Track Day Best Practices - MUST READ

Swindler · 09-18-2016, 07:28 PM

I plan on tracking for the first time soon and will take the hooked on driving class. I don't expect to be driving very hard my first time. I understand it is recommended to:

-change clutch fluid and brake fluid to Motul RBF600

-upgrade brake pads to carbotech X10 front/8 rear

-get on oil cooler

Those seem like they are the main things. But for the first class would I be ok going stock? I wouldn't even be able to do those upgrades myself, id have to go to a shop every time, which is ok but will add up quickly especially being for just the first experience. Also I have HR 20mm stud replacement spacers all around. Is that ok as long as just the lugs are torqued correctly before i start?

Ive always been really interested in doing this but haven't ever done it because I've been overwhelmed with all the things id have to have done since I don't even know how to do it myself, just to get track ready. But I'm really determined to finally get started and I'm trying to figure out everything i need to do to prepare.

Also, I've been trying to practice my rev matching but i really suck at heel toe. Would it be recommended to not use synchro rev match while on the track or is it fine?

ltullos · 09-18-2016, 09:40 PM

Congrats on your determination to get started! I doubt very much if you will be disappointed; and if you're like most, you will be looking to book your second one on the way home.

If you are doing this in cool weather, you can probably get away without the oil cooler for this first one, and stock brake pads should work OK so long as you have at least 50% left on them. Changing fluids is certainly recommended, and I would have that done by a competent shop that can also do your tech inspection.

For your first event, there are so many things to learn that you should resist the urge to push it and instead just concentrate on what your instructor is telling you (I assume you'll have one for each session). If you'll concentrate on keeping your head up to look through the turns instead of driving cone to cone, and being smooth; you'll be far ahead of the guys that are trying to be fastest. And, don't forget to relax and breath (which may be the most difficult part to learn). Hope you have a great time and let us know how it went.

Swindler · 09-18-2016, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltullos

Congrats on your determination to get started! I doubt very much if you will be disappointed; and if you're like most, you will be looking to book your second one on the way home.

If you are doing this in cool weather, you can probably get away without the oil cooler for this first one, and stock brake pads should work OK so long as you have at least 50% left on them. Changing fluids is certainly recommended, and I would have that done by a competent shop that can also do your tech inspection.

For your first event, there are so many things to learn that you should resist the urge to push it and instead just concentrate on what your instructor is telling you (I assume you'll have one for each session). If you'll concentrate on keeping your head up to look through the turns instead of driving cone to cone, and being smooth; you'll be far ahead of the guys that are trying to be fastest. And, don't forget to relax and breath (which may be the most difficult part to learn). Hope you have a great time and let us know how it went.

Thanks for the support and the tips! That sounds good. I'm looking forward to it. I'll have to wait just a few months before i can do it since I have some other things I have to pay for first before setting aside money for the class. Otherwise I would do it right away. So after the fluid change can I keep the brake and clutch fluid in there for daily use or will I have to switch back to previous fluid? Or will I have to change fluid again after one light track day?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JARblue · 09-19-2016, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swindler

Also, I've been trying to practice my rev matching but i really suck at heel toe. Would it be recommended to not use synchro rev match while on the track or is it fine?

SRM will work great for you as a beginner at the track. But practicing heel-toe maneuvers is highly recommended as your driver mod progresses. More advanced drivers find SRM too slow to be useful on the track.

Hotrodz · 09-19-2016, 12:42 PM

I just did my first track day a couple of weekends ago and my instructor was awesome. One thing he reminded me every time we finished a session was to stay off the the brakes as much as possible including doing the cool down in second gear and not touching my brakes unless I really needed to and when we got to my parking spot he would say..."foot off the brake, don't touch the parking brake, put it in gear and shut down." He said I'm going to tell you every time because so many people ruin their rotors by not letting them cool properly.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Swindler · 09-19-2016, 08:05 PM

Sounds good, I can't wait. In the mean time I'll still be practicing heel-toe hopefully I'll get it down

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rusty · 09-25-2016, 01:58 AM

First time out. You can get away with just changing your brake and clutch fluid. Remember to breath. Look through the turn. Don't target fixate. Listen to your instructor, and ask questions. I use SRM all the time.

When not on the track. Go through your last track section through your mind. Drink water. Watch others going through the turns. Relax, and enjoy the moment.

SurfDog · 10-07-2016, 06:15 PM

From a wet lap in denver yesterday.

The point is know the weather and bring appropriate tires. Sometimes OEM outperform your race wheels. (Like when it's wet)

trogersz34 · 11-07-2016, 09:40 AM

Just registered for my first HPDE event! I have already bought upgraded pads and SS lines and will be flushing all fluids prior to the event. My biggest concern is the fact that I will not be running an oil cooler. The event will be in December in NC so it will be colder temperatures and since this will be my first event I highly doubt I will be going all out. More concerned about learning proper track etiquette. Do any of you think I will run into issues without an oil cooler? I am driving a 2013 sport touring 6mt.

