Trackday advice

[Anonymous]

I have a track day booked for sat 10th November at Kevil. I've done a couple before in an E36 M3 but I care about my Z much more than the M3 banger that I thrashed around before.
I have part worn Tyres on the back
Red stuff front pads should be delivered tomorrow
Ate super blue racing fluid will be replacing the standard stuff when I do the pads
Other than a LSD which I can't afford at the moment are there any other changes or preparations I should make?
I have 9000 miles showing before the next service but should I chnge the oil?
What about coolant?
I didn't bother with the m3 and it was fine being thrashed all day long.
Any advice welcome.
The main aim is to get a good feel for how the car handles not to try and brake any land speed records or race anyone.

 

[shawna]

Based on previous experiences the biggest issue is braking.

As you said, maybe braided hoses would help.

I'd also use the smallest set of tyres for better unsprung weight.

Lastly switch off all driver aids.

 

[Anonymous]

Installed new pads and changed the fluid today
Discovered that my near side rear suspension spring is broken

Thanks to my local indi who are replacing it tomorrow

 

[Woody]

Mostsharp who's your local Indy? Good luck for Saturday

 

[Machine monkey]

That sounds fun good luck

 

[Anonymous]

Clayton Cars, Durnford street, ashton, Bristol, 0117 963 4614

Used them for over ten years always helpful even to the point of telling me how to do the job myself. Never over charge even if a job takes twice as long as it should you just pay book hours. Cant recommend them enough.
Also they will make time for me if its an emergence like this spring before the weekend track day. Normally you have to book at least a week in advance.

Getting excited now .... cant wait

 

[wiseguy]

I attended a Ferrari CCR event at the closest track to me a few weeks ago, which piqued my interest in running mine on the track sometime soon. The morning began with a Fiat 500 Abarth race.

I'll have to pick up a 2nd set of wheels and tires and a helmet, among other things. I'll monitor this thread for additional suggestions.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure they let soft tops on track.

Second set of wheels would be good but how would you get them there assuming they had track tyres? When I went in the M3 I had it on a trailer and had loads of bits in the back of the estate, ohh the practicality ....

 

[StJimmyL]

Did a day at Bedford Autodrome last weekend... was awesome.

Best advice - get a decent helmet! Check all fluids before you go. Dont do too many laps at a time. I do about 3/4 and on the last ap take it easy to aid cooling. DONT PUT THE HANDBRAKE UP WHEN BACK IN THE PITS - the brakes WILL stick!

Coolant should be level - if not top it up. Make sure oil is on the top end of the range. No need for an oil change. If you;re concerned, do one after rather than before.

Take it easy and have fun... give others respect and space - it's not a race! Most track days have a signal right, pass on the left policy.

Brake late and turn in late - be smooth - Jerky steering will pressure the front suspension. Avoid the kerbs - it's not an F1 car.

Leave they traction toys on if it's wet - turn DSC off maybe, but dont hold the button down and go solo until you've got your confidence...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice StJimmyL.

Just got back. Had loads of fun. It was wet in the morning so I just pressed the dtc button and thing were stable enough a bit sideways but no spins, then in the afternoon it dryed out a bit and I was getting a lot of understeer so held the button down and switched it all off had some moments but held it and no spins. Was pleased how stable it is even with an open diff.
The breaks were an issue even with red stuff pads and super blue fluid. At the end the peddle has gone spongy theres a nasty graunching noise form the front left and i'm fairly sure that the other rear spring has broken!
will find out tomorrow after a clean and strip down.

Really want a LSD and some AP racing brakes !!!

 

[Anonymous]

Oh yer .. I thought that I would be the only z4 coupe for sure probably the only z4 but there were 3 of us including a blue z4m coupe!!! So much for my exclusivity

 

[StJimmyL]

Glad to know you had fun! Trick is in the cooling down so as to not melt the brakes. I normally bottle it at around 2pm and head home undamaged.

I find my 3.0 holds its own on track... had some GT2s and Cayman S's that were being driven badly

Expensive, but so much fun....

 

[Anonymous]

My Z was competitive, but its not so much the car as the driver. I had no problem with a pair of 350 to 400 bhp skylines and even some of the caterham type cars wouldn't embarrass me. Also held my own with a couple of E46 m3's but there was a really well driven mx5 that I could only gain on on the longest straight and a Mini Cooper race car that made everyone look like they were going backwards!
There was a caged out Clio sport that was very fast and the highlight of the day was a Ferrari 430 I think that made the best sound I think I've ever heard. Also a Audi rs6. The v10 turbo that only managed a couple of laps before coming in with its pads on fire!
I would recommend doing a track day to all owners. It's not racing or even about going fast but it does alow you to learn how to control your car so if you have a moment on the road due to ice, oil or just miss judging a corrner you don't panic and have a much better chance of saving it. Plus it's bloody good fun!

 

[wiseguy]

I'm not sure they let soft tops on track.

Second set of wheels would be good but how would you get them there assuming they had track tyres? When I went in the M3 I had it on a trailer and had loads of bits in the back of the estate, ohh the practicality ....

I have an SUV that a friend could drive. I could take the track wheels/tires and other stuff in it. To get started, I may just use my everyday tires/wheels and travel light.

As for the roadster, the track requires factory roll over protection in order to race, so I'm covered.

In addition to open track days, they offer high performance driver's ed with a pro instructor for $220 a day/$325 per weekend.

The track is currenly 2.75 miles with 16 turns. They are expanding to 4.6 miles in the near future.

 

[Tommo Two]

The brakes take a pounding as i found there isn't much cooling for them, so if i were you, do more short stints than less longer ones, and have a nice gentle cool down lap. Are you with Motorsport events at Keevil?

Bonus: