First time on a road course

[Dreamer2430]

Well, actually it's my first time on any course actually. I've never raced period. I'm heading to a road course in Wilcox, AZ (www.indemotorsports.com) and I'm excited and terrified at the same. There is going to be an learning hour set aside first thing in the morning to review rules and how everything works, but I'm a little concerned. My car is 1SS LS3 100% stock. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

[gotroost]

I'm in the same boat. Bone stock 2SS LS3. Can't wait. All fluids changed and I plan on mixing some race gas with our crappy 91 pump gas to get around 93 octane before I head to the track. I'll do the battery disconnect trick after I've flushed the 91 octane gas.

[1977and2010]

If you have one bring a good tire pressure gauge and inflator, you can get the inflator at walmart for $20. Look at the tires after some laps to see how much or how little they are rolling over. Tire pressures can change dramatically after some high speed runs/turns. It is a good idea to go over as many bolts as you can to make sure everything is tight. Its a brand new car so you should be good there, but atleast check the lug nuts. Clean EVERYTHING out of the car, glovebox, center console and trunk, its also a good idea to to take out the drivers floor mat. Check all fluids and top off. Long pants, shirt, closed shoes, and helmet are usually a minimum requirement. Some blue painters tape for numbering the car if required. Depending on how far out the track is, a full tank of gas is a good idea. Some tracks are a ways from a gas station. Bring plenty of food and drink unless thats provided. Sitting in a car, pushing the gas, break, clutch, and steering doesn't sound strenuous but you'd be surprised. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but thats a good start.

[gotroost]

Thanks for the heads-up. Planned on doing most of that. Hadn't thought about the driver's floor mat, but sound like a good idea. I also took a test drive with a helmet to get used to the seat adjustment. Got some strange looks! LOL I'm sure I peeved some of my retired neighbors, but I was not speeding. Car is quiet and it shouldn't be illegal to go fast until you get to the speed limit.

[orange10s.c.]

Just hammer down and hold on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just kidding, these cars handle better than you would think. Just pace yourself with what you are comfortable with and have fun.

[PfadtRacing]

It may be a little intimidating at first. But I think its something that you will QUICKLY be at ease with. Trust me, having your apprehension is way more valuable than people who lack any whatsoever and present a danger to themselves and others on the track. So, just pay attention and use this first event for what it is intended to be: learning!

I second everything that 1977and2010 has suggested, down to the drinks and everything! There is a certain amount of concentration that you need, and honestly, it can wear you out quickly on a hot day for sure. Bringing extra fluids can never be a bad idea, as well as your jack and stands if you have them.

The thing you will quickly learn is that your Camaro's brakes will be the most taxed system over the entire day. Its crazy how people fail to maintain brakes for the track. Not saying you need upgrades or anything like that, more just saying to pay attention to your braking points and using them effectively, and getting a good "feel" for what they are capable of.

Either way, you are going to have a BLAST! And if you pay attention to everything, you will not regret it at all, and in turn, you will hopefully get addicted to track time like a lot of us do!

Good luck and let us know how the day goes!

[A-C Enterprises]

Everyone has mentioned some good items, another MUST have at the track is a torque wrench, make sure those wheels are on before you go out there! Tire pressure guage is VERY helpful especially running on street tires, clean everything out so there is nothing loose inside the car. Noticed you were in AZ, if it's a sunny day in the desert, bring a pair of sunglasses! You don't realize how bright it gets out there, whenever I go somewhere bright it's essential to have a tinted visor or at least something where you aren't squinting the whole way around the track because its so bright. Let me know if you have any questions at all, I've been around the track a bit!


Joey
www.joeyatterbury.com

[2quick]

Bring something that provides shade.

[Mr Twisty]

A towel for your sweaty palms

Have fun

[2010 SSRS]

good luck

[Dreamer2430]

Thanks for all your help guys. I'm already feeling a little better about this. I'll be sure to take video and pics when I'm not driving. My fiance will be in the stands so hopefully she'll get some pics and video of me.

[2quick]

Have fun!

[brtaus]

Have fun and enjoy. I am getting on the track (in a car) for the first time tomorrow myself. I can't wait.

[thebrander]

You are about to get hooked on a very expensive hobby/habit my friend! Good to see people using this car for what it was designed for.