MightyBobo · 11-07-2016, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trogersz34

Just registered for my first HPDE event! I have already bought upgraded pads and SS lines and will be flushing all fluids prior to the event. My biggest concern is the fact that I will not be running an oil cooler. The event will be in December in NC so it will be colder temperatures and since this will be my first event I highly doubt I will be going all out. More concerned about learning proper track etiquette. Do any of you think I will run into issues without an oil cooler? I am driving a 2013 sport touring 6mt.

You may need to switch to auto mode instead, or not necessarily red line it as much, but you'll probably be ok.

My first HPDE was in November at VIR, and I was still able to push my oil cooler...

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

JARblue · 11-07-2016, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trogersz34

Just registered for my first HPDE event! I have already bought upgraded pads and SS lines and will be flushing all fluids prior to the event. My biggest concern is the fact that I will not be running an oil cooler. The event will be in December in NC so it will be colder temperatures and since this will be my first event I highly doubt I will be going all out. More concerned about learning proper track etiquette. Do any of you think I will run into issues without an oil cooler? I am driving a 2013 sport touring 6mt.

Take it easy and you might be ok. But if you are at all comfortable driving fast, you will definitely experience some pulled timing due to heat without a proper oil cooler. I've had mine out on the track once and couldn't even get two full laps without noticing timing getting pulled (granted that was 95+ temps in June in Texas).

Try to keep your temps around 250F or less if possible. Even at this you may still see partial limp mode limiting your RPMs to 5K max. Don't let temps push 280F or you will see full limp mode where RPMs are limited to 3K or something. When temps start creeping up to 270F, I'd go ahead and back off and end the session early. And plan to change your oil asap after the event is over.

SurfDog · 02-07-2017, 11:43 AM

Just run hard and watch your oil temp gauge. You will probably get 5-10 minutes then need to come in and cool off. Open your hood and point into the wind for about half an hour then get back out there. It's a bit tedious without a cooler but doable.

SurfDog · 02-07-2017, 11:45 AM

If you creep up toward 260 take a cool down lap (low rpm low power) and see if you cool down a bit. My experience without a cooler was it was just better to come in to cool though.

StevenSlice · 03-08-2018, 11:38 AM

Something to add - Common sense.

If somebody comes out of nowhere and is chewing on your bumper, just let them go. Forsake your pride and let the guys who know what they're doing go out in front.

Also our Z's arent "slow" by any means so certain cars you do need to lift for. Just because you're faster in a straight doesn't mean your faster 90% of the rest of the track.

Common courtesy at track days is a must, at least if you intend on making some friends and not getting chewed out after you get off track.. OH and dont go in a run group youre not fast enough for. Just because youve got 3 track days doesnt mean youre ready for intermediate.

Rusty · 03-08-2018, 12:13 PM

There are fast guys in slow cars, and slow guys in fast cars.

09-18-2016, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Swindler Base Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central CA Age: 37 Posts: 219 Drives: 2014 370Z PW Manual Rep Power: 13	Track Day Best Practices - MUST READ I plan on tracking for the first time soon and will take the hooked on driving class. I don't expect to be driving very hard my first time. I understand it is recommended to: -change clutch fluid and brake fluid to Motul RBF600 -upgrade brake pads to carbotech X10 front/8 rear -get on oil cooler Those seem like they are the main things. But for the first class would I be ok going stock? I wouldn't even be able to do those upgrades myself, id have to go to a shop every time, which is ok but will add up quickly especially being for just the first experience. Also I have HR 20mm stud replacement spacers all around. Is that ok as long as just the lugs are torqued correctly before i start? Ive always been really interested in doing this but haven't ever done it because I've been overwhelmed with all the things id have to have done since I don't even know how to do it myself, just to get track ready. But I'm really determined to finally get started and I'm trying to figure out everything i need to do to prepare. Also, I've been trying to practice my rev matching but i really suck at heel toe. Would it be recommended to not use synchro rev match while on the track or is it fine? Last edited by Swindler; 09-18-2016 at 09:26 PM.

