Did some searching, but couldn't find a specific thread on this.

What advice is there for running on a roadcourse when it's either wet or raining? Specifically in an HPDE with street tires:

- ACD - Run the ACD in the Gravel setting
- MBC - If using an MBC; back off the boost any?
- Braking - be more mindful of braking and weight transfer, braking earlier and resist trail braking?

 

just take it easy... slowly start building speed... no need to mess around with settings etc..

and street tires are good for rain days

n

 

That's what I was thinking. Instead of starting at like 7/10 like we're taught, back it off some and crank it up much slower as you get the feel.

Don't think I should run on the 'Gravel' setting for the differential?

I was able to stomp on the gas today from a roll in 1st and lit up all 4 tires while on the Tarmac setting! I'm sure the track will be in better shape - traction wise - than that road today though.

 

just be cautious, wet track can be very slippy then dry. Build up the pace through out the day.

 

Some parts of the track could be more slippery than the road due to pavement worn smooth. In a couple sections of the Nurburgring the pavement is absurdly slippery for this reason.

 

Avoid puddles in apexes and go wide if necessary. Watch where water is draining across the track and try to avoid braking or turning there. Keep in mind that water runs down hills, so when you are going uphill you may be going upstream and more likely to hydroplane. Remember that wet grass is essentially ice so don't go off!

I did a very rainy track day at Shenandoah Circuit on 615s last November with it about 40 degrees out. There's very little run off on that track, there was a lot of water on the track and I had zero grip in a RWD car (615s are not your friend when it's cold and rainy). It was my first rain event and I learned a lot. Definitely don't skip the event!!!

EDIT: One more thing, if you are on a track that shares the front straight with a drag strip, WATCH OUT! The launch pad area will be ridiculously slippery.

 

Yes, use the gravel setting with a wet track. Also, on a wet track at slow speeds Ill overdrive the corners just to see how slippery it actually is. For me, I kinda like to know how the car is gonna act once it does slide out, before I actually do close to the limits. Once you get the feel, then there is no more fun on a roadcourse than holding 4 wheel drifts for a couple hundred feet after the apex, fast no, fun yes.
Marty

 

I heard that if it is more than just a sprinkle, the Gravel setting is better.
Just don't drive over your skill and boost should be fine
Yes, brake in a straight line

Also, a few extra things you can do (quickly) are to set your shocks on a lighter setting (if you have adjustable shocks), add a few extra pounds of air to the tires and find someone who can tell you about the track when it is wet (best line, places to avoid, etc.)

Drive safe, in the end it is just for fun.

 

amen @ sebring. turn 16.

just take it easy, and make sure if theres standing water, you're running tires with tread and rain grooves.

If it's not standing, run your normal track tires.

Just go out and learn the dynamics, and be safe.

 

if you want to go the distance, I've heard its a good idea to soften or let loose your sway bar.

to much trouble for me, laying down in the puddles to release the bar. just expect less of the traction and drive by feel.

 

As profound yet elementary as this may sound, any dialed in steering input should be respected whether it's a hairpin or a we little kink.

In like a lamb, out like a lion...

I learned the hard way on a kink

 

The more experienced drivers this weekend told us the best line was:
Slow, Slower and Slower

Yeah, we got the point. Definitely felt the car slide through the 'S' curves on the track and backed it waaay off in the bigger banking curves. It was only a light rain and only 1 session, but I was glad to get the experience.

I did leave the ACD in the Tarmac setting though. I didn't feel like changing the setup of the car, but I probably should have. I do switch it on the street if it's raining and notice definite differences in the characteristics.

 

Stay off the berms when it's wet. The paint on the berms are super slick when wet.

 

dont apex the burm..go wide enough so you dont touch it..It becomes very slippery when wet. There is also a different racing line to follow when it wet (basically keep middle of track)..

 

^^ right, avoid all paint!!