[Z06] First day on a track
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 14
From: Glendale CA
First day on a track
On August 2, I will be taking my 2003 Z06 to the Streets of Willowbrook for my first romp on a road course.
Can any of you with experience tell me what I need to do to prep my Z06 for this day of fun?
Can any of you with experience tell me what I need to do to prep my Z06 for this day of fun?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
1. take it easy and get the feel of the course before pushing it
2. slow into the turns and fast out (gradually speeding up as you feel out the limits
3. make sure you have good brake fluid
4. double check brake pads
5. check lug nut torgue (100 ft/lbs)
6. the trannies can overheat from extended track time (if the warning comes on take a cooldown lap)
7. Overfill oil by 1 qt. and check it throughout the day
8. have a great time c5's are amazing cars even in stock form
Now after you become addicted you'll be wanting harnesses, tires, brake coolers, better pads, etc. etc.! :cheers:
[Modified by Cobra4B, 10:29 PM 7/17/2003]
2. slow into the turns and fast out (gradually speeding up as you feel out the limits
3. make sure you have good brake fluid
4. double check brake pads
5. check lug nut torgue (100 ft/lbs)
6. the trannies can overheat from extended track time (if the warning comes on take a cooldown lap)
7. Overfill oil by 1 qt. and check it throughout the day
8. have a great time c5's are amazing cars even in stock form
Now after you become addicted you'll be wanting harnesses, tires, brake coolers, better pads, etc. etc.! :cheers:
[Modified by Cobra4B, 10:29 PM 7/17/2003]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hillsdale NJ
Re: First day on a track (Cobra4B)
I would add a good Snell rated helmet. Motorcycle helmets for the most part are not Snell rated.
If they have instructors its always good to use their services, especially if its your first time.
Other than that try to stay as calm as possible and recognize that top speed on the straight is not a big deal. Consistency and smoothness through the corners is what really counts. Also if you get hooked buy the Bondourant book on racing.
Have fun :hurray:
If they have instructors its always good to use their services, especially if its your first time.
Other than that try to stay as calm as possible and recognize that top speed on the straight is not a big deal. Consistency and smoothness through the corners is what really counts. Also if you get hooked buy the Bondourant book on racing.
Have fun :hurray:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 6
From: redlands,ca.-usa
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
The STEETS of Willow Springs is a tight street type coarse--hard on brakes and front tires.Take shade,oil,water and more water.Fill the tank at the Chevron Station when you get off the 14 frwy.Wear gloves when checking the oil.After a track session open hood and let engine run with AC on for 5-10 minutes to let engine cool down.Today it was only 101 at track-be prepared for higher temps in Aug.
Have fun-
Have fun-
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Red Raider
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
More tips....
You'll have to take out any lose items in your Z06 like the floor mats, rear flat kit, and etc....
After each time out on the track, you want to check your tire wear and make sure your close to the triangle indicators. Let air out if your tire wear is above the triangle and add more air if the tire wear is below the triangle indicators.
Only check your wheel torque when the wheels are cooled off so you don't have to worry about snapping a wheel stud off. If you are just running the stock wheels and tires, then checking them before you leave for the track is all you really need.
You'll have to take out any lose items in your Z06 like the floor mats, rear flat kit, and etc....
After each time out on the track, you want to check your tire wear and make sure your close to the triangle indicators. Let air out if your tire wear is above the triangle and add more air if the tire wear is below the triangle indicators.
Only check your wheel torque when the wheels are cooled off so you don't have to worry about snapping a wheel stud off. If you are just running the stock wheels and tires, then checking them before you leave for the track is all you really need.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 998
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Re: First day on a track (Teddy98Z28M6)
I went to my first Auto-x with a local car club. What a blast...
Here is a couple pics...
Lookin' good..!
A little out of shape...
It will certainly take some time to get used to the car. The harder I tried the slower I ran.
Looks can be deceiving.. when someone "looks" fast they usually are not and have a slow lap time, it's the car that drives by quietly without much ado that's actually haulin' butt around the track..
Paul.
[Modified by pdvale, 11:19 PM 7/22/2003]
Here is a couple pics...
Lookin' good..!
A little out of shape...
It will certainly take some time to get used to the car. The harder I tried the slower I ran.
Looks can be deceiving.. when someone "looks" fast they usually are not and have a slow lap time, it's the car that drives by quietly without much ado that's actually haulin' butt around the track..
Paul.
