NCM Thread??

[Zombie killer]

You will have a blast doing either. But I lean towards NCM. It's like do you want an 8 second bull ride or a 2-3 minute lap all day.

[Dragonman]

Originally Posted by Jus1dab

Helmet came today. Guess I'm committed now. Drag, NCM or both?

If you're gonna be there all 3 days ya' might as well do both!

[Mr. Wyndham]

We're definitely doing NCM again - already completed talks with a series of different people.

The biggest challenge, as has been mentioned: is coaches...The best way to learn any track and any car is to have a coach in your car...or be in the car with a coach...Yet we have SO many novice drivers compared to a typical HPDE (which is awesome), that there aren't enough coaches to go around 1:1. But we're working on that.

[BAD DAB]

This will be my first time tracking my car. I know my limits as a driver. My main concern is being in some ones way. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

[Dragonman]

Since this will be your first time on track you'll be placed in a Novice group with others of similar experience. Passing is unlikely and there will be strict rules for where and how passing is to be done. You're not racing. You will not be in anyone's way. If you feel that you are, the person that you feel you are in the way of is probably in the wrong run group. Go out and have fun and get to push your car and yourself a little harder than you might on public roads. You do not need to feel obligated to "go fast" although by your second or third session you probably will be going much faster than you did on your first.

[wrankin]

Originally Posted by Dragonman

Since this will be your first time on track you'll be placed in a Novice group with others of similar experience. Passing is unlikely and there will be strict rules for where and how passing is to be done. You're not racing. You will not be in anyone's way. If you feel that you are, the person that you feel you are in the way of is probably in the wrong run group. Go out and have fun and get to push your car and yourself a little harder than you might on public roads. You do not need to feel obligated to "go fast" although by your second or third session you probably will be going much faster than you did on your first.

That's some great advice and makes me even more interested!

Bill

[BAD DAB]

Originally Posted by Dragonman

Since this will be your first time on track you'll be placed in a Novice group with others of similar experience. Passing is unlikely and there will be strict rules for where and how passing is to be done. You're not racing. You will not be in anyone's way. If you feel that you are, the person that you feel you are in the way of is probably in the wrong run group. Go out and have fun and get to push your car and yourself a little harder than you might on public roads. You do not need to feel obligated to "go fast" although by your second or third session you probably will be going much faster than you did on your first.

Thanks Man, that's the advice I'm looking for.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Dragonman

Since this will be your first time on track you'll be placed in a Novice group with others of similar experience. Passing is unlikely and there will be strict rules for where and how passing is to be done. You're not racing. You will not be in anyone's way. If you feel that you are, the person that you feel you are in the way of is probably in the wrong run group. Go out and have fun and get to push your car and yourself a little harder than you might on public roads. You do not need to feel obligated to "go fast" although by your second or third session you probably will be going much faster than you did on your first.

Wonderfully said, my friend!

[Dragonman]

Thanks folks.

In the category of advice you might not be looking for;

If yer tires ain't moaning at you, at least a little bit, while your traveling through any of the many turns at NCM, yer not doin' it right.

On a more serious note. For those that haven't "pushed" their Camaros I think they will be genuinely surprised at just how well they handle, even in stock form, than say, your granddad's Buick or my previous car, an '04 Impala. In the four sessions I did at NCM last year, I never did get it to its limits, or mine really. The only thing, other than it being about 20 degrees cooler, that would've made NCM better for me was to have had an entire session of completely clear track so I could explore the path to those limits thoroughly, without having to concern myself with what was ahead or behind. I wouldn't have broken any track records but I certainly would know my car better than I do now. Don't be 'scairt to jump on those binders and it'll turn harder than you think it will.

Here's some more serious advice. Make sure you get a fresh oil change before you head down, no matter where you're at in your oil change cycle. My oil temps maxxed out and the tire pressures went up 12+ PSI on both of the last 2 sessions. I got to work it some both those sessions but it was just damn hot. I don't know that it's absolutely necessary but, I also had JusticePete and his crew do a complete brake fluid flush and replace and put Motul 660 RBF in it. The only place I found it on the shelf in KY was at the NCM track store and it's about half the price of the Castrol stuff Pete recommends. I hear you can buy racing brake fluid at motorcycle shops here and there but I didn't find any at the shops where I live.

[RubyCamaro]

Yep, get an oil change, fresh DOT 4 brake fluid for sure & make sure your tires & brake pads are good. A good top to bottom nuts & bolts check is a good idea too. You will be pushing your car beyond anything you have done before if you have never run a road course.

[pbretelson]

I am thinking of doing NCM as well but, was wondering how well my 21' wheels in the Hot Wheels car would do on the track. My side walls are bit shorter then those on a 20' wheel. What do you guys think?

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by pbretelson

I am thinking of doing NCM as well but, was wondering how well my 21' wheels in the Hot Wheels car would do on the track. My side walls are bit shorter then those on a 20' wheel. What do you guys think?

What's the tire size? xxx/yyR21?

[Lafourche1]

I will start a check list for some of the new folks (track rats to be). I own a GEN 6, so my information will be a bit more specific to the Gen6 models. Gen5 folks, do read up in the owners manual.

Fresh Oil Change (Gen 6 - DEXOS 2 5W-40W) Motul is what I use.
Fresh Brake Fluid - I use Motul RBF600
Rear Differential - Fresh change (Stock for Gen6 - just short of 2 quarts)
Tires - Make sure that they are in very good shape. Think about dropping the air pressure 2-3 pounds or more before you start your first run group. Monitor the pressure through the day.
Lug Nuts - Torqued to 140 foot pounds. Do this while the wheels are COLD. There will be several torque wrenches around the hotel or Wednesday meet and greet at Smokey Bones.
Brakes - Make sure that they are in very good shape.
Everything comes out of the car (just be ready for this)
Tech inspection (there will be a tech sheet that you will either need to fill out yourself or you may need to have filled out by an ASE certified tech (HOD - uses a self tech sheet -- other sanctioning bodies require ASE filled out sheets)

FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST EDITS / ADDS / CHANGES

[Ryanbabz71]

As long as I get a deal finished for an 18 1LE I am in. Cant take the current car :(

Gonna need to get it broke in before that.