My first track event: tips for me?

Mike the mechanic · 06-09-2002, 07:26 PM

Hi guys, tommorow evening I will be taking part in my first ever track session. My local track has Mondays open for amatuers. I was always a little nervous about going on the track, but I got to do it sometime. I really want to test out my turbo system before I do the conversion on any customers cars.
Anyway, anyone have any tips, like what tire pressure should I run (about 22 degrees Celsius ambient temps, with 17" 225's and 255's) or anything else I don't know about?
Thanks!

Mike
86 Carrera t

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

there is some great advice under the "school tips"link at

http://www.bellmotorsports.com/

have fun

Jim

Jack Olsen · 09:50 PM

If it's at all possible, you should get some instruction from someone who's driven the track before, preferably in a 911. Alone on the track, with no one correcting the basics, you run the risk of learning a lot of habits that will have to be un-learned, later.

And for a Turbo, with its particular acceleration characteristics, that goes double.

Start with 31F33R tire pressures. Check them after each session, and (assuming they're street tires), let them get up to about 38-39 psi, and vent off any more than that. You can chalk them, to get a more specific temperature, but if you're starting out, you probably want to keep your focus elsewhere.

If you can't get anyone to ride with you, then try and find someone who knows what they're doing, and ask them if they'll lead you around for a few laps at (for them) a reduced speed. Learning the line, and braking points, is key. Try to note where the other guy turns in, apexes, and lets his car drift out to. Then make your own car do the same thing, even though your speed won't make it absolutely necessary -- yet.

90% of what you're doing out there is trying to get on the right line and learn where to brake. The straights will be fun, but they don't offer much education.

Oh, and be careful out there. You want to survive it so that you can come back and do it again.

Nader · 06-09-2002, 09:55 PM

If you get yourself in trouble and lose control, put in the clutch and lock up the brakes (putting both feet in) and let the car finish its ride. Or else...

http://www.engr.smu.edu/rcam/cpm3v/kapow.mpg

Mike the mechanic · 06-10-2002, 03:57 AM

Thanks for the link, Jim. Nader, thanks for the tip, the mpeg wasn't neccessary

Jack, thanks for the input. A driving instructor will take my car around the track a few laps, with me in it, in order to show me the lines and make sure my car is safe. I was told they do this for everyone's first track session. I agree 100% about the straights, I don't really care if a Civic laps me, I just want to get to learn the proper driving techniques right off the bat. Unfortunately, I fear I already must exhibit some bad driving habits form the streets.
Thanks and I'll report back tonight!

Mike
86 Carrera t

RazorRacer · 06-10-2002, 11:32 AM

Mike, be careful and have fun. Expect to learn a lot. You might want to practice having the rear swing around to get a feel for it.

Nader, I'll bet the guy in the black vette was not going back to see if the Porsche driver was unhurt.

Mike the mechanic · 06-10-2002, 04:55 PM

Just got back from the track! It was amazing. What happened was that the track's driving instructor was not in today so the only people that got to go on the track were the regulars. Well, I met a great guy who is a regular and is a very experienced 911 owner/driver on the track. I was allowed on the track only after he took my car (with me in it) around the track to show me the lines. Well, he loved my car, he was really impressed by the power (he has a 1985 Carrera) and he now wants me to turbocharge his car! He drove my car really well. Well, we got off the track so i could drive but I noticed a small oil leak coming from my engine mounted oil cooler (more on that in another post). He let me take his 3.2 on the track, with him in the passenger seat. I loved being on the track, but I couldn't follow the lines properly (I am beginning to think they are invisible). He said I drove very well, I had good control and speed in the turns but I have to learn the lines. I think it is better that I took a stock 3.2 on the track before taking mine out there.
Thanks!

Mike
86 Carrera t

Jack Olsen · 06-10-2002, 05:07 PM

Sounds like a good introduction. You'll be back, trust me.

WydRyd · 06-10-2002, 05:11 PM

HEY MIKE!!!

Congrats on your 1st track event. I'm sure it would have been a blast in your car, but I tend to agree that you should attempt it in a 'stock'ish' or NA Carrera before you attempt it in your turrrrbo

Pity about the oil leak tho! Hope it's nothing major?

Mike the mechanic · 06-10-2002, 05:12 PM

You got that right, Jack! It was like Go-Karting! I took a few turns sideways, it was great!!

Mike
86 Carrera t

WydRyd · 06-10-2002, 05:18 PM

Man, what a blast that must be.

I'd love to take to the track, but I dunno if I wanna track WYDRYD. I'd hate to stack my baby

Maybe I should have bought a Coupe in mediocre condition and performed the turbo conversion on that. Then I wouldn't be AS worried

Mike the mechanic · 06-10-2002, 05:23 PM

You should track your car, Merv, it is really alot of fun and from what I hear,everyone is very friendly.

Mike
86 Carrera t

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

I too look foward to tracking my car. I can say that I would be very nervous and would fear wrecking my car(also looking like an a$$). This January im doing a 3.6 swap in the 69`RS clone and thats asking for more trouble. I get butterflys in my stomach when I 1/4 mile my 300zx and that ive been doing for years. Does anyone else get nervous on a road course and does it go away after a few laps ?

Kurt Williams

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

The line will come with time, Mike. It might take more than one season to drive it without thinking about it. Once you get it down, you will be able to concentrate much more easily on being smooth with your braking, heel and toe down-shifting, turn-in, and acceleration. The speed will naturally follow.

Accidents on the track most often occur because of braking too late/hard or trying to go fast before you have the line memorized. Making corrections off line at high speed usually results in a reaction that is too abrupt or asks too much of the car and off you go. Learning the line and staying on it will give you the confidence to go faster safely - a bit at a time.

Raynald · 06-10-2002, 05:57 PM

Hi Mike,
Where did you go for lapping to night ?
monday it was for amateurs?
maybe this summer i can go to Montréal with my Pcar
and make a few laps !!

Mike the mechanic · 06-10-2002, 08:20 PM

Hi Randy, thanks for the input, I hope you are right.
Raynald, I went to St Eustache Autodrome. You should come to town, it'll be fun for sure.

Mike
86 Carrera t

Efrain68912 · 06-10-2002, 08:36 PM

Kurt-

I've been vintage racing for 2 years (16 events). I still get nervous when I go out on the track. It goes away when I get the green flag. Don't worry too much about stacking up the car, just take it easy, be smooth, and when in doubt, slow down. Get some good instruction, and drive within yourself. It's an addiction.

Jim T · 06-10-2002, 08:41 PM

Don't use the brakes and the steering wheel at the same time.

That will ensure that you never go off roading.