Any tips for my first HPDE ? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rockrau · 07-16-2012, 09:37 PM

Doing my first HPDE at NJMP Thunderbolt 8/22-23/2012.Looking for advice & tips from those who have experience.Car is stock except for Pedders pace car kit with FE4/5 sway bar & lowered 33mm.Planing brake fluid flush(Motul RBF600)& tech 2 weeks prior to event. Tire pressures?Damping settings?Anything?

ericedelman · 07-17-2012, 12:39 PM

For stock tires/rims, set the cold pressures to 30psi for the fronts and the rears to 28psi. Recheck them each time you go back on the track, you may have to adjust them during the day, your instructor will help you with this.
Flush the brake fluid, including the clutch line before you go.
Call Pedders and ask what settings they recommend for you.
Tech inspection will happen at the track before you go on, you don't necessarily need to do it beforehand, unless your group requires it.
Bring a cooler with ice water, gatorade, etc....

At your first event it will feel like everything is happening very quickly, so try and relax and go with the flow. Go to the driver's meeting so you can learn where to go on grid, where to enter the track, and where to exit the track. Drive carefully in the paddock. Listen to your instructor.

When you are on track, the best lessons to learn early on are to keep your eyes up so you can see as far ahead of you as possible, and to gently squeeze and release the throttle and brake pedals. Think of a dimmer switch with infinite settings, rather than an on-off switch. Make your steering inputs small, careful, and smooth. If you can do those things, you will have a successful first day at the track.

Specific to Thunderbolt: Park on the asphalt, the grassy area is pretty sandy and the sand will get everywhere. The building with the bathrooms has showers, if it is hot, bring a towel and change of clothes with you for the end of the day. The Millville Queen Diner serves excellent food quickly for lunch when you get a break.

Enjoy your 1st track day!

PfadtRacing · 07-17-2012, 05:26 PM

Biggest Rule - Be safe.

Second Biggest Rule - Have a fantastic time! Don't get caught up in trying to out drive that Spec Miata you're likely to give a pass by too. Remember that driving a skill and there are VERY few that are just born with it, you have to work at it to get faster. Having a great time is the best way to make sure you're going to come back, and get better.

BullF-16 · 07-17-2012, 07:12 PM

Rokrau, thanks for asking this. This is good info for many of us here!

Thanks Eric and Phadt. Us newbs really appreciate it. The more 5th gens on the road courses the better, for data!!!!

TLSTWIN · 07-18-2012, 07:30 AM

Learn the track lines first before trying to go fast. Once you learn the lines and braking points, speed will come. You will find a rhythm on the track. DO NOT worry about what is behind you. Focus on the track, your entry point, apex, and exit points. You find SMOOTH throttle imputs work best, not "ON" "OFF"

Like the other guys said, HAVE FUN

Don't set your parking brake unless you absolutely HAVE to.

Do you mind if I ask how much it is and how did you sign up for it? I was on there web page and didn't see a place.

1977and2010 · 07-18-2012, 07:51 AM

Don't forget a hat and sunblock. Check the dress code. Some groups are liberal and require only closed toe shoes and a helmet others require at least long jeans, long sleeve cotton shirt, and an SA approved helmet (no M ratings). You might also want to ride along the first couple laps with your instructor in your car to get a view of the track which also lets the instructor get a feel for how safe your car is. If you think about it thats a pretty tough job to jump into some strangers car and trust them and their car not to kill them at some serious speeds. And have fun.

Mikamaro · 07-18-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericedelman

For stock tires/rims, set the cold pressures to 30psi for the fronts and the rears to 28psi. Recheck them each time you go back on the track, you may have to adjust them during the day, your instructor will help you with this.
Flush the brake fluid, including the clutch line before you go.
Call Pedders and ask what settings they recommend for you.
Tech inspection will happen at the track before you go on, you don't necessarily need to do it beforehand, unless your group requires it.
Bring a cooler with ice water, gatorade, etc....

At your first event it will feel like everything is happening very quickly, so try and relax and go with the flow. Go to the driver's meeting so you can learn where to go on grid, where to enter the track, and where to exit the track. Drive carefully in the paddock. Listen to your instructor.

When you are on track, the best lessons to learn early on are to keep your eyes up so you can see as far ahead of you as possible, and to gently squeeze and release the throttle and brake pedals. Think of a dimmer switch with infinite settings, rather than an on-off switch. Make your steering inputs small, careful, and smooth. If you can do those things, you will have a successful first day at the track.

Specific to Thunderbolt: Park on the asphalt, the grassy area is pretty sandy and the sand will get everywhere. The building with the bathrooms has showers, if it is hot, bring a towel and change of clothes with you for the end of the day. The Millville Queen Diner serves excellent food quickly for lunch when you get a break.

Enjoy your 1st track day!

