My First Day ever at a Track

Billy830 · 08-17-2010, 05:37 PM

I went to Palm Beach International Raceway Sunday August 15.
I gained new found respect for guys who can drive these courses. I am 64 years young and found out quick that it is nothing like the street. My instructor, Sebastien was cool, calm and collected tru-out the whole ordeal mistake after mistake. I finally caught on, though I had a hard time rolling my foot over to blip it but got the hang of it after a while. I was able to get up to 120+ on the back straight (Sebastien 130+). It started to rain as usual in South Florida this time of year and thought that track time was over but my instructor wanted me to go out again so we went out on a wet track and still raining. Things went okay for the first few laps. Water was building on the track and I had slowed it down a bit. Couple of times I could feel the back end break away as I was comming down the back straight 80-90 mph lifted on gas a little and it settled down. A couple laps later I picked the wrong line on the back straight.
Should have been to the left a little more, felt the backend start to loosen and before I could let up a little I went for a wild ride. The car did a 180 right looking at on comming cars, did a 180 left caught a little grass on drivers side and came to a stop pointing in the right direction. No skid marks on track or grass but left them else where. I am going to leave the track driving to you young guys who have had plenty of seat time and I'll watch.

Oil temps stayed at 230 with oil cooler. Air temp 94 degrees, track temp 125.
Lost my clutch due to high temps. Need to wrap those lines and change fluids. That was my only issue mechanical all day. Changed oem pads to EBC yellow and the bite was excellent all day.
Driving on the track takes a lot of mental focus and agility along with a kind of smooth dance with your feet. Brake, gas and clutch Samba.
Need less to say I was burnt out at the end of the day.

Mag Black, 6 spd m with short shifter, CAI, Oil cooler 25 row, Invidia Ehaust, Hotchkis Antisway bars second hole, EBC brake pads, Osirus Tuned.

MC · 08-17-2010, 05:52 PM

cool story, every enthusiast needs to try it once in their live... gives you a different perspective about driving a sports car!

Trips · 08-17-2010, 05:57 PM

Good to hear there were no major mishaps, and you had fun.

fullmonty · 08-17-2010, 06:01 PM

Sounds like it was a blast!

cossie1600 · 08-17-2010, 06:26 PM

Is Palm Beach Speedway Moroso?

spearfish25 · 08-17-2010, 06:37 PM

Glad you made it though unscathed. This is why you need a GoPro HD

. Gotta document those moments!!!

Billy830 · 08-17-2010, 08:10 PM

Yes it is Moroso sold it a while back and it has been redone. Nice small track for learning.

m4a1mustang · 08-17-2010, 08:27 PM

Don't let one off turn you away! Maybe some AutoX in the meantime?

spearfish25 · 08-17-2010, 08:32 PM

^Yeah. AutoX is great fun and safe. Also much easier on the car. Frankly, track days are fun but have a different kind of thrill than AutoX. Different beasts, so don't write off the fun stuff with your car yet.

m4a1mustang · 08-17-2010, 08:39 PM

Yes! A low risk activity that's still high on the fun-meter. If only I could get over my ridiculous fear of orange cones.

Mike · 08-17-2010, 09:07 PM

great story Billy! Glad you didn't hurt the car, and kudos for giving it a try. I am a little surprised at the clutch comment though, as I have boiled brake fluid a few times, but never had a problem with the clutch.

Billy830 · 08-17-2010, 09:41 PM

Need to do some digging on this one. After about three to four laps comming into a corner I went for the clutch and could not find it, I freaked out then there it was all the way at the bottom but still had some clutch and could still shift, would not come allthe way back. After my session and in the paddock I worked the clutch and it came back. Same thing happened on all my sessions. Wrap the clutch lines and change fluid?
The EBC Yellow pads with stainlees brake lines on oem rotors and calipers did fine no fade at all. Any body got some ideas.

cossie1600 · 08-17-2010, 10:18 PM

Change teh fluid, note how small the reservoir is. Just change it with some good DOT4 fluid like Amsoil, Motul or Castrol.

