After extensive autocrossing for one season, I decided it's time to take it to the track. I will be running in a novice group at Lime Rock in Sept and wanted to know some things that I should be thinking about and prepare for -- both the car and in my head.

Also, what kind of wear can I expect from tracking for a day?

Looking for words of wisdom here.

 

just take all the necessary equipment like the stuff you take to Auto-x. I think keeping the pressures lower than auto-x will be good. But you probably know all of that. Only wears would be just on your tires and that's not that much. These arent no words of wisdom just words from a newbie..

 

Go with your ego in check. You don't want to make an *** of yourself. Listen to your instructor and start slow. Learn the lines of the track and braking points first, then increase your speed.

PAY ATTENTION to the flag station(s). Many novices do not pay attention to the corner workers and main station workers when blue/black flagging - this is a major ****-off for more experienced drivers.

As for tire wear, it depends on the track. I toasted my RE010s at SIR in one day. If your brake fluid is old - get new fluid like Motul 600 with a higher boiling point.

 

Read this.

 

I would agree with all of that except the nose mask (Bra) part.

Our local track has banned them because they can fly off and possibly blind the driver behind you (or scratch their car). Bras are ok for autocross as they will protect from cone damage/marks.

Just put a good coat of wax on the car before hand.

 

I'm by no means an expert, but here's what I can offer.

First, I'm assuming that the event you are attending is with the PDA (Limerock 9/8)? I've run with them 4 times this year. The instructors are very good ... and the club has some great guys. The club is laid back, but very professional. Don't be afraid to ask questions, or to bug other experienced drivers.

You will have a Novice classroom meeting that lasts around 1 1/2hr, that covers the basics of car control, flags, and racing line. In your first session, you will play leap-frog ... following the Instructor's car at a slow - controlled pace, in order to learn the racing line. You will have an Instructor in your car for the next two sessions. As everyone else has said ... go with an open mind. Your there to LEARN.

As far as tire wear, your RE-10's should be fine (depending on current condition). I would invest in some motul 600 though.

Visit ITRCA.com for a good list of "what to bring" to a track event. Brett, has some great things listed.

Most importantly have fun!

Send me an e-mail or IM if you have any questions.