Excellent tips!!
Eric you should join our performance group.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/group.php?groupid=244

Everyone is Welcome too!

rockrau · 07-18-2012, 04:31 PM

TLSTWIN; http://jsrpca.com/ Guys thanks for the info.

rockrau · 07-21-2012, 09:16 AM

Anyone have XA damping setting recommendations?

JusticePete · 07-21-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockrau

Anyone have XA damping setting recommendations?

As this is your first HPDE keep it conservative 15 in the front and 15 in the rear. The harder you set the rear damping the looser / faster it will be.

You have the brake fluid flush planned. Stainless lines are a plus.
Check your pads and replace them if you don't have 60% of the pad to use.
I am a maintenance fanatic and would replace the dif, tranny and PS fluids. Fluids are cheap compared to repairs.
Double check your belts and tensioner.
Lay a wrench on every nut and bolt in the suspension and drive line to verify they are tight.
Empty your car of everything including floor mats. You don't need the trunk mat. Your don't need a spare tire in a can / inflator on track. Is your battery secure?
Pull your engine cover, coil covers or any other dress up stuff that holds heat.
Get a http://www.cg-lock.com/how.html Rob Anderson Info@PeddersUSA.com has them in stock. Staying in your seat will make you faster.
Check you lug nut torque.
Hydrate. This stuff is intense.

Have fun.

Norm Peterson · 07-24-2012, 07:06 AM

NJMP requires an SA helmet for automotive use, and even though an open-face helmet may be OK for cars with airbags it's still better to have the closed face.

Bring some kind of portable shade to go with your cooler and water/juice. Also some weights to keep loose stuff from blowing away. It can get windy there.

Don't get carried away with tuning the car. There's something to be said for leaving it somewhere near what you're already accustomed to. You're about to start learning a new skill, and trying to learn the car being different at the same time can get in the way of that. The fun part is in the driving (and maybe realizing that you're starting to find that rhythm), anyway.

Track maps of NJMP are available, as are aerial pictures via Mapquest and plenty of videos. I think it would be worth a little time beforehand getting an idea of the layout, where the flag stations are, etc.

Norm

rockrau · 07-24-2012, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys,especially Pete! I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

boltvette · 07-30-2012, 03:36 PM

Angel Pads are a bit more expensive than CG locks, but they do a better job of keeping your butt planted in the seat. They're made by Angelwings Tech.

tadams72 · 07-31-2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boltvette

Angel Pads are a bit more expensive than CG locks, but they do a better job of keeping your butt planted in the seat. They're made by Angelwings Tech.

I have a set and they work well.

http://angelwingstech.com/featured-product-3/

Also, Craig wrote a good article about track day prep for Corvette Online. Check it out here:

http://www.corvetteonline.com/other-...r-first-event/

07-16-2012, 09:37 PM	#1
rockrau Drives: 2010 2ss red LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: perkasie pa Posts: 533	Any tips for my first HPDE ? Doing my first HPDE at NJMP Thunderbolt 8/22-23/2012.Looking for advice & tips from those who have experience.Car is stock except for Pedders pace car kit with FE4/5 sway bar & lowered 33mm.Planing brake fluid flush(Motul RBF600)& tech 2 weeks prior to event. Tire pressures?Damping settings?Anything?

07-17-2012, 12:39 PM	#2
ericedelman Drives: 2020 ZL1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 95	For stock tires/rims, set the cold pressures to 30psi for the fronts and the rears to 28psi. Recheck them each time you go back on the track, you may have to adjust them during the day, your instructor will help you with this. Flush the brake fluid, including the clutch line before you go. Call Pedders and ask what settings they recommend for you. Tech inspection will happen at the track before you go on, you don't necessarily need to do it beforehand, unless your group requires it. Bring a cooler with ice water, gatorade, etc.... At your first event it will feel like everything is happening very quickly, so try and relax and go with the flow. Go to the driver's meeting so you can learn where to go on grid, where to enter the track, and where to exit the track. Drive carefully in the paddock. Listen to your instructor. When you are on track, the best lessons to learn early on are to keep your eyes up so you can see as far ahead of you as possible, and to gently squeeze and release the throttle and brake pedals. Think of a dimmer switch with infinite settings, rather than an on-off switch. Make your steering inputs small, careful, and smooth. If you can do those things, you will have a successful first day at the track. Specific to Thunderbolt: Park on the asphalt, the grassy area is pretty sandy and the sand will get everywhere. The building with the bathrooms has showers, if it is hot, bring a towel and change of clothes with you for the end of the day. The Millville Queen Diner serves excellent food quickly for lunch when you get a break. Enjoy your 1st track day! __________________ *2020 ZL1* Last edited by ericedelman; 07-17-2012 at 12:51 PM.