BGTV8 · 08-17-2010, 11:05 PM

Billy - great story - I have been involved in motorsport at all levels from local club stuff to state and national series for over 40 years ... fiddling with your car and drving it the way it was designed to be driven (and then some) is just about the most fun your can have (at our age at least). Go for it -

With respect to the clutch problem, it sounds like you may have a little air in the system - so replace the fluid with DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (DOT 5 is silicone based and I wouldn't use it as a matter of personal preference) and then bleed the system - this will be a PITA if you don't have ramps or a hoist and someone to assist - otherwise it is a shop job unfortunately.

Like I said, giving the car a spanking on the track is a great way of passing the time and no matter how long you have been at it, you never ever stop learning.

bullitt5897 · 08-18-2010, 12:05 AM

Like others have said track seat time is priceless and it will make you a much better driver overall! I remember my first track day lol I was all nervous with butterflies in my stomach... But once I was on the track I felt at home. I know exactly what you went through with the back end stepping out in the rain! I was at little tally on a day that was just supposed to be cloudy and then BOOM a storm rolls up and drops inches of rain on us flooding Lil sections of the track but we kept rolling... I decided to turn traction control back on as any time I touched the gas the car went immediately sideways!!! Even on the straight away going from fourth to fifth! I was like no freaking way! It ended up being a great day and I hot the pic from my avatar that day. I honestly believe that everyone should have to do 3 or more track days before getting their license! Many hours of proper track time could easily equal years of street time. Anyway, I hope you go back out and try again

tracking ur car is such a great feeling and really makes u appreciate the technology and the car itself that much more!

08-17-2010, 05:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Billy830 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Port Saint Lucie Fl. Age: 78 Posts: 31 Drives: 370Z Mag Black 6sp m Rep Power: 16	My First Day ever at a Track I went to Palm Beach International Raceway Sunday August 15. I gained new found respect for guys who can drive these courses. I am 64 years young and found out quick that it is nothing like the street. My instructor, Sebastien was cool, calm and collected tru-out the whole ordeal mistake after mistake. I finally caught on, though I had a hard time rolling my foot over to blip it but got the hang of it after a while. I was able to get up to 120+ on the back straight (Sebastien 130+). It started to rain as usual in South Florida this time of year and thought that track time was over but my instructor wanted me to go out again so we went out on a wet track and still raining. Things went okay for the first few laps. Water was building on the track and I had slowed it down a bit. Couple of times I could feel the back end break away as I was comming down the back straight 80-90 mph lifted on gas a little and it settled down. A couple laps later I picked the wrong line on the back straight. Should have been to the left a little more, felt the backend start to loosen and before I could let up a little I went for a wild ride. The car did a 180 right looking at on comming cars, did a 180 left caught a little grass on drivers side and came to a stop pointing in the right direction. No skid marks on track or grass but left them else where. I am going to leave the track driving to you young guys who have had plenty of seat time and I'll watch. Oil temps stayed at 230 with oil cooler. Air temp 94 degrees, track temp 125. Lost my clutch due to high temps. Need to wrap those lines and change fluids. That was my only issue mechanical all day. Changed oem pads to EBC yellow and the bite was excellent all day. Driving on the track takes a lot of mental focus and agility along with a kind of smooth dance with your feet. Brake, gas and clutch Samba. Need less to say I was burnt out at the end of the day. Mag Black, 6 spd m with short shifter, CAI, Oil cooler 25 row, Invidia Ehaust, Hotchkis Antisway bars second hole, EBC brake pads, Osirus Tuned. Last edited by Billy830; 08-17-2010 at 08:47 PM. Reason: add photo

08-17-2010, 05:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
MC Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,238 Drives: 2015 GTR NISMO Rep Power: 24	cool story, every enthusiast needs to try it once in their live... gives you a different perspective about driving a sports car! __________________ 2015 GT-R N1SMO "THE ONE" Instagram MCGTRN1SMO Youtube MCGTRNISMO

08-17-2010, 05:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,732 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	Good to hear there were no major mishaps, and you had fun. __________________

08-17-2010, 06:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
fullmonty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 7,762 Drives: 370 Touring/Sport Rep Power: 34	Sounds like it was a blast! __________________

08-17-2010, 06:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	Glad you made it though unscathed. This is why you need a GoPro HD . Gotta document those moments!!! __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

08-17-2010, 06:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Is Palm Beach Speedway Moroso?

