Went to my first track event, and had a great time on the road course! I can't believe a stock R can handle so well when pushed to the limit! Learned a lot about the car, and had an experienced driver sit shotgun and critique my driving.
Apparently I did really well for my first time out, and was passing a few people in the designated spots.
Also spun out on a turn, and learned an important lesson about throttle lift oversteer!

While my driving still needs lots of work which just requires more seat time, there are a couple areas that could use some work on the car to slowly get more competitive...

Body roll...should I consider getting stiffer spring rates now and stick with street tires...? I liked how predictable the car is and its balanced surprisingly well, but it is a lot of roll!

Seats...I was flying around the stock seat, especially in quick, long corners...

Tires...They held me back...running azenis 615 on stock rims

What is the next step up? Getting stiffer spring rates and learn the car again, get better tires or R comps and drive more, or both? By changing both I'd have to learn the car all over again, so Im guessing 1 thing at a time...

Input?

 

Outgrew the azenis after your first track day? I am trying to get a set for my trackday coming up!

 

Had the same issue with stock seats. My current R has JDM ITR seats, and they hold me MUCH better and are very comfortable.

I seriously doubt you were out driving RT615s on your first time out on track. There are better options out there for sticky street tires, like Kuhmo XS or Bridgestone RE11, but I'd keep your Azenis. A lot of instructors and advanced students are out there on Azenis, and are not held back.

 

Mine are probably getting worn then...Ill take a closer look tomorrow morning.

 

Just took a look now, the tires are worn down. I do daily the car, and put on a few miles...that explains it.

 

bfg g sports r pretty good tires....grip good

 

There are WAY better options for sticky tires...WAAAAY better.

OP, look at either the XS or the RE11s. One of those will be my next sticky street tire.

 

Azenis do get less grippy with mileage (harden up) or wear. Do NOT get an R-comp tire after one day. Even though the Azenis you currently have might be less than optimal, you are not maximizing their potential, almost guaranteed. If the Azenis are really worn down, like to the wear bars, get a new set of street tires. As mentioned, the RE11s and new MXs are good. There are several others (Direzza Star Spec?), and nsxtacy can tell you all about them I'd search before asking though, as the information for that specific topic has been covered repeatedly.

Skip the springs, no point there.

As always, your money is best spent on more seat time. That will make the largest improvement on your entire tracking/driving experience. If you're just dying to throw money at the car itself, seats are a tremendous improvement. JDM ITR seats aren't bad, but if you're a "big boy" it'll be a snug fit. I found Del Sol seats to be better than the stock ITR ones (hug better, lower) as a cheap solution. Ultimately, if you get serious about the tracking thing, nothing beats a rollbar, bucket seat, and harness. Even if the rest of the car is bone stock that will make the experience more enjoyable.

 

I did read up on nsxtasy's post about street tires, and im going to start calling around for some prices.

I did ride in my friends R who had jdm itr seats, and this course had me moving out of them pretty good as well. He had a roll bar, harness, and race seat, and it kept him in really well.

Im going to spend my money on a more comfortable helmet and more track days.

Hearing people's opinion about this kind of stuff is actually quite helpful! For someone starting out, so they don't waste their money doing things twice or on things that won't be beneficial if anyone was wondering why I made this thread...

 

Good to hear, and glad to see you're listening to the advice

 

I ran the Bridgestone RE11 at the Speed Ventures Event this weekend at BW and they held up suppper nice. They were super grippy and made the car feel very balanced and predictable? What was your best time of the day?

 

Good advice throughout that post.

I believe Stinky meant to refer to the new Kumho XS, rather than the Kumho MX.

The Tire Rack just completed a comparison test (not yet posted on their website) of the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, Bridgestone Potenza RE-11, Kumho Ecsta XS, and Yokohama Advan Neova AD08. They all did well, with the first three a hair stickier than the AD08. For the ITR, the Star Spec comes in 195/55-15, the XS in 205/50-15 and 215/45-16, and the RE-11 in 205/50-15 and 205/45-16. They're all good and worth considering for when you need to replace the Azenis. But the difference isn't enough to warrant replacing the Azenis unless you would be ready to do so anyway (i.e. for tread depth purposes).



As you found, the car is very capable as it is. While you can certainly get the car to roll less with suspension upgrades, and the seat to hold you better with an aftermarket seat, I would wait to build up a bit more experience with the car as is. You're wise to spend your money on a good helmet and track time. You'll also need to spend money on "consumables" (brake pads, rotors, tires) as needed. After you've driven in 4-6 events, you may have some ideas on where else to spend money.

Enjoy!

 

^^^Thanks for the input. I read over the reviews and like the sounds of the kumho XS, and RE-11 since they are stock sizes. Im going to continue to run these azenis, and learn the caR some more...

The "consumables" do add up, especially when track days are routinely $100+, so Ill just keep the maintenance up and look for a deal on a helmet.

 

I agree, I would keep the bumper for resale value. The R looks good. Dont you get tired of preserving it and just want to drive, use it? It gets exhausting, as I have done the same before. The car looks nice though. I like the accord as well.
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