In preparation for Monday's track day at Autobahn here are some of the things to go over on your car that we will be checking at tech:

1. Brake pads must be 1/4" thick or greater. New pads are recommended
2. Suitable and safely mounted Driver and passenger Seats are required
3. All Vehicles must have a full size, Street legal windshields with no cracks
4. All hub caps must be removed
5. Targa or T-top Vehicles must either bolt the removable panels in place or remove them completely
6. Open cars must run with the top lowered and safely stowed
7. Brake fluid in all vehicles must be less then 6 months old, with a full reservoir
8. All cars must run with both front door windows open
9. Brake hoses and lines must be dry and in good condition
10. The brake pedal must be firm and release freely
11. Brake lights must be functioning
12. The battery must be securely fastened and in good condition, with no leaks or corrosion on the terminals
13. Pollution control equipment need not be operational
14. The engine and transmission must be free of fluid leaks
15. The throttle must have reliable return springs, with no binding
16. The exhaust must be securely fastened
17. No looseness is permitted in the front suspension. All bearings and joints must be in excellent condition. The drive train and components in the rear suspension must be in excellent condition. All suspension must be secure
18. All wheels must be free of cracks or bends. Lug nuts must be torqued after each session. No hubcaps are allowed
19. All Tires must be in good condition with no cracks, bulges, flat spots, or cords. All tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32"
20. All vehicles must have at least 2 securely mounted Mirrors
21. All loose items inside and outside the vehicle must be removed. The passenger seat back and cushion must be secure.
22. Although not mandatory, Roll bars and approved safety harness are strongly recommended for street cars built prior to 1980


Ultimately it is the driver’s responsibility to have a properly maintained vehicle for use on the track. After driving a hot lap session it is strongly recommended that each driver check the following items every session:

• oil level
• coolant level
• Brake fluid level
• Tire pressure
• look for unusual tire wear
• clean your windshield and helmet shield

Safety Equipment

1. Helmets are required for driver and passenger. Specifications must be SN95 or newer
2. A restraint system meeting federal standards for the year of manufacturer of the vehicle must be installed in each of the front seating posisitions
3. Drivers must wear flat sole leather shoes
4. Drivers and passengers must wear long cotton pants and long sleeve cotton shirts or driving suits

In the drivers meeting we will go over passing rules, Run group order and general Driving instruction. We will also go over the flags and their meanings but I would highly recommend memorizing them below.

• Green - Track is open and clear, start of session
• Red - Slow down and come to a controlled and safe stop on either side of the track in a visible position NO PASSING Do not move until a corner worker informs you
• Standing yellow - Reduce speed, use caution NO PASSING be prepared to alter your driving line
• Waving yellow - Reduce speed, use extreme caution NO PASSING You will definitely have to alter your driving line. There is an obstruction on the track or an unprotected corner worker
• Full Course yellow - Reduce speed, Use caution NO PASSING Maintain your position relative to car in front and behind you. Do not bunch up, as the track will probably be cleared shortly
• Black - Consultation flag. Report to pit lane
• Black with orange circle - (meatball flag) - Mechanical problem. Report to pit lane. The flag may be followed by a number board with your car's number on it
• Red and yellow stripes - Debris or other traction reducing material on the driving line. Use Caution; be prepared to alter your driving line
• Blue with diagonal yellow stripe - Faster car behind you, Give passing signal at next passing zone.
• White - Ambulance or other slow moving vehicle on track. Reduce speed and use extreme caution! Also signifies last lap if displayed at Start/finish
• Checkered - Session is completed NO PASSING Report to pit in at reduced speed. The distance from the flag stand to pit-in should be used as a cool-down for brakes and engine.

This should give you a good jump on the days activities.

Eric

 

#13 makes no sense and would possibly DQ anyone running an aftermarket intake manifold...

EDIT: ok, so I'm a moron ... somehow my brain filtered out the "not" ... duh.

l8r)

 

I think that means polution control is not necessary on the track, I could be wrong though. Rule #7 seems like overkill...

 

Markus, you are missreading it. It says pollution controll equipment "NEED NOT" be opperational.

Eric

 

I can assure you in the EVO's case its vital.

Eric

 

I dont doubt you, it was just a shock to see. Is it an issue of time, or milage? The reason I ask, what about a car that isless than a year old and hasnt been driven anywhere near six months total due to being stored during winter and other bad weather conditions. Id assume since brake fluid is essentially hydraulic fluid, if it isnt getting used it isnt degrading in quality. I could be wrong though. Your thoughts? (Im not trying to be a pain, just planing ahead)

 

In that case you would be correct. They are referring to a regularly driven car. I would recomend putting in a better grade brake fluid.

Eric

 

Can we setup at the track the night before? What time do gates open?

 

Not sure if others are coming up the night before? I've got a pretty long drive, and don't really want to leave @ 3am. Might find me a hotel for Sunday night.

 

I would call autobahn. That is a question I cannot answer.

Eric

 

I would flush and replace your brake fluid with Motul RBF600. It's not too hard to boil the stock fluid when you're on a track. At the very least you'll definitely want to bleed your brakes prior to tracking your car.

l8r)

 

Do you know what time gates open and when we should be there?

 

Check the other original thread. 7:30 I believe

 

Anyone interested in a hotel:
They recommended the Hampton Inn - Joliet I-80 = 815-725-2424. I looked online and it's $109/night.

There's a few others that are close and cheaper, Red Roof Inn and a Super 8 - both about $60 on hotels.com

 

Gates are open at 7AM

Eric