First trip to Thunderhill. Need advice.

Moses · 10-05-2006, 01:08 PM

The car is in great shape. The Thunderhill web page is very short on information.

Can you help me put together a list of things I need to get ready.

It would be great if we could break it down into mandatory and recommended categories.

I have a good helmet and a great car, what else do I need? Can I drive the targa without the top on?

tc-sacto · 10-05-2006, 01:32 PM

Some helpful info here

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/preparing.html

From the above link

"Things to Bring

Here are a few things to bring that will help make your HPDE more enjoyable. The list can be changed to suit your region & climate/season. For the car: glass cleaner, wax, and a quart of oil, rags, white shoe polish (applicator bottle type), a battery operated air compressor, a tire gauge, a tarp to put all the stuff you took out on, and some basic tools. For you: a change of clothes, suntan lotion, drinks, a cooler, folding chairs, a shade canopy (Thunderhill in July), a camera, and friends to enjoy the driving with."

TWork · 10-05-2006, 02:22 PM

My understanding is that if you have a targa/convertible that you have to remove the top to avoid it becoming a projectile in the event of an accident. That was the policy when I ran my Miata there.

JP911 · JP911's Garage

I think PCA makes you keep it on, but others encourage you to remove it. I guess it depends on the organization.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Know your limitations.

When you crest 9, aim the car at the right edge of the water tank. It isn't a perfect reference, but for a beginner it is pretty good for putting you where you need to be.

Don't do this.

Tom

Moses · 10-05-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by emcon5

Don't do this.

Tom

What happened? Looked pretty good going in.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Moses
What happened? Looked pretty good going in.

Tire went down at the worst possible time/place.

Details here

Tom

84toy · 10-05-2006, 09:09 PM

Not a good advertising for Chuck........ :-(

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

The PCA GGR site has a good section on NorCal track venues. I find Hank Watt's CCW and CW track guides very useful.

Have a great time!

Don

Silveresrty911S · Silveresrty911S's Garage

Looks like a fun track, I'm going to try and make it there next year!
Have fun and be safe.

Jack Olsen · 10-06-2006, 08:47 AM

There's an in-car lap video in my signature, under the 'let's go out for a lap' link.

And here's one with the cyclone.

Deschodt · 10-06-2006, 10:34 AM

Thunderhill is my all-time favorite track in the US ! The elevation change, the blind corners, the off camber turn down the little hill, it's jus ta superb track... I am jealous ! Go ahead and enjoy it, you cannot hit anything unless you try real hard, just bring lots of water and shade !

Thunderhill is the one thing I miss having moved out of california... correction, that and good burrito joints...

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Got a couple minutes and thought I'd jot down a few thoughts.

Be early for everything. Stuff somehow ends up taking longer and rushing around is no fun. On the track, everything is happening much faster than you might be accustomed, so not worrying about "did I remember to check tire pressure" is a good thing.

Get to the track early enough to pit under the shade structure at the north end of the pit area. Don't pit at the very south end of the structure or you won't be in the shade.

Empty the car completely. Every last thing - glove box, spare tire, etc. Take off your centercaps (do it at home if you want), check lug nut torque, clean the windshield, check tire pressure. Get in the habit of checking tire pressure.

Move the seat a notch or two closer, lower, and more upright. Sit around the house with your helmet on to get used to it - and your kids will laugh at you too.

When you are driving, remember to breathe. Look down the track - if you are staring at the apex as you pass it, then the car does not move smoothly to the exit. Enter the corner slower, and accellerate smoothly earlier. Don't worry about threshold braking - just get the braking and downshifting done before you start turning. Be smooth - don't upset the car by yanking on the wheel or stabbing at the brakes.

Tell your instructor what's working for you and what is not. For me, I wanted to hear "brake hard", "turn-in now", "gas gas gas" - not a discourse on different approaches to a corner.

As others have said, Thunderhill is a really fun, safe track. You'll really have to work hard to get into trouble. But if you do find yourself not able to finish an exit or if the car becomes unstable - drive straight off the track. By straight off, that means with the steering wheel pointed straight ahead. Don't be a hero, the way most cars hit walls is because the driver tries to drive his way out of trouble and then bad things happen fast. And if bad things are happening, two-feet-in!

And later in the day, after you have a couple of laps in, get a ride in your instructors car to find out what fast really feels like!

It's awesome - have a great, and safe time out there!

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

One more thing - as you get more comfortable going faster, at some point you'll feel you are entering a corner too fast or just feel uncomfortable (or scared). DON'T LIFT. Keep your foot in the gas, and if you must, reduce throttle very gently.

Remember, Gas=Grip. It's very counter-intuitive, but as long as you are not plowing, a little throttle helps plant the rear end and keep you going in the right direction.

ianc · 10-06-2006, 09:12 PM

I agree, T-hill was a boatload of fun!

Greg, remember this?

ianc

Deschodt · 10-07-2006, 12:05 PM

God we looked like dorks !!!

Especially you Ian, what kind of 60s helmet was that ;-)

Love that track though, I love Sebring but nothing beats elevation changes - not much of these in FL, unless you count the bumps !