First Track Day

[mgar88]

Hey Gang,

I got some great advice from the group for my first AX last year. I'm revisiting the well for some advice for my first DE event. I'm signed up to do the Streets of Willow on Feb. 24 and 25 with PCA SDR. Any one else going?!

I have a couple of questions I'll pose to the group:

1. Any general comments / things you wish you knew prior to your first DE event?

2. Must have things to bring?

3. Paint protection - (my car got a respray in 2016 and is lookin' GOOD. Should I tape her up? I don't want to go the bra route.)

4. Technology -- I want to use Harry's Lap Timer to record some data. Do you have any recommendations for a good mount to old a phone to record the session/record data?

5. For those familiar with the Streets of Willow, any comments on the track?

Also, here are some pics I took last weekend for some eye candy

[usera]

1. Listen to the PCA instructors
2. Bring a chair


My two important pieces.

[FstTarga]

Originally Posted by mgar88

Hey Gang,

I got some great advice from the group for my first AX last year. I'm revisiting the well for some advice for my first DE event. I'm signed up to do the Streets of Willow on Feb. 24 and 25 with PCA SDR. Any one else going?!

I have a couple of questions I'll pose to the group:

1. Any general comments / things you wish you knew prior to your first DE event?

2. Must have things to bring?

3. Paint protection - (my car got a respray in 2016 and is lookin' GOOD. Should I tape her up? I don't want to go the bra route.)

4. Technology -- I want to use Harry's Lap Timer to record some data. Do you have any recommendations for a good mount to old a phone to record the session/record data?

5. For those familiar with the Streets of Willow, any comments on the track?

Also, here are some pics I took last weekend for some eye candy

My point for 1-2 are the same. Bring a ton of water, you will be surprised just how thirsty you will get. Get instruction your first time out at a track at least as well.
As far as paint protection goes a clear bra is nice, but making a shield of painters tape works, or just be like me and have your car be like 20 different shades of the original paint with a ton of rock chips. I recommend pcar mounts for your phone mount, it’s what I use and I use Harry’s as well, just put your phone on the mount sideways, if I put it vertical I always hit it with my hand when shifting. I’ve never been to streets but I’ve heard it’s a really technical track, I can’t reccomend buttonwillow or chuckwalla enough however.

Here’s a pic of mine

[Trackrash]

Go to youtube and search for streets of willow and 911. You should be able to become familiar with the course, virtually, before you arrive. That will help tremendously.

I always bring a chair and an umbrella.

I have the clear plastic stick on protection for my H-4s. I don't have to tape my lights. It's kind of like the clear bra stuff, but thicker.

Numbers, helmet etc.

PCA has some hints on their web site. https://www.pca.org/tips-and-techniques-de-participants

Remember it isn't a race. Take your time, start off at a comfortable speed and be safe. Learn the course and the correct line, braking and turn in points. And have fun.