Tracking my Corvette
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 799
Likes: 14
From: Lakewood Ranch FL
Tracking my Corvette
I am going to be tracking my car for the 1st time this coming weekend. It's an '08 coupe Z51. I've just put on new tires (Michelin A/S) and would like some advise. I bought these particular tires because the car is my DD and being in Philadelphia the weather can sometimes be a little interesting (even though this winter was pretty mild). My concern is that I know that the Pilot tires are better for tracking but will I have any problems or tearing up this tires on the track. The track by the way is a road course (3 miles-14 turns).
Any help or warning are appreciated
Any help or warning are appreciated
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
I am going to be tracking my car for the 1st time this coming weekend. It's an '08 coupe Z51. I've just put on new tires (Michelin A/S) and would like some advise. I bought these particular tires because the car is my DD and being in Philadelphia the weather can sometimes be a little interesting (even though this winter was pretty mild). My concern is that I know that the Pilot tires are better for tracking but will I have any problems or tearing up this tires on the track. The track by the way is a road course (3 miles-14 turns).
Any help or warning are appreciated
Any help or warning are appreciated
Have fun and bring your Vette home in the same condition it was in when you drove it out to the track!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Go to the AX/RR section and you will find all the info you need for your first track day. There are numerous "1st Time at the Track" threads with plenty of good advice. It is the most legal fun you can have in your car. I am off the Rd Atl this weekend for 2 days of pure adrenaline.
Will work for HPDE time.
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 7
From: Orlando FL
Not a comprehensive long-track list, but a good start.
Change brake fluid to GOOD DOT4 like Motul or ATE super blue with a high boiling point.
Change oil. I add 1/2 a quart of oil to help prevent starvation. No empirical data, just something I do.
Check your suspension and ensure end links, bushings, and shocks are in good shape.
SA2005 or newer Helmet, good fitting shoes with a small footprint, and gloves (let someone kid you about using gloves...the first time your hand slips mid turn, you'll never NOT use them. Keep your seatbelt tight. With our stock seats, you are going to divot your driver side speaker grille when you start pushing it.
Good non-ceramic pads. Carbotech XP8 are fantastic for starting out.
Bring a tire gauge. Pressures are important.
LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR, WATCH YOUR MIRRORS, AND KEEP YOUR HEAD.
Have fun!
Change brake fluid to GOOD DOT4 like Motul or ATE super blue with a high boiling point.
Change oil. I add 1/2 a quart of oil to help prevent starvation. No empirical data, just something I do.
Check your suspension and ensure end links, bushings, and shocks are in good shape.
SA2005 or newer Helmet, good fitting shoes with a small footprint, and gloves (let someone kid you about using gloves...the first time your hand slips mid turn, you'll never NOT use them. Keep your seatbelt tight. With our stock seats, you are going to divot your driver side speaker grille when you start pushing it.
Good non-ceramic pads. Carbotech XP8 are fantastic for starting out.
Bring a tire gauge. Pressures are important.
LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR, WATCH YOUR MIRRORS, AND KEEP YOUR HEAD.
Have fun!
Last edited by TNTC4VETTE; Apr 10, 2012 at 03:28 PM. Reason: added info
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 33
From: S.D. CA
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 33
From: S.D. CA
Will work for HPDE time.
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 7
From: Orlando FL
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 33
From: S.D. CA
