HPDE Newbie Advice

SeattleLion

A lot of discussion here and in the braking section refers to more advanced HPDE drivers. I like many others use our cars as a DD and track car. In April I took a HPDE 1-day course. It was amazing. Of course, I wasn't nearly as fast as many. My best speed in a straright was only 110. VDC was on and I didn't feel it interfering. That means I wasn't even near the edge.

That brings me to the point. I really love tracking. I am planning on going back on May 31 (Pacific Raceways). I will have an hour with an instructor, then I will be on my own. Yesterday I got a 25 row Z1 oil cooler kit installed. I also have SS brake lines and DOT 5.1 brake fluid. None of these mods affect my daily drive.

From here on it gets tough. I need to keep my car street-drivable. All track days at Pacific Raceways are on weekdays (generally Monday or Tuesday). That means if I swap out brake pads, I will have to work the night of the track day on swapping back; not an appealing idea to me.

Assuming my goal is not to beat any lap records, just have fun driving the track, what can I do that will improve track performance and safety without killing my car for DD?