07-17-2012, 07:12 PM	#4
BullF-16 USAF retired! Thank God! Drives: 2011 1SS, 1LT red,1LT/RS SGM 98Z28 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,799	Rokrau, thanks for asking this. This is good info for many of us here! Thanks Eric and Phadt. Us newbs really appreciate it. The more 5th gens on the road courses the better, for data!!!! __________________ HKE LSX427(Mast blk lbl 305 6bolt LS7heads, PatG231/246 blower cam, RWHP/TQ: 1281/1133 SNL Performance Custom Twin PT6766 BB turbos 4 to 25psi selectable on the Boost Leash controller, Squash dual 400LPH/ID2000s, ALKY 4 gal meth, Autometer AFR/Bst/oilpres/oiltemp/fuelpress gauges, Pedders Justice road crs pkg: All HD bushes, supercar 12kg coil overs, supercar ZL1 sways, camber plates all setup by JusticePete! :Gforce 9" 35spline S-Trac, 1500hp Outlaw axles, 3.5"alum DS, Monster Triple disc; 4xForgeline 19x10.5 4xBridgestone 305/30R19 RE-11, CTS-v calipers/rotors/Cobalt friction XR1/3 pads

07-18-2012, 07:30 AM	#5
TLSTWIN Romans10:9-13 Drives: /\yes, this is me/\ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Vermilion, Ohio Posts: 4,435	Learn the track lines first before trying to go fast. Once you learn the lines and braking points, speed will come. You will find a rhythm on the track. DO NOT worry about what is behind you. Focus on the track, your entry point, apex, and exit points. You find SMOOTH throttle imputs work best, not "ON" "OFF" Like the other guys said, HAVE FUN Don't set your parking brake unless you absolutely HAVE to. Do you mind if I ask how much it is and how did you sign up for it? I was on there web page and didn't see a place. __________________

07-18-2012, 07:51 AM	#6
1977and2010 Tampa Gulf Coast Family Drives: 1977 Z28, 2SSRS 2010 M6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dunedin FL Posts: 810	Don't forget a hat and sunblock. Check the dress code. Some groups are liberal and require only closed toe shoes and a helmet others require at least long jeans, long sleeve cotton shirt, and an SA approved helmet (no M ratings). You might also want to ride along the first couple laps with your instructor in your car to get a view of the track which also lets the instructor get a feel for how safe your car is. If you think about it thats a pretty tough job to jump into some strangers car and trust them and their car not to kill them at some serious speeds. And have fun. __________________

07-17-2012, 05:26 PM	#3
PfadtRacing Drives: 2010 Camaro, 2006 Z06 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 3,370	Biggest Rule - Be safe. Second Biggest Rule - Have a fantastic time! Don't get caught up in trying to out drive that Spec Miata you're likely to give a pass by too. Remember that driving a skill and there are VERY few that are just born with it, you have to work at it to get faster. Having a great time is the best way to make sure you're going to come back, and get better.

07-18-2012, 04:31 PM	#8
rockrau Drives: 2010 2ss red LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: perkasie pa Posts: 533	TLSTWIN; http://jsrpca.com/ Guys thanks for the info.

07-21-2012, 09:16 AM	#9
rockrau Drives: 2010 2ss red LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: perkasie pa Posts: 533	Anyone have XA damping setting recommendations?

07-24-2012, 07:06 AM	#11
Norm Peterson corner barstool sitter Drives: 08 Mustang GT, 19 WRX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Eastern Time Zone Posts: 6,990	NJMP requires an SA helmet for automotive use, and even though an open-face helmet may be OK for cars with airbags it's still better to have the closed face. Bring some kind of portable shade to go with your cooler and water/juice. Also some weights to keep loose stuff from blowing away. It can get windy there. Don't get carried away with tuning the car. There's something to be said for leaving it somewhere near what you're already accustomed to. You're about to start learning a new skill, and trying to learn the car being different at the same time can get in the way of that. The fun part is in the driving (and maybe realizing that you're starting to find that rhythm), anyway. Track maps of NJMP are available, as are aerial pictures via Mapquest and plenty of videos. I think it would be worth a little time beforehand getting an idea of the layout, where the flag stations are, etc. Norm

07-24-2012, 09:12 PM	#12
rockrau Drives: 2010 2ss red LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: perkasie pa Posts: 533	Thanks guys,especially Pete! I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

07-30-2012, 03:36 PM	#13
boltvette Drives: 1963 Corvette, 2001 Corvette Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 285	Angel Pads are a bit more expensive than CG locks, but they do a better job of keeping your butt planted in the seat. They're made by Angelwings Tech. __________________ 2-seater "Camaro" w/JMS Racing LS3; C5 Z06 trans; C6 ZR1 exhaust; Dynatech catback; Ron Davis radiator; trans, diff & engine oil coolers; Pfadt JOC Stage 1 bars & shocks; C6 Z51 brakes; Angelwings C5 Track Day Bar; Angel Pads!