Putting my car on a track 1st time. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

dantemcc · 01-01-2016, 12:17 PM

I've never taken a car and put it on a race track before and threw it around like i intend to March 11 at Road Atlanta. Just needed some things to take into consideration while on the track. Any tips, safety precautions or anything anyone can think of that they feel one should know when taking their car to a race track for the very first time.

Since my wheels are dipped, is there a chance of it coming of if and when i do 100+? I just got the front splitter installed and was curious if I also have to worry about issues or problems arising from it?

Mikamaro · 01-01-2016, 01:05 PM

You need to change your brake fluid to DOT.4. beside that go pregessively during the day with speed and braking...and have fun!

dantemcc · 01-01-2016, 02:11 PM

I can get that done at any brake/tire {NTB, JIFFY LUBE) I'm assuming? Can I continue using the DOT4 after the track day? Or is it best to bleed them and go back to original?

MediumLabowski · 01-01-2016, 02:57 PM

ya, brake fluid.

im putting my camaro on the track in two weeks. it will be stock except for some fresh 600 fluid. i havent been on the track in a couple years, so its just take it easy and listen to any instructions for me. The very best info comes from making pals with the experienced folks that youll be driving with... theyll answer any questions you have, i promise.

jiffy lube, not advisable. ntb, maybe. there are tons of speed shops around Atlanta. Forged and TopSpeed off the top of my head

dantemcc · 01-01-2016, 03:07 PM

Gotcha. So other than upgrading the brake fluid, I should be good to go? Since it'll be my first time on a track, they paired me with an instructor to ride with me the entire day to get my skills up to snuff so I wont kill, damage or hurt anything or anyone.

Mikamaro · 01-01-2016, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dantemcc

Gotcha. So other than upgrading the brake fluid, I should be good to go? Since it'll be my first time on a track, they paired me with an instructor to ride with me the entire day to get my skills up to snuff so I wont kill, damage or hurt anything or anyone.

Good too go! Instructors are your best bet to improve.

ritchet · 01-01-2016, 04:12 PM

The first time I took my car to the track, not my Camaro but my Jetta GLI, I was shocked by the ware on my brand new tires . Those tires lasted about 6 months after the track.

E. Bryant · 01-01-2016, 06:40 PM

1) Make sure that your car is in good mechanical condition. DOT 4 brake fluid would be good. Fresh fluids elsewhere are also strongly recommended.

2) Keep yourself in good condition as well. Eat healthy; drink plenty of fluids. Driving fast is hard work.

3) Don't sweat the petty stuff; your splitter and wheel paint will be non-issues. Your primary concern is keeping the car on the track and shiny-side up; focus your attention accordingly.

4) Do you understand the basics of the racing line, and what to do with the vehicle inputs at various points in the line? Do you know how to apply those lines to your track? If not, then make sure to get a good instructor. Watching videos can be helpful, but it certainly no substitute for first-hand instruction.

5) Pay attention during the driver's meeting. Learn how to enter and exit the track, and what the various flags mean and how you need to react to them.

6) You won't be setting any track records the first time out. Concentrate on doing the right things at the right time, be smooth, listen to what the car is telling you, and let the speed come naturally.

7) Have fun, enjoy hanging out with other drivers, and enjoy the day. It's a hell of a lot more fun than going to work.

SPCBA · 01-01-2016, 07:50 PM

Everyone forgets to tell you to drink water and bring food

E. Bryant · 01-03-2016, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPCBA

Everyone forgets to tell you to drink water and bring food

Yep - you'll hear about needing this part and that driving technique, but basic maintenance and care for the driver is largely ignored. All the hardware in the world won't help if you get brain fade from dehydration or lack of calories...

VTSummit · 01-03-2016, 09:00 AM

I remove my antifreeze and run straight water- then back to antifreeze mix for the street.

Remember your first time out is to practice lines and get the feel, don't go thinking you'll be the Stig by the end of the day. Enjoy yourself, listen to the car, listen to those who know what they are doing. There WILL be a knowitall there who may latch on to you to "help" so know WHO is giving you advice and whether they are qualified to do so.

backeddy · 01-03-2016, 02:37 PM

Make sure you warm up the tires for a lap or so if it's chilly. These tires suck until warm. PUT THE CAR IN COMPETITIVE MODE, you will overheat the brakes and have a lot more under steer if you don't. Many will probably say different, but experience trumps "opinions"

dantemcc · 01-03-2016, 04:03 PM

My car has a competitive mode? I thought that was just for the V8 owners?

L99CAMA2011 · 01-03-2016, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dantemcc

My car has a competitive mode? I thought that was just for the V8 owners?

Looks like a 1LE. That photo fooled em real good LOL.

