Anyone doing track days Oct 24/25? Any advice for a first timer?How demanding is the 2.2 mile track at Spring Mountain? What approxmate speeds would a typical rookie expect to run? Thanks guys.

 

I have a few recommendations for you.

1. Make sure your tires are good.

2. Make sure your brake pads and fluid are good

3. Check your power steering fluid and coolant levels

4. I always change my oil before and again after each weekend.

5. Check your belts and hoses.

All our cars are stock and we run them pretty hard. The Vette is an amazing vehicle and very robust. But things can go wrong.

I would always bring a spare quart or two of oil just in case. I also like to have a tire pressure gauge. Some like to bring tools. Definitely bring sunscreen.

I'm sure others will be able to give you some more opinions.

I think just as important is to prepare yourself.

1. Know the track. Here is a link. Scroll to the bottom graphic to see the 2.2 layout.

Here is a Video. One thing to point out is that the video is older so it does not show all the improvements that have been made to the track but it will give you an idea of what to expect.

2. Be well rested. Performance driving is not only physical, it's mental too. A friend of mine once said it's like working out and playing chess at the same time. It takes complete concentration from the time you start your car till you turn it off again. I've seen a lot of people go off track on the cool down lap. If you find yourself tired at the end of the day (and you will) don't try to make the last session your fastest. Many even decide to forgo the last session. Use your best judgement.

3. Be smooth with your inputs; steering, brakes and gas. Don't jerk the wheel, jamb the brakes or stomp on the throttle.

4. Look where you want to go.

5. Brake sooner than you think you need to. Then move your brake point further up in SMALL increments. In general, braking late will do little to improve your speed or lap times when you are just starting out. Remember, slow in, fast out.

6. If you're not comfortable with heel-toe down shifting, just get the car into third and stay there. This is when you can focus on driving the correct line and being smooth. As you progress, you will probably need to shift into 4th, and maybe 5th.

7. Get an instructor to drive you around the track. Pay attention to how smooth he is, where he is looking and the line he is taking. DON'T try to go as fast as he does

8. Learn the Flags and where the Flag Stations are. Do this early on your first day.

9. Drink plenty of water.

10. Most of all have FUN and don't worry if someone is faster than you. Drive within your limits and your car's limits.

Hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ken

PS you can expect to hit between 110-140MPH at the end of the back stretch (depending on your car), but I don't recommend looking at the speedometer at the end of the straight.

 

I took the ZR1 2 day course as a 57yr old rookie and was very relaxed on the track. it was made easy by the great instructions given by Ken and the rest of the guy's there. Go, drive the wheels off and you'll have a lot of fun. We only had one driver run off the course and he had more fun than anyone.
Dennis ZR1

 

Dennis,

Glad you had a good time.

It was probably Ken "Kenny" Northrup you were working with. He, along with the other instructors are second to none. I'm just happy they let me hang around

Ken

 

Two other quick things come to mind. Check your ego at the door and bring a torque wrench to check your lug nuts between sessions. (100 lb ft)

Your going to love it, just drive as fast as you're comfortable with -the speed will come automatically. By Sunday I was really making my instructor hold on. She was pleased.

 

Something I noticed during my own track days :

During the day you will get more comfortable, and faster around the track. This means you will get out of turns faster and therefore arrive to your braking zones faster. Make sure you dont arrive too fast at a braking point you set earlier while you where still a bit slower and had less speed to shave off... keep adjusting your braking points as you get faster.

Additionally it's always good to start slow and up the rhythm step by step. Get an instructor for at least your first session on track. He's knowledge of the track and lines will save you a lot of trajectory "exploration" and the associated hazards as speed gets up. Plus it's always good to dust off some of these good old driving skills

Have fun !

 

One of the most cost effective mods you can make to your car (object behind the steering wheel). Spring Mountain instructors make the learning experience fun while providing a solid basis for moving on to other tracks.

 

I appreciate the information... three last questions if I may,should I rent a transponder?will my dot?snell m-95 motorcycle helmet work?what do you pay/tip an instructor?

 

You forgot 11. Get lots of cheap fireworks that are illegal elsewhere in the US.

Have loads of fun.

 

Great info !!!
I'm looking to take my C6 Z06 out there in October. Just replaced the GY F1's with Nitto Invo's....need to change out the pads for some Hawk HP+'s and get the fluids changed.
I have some of those GoPro Motorsport Hero Wide cameras...are you allowed to use them, and is there a restriction for mounting them externally ?