Nope, I meant HPS. It is an acceptable pad for the first-timer that tracks occasionally. HP+ is a good beginner track pad but they are likely to squeak on the street. But, they will work as a street/track pad as well.

 

I actually don't recommend dual purpose pads even for HPDE. The Evo is a heavy car and once you are comfortable enough driving it on the track, its worthwhile to have dedicated track pads that are totally unsuitable for the street. Swap them on before the event, and off when you are done. A decent set of high performance street tires and good track pads will go a long way and will not fade during HPDE sessions. That being said, I tend to brake really late and get the car right on the edge of ABS so I scorch the everloving hell out of my pads/rotors. For the OP, for the first time out on track you don't need to worry about it, but eventually you will want something more capable. The difference between street pads and race pads is huge.

 

Eric,

A lot of good info in this thread, but some is not applicable to you at this time, so don't feel too overwhelmed. After an event or two you should revisit this thread and I'll bet a lot of what has been said will make even more sense.

Your first event is going to be an eye opening one! You will have to unlearn a lot of what you were taught/learned from years of driving on the street. Normal day to day driving techniques we all develop do not transfer to the track. This, IMO, is the biggest hurdle to overcome for a beginner. The good news is that all the stuff you are going to learn at the track transfers VERY WELL over to the street... I am not talking about hitting apexes or speeding here, I am talking about techinque.

All you need to do in order to prepare for this upcoming HPDE is show up with a car in good mechanical condition (no leaks & nothing falling off), fresh brake fluid (by fresh I mean no more than 6mo old), brake pads that have 50% or more life left on them (brand isn't as important right now as the amount of material) and tires with at least 50% or more tread on them (again, brand isn't as important as the amount of material).

The reason I say not to worry about brands of tires/pads and stuff is because for your first event, unless you are a super fast learner or a natural hot-shoe, which almost everyone thinks they are before their very first time, you won't even come CLOSE to taxing the OEM equipment.

I would suggest watching some videos out youtube (my channel is a good one, lol) of Thunderbolt with chicane to get familiar with the track layout and flag stations. That will be 2 less things you need to learn when you are out there. Its going to be information OVERLOAD on your first day. The more you can take in now the better off you'll be.

Looking forward to seeing you out there on the 26th.

 

I actually have been looking at youtube videos already LOL. I am curious if I should buy a set of pads for the track now since I am afraid of eating through my street ones. I don't know how much life is left but I am assuming 50% might be a good estimate. In fact I will post pics of the front and rears and let you guys decide on that one. I am also going to have to change my brake fluid as well. I think there due and from my knowledge correct me if i am wrong water vapor can build up in high temp fluid (Motul RBF)??? Thanks for the advice!!!

 

Make sure the car have a refular check up up tp date.
And calm down, i know you exitwd and so but really nothing there to be really too exited.
If tou clear your head and not worry about what otgera might say tou will be fine and faster.

Firts track day, is basically adjusting youeself not the car.

Rob

 

I cant type on cell phone sorry

 

I can sea tahtt lol!

 

Its not just that, adds word into sentences, make up words for me, the bus - subway is bouncing and i dont really have a Barbie fingers
... lol

 

Depends on your definition of "unsuitable for the street" IMO. My PF01's squeal a lot on the street but other than that I find them excellent both for dd'ing and road racing.

 

^ Just to add to that... I'm using ST43's during the warmer months for both street and track... Are they loud as hell on the street yeah, yeah they are, but swapping pads all the time is a major pita. My advise is to just rock the track pads during the warmer months unless you don't plan on doing that many events. I try to do one a month, and my car isn't my DD but I still do drive it on the street, so for me its not a major issue.

I'm not aware of any pad that you absolutely can't use on the street...?

 

I ran Hawk Blue 9012s for HPDE all last season and they are absolutely unbearable on the street. They have NO bite until they are stupid hot, and the screeching when they are cold sounds like you're attacking a tin shed with a bansaw.

When they are warmed up though, I found my braking was limited by the tires. I ran Star Specs last season though, and will be going to Nitto NT01s this season, and changing pads to try the DTC-60/70 combo so we'll see.

 

You guys need to start using real pads, like CL pads or Endless...
Just food for thought.
Compere those like the Hawk HP+ is just a whole another level.

 

WEAK! They're cake to do!

 

I think the DTC60/70 are pretty "real", and I've heard have more bite than the 9012s I'm used to running on the track, and like I said, the 9012s are unbearable on the street at least imo. The limit to my braking right now is definitely the tire compound. If I'm not careful, I easily hit ABS as the tires lose traction because the brakes stop like hitting a wall.

Also, agreed with chu, changing pads is stupid easy, just remember to make sure those damn retaining pins are ALL the way in. I cooked my brakes bad at the last DE last season and the damn pins fell out of one of my rear calipers.

Anyway, we're going a bit off topic. Brake compounds won't really matter to the OP for a while yet. Just get out there and have fun.

 

Tons of good info here. I saw someone mention taking the spare tire and jack out before you leave home... I'd leave it in the car. It only takes a few minutes to pull it out at the track, and that way you'll have it in case you get a flat on the way to or from the track.

I've got some Hawk HPS in stock, btw.