[Modified by pdvale, 11:19 PM 7/22/2003]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hillsdale NJ
Re: First day on a track (pdvale)
A good rule of thumb for folks new to autocross is:
Where you think you should drive fast, you should be slower
Where you think you should drive slowly is where you should be fast
As you said those that look "slow" are smooth and fast
:steering:
Where you think you should drive fast, you should be slower
Where you think you should drive slowly is where you should be fast
As you said those that look "slow" are smooth and fast
:steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
Everyone has given you great tips follow them. Also, if you remove the rear hood seal, the one under the windshield wipers, it will help evacuate engine bay heat and help keep the brake fluid resivour cooler. To keep from breaking the rear end loose coming out of curves (power oversteer) just stay in 4th gear, you can still accelerate nicely in a Z06 but she won't surprise you, and you don't have to think about shifting; or heel and toeing, yet. Get an instructor or very good driver to ride with you and before your first lap ride with them so they can explain the track to you and danger spots. Then have fun and start saving money for track mods :yesnod: :lol:
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Portland
Re: First day on a track (CPT Z06)
I'd also like to add that you will need to concentrate on learning where the flag stands are and on what the flags mean. It's easy to get so focused on your own driving that you foget to check the corner stations.
Also, be sure to check your mirrors frequently and use the approved passing protocol (which varies from track to track and club to club) when either overtaking another car, or being overtaken. It is sometimes hard to gauge how close to follow another car so that they get the message that you are faster and need to pass, without being too close for an adequate saftey zone. That's why everyone should use their mirrors! If you are following another car that is holding you up in the turns but won't point you by on the straights, don't get overly frustrated before just pulling back through pregrid to get restarted with some clear track.
It may not be as much of a problem in the Vette because you will have plenty of passing power. Anyway, these are the kinds of things the instructors will be looking for when determining whether you can move up in the run groups.
Jim
[Modified by Jhodel, 12:30 PM 7/23/2003]
Also, be sure to check your mirrors frequently and use the approved passing protocol (which varies from track to track and club to club) when either overtaking another car, or being overtaken. It is sometimes hard to gauge how close to follow another car so that they get the message that you are faster and need to pass, without being too close for an adequate saftey zone. That's why everyone should use their mirrors! If you are following another car that is holding you up in the turns but won't point you by on the straights, don't get overly frustrated before just pulling back through pregrid to get restarted with some clear track.
It may not be as much of a problem in the Vette because you will have plenty of passing power. Anyway, these are the kinds of things the instructors will be looking for when determining whether you can move up in the run groups.
Jim
[Modified by Jhodel, 12:30 PM 7/23/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 14
From: Glendale CA
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Getting really excited.
I have ordered a Bell helmet (it better arrive by Aug 1!!!).
I am going to change the oil and filter this weekend, so they will be fresh.
I will torque the wheels the morning before I leave for the track (while the wheels are cool).
I will take extra water, oil, tool kit. Shade is a great idea.
The car is almost 1 year old, 6000 miles. Can I run the original brake fluid, or should I flush it this weekend?
I have ordered a Bell helmet (it better arrive by Aug 1!!!).
I am going to change the oil and filter this weekend, so they will be fresh.
I will torque the wheels the morning before I leave for the track (while the wheels are cool).
I will take extra water, oil, tool kit. Shade is a great idea.
The car is almost 1 year old, 6000 miles. Can I run the original brake fluid, or should I flush it this weekend?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
If I can clear out that weekend (and my damn drivers seat is fixed), I may come out to drive that Saturday with SV. Are you driving both days? I've only driven Big willow so I can't give you any advice on streets off the bat, but I'm usually faster than average and we can swap pointers.
As to brake fluid, I'd go ahead and change it to something like super blue ATE (you can get it from lapd). It will be hotter than s**t out there :yesnod:
As to brake fluid, I'd go ahead and change it to something like super blue ATE (you can get it from lapd). It will be hotter than s**t out there :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 14
From: Glendale CA
Re: First day on a track (kraff)
This is my first time, so I only signed up for Saturday.
Figure I will "take it easy" until I get the hang of it.
I did sign up to drive with an instructor.
I already got some Blue ATE, so I will flush it out this weekend.
Hope you can make it; would be great to see you out there, and I will need all the pointers that I can get.
[Modified by tpocock, 11:26 AM 7/23/2003]
Figure I will "take it easy" until I get the hang of it.
I did sign up to drive with an instructor.
I already got some Blue ATE, so I will flush it out this weekend.
Hope you can make it; would be great to see you out there, and I will need all the pointers that I can get.
[Modified by tpocock, 11:26 AM 7/23/2003]
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Germantown MD
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
This is my first time, so I only signed up for Saturday....
