I hope some of you guys are kinda stock, I dont' want to get embarrased.

 

Hey Ralph, this is Brad. I was asking you all those questions at the Mt. St. Helens meet about WORKS.

I'd still like to go, but I have no idea what to expect as far as wear and tear. I will probably have 4k miles on my IX by then. Is it possible that I will wear through the stockers during that weekend? I've driven them pretty hard and they haven't been rotated yet (maybe 50% front 70% back).

Basically, could someone give me a "newbie" checklist of things I need to do. Should I change my oil right before hand? Should I make sure my alignment is in check? I've noticed quite a bit of wear on outside edges of front tires -- do I need more negative camber? Brakes? Anything else?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. By the way Greg, I'm entirely stock except for a drop-in filter

 

Things you should do beforehand:

-Check your brake pads and make sure they have at least 50% life left, and better yet put on a dedicated track pad.
-check all your tire pressures, depends on a lot of variables but starting around 32-35 cold has worked well for me. I use a tire pyrometer (probe style) and change the tire pressures based on tire temps after each session.
-changing your oil would be a good idea, as well as the transmission/transfer case, and rear diff.
-re-torque all your lug nuts and bring a torque wrench to the track to re-check after the car cools down.
-get a good sleep and eat well, this goes a loooong way to helping out.

Things to bring:

-Torque wrench
-fold up tent/chair(s)
-food/water
-couple quarts of engine oil (recheck after each session)
-distilled water and/or coolant
-basic tool box is nice to have (especially if you pop off an IC hose)
-jack stands/floor jack if you have one
-extra brake pads/tires etc...


I probably missed some stuff so others can add in, but that's a good starting point. I also like to de-tune the car or add a few gallons of race gas to fight off any possibility of detonation due to prolonged high temps and boost.

 

I think Kyle pretty much covered it, basically just top of all your fluids (air, water, oil, brake) as needed and make sure your wheel lugs and battery tie down are tight. Depending on how long it has been since your last oil change and how agressive you drive, you can change fluids before or after the event (I usually do at least engine oil after, and the rest only if it's close to the regular service time anyway).

This is "sports driving at 7/10s" to quote Don from Proformance Racing school - if your car is in good shape going into it, it will be fine coming out of it. I've seen people do track days in rental cars! You can be as gentle or as abusive as you want to be and nobody is going to give you static for taking it easy. It's meant to be fun and educational, it's not a race.

As far as stuff to bring it's no different than an auto-x, basic tools (for the car), water/food for yourself, a tarp or water tight container to keep your stuff in track-side (in case it rains), folding chairs are nice to chill in during breaks. Most people will bring similiar stuff and are willing to share / help-out as needed.

After you register the IRDC guys are going to send you a booklet that goes over a lot of this stuff too, with checklists, etc.

 

I've seen only slightly modified Evos demolish Porsches, Corvettes, and Bimmers.

90% of a fast time on the track is the driver and his technique. You'll be just fine.

 

Probobly wont do any video. Does anyone have a harness bar in their car? I have a rollcage camera mount that I could put a camera on for a couple laps.


Weather sucked then, Either way I'll go on sunday to watch everyone beat on you

 

I'm in Ralph so add me!!! Dwayne the Super-Novice!!! I'll ask some more NOOB questions later.

How did you people who signed up electronically fill out the form and then submit it ? I'm missing how to do that!

 

added ! You can fill out the registration form electronically and email, or just print it out and snail-mail. There's no online form to fill out.

 

Ok just making sure!

 

my wife(e36 m3) & i are signing up for the lapping day, i'm considering the classroom day as well to qualify for the license. been thinking of getting a spec miata, 240z, or rabbitt to race in the stock class, it is an addicting sport isn't it who is it that said "racing makes heroin addiction look like a mild craving for salt" ??? so true.....

 

the more the merrier, keep'em coming

 

Just registered

 

I just received an email from the IRDC guys telling me that the spots are filling quickly - please send in your registration as soon as possible! There are 10 spots being held for Evo peeps right now, but unless your send in your stuff by wed next week, they'll go back to the open pool.

 

Great!! Sounds like a great opportunity to learn the track and the car once I'm a little more comfortable with it. I'll register for the Novice class first thing tomorrow.

Is the class the Proformance thing with the Neons, or bring-your-own-ride?



-doug

 

you drive your own car .