09-19-2016, 12:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hotrodz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684386	I just did my first track day a couple of weekends ago and my instructor was awesome. One thing he reminded me every time we finished a session was to stay off the the brakes as much as possible including doing the cool down in second gear and not touching my brakes unless I really needed to and when we got to my parking spot he would say..."foot off the brake, don't touch the parking brake, put it in gear and shut down." He said I'm going to tell you every time because so many people ruin their rotors by not letting them cool properly. Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk Elmo370z and Swindler like this. __________________ *Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX*\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

09-25-2016, 01:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rusty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 70 Posts: 35,575 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684440	First time out. You can get away with just changing your brake and clutch fluid. Remember to breath. Look through the turn. Don't target fixate. Listen to your instructor, and ask questions. I use SRM all the time. When not on the track. Go through your last track section through your mind. Drink water. Watch others going through the turns. Relax, and enjoy the moment. zpower86, Hotrodz, Elmo370z and 2 others like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

10-07-2016, 06:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 58 Posts: 1,796 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15751	From a wet lap in denver yesterday. The point is know the weather and bring appropriate tires. Sometimes OEM outperform your race wheels. (Like when it's wet) Hotrodz and Memphis370Z like this. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

02-07-2017, 11:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 58 Posts: 1,796 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15751	Just run hard and watch your oil temp gauge. You will probably get 5-10 minutes then need to come in and cool off. Open your hood and point into the wind for about half an hour then get back out there. It's a bit tedious without a cooler but doable. carlitos_370z likes this. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

09-18-2016, 09:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
ltullos Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW Posts: 312 Drives: 2016 Nismo Tech MT Rep Power: 16	Congrats on your determination to get started! I doubt very much if you will be disappointed; and if you're like most, you will be looking to book your second one on the way home. If you are doing this in cool weather, you can probably get away without the oil cooler for this first one, and stock brake pads should work OK so long as you have at least 50% left on them. Changing fluids is certainly recommended, and I would have that done by a competent shop that can also do your tech inspection. For your first event, there are so many things to learn that you should resist the urge to push it and instead just concentrate on what your instructor is telling you (I assume you'll have one for each session). If you'll concentrate on keeping your head up to look through the turns instead of driving cone to cone, and being smooth; you'll be far ahead of the guys that are trying to be fastest. And, don't forget to relax and breath (which may be the most difficult part to learn). Hope you have a great time and let us know how it went.

09-19-2016, 08:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Swindler Base Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central CA Age: 37 Posts: 219 Drives: 2014 370Z PW Manual Rep Power: 13	Sounds good, I can't wait. In the mean time I'll still be practicing heel-toe hopefully I'll get it down Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-07-2016, 09:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
trogersz34 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NC Posts: 13 Drives: 2013 370z 6MT Rep Power: 10	Just registered for my first HPDE event! I have already bought upgraded pads and SS lines and will be flushing all fluids prior to the event. My biggest concern is the fact that I will not be running an oil cooler. The event will be in December in NC so it will be colder temperatures and since this will be my first event I highly doubt I will be going all out. More concerned about learning proper track etiquette. Do any of you think I will run into issues without an oil cooler? I am driving a 2013 sport touring 6mt.

02-07-2017, 11:45 AM	#13 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 58 Posts: 1,796 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15751	If you creep up toward 260 take a cool down lap (low rpm low power) and see if you cool down a bit. My experience without a cooler was it was just better to come in to cool though. carlitos_370z likes this. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

03-08-2018, 11:38 AM	#14 (permalink)
StevenSlice Track Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Lompoc, CA Age: 28 Posts: 502 Drives: Like an idiot Rep Power: 46201	Something to add - Common sense. If somebody comes out of nowhere and is chewing on your bumper, just let them go. Forsake your pride and let the guys who know what they're doing go out in front. Also our Z's arent "slow" by any means so certain cars you do need to lift for. Just because you're faster in a straight doesn't mean your faster 90% of the rest of the track. Common courtesy at track days is a must, at least if you intend on making some friends and not getting chewed out after you get off track.. OH and dont go in a run group youre not fast enough for. Just because youve got 3 track days doesnt mean youre ready for intermediate. Rusty, Hotrodz and sx moneypit like this. __________________ Kansei Corsa \| Endless \| Winmax \| Hotchkis \| ISR Performance \| SPL Parts \| Voodoo13 \|Sabelt \| PowerTrix \| Corner 3 \|

03-08-2018, 12:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
Rusty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 70 Posts: 35,575 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684440	There are fast guys in slow cars, and slow guys in fast cars. Hotrodz, sx moneypit and StevenSlice like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
If u ain't doing anything read	afgiussppe	Mid-Atlantic Region	3	08-07-2012 05:58 PM
I'm a Noob. Read this!	uMadeBro	New Forum Member	30	05-11-2012 03:29 PM
Fun Read	sonic370	Nissan 370Z Pricing / Ordering Discussions	1	06-02-2011 08:20 PM
Wow - just read this if you need a LOL...	FricFrac	Other Vehicles	5	08-12-2010 10:49 AM
Something to read	Shift	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	6	06-02-2010 08:30 PM