[Modified by tpocock, 11:26 AM 7/23/2003]
[Modified by tpocock, 11:26 AM 7/23/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Re: First day on a track (Cobra4B)
some things that i would add:
search the internet on how to drive on a road course. you need to know how to get onto the course, into the pit, signal to pass and understand the signals that others are giving to you.
if your brakes get soft at ANYTIME, it is time to get off the course to cool off.
do NOT use your parking brake on HOT brakes. warps the rotors.
take your time to get familiar with the course. the key is to know how to enter a turn, go through the turn and exit the turn.
talk to others out there. not all are friendly, but say hi and see what they are up to. they will open up.
dont know what the track is like but make sure you bring cold fluids for yourself as it gets really really hot taking the g-forces and sweating in the heat with a helmet. bring something to eat as well.
bring folding chairs and shade if there isn't any out there.
remove your flooor mats when your drive cause they can get stuck under a brake or on top of the gas pedal.
take it easy. a harness and racing tires are nice but you can take a z06 out and have a TON OF FUN. keep an eye on your tires.
bring a friend with a camera or video camera, record it, and share.
have a safe ride man. it is a blast.
:cheers:
search the internet on how to drive on a road course. you need to know how to get onto the course, into the pit, signal to pass and understand the signals that others are giving to you.
if your brakes get soft at ANYTIME, it is time to get off the course to cool off.
do NOT use your parking brake on HOT brakes. warps the rotors.
take your time to get familiar with the course. the key is to know how to enter a turn, go through the turn and exit the turn.
talk to others out there. not all are friendly, but say hi and see what they are up to. they will open up.
dont know what the track is like but make sure you bring cold fluids for yourself as it gets really really hot taking the g-forces and sweating in the heat with a helmet. bring something to eat as well.
bring folding chairs and shade if there isn't any out there.
remove your flooor mats when your drive cause they can get stuck under a brake or on top of the gas pedal.
take it easy. a harness and racing tires are nice but you can take a z06 out and have a TON OF FUN. keep an eye on your tires.
bring a friend with a camera or video camera, record it, and share.
have a safe ride man. it is a blast.
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,267
Likes: 6
From: Cumming Ga
Re: First day on a track (fast4vette)
Flushing the brake fluid with hi temp fluid is a MUST. The stock fluid will boil and you will lose your brakes. Then after the first track day, just flush the fluid out of the calipers each time you go to another track. THe fluid will be black.
Tim
Tim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 6
From: redlands,ca.-usa
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
Today a WSIR most people ran only 10-15 minutes per sesssion because of the heat.There is a great FOSTERS FREEZE next to Chevron , a tall rootbeer float is just what you will need on the drive home.Be sure to change Power Sterring fluid after track day
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Re: First day on a track (Timz06)
Flushing the brake fluid with hi temp fluid is a MUST.
it is not a parking lot with cones.
if you start to get into it, then there is a lot you can do.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Norcross GA
Re: First day on a track (tpocock)
Also work on your vision. Your instructor will look for signs of "low eyes", that is looking too close to the front of your car. Look down the track and through the corners. If things begin to feel like they are happening too fast it can mean that you are not looking far enough ahead. Finally, don't concentrate on the car in front of you, otherwise if he goes off you will likely follow.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hillsdale NJ
Re: First day on a track (Markatl)
Okay, we (self included) have now provided so much data he will need a computer to keep track of the good hints.
It can be a bit overwhelming to a first time driver. :smash:
It can be a bit overwhelming to a first time driver. :smash:
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: n. hollywood, ca
Re: First day on a track (barondw)
OK Speed Ventures runs a good event, SOWS is a VERY tight track that is extremely hard on tires and brakes. Make sure your tire pressures are correct (start with 32 front 30 rear cold, hot should be 40/37 right after you come off the track). Timz06 is right on, make sure you change out your brake fluid to a hi temp fluid such as Castrol SRF or Motul or something like that if not YOU WILL BOIL YOUR BRAKE FLUID, there is no doubt about that particularlly on this track.
I was at the big track next door yeserday, it got up to 112 degrees, bring shade there is none there, bring a hat, sunscreen and at least a 1/2 a case of water per person, you WILL go through 12 bottles a day without going to the rest room. There are no services at SOWS to buy food or water so bring a cooler.
Good luck, have fun, I'll be at Cali Speedway that weekend.
I was at the big track next door yeserday, it got up to 112 degrees, bring shade there is none there, bring a hat, sunscreen and at least a 1/2 a case of water per person, you WILL go through 12 bottles a day without going to the rest room. There are no services at SOWS to buy food or water so bring a cooler.
Good luck, have fun, I'll be at Cali Speedway that weekend.