Track Prep

[K3V7N]

Taking my new-to-me '15 SS 1LE out on Watkins Glen next month. Any tips for prep? I have fairly new Conti Extreme Contact summer tires.

I've done many track days out in California; on cars such as a Cayman GTS, 997 GT3, C7 Z06, and new C63.

[acammer]

Are you doing a HPDE? Fresh pads and brake fluid are important. WGI has a couple of HEAVY braking zones. Tires should be fine - I'm not sure at what temperature those become a liability but you have the nice cool fall weather working in your favor there. Fresh fluids in the motor/trans/rear are always a good idea. If you're not sure of the history it might be a good time to take care of those things, depending on miles.

[Norm Peterson]

Agreed on pads and fluid. Err on the side of conservatism here, given that your description of previous experience tells me you won't be running at lead-follow novice pace.

Give some attention to alignment settings as well. Just because it's a 1LE doesn't mean that it's alignment is truly ready for track use. JusticePete (http://www.jpssonline.com/) is a good source for the details - he wrote "the book" on 5th gens for performance suspension & handling, and "the book" should be viewable at that site. If you talk to him, tell him I sent you.


Norm

[K3V7N]

Thanks! I definitely don't do lead/follow and usually go in the intermediate groups.

[MonroeZ28]

I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Glen before from your post? If not, be prepared to experience the best road coarse in the east in my, and many other people’s opinions. (I have to admit that I’ve never been to VIR though)

[K3V7N]

Originally Posted by MonroeZ28

I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Glen before from your post? If not, be prepared to experience the best road coarse in the east in my, and many other people’s opinions. (I have to admit that I’ve never been to VIR though)

Never driven it, but was at a race last weekend as a spectator. It looks great - much different than the tracks I'm used to in southern California.

[K3V7N]

P.S. This will give you a taste of desert driving (one of my old favorite tracks in my Z06): https://youtu.be/UxcBQTZRDpg

[td195f]

Originally Posted by K3V7N

Taking my new-to-me '15 SS 1LE out on Watkins Glen next month. Any tips for prep? I have fairly new Conti Extreme Contact summer tires.

I've done many track days out in California; on cars such as a Cayman GTS, 997 GT3, C7 Z06, and new C63.

What group are you doing your event with?

Good, fresh Brake Fluid (I use Motul RBF600) and a spare set of brake pads if you are running stock pads. Track pads would be better. Tires should be fine. Do some research and see what Conti recommends for cold and hot pressures. DO NOT go by what the owners manual says. Chevy recommended some very high starting pressures for my Pirelli's. Pirelli recommended a hot pressure of 32 to 33 psi which is a cold starting pressure of about 26 to 26.5 psi.
Lots of speed and not a lot of run off room in some places, especially up thru the esses.
Make sure your helmet is an SA2010 or 2015. Also some groups are requiring the face shield be removed or down in any car with air bags.