HokieJoe

Hello All, I'm planning to take my 2014 CS to a Track Night in America event an was wondering if anybody had any tips for first time out on a track. I just had the breaks serviced and alignment performed, any other general maintenance things to do? Also any tips while I'm out there driving?

Planning to do the June event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/...peedway-june-5

Kayman

Food and hydration are very important for a good track day, make sure you have plenty. Take a comfy chair and layers to wear if it gets chilly out there. You will need a quality tire inflator and a pressure gauge preferably with a pressure release button.


Watch some YouTube videos on track driving, specifically on the track you are driving on. Try different instructors at the event, this is even more important if your instructors are volunteers and not paid directly by you. I have had maybe 9 instructors and 2 of them were good and really helpful.


It is very important to look ahead where you want to go - it sounds obvious but most people focus on connecting dots between turn in and turn out points and hitting the imaginary apex. It is not important to get your tires on to the rumble strips so you can connect dots On every corner, it is to maintain speed going around the track that it becomes almost impossible for you to maintain speed without getting you tires on those points.

PGas32

I believe those Track Night in America events are uninstructed, no? I did two back when I was first starting out, and in hindsight they were pretty unsafe as you’re completely on your own with a bunch of others in the same boat. I’d recommend a more traditional HPDE put on by the PCA or BMWCCA, or a handful of other well-known groups, although who knows when those will pick back up again. Check out the racing and drivers ed sub forum here, lots of good info there

9eight7

Great tips!

Here's a few more to add to that which I like to do as well.

Have fun and drive at your own pace! If someone is tailing you then let them by. If you're tailing someone, don't get road rage just exit to the hot pits, gather your thoughts and head back on track. I've spun my car out several times because of the latter (I let tons of people pass all the time). My fastest times always occur when I'm smiling and having fun.

Bring a torque wrench + socket to torque your lug nuts beginning of the day.

Windex + microfiber cloth to clean your windows.

Painter's tape to make numbers if you don't have them.

cds4402

I second this. Starting out with an instructor is the way to go.

PorscheAddict

Instructor is the best way to go, but TNIA makes track events more accessible and less expensive so there's something to be said for that too. FWIW my first time on track was uninstructed thanks to a goof by the organizer, and I did fine. It isn't insane to go alone as long as you view it as a cautious exploratory exercise and don't push yourself.

85Gold

TNIA has instructors they just don’t ride with you. They being said I would not use the word unsafe as I have attended many TNIA and have yet to see a novice incident. Go have fun and report back.

Peter

HokieJoe

I signed up for the Novice group, and it mentioned there would be instructors but not ride along like you stated. I will definitely report back after the even.

Kitc2246

To add to what Kayman and others have said: I would recommend a one day "High Performance Driving Clinic" soonest if you want to continue. Stick or PDK? If a stick be very methodical on your shifts until you do them without thinking. Don't do a money shift. Do you have an approved helmet? A balaclava or head/neck scarf. Wear the thinnest sole comfortable shoes. If you haven't already do some self study on threshold braking, early and late apex. Learn the traction circle. Keep your eyes up and look to the next turn. Even though you say the brakes have been serviced they are not track pads. You should be fine on OEM or OEM equivalent pads, but they will wear much faster and can be overheated and feel "greasy".. As others have stated give others and yourself room. Practice finding the braking point and apex. A good tire gauge and torque wrench are a must. There should be air at the track and you will bleed off a few pounds of air before hitting the track. Talk to others and determine a start PSI and target PSI like 36. Watch your fluid temps but also switch to TPMS to check the PSI. Creature comforts: chair, water, snacks.

Paiceyfan

I recommend HPDE, too, but if you are going to do TNIA first, realize the intensity of being on track. Kayman had all the right points.

• It will be physically and mentally hard, especially as they run these at night. It's not like the street.
• Dress appropriately...good thin soled shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, usually.
• Look way ahead and prepare for the next corner.
• Expect cars to spin in front of you...they probably will not, but they might...be prepared.
• Use your mirrors on every straight to see who is coming and let them by.
• Don't race everyone first time out; be humble and let them by, even if you think you are faster.
• Prepare for the weather - cold, hot, dry, wet...it all matters.
• Know the rules and obey them strictly.
• Pay attention to flags and where the flag stations are on track...it is very easy to miss them in the intense driving.
• On the cool-down lap, wave to the stations to thank them for keeping you safe.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions - being unsure is the way you get into trouble.
• Go out last or near the back to give you plenty of track to play with on your first few laps, BUT watch out for those who intentionally go late, as they have fast cars and want to overtake everyone.
• Don't pull the handbrake when stopped after running, as your brakes will be hot and you don't want issues with the brakes locking.
• Finally...have fun...you will

daylorb

All great advice - I'd add...

* If you can get a map of the config before hand, study the track, look up commentary on the right line/etc. so you are less surprised.

* Someone may have mentioned this - but try to brake in a straight line as much as possible, then go into a turn... vs. trailbraking/braking as you start your turn/go into the apex. Not saying don't do it, but generally a good policy to minimize.

* Watch for clues on the track - distance turn-in markers, a post or tree - so you can remember where you need to brake/accelerate

Have fun - will be a blast.

Paiceyfan

If there isn't a sticky, all this advice should be collated and made into one. I would have loved it on my first track adventure.

HokieJoe

This is one thing I have been doing, its the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. I've been watching videos of drivers on the track and trying to memorize turns/turn-in markers and lines that they are taking. I've also spectated the event before so I have a decent idea of the turns.

Big thanks to everybody for the advice this is all super helpful.

daylorb

Good call - you are clearly thinking this out/getting prepared. You'll do really well and have a great time. Plus you have a GREAT car for it.

GeoJoe

Here ya go Joe!

Main rule - have fun. Charlotte is a blast and a rare chance to experience a ROVAL track, especially at night.