Questions for Road Coarse Drivers
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 0
From: Farmers Branch TX
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
The big HPDE event holder in my area does require the fluid be flushed within the last year and a receipt given if a shop did the flush, if it wasnt done by a shop, they inspect the fluid. I do a ton of tech inspections for people before they go on the track, and it is amazing what they show up in, last week it was an MR2 with loose ball joints, loose tie rods, tires showing cords on the inside, oil leaks EVERYWHERE, coolant leaks, and brake fluid that resembled coffee, with debris in it, and the customer was upset I wouldnt sign off on the track inspection!
Had cool wheels and drilled/slotted rotors though.
Had cool wheels and drilled/slotted rotors though.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Here's my opinion on the tape. Most of us don't have a dedicated track car, so it's important to protect the paint. I couldn't care less if anyone laughs at my tape job - it serves its purpose. I use 2" blue painters tape on most areas of concern and black duct tape on top of that directly behind the wells. Stay away from the green 3M tape as it is a bit too sticky.
For the hood I use shelf paper (from Walmart) and it definately helps.
I usually tape the wheel wells, rockers (in case I go off track), mirrors and the first 5-6 inches of roof. Also, you definately should invest in a good quality bra for the nose.
Stay safe and have fun.
Here's a quick clip of my first lead/follow event at Road Atlanta:
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Last edited by sperkins; Feb 20, 2008 at 10:33 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 643
Likes: 2
From: Alexandria Northern Virginia
28-30pis on Kumho's here. You'll have a blast. If idiot lights come on, like trans temp, oil temp, etc. STOP. Live to drive another day. Your car is smarter than you are 
No offense intended, its true. Just let your instructor give you something. Most folks think they are Ron Fellows behind the wheel their first day but don't understand why their 500hp car can't pull a stock Miata....learn from them. They know their crap or they would not be there teaching it.
FTWIW, I run the hi-temp fluid, new every event. I run the Hawk HP Plus pads (until I need new ones, they are fine; I have about 4 days on them now) so I can drive to and from the track on the same pads. I had the stock Z pads for a number of sessions, I honestly cannot tell the difference. Steel lines, I can tell the difference.
BTW, for fun, have your instructor show you correct form for heel-toe shifting and practice as you sit at your desk. Having someone show you is about the easiest way to make sense of it. Don't try it on the track unless you are all alone. I suggest parking lots at first!@
Good luck and have a blast!
Cassidy
No offense intended, its true. Just let your instructor give you something. Most folks think they are Ron Fellows behind the wheel their first day but don't understand why their 500hp car can't pull a stock Miata....learn from them. They know their crap or they would not be there teaching it.FTWIW, I run the hi-temp fluid, new every event. I run the Hawk HP Plus pads (until I need new ones, they are fine; I have about 4 days on them now) so I can drive to and from the track on the same pads. I had the stock Z pads for a number of sessions, I honestly cannot tell the difference. Steel lines, I can tell the difference.
BTW, for fun, have your instructor show you correct form for heel-toe shifting and practice as you sit at your desk. Having someone show you is about the easiest way to make sense of it. Don't try it on the track unless you are all alone. I suggest parking lots at first!@
Good luck and have a blast!
Cassidy
