preparing for a track day.......

[john_o]

hints / tips /do's and donts ??
I have done Kames (v small track) and Crail (open airfield) trackdays in the past.
But on 5th Dec I will be doing Oulton Park which isnt slow.........

so please help me collate information on the things I should consider prior/during and after the days fun  

I'll start :

DO's
basic car health checks?
required equipment?
licences?
insurance (RR's thread in this section)

DONT'S
dont leave handbrake on after a session

TIPS
tyre pressures : up or down ? what pressures you running/tyre size?
must I have my front and rear towing eyes fitted?


thanks
John

[vwrascal]

err... dont bin it?!   

[JPC]

what brake pads and fluid are you going to be running?

[john_o]

this time I will be running OE setup and hoping to no punish them too much.......

[tony_danza]

Don't get too hung up on being over prepared for your first one - just have fun. Is it a novice/sessioned day?

Get decent fluid in the brake system, decent pads too.

Check fluids/tyres/brakes/wheelbolts before, during and after once cool

If you feel/smell/hear/see anything unusual, come in straight away.

Build up slowly and leave yourself an exit plan. Being up the chuff of some French clutter is really fun, but if he does something unexpected, you might end up off.

Do a cool down lap, roll around the paddock too if you feel the need. Leave it in gear, no handbrake.

Most importantly - get a lesson.

[tony_danza]

this time I will be running OE setup and hoping to no punish them too much.......

You'll do 3 laps of coming into Cascades at 100+ and your brakes will be f***ed. You're doing the Island Circuit, yeah? You're going to be on them hard from 3 figures into Old Hall, Druids & Lodge but it's the steep downhill that'll really put them under pressure.

Change the fluid at least and leave room for it to be collected if you get out of shape. i.e don't brake too late and have the grass/barrier as your only next option.

This has some useful info

http://www.matey-matey.com/trackday-preparation_1.shtml

[ollie288]

Do a cool down lap, roll around the paddock too if you feel the need. Leave it in gear, no handbrake.

Just out of interest can I ask why no handbrake?

[tony_danza]

'cos your stinking hot pads will stick to the discs and you'll not get it off again.

[ollie288]

Makes sense! 

[JPC]

because the pad will be in constant contact with the brake disc.

After a few laps of a track, your discs will be absolutely red hot.

If the handbrake is on, and the pad is in contact with the disc, it will cause the disc to cool down at different rates around the circumference, which will more than likely warp the disc!

[JPC]

'cos your stinking hot pads will stick to the discs and you'll not get it off again.

and that

[john_o]

cheers guys 

When   Saturday 05 December 2009
Venue   Oulton Park
Circuit   Island circuit
Day Format   Open Pitlane
Type   Car Track Day
Noise Limit   105 dB
Price   Â£135.00 per vehicle & main driver
Additional Drivers   Â£25.00 each
Passengers   Â£10.00 each
Instruction   Available
Extra info   Limited to 1 extra driver per Car.

I'm aware of Oultons high speed nature.
I have new fluid in the car so Im prob not gonna change it this time round.

I'm gonna have to be careful and drive appropriately round the known limitations on the day.
I'll plan to get some instruction too

pagid blue and a new set of front discs will go on next year as a matched set.