Dave:

1. Brakes. At stage 2 you have speed, you'll need to be able to stop well, especially when you least expect it. Pads, change fluid, check lines, rotors, etc.
2. Fluids. The human body like liquid, you car does to. The right stuff in the right places, topped-off and bring extra, jic.
3. Loose Stuff. I pulled out everything not bolted down before I went to the track. Except my spare, but I forgot my jack, so it was worthless anyway.
4. Bolts. Murphy's Law: if it can come loose at the worst time, it will. Check your suspension bolts, sway bar bolts, anything aftermarket, lugs, etc. Torque to spec. Bring your metric wrenches and a torque wrench.
5. Glass. I like to see what's around me, so I am ANAL about cleaning my glass. Bring some cleaner and towels.
6. Tires. Make sure they have some meat, proper pressures, etc. Bring a gauge.
7. The track. Do your homework. Learn the layout of the track, flag stations, flag meanings, etc. before you go. It makes things a lot less stressful when you get there.
8. You. RELAX. I went to my first HPDE last year and was nervous as anything. I just tried to relax and work on my lines. I probably frustrated the wazu out of mav1c (my instructor,) but by the end of the weekend I was nailing corners I was sucking at 24 hours earlier.
9. Others. Know they are there, know the point-bys, but you are there to work on you first, as is almost everyone else.

Relax and enjoy, it is a BLAST!!!

***snorky*** · 03-17-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upncummr

I see you're from Chicago.

The Windy City and Badger Bimmer chapters of the BMW Car Club of America run various events at Autobahn Country Club, Blackhawk Farms, Road America and Gingerman.

You might look at their web sites for upcoming events.

The BMW CCA runs first class HPDE's. You'll also see information about prepping your car and yourself for the school.

Good luck and have fun!

Gary

I can vouch for the BMW CCA running first class HPDEs.

If you come with an open mind and a good attitude, help and advice will come to you from every direction. Have fun!

spazegun2213 · 03-18-2008, 03:36 AM

I dont think i can add much here, lol everything has already been said

**boxtwo** · 03-18-2008, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazegun2213

I dont think i can add much here, lol everything has already been said

For me, that's good, it means I learned something from you!

xlsupreme · 03-18-2008, 04:02 AM

You're going to have an awesome time! Way to use the car for its intent. The proper tool for the job. Woot trackdays!

spazegun2213 · 03-18-2008, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxtwo

For me, that's good, it means I learned something from you!

who me? you must be mistaken, i know nothing

Scubbie04 · 03-18-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xlsupreme

You're going to have an awesome time! Way to use the car for its intent. The proper tool for the job. Woot trackdays!

You have no freaking idea how pumped i am. Little nervous but excited as well

03-17-2008, 11:55 AM	#1
Scubbie04 STI Driver Car: 04 subaru STI Location: chicago Posts: 276 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Tracking Your Car Im not sure where to post this so i will put it here. I would like to do my First HPDE this year, and would like to know some tips on preperation. I have searched and could not come up with solid info. I was hoping to hear what kind of matainance/preperations others do before an event. Oil Changes, trans fluid, diff, brakes, etc... I have a 2004 sti. My car is only a stage 2 so i dont have extensive mods. I have DF210 springs, and should have sways installed by then. I guess what i am asking is what can i do to make sure my first experiance is a good one and does not involve me breaking things lol. any insight on what i should do to my car before hand would be great. Thanks everyone! This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

03-17-2008, 12:17 PM	#2
Islandboy630 Spec C Club Car: 08 MBC300 Sprt 4mtic Fav Mod: RIP - 06 OBP STI Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,158 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (6)	Re: Tracking Your Car This sticky might help Lounge -> General -> STI - Sanctioned Motorsports Track Day Checklist (input needed)

03-17-2008, 12:41 PM	#3
Scubbie04 STI Driver Car: 04 subaru STI Location: chicago Posts: 276 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Tracking Your Car ^ you my man are brilliant thank you!! any tips as far as driving the car ? or what to expect from other drivers?

03-17-2008, 12:51 PM	#4
spazegun2213 Poor Speed Racer Car: 96 328 Fav Mod: Race Car! Location: Northern VA Posts: 8,370 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	Re: Tracking Your Car I'll post more on this.. but an oil change before would help. Make sure the car is good to go, ie gas, tires are aired up, etc.. and go out and have fun.