08-17-2010, 08:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Billy830 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Port Saint Lucie Fl. Age: 78 Posts: 31 Drives: 370Z Mag Black 6sp m Rep Power: 16	Yes it is Moroso sold it a while back and it has been redone. Nice small track for learning.

08-17-2010, 08:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Don't let one off turn you away! Maybe some AutoX in the meantime? __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

08-17-2010, 08:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	^Yeah. AutoX is great fun and safe. Also much easier on the car. Frankly, track days are fun but have a different kind of thrill than AutoX. Different beasts, so don't write off the fun stuff with your car yet. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

08-17-2010, 08:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Yes! A low risk activity that's still high on the fun-meter. If only I could get over my ridiculous fear of orange cones. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

08-17-2010, 09:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2187	great story Billy! Glad you didn't hurt the car, and kudos for giving it a try. I am a little surprised at the clutch comment though, as I have boiled brake fluid a few times, but never had a problem with the clutch. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

08-17-2010, 09:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
Billy830 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Port Saint Lucie Fl. Age: 78 Posts: 31 Drives: 370Z Mag Black 6sp m Rep Power: 16	Need to do some digging on this one. After about three to four laps comming into a corner I went for the clutch and could not find it, I freaked out then there it was all the way at the bottom but still had some clutch and could still shift, would not come allthe way back. After my session and in the paddock I worked the clutch and it came back. Same thing happened on all my sessions. Wrap the clutch lines and change fluid? The EBC Yellow pads with stainlees brake lines on oem rotors and calipers did fine no fade at all. Any body got some ideas.

08-17-2010, 10:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Change teh fluid, note how small the reservoir is. Just change it with some good DOT4 fluid like Amsoil, Motul or Castrol.

08-17-2010, 11:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
BGTV8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: 03350 Australia Posts: 1,516 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 39974	Billy - great story - I have been involved in motorsport at all levels from local club stuff to state and national series for over 40 years ... fiddling with your car and drving it the way it was designed to be driven (and then some) is just about the most fun your can have (at our age at least). Go for it - With respect to the clutch problem, it sounds like you may have a little air in the system - so replace the fluid with DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (DOT 5 is silicone based and I wouldn't use it as a matter of personal preference) and then bleed the system - this will be a PITA if you don't have ramps or a hoist and someone to assist - otherwise it is a shop job unfortunately. Like I said, giving the car a spanking on the track is a great way of passing the time and no matter how long you have been at it, you never ever stop learning.

08-18-2010, 12:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
bullitt5897 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North GA Posts: 6,831 Drives: Twin Turbo Z34 Rep Power: 3683	Like others have said track seat time is priceless and it will make you a much better driver overall! I remember my first track day lol I was all nervous with butterflies in my stomach... But once I was on the track I felt at home. I know exactly what you went through with the back end stepping out in the rain! I was at little tally on a day that was just supposed to be cloudy and then BOOM a storm rolls up and drops inches of rain on us flooding Lil sections of the track but we kept rolling... I decided to turn traction control back on as any time I touched the gas the car went immediately sideways!!! Even on the straight away going from fourth to fifth! I was like no freaking way! It ended up being a great day and I hot the pic from my avatar that day. I honestly believe that everyone should have to do 3 or more track days before getting their license! Many hours of proper track time could easily equal years of street time. Anyway, I hope you go back out and try again tracking ur car is such a great feeling and really makes u appreciate the technology and the car itself that much more! __________________ *Shop Cars: 2013 318whp Nismo VspecII 370z SOLD, 2009 1000hp+ 93oct 4.0L TT 370z Fast Intentions STAGE 4 #054*

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