Hooked on Driving Track Day @ NJMP Lightening
 

Had lots of fun at this weekends track day at NJMP Lightening with Hooked on Driving. It was perfect weather and I was able to try many different things out. We had many good long sessions with out interruptions, one being 35 min straight, I'm used to 25min sessions. I was kinda surprised at the number of people who got into a wall, was at least 3 maybe more since I packed up by the half way point in the 2nd day. The only gripe is when one car dumped oil over the entire track on the line before coming in.

1. I need to pay more attention to pad life and change them before they get to this point. Also seems like one piston isn't doing it's job right, thoughts?

2. Need some adjustment on the driver side wheels if I don't want to destroy those tires quickly. Learned that NJMP tracks in general eat driver side tires, especially Lightening. Any suggestions of parts/settings?

http://www.the370z.com/members/2011-...911-064245.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/2011-...910-183103.jpg

Somethings for the future, need a larger oil cooler, 25row wont cut it. Was running @ 260F most of the time. No limp mode though.

Did you stop at any point to take tire pressure measurements? Or did you drive the whole session?

Oof! Those RE-71R are great for autocross but on a heavier car like ours I've heard they get eaten up on the track like crazy. If you go to do more track days maybe using something more like a semi-slick may wear a bit better/easier in the long sessions? I know I have to take a good look at my brakes as well, probably rebuild them this winter. You should come out to the Oct 20th event at Thunderbolt. I'll be there with the SJR SCCA crew. Haven't done a track day in a long, long time.

Yes, I was trying to keep the psi at around 30 by the time I got off track and out of car. I wish I could get closer to real time psi numbers and any temps. Tires generally felt good on the track. I ended up just switching the tire to the other side and it worked well enough for a half day.

IMO I would love to be able to carry a set down but I have to compromise right now between street and track. One day I'll get a 2nd set just to drive down with and another set for everyday.
Sorry already going Oct 13,14,15 with NASA to Thunder.

Why so low?

I guesstimate I lose 5psi from on the track to the cooldown lap, time getting to my spot in the paddock, and actually measuring the psi. I mean I don't have anything to really base that one besides the wear marks on the side of the tire look like they are where they should be.

The wear on the outside and the middle ridge indicates the pressure is to low. I was just wondering why you were targeting that pressure. Thats like Lotus Exige or Miata pressures. Even cold should be at the lowest 33psi, hot should be around 37 front 36 rear. 5 psi loss is way too much over a short period of time.

I'll give it a try on my next event. Thanks.

Next time out. Take a temp gun with you. Measure the temp at the outside, middle, and inside of the tread. Take notes. If center is hotter, lower pressure. If both outside and inside temps are higher then the center. Increase pressure. Also you can use this method to adjust your alignment. MaysEffect can explain it better then me. He's long winded. :icon17:

That tire looks like it was chucking. And if that's the case. You may have over-heated it.

Horse has been beat. :rolleyes:

:icon18:

I believe I was running at Thunderbolt the same time you were at Lightening. Saw your car at the club house around lunch time. Nice car!

FWIW, I was jumping 6-9psi between runs. I had to go 28/27psi, and would be at 36/35 on the way back in from a hard 25min session. A few weeks earlier when it was even warmer, it was a solid 9psi difference.

What tires?

I think I was running with you at Thunderbolt, I was in a red 370z lol
your were too fast for me to catch up :bowdown::bowdown:

Last even of the season NJMP Lightening.
Got a "tool" to help get a better read on tire temps. Was starting at 32 psi front 34 psi rear cold; air temp was around 50-60F. Front hot peak on track read 40FL; 38FR; 36RL; 37RR. Not sure about the accuracy of the temp but it was reading peak 150F on the FL on track. Based in the psi delta I don't think it's too far off. Track has many right turns.