01-01-2016, 12:17 PM	#1
dantemcc Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,069	Putting my car on a track 1st time. I've never taken a car and put it on a race track before and threw it around like i intend to March 11 at Road Atlanta. Just needed some things to take into consideration while on the track. Any tips, safety precautions or anything anyone can think of that they feel one should know when taking their car to a race track for the very first time. Since my wheels are dipped, is there a chance of it coming of if and when i do 100+? I just got the front splitter installed and was curious if I also have to worry about issues or problems arising from it?

01-01-2016, 01:05 PM	#2
Mikamaro MikeNoMaro Drives: A 2016 Challenger R/T M6 STP Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: America Posts: 2,375 View My Garage	You need to change your brake fluid to DOT.4. beside that go pregessively during the day with speed and braking...and have fun! __________________ Track Day Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/mrgoodman2000/videos Built #83817, Born January 18th, Christened June 11th 2010, Stolen October 3rd 2016.

01-01-2016, 07:50 PM	#9
SPCBA Drives: pleather and Chiclets Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: a line somwhere Posts: 4,206 View My Garage	Everyone forgets to tell you to drink water and bring food __________________ the power by www.cunningham-motorsports.com the brakes by www.RacingBrake.com

01-03-2016, 09:00 AM	#11
VTSummit Consistently inconsistent Drives: 2015 2LT Summit White Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States Posts: 1,364	I remove my antifreeze and run straight water- then back to antifreeze mix for the street. Remember your first time out is to practice lines and get the feel, don't go thinking you'll be the Stig by the end of the day. Enjoy yourself, listen to the car, listen to those who know what they are doing. There WILL be a knowitall there who may latch on to you to "help" so know WHO is giving you advice and whether they are qualified to do so. __________________ Thanks to MRR, I have some SWEET wheels! Thank you! 2015 2LT Ported TB, Ported intake, JACFAB intake spacer, Borla exhaust, IPF 91 tune, Complete 1/LE suspension, Brembo brakes, Goodridge lines, Elite catch can, CAI with Thermo-wrap, 275/40-20 x 10's all around, Z/28 spoiler, GM splitter, Alpine/Polk stereo with AudiControl interface.

01-01-2016, 02:11 PM	#3
dantemcc Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,069	I can get that done at any brake/tire {NTB, JIFFY LUBE) I'm assuming? Can I continue using the DOT4 after the track day? Or is it best to bleed them and go back to original?

01-01-2016, 02:57 PM	#4
MediumLabowski Drives: '16 FiST Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SEPA Posts: 267	ya, brake fluid. im putting my camaro on the track in two weeks. it will be stock except for some fresh 600 fluid. i havent been on the track in a couple years, so its just take it easy and listen to any instructions for me. The very best info comes from making pals with the experienced folks that youll be driving with... theyll answer any questions you have, i promise. jiffy lube, not advisable. ntb, maybe. there are tons of speed shops around Atlanta. Forged and TopSpeed off the top of my head

01-01-2016, 03:07 PM	#5
dantemcc Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,069	Gotcha. So other than upgrading the brake fluid, I should be good to go? Since it'll be my first time on a track, they paired me with an instructor to ride with me the entire day to get my skills up to snuff so I wont kill, damage or hurt anything or anyone.

01-01-2016, 04:12 PM	#7
ritchet Drives: 2015 Camaro 1LS Red Rock Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 121 View My Garage	The first time I took my car to the track, not my Camaro but my Jetta GLI, I was shocked by the ware on my brand new tires . Those tires lasted about 6 months after the track.

01-01-2016, 06:40 PM	#8
E. Bryant Gearhead Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 252	1) Make sure that your car is in good mechanical condition. DOT 4 brake fluid would be good. Fresh fluids elsewhere are also strongly recommended. 2) Keep yourself in good condition as well. Eat healthy; drink plenty of fluids. Driving fast is hard work. 3) Don't sweat the petty stuff; your splitter and wheel paint will be non-issues. Your primary concern is keeping the car on the track and shiny-side up; focus your attention accordingly. 4) Do you understand the basics of the racing line, and what to do with the vehicle inputs at various points in the line? Do you know how to apply those lines to your track? If not, then make sure to get a good instructor. Watching videos can be helpful, but it certainly no substitute for first-hand instruction. 5) Pay attention during the driver's meeting. Learn how to enter and exit the track, and what the various flags mean and how you need to react to them. 6) You won't be setting any track records the first time out. Concentrate on doing the right things at the right time, be smooth, listen to what the car is telling you, and let the speed come naturally. 7) Have fun, enjoy hanging out with other drivers, and enjoy the day. It's a hell of a lot more fun than going to work.

01-03-2016, 02:37 PM	#12
backeddy Banned Drives: 2011 Boxster Spyder (best car ever) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 1,529	Make sure you warm up the tires for a lap or so if it's chilly. These tires suck until warm. PUT THE CAR IN COMPETITIVE MODE, you will overheat the brakes and have a lot more under steer if you don't. Many will probably say different, but experience trumps "opinions"

01-03-2016, 04:03 PM	#13
dantemcc Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,069	My car has a competitive mode? I thought that was just for the V8 owners?