Chets LS3

I've auto-x multiple times but never a hpde

Car: 08 base c6 m6

Rims/tires:
Repro 18/9.5 19/10
Bridgestone re 11 275/35/18
Re 11 305/30/19 (yes I know this is technically one size too big)

Brakes: slotted only rotors and new stoptech street pads. Don't really want to go to a dedicated race pad. Have debated on buying blanks though

Z51 sway bars and pfadt JO shocks, lowered on aftermarket bolts


Any suggestions/advice

Bills Z06

Your car is fine. Mods can come later after you get some seat time on the track.

My best advise would be:
1. Don't try to set a new lap record to impress your instructor
2. Pay attention to what your instructor says
3. Concentrate on being smooth and hitting your marks

ENJOY!

jcsperson

Good thread:

Master list of stuff to bring to a race weekend

TheKomoman

Only other thing I'd do maintenance-wise is if you haven't already from your auto-x experience, bleed your brakes out to DOT4 fluid.

CHJ In Virginia

Two things I would do prior to the event. Flush out old brake fluid and replace with a good high temp fluid like ATE Blue or Motul. Bump your tire pressures up a pound or two to prevent rolling the sidewall as bad. Then have fun, enjoy and most importantly listen to your instructor. Welcome to the addiction !!

gaspeddleZ07

taken19

Definitely bleed your brakes and be prepared to go broke... This track thing is addicting!

Pay more attention on learning the line and being consistent than going fast. Speed will come automatically once the other two are mastered. I would also go for as many ride alongs as you can once you get the hang of it. You will pick up on tons of small things that will help you.

FruiTay

Kiss the street one last time because your love for it will disappear.

DansBlkonBlkZ06

If your leather seats are covered with armor all, you might want to get some cabinet shelving lining (thin rubber kind) from Walmart. I remember my first track day on stock seats, I could barely keep from sliding out of the car!
Also, don't forget to watch plenty of video from other drivers at the same track. Try to learn the turns so you don't get lost out there. I got lost all the time my first day. When you miss a turn, you miss the next 2 turns because you are off line and was thinking about missing the first turn.
On your first warm up lap of the day, call out each corner worker station. Not only will your instructor know that you see him, but it is a good habit. I still do this on my warm up lap for every first track day session.

MarkDFW

Motul 600 brake fluid!

crease-guard

I'll say it again to drive the point home. Don't try to go fast...it's hard to do at first as your natural competitive juices take over. Listen to your instructor...hopefully you get a good teacher. I've been doing this almost 2 years and I'm just now getting the hang of it and have started getting faster and faster...but it didn't happen until I slowed down.

You'll hear the same thing over and over again...slow is fast, seat time before mods (except safety ones). DO NOT mod the engine for more HP. I'm with a stock LS6 and I still can't out drive the car.