03-17-2008, 01:07 PM	#5
tyler_sti Gold Member Car: '07 CMG STI Fav Mod: carbing subframe, driving experience:) Location: los angeles Posts: 3,030 Join Date: Aug 2006 Trader Rating: (11)	Re: Tracking Your Car Number one for the track: HAVE FUN! thats what you're there for. So keep that in mind. As far as driving on the track, its not whos the fastest. It's whos the smartest. Brake early=gas early, gas early= quicker out of the turns. Just practice on you're lines and not so much speed. As for prep. Expeirment with tire pressures while you're there. Start even all around with about 35-36 psi and work you're way up if you want more rotation. make sure you have a pretty recent oil change, and some pretty basic tools. If you have track pads make sure to bring the tools you'll need. I would recomend bringing a tourque wrench to double check you're wheels every other run groupe or so. Also jack and jackstands if you plan on adjusting you're sway bars (if they are adjustable). Windex is also mandatory, because there will be alot of debri and nasty stuff on you're windshield between run groupes. Make sure you're tires have sufficent tred wear and are not near the end of their life. and like said before, HAVE FUN!!!

03-17-2008, 01:58 PM	#6
Scubbie04 STI Driver Car: 04 subaru STI Location: chicago Posts: 276 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Tracking Your Car ^ yeah i am not going out looking to be the fastest. Thank you for the tips. Remaining sharp out there i can see being very important.

03-17-2008, 02:08 PM	#7
upncummr Professional STI Racer Car: '05 CGM Fav Mod: HPDEs Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 822 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Tracking Your Car I see you're from Chicago. The Windy City and Badger Bimmer chapters of the BMW Car Club of America run various events at Autobahn Country Club, Blackhawk Farms, Road America and Gingerman. You might look at their web sites for upcoming events. The BMW CCA runs first class HPDE's. You'll also see information about prepping your car and yourself for the school. Good luck and have fun! Gary

03-17-2008, 03:18 PM	#8
2slow2curious Silver Member Car: ITS URABUS Fav Mod: Pagids Location: Sector 7G Posts: 761 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Tracking Your Car Listen to the instructor don't push it first time out.Get to know your car in her fav enviroment.As others have said HAVE FUN.When you come out of a turn mashing it be sure to SMILE it releases tension

03-17-2008, 03:24 PM	#9
boxtwo Gold Member Car: 07 OBP STi Fav Mod: Venison front Bumper mod Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 1,339 Join Date: Jun 2007 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: Tracking Your Car My first day at the track, by Dave: 1. Brakes. At stage 2 you have speed, you'll need to be able to stop well, especially when you least expect it. Pads, change fluid, check lines, rotors, etc. 2. Fluids. The human body like liquid, you car does to. The right stuff in the right places, topped-off and bring extra, jic. 3. Loose Stuff. I pulled out everything not bolted down before I went to the track. Except my spare, but I forgot my jack, so it was worthless anyway. 4. Bolts. Murphy's Law: if it can come loose at the worst time, it will. Check your suspension bolts, sway bar bolts, anything aftermarket, lugs, etc. Torque to spec. Bring your metric wrenches and a torque wrench. 5. Glass. I like to see what's around me, so I am ANAL about cleaning my glass. Bring some cleaner and towels. 6. Tires. Make sure they have some meat, proper pressures, etc. Bring a gauge. 7. The track. Do your homework. Learn the layout of the track, flag stations, flag meanings, etc. before you go. It makes things a lot less stressful when you get there. 8. You. RELAX. I went to my first HPDE last year and was nervous as anything. I just tried to relax and work on my lines. I probably frustrated the wazu out of mav1c (my instructor,) but by the end of the weekend I was nailing corners I was sucking at 24 hours earlier. 9. Others. Know they are there, know the point-bys, but you are there to work on you first, as is almost everyone else. Relax and enjoy, it is a BLAST!!!

03-18-2008, 03:36 AM	#11
spazegun2213 Poor Speed Racer Car: 96 328 Fav Mod: Race Car! Location: Northern VA Posts: 8,370 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	Re: Tracking Your Car I dont think i can add much here, lol everything has already been said

03-18-2008, 04:02 AM	#13
xlsupreme Junior STI Driver Car: 05 STi, OBP Fav Mod: Agile Protune Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 164 Join Date: Jul 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Tracking Your Car You're going to have an awesome time! Way to use the car for its intent. The proper tool for the job. Woot trackdays!