First Track Session May 4

[typearghhhh]

hey guys my first track session ever is coming up may 4 at dominion raceway. any tips or pointers? not really nervous just excited to test the car. i've done alot to the car like a cage, fbo, tune, etc. yokohama advan tires. can't wait to test it out...

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[REDRAGN]

Honestly, be humble and have fun!

Too many people show up "knowing it all!" Not saying that's you, just saying don't ever be "that guy!" If its an option, get an instructor...its free coaching.

Carry as many tools, fluids, spares as you are able to. Take an EZ up, chair, and cooler with some drinks and snacks.

Other than that, enjoy it, take pics, and report back and let us know how it goes.

 

[typearghhhh]

Honestly, be humble and have fun!

Too many people show up "knowing it all!" Not saying that's you, just saying don't ever be "that guy!" If its an option, get an instructor...its free coaching.

Carry as many tools, fluids, spares as you are able to. Take an EZ up, chair, and cooler with some drinks and snacks.

Other than that, enjoy it, take pics, and report back and let us know how it goes.

hell yeah cant wait haha

 

[Neddih]

Don't be too "shy" on the track, but don't think you know it all or be a crazy person either. Other than that try to absorb as much as you can out of the experience and have fun.

 

[Sam3]

I recommend that you build a theoretical foundation by reading the book Ultimate Speed Secrets by Ross Bently and/or watching the Driver 61 University series.

Then watch some videos of the track you're going to with instructions and see if you can download the recommended race line for the track.

Then get a good instructor, especially when you go to a new track or a new configuration (CW or CCW). The really good instructors aren't free and aren't cheap. There's a huge difference between free instructors (e.g. NASA HPDE instructors who are getting free track time in exchange for coaching—they're hit and miss) and professional instructors or coaches.

Starting with a good instructor will teach you how to set up your seating position, how to hold and turn the steering wheel, where to look, the optimal lines, when to brake and how hard, when to get on the throttle, etc. After the session, they'll debrief with you, go over a diagram of the track and the areas you could improve on, etc. They can also give you ideas on how to improve the setup of your car. Record the instruction session and go over it several times later.

Investing in good instruction is more important than investing in car mods.

 

[Neddih]

I recommend that you build a theoretical foundation by reading the book Ultimate Speed Secrets by Ross Bently and/or watching the Driver 61 University series.

Then watch some videos of the track you're going to with instructions and see if you can download the recommended race line for the track.

Then get a good instructor, especially when you go to a new track or a new configuration (CW or CCW). The really good instructors aren't free and aren't cheap. There's a huge difference between free instructors (e.g. NASA HPDE instructors who are getting free track time in exchange for coaching—they're hit and miss) and professional instructors or coaches.

Starting with a good instructor will teach you how to set up your seating position, how to hold and turn the steering wheel, where to look, the optimal lines, when to brake and how hard, when to get on the throttle, etc. After the session, they'll debrief with you, go over a diagram of the track and the areas you could improve on, etc. They can also give you ideas on how to improve the setup of your car. Record the instruction session and go over it several times later.

Investing in good instruction is more important than investing in car mods.

While I agree with some of this for someone who has already done track time (I don't consider it track time without an instructor) I think while this is good advice for a super dedicated person it's a bit much for someone having their first track experience. Even great instructors appreciate students that they can teach and learn, instead of having to change their habits or previous knowledge. That said, it is a good idea to at least know the terms and ideas that will be mentioned like a driving line, apex, and exit (early and late for both to picture it if its not something natural to you)

Hope you don't get a bad instructor, and try to learn as much as you can and enjoy or find out if you do enjoy driving on a track. Your first time should be for the experience and learning alone and trying to study ahead on some things can make it a lot harder for an instructor to teach you (aka listening to advice)

If after your first time you enjoyed the experience and got to learn first hand what track driving is like and what there is to learn and improve on then then by all means go all in on what Sam mentioned, IMO

Also, he is right, even driving a slow car fast is fun. Its all about learning.

 

[.grimace]

Biggest thing is have fun and learn to share the track. You'll likely be pointing lots of people by who know the track better so just point them by and move on. So many people have en ego or are blind and don't move.

Learn the flag stations and get comfortable on track before trying to worry about fast times.

 

[ems657]

I hope you have a blast. Most importantly:
1. Dial up gradually. I have seen some cars spinning out on their first event and the dial "down"
2. Memorize the track in your head (such as watching the same Youbute with a map in hand)
3. Be extra careful during the first session in the morning (cooler temp) and last session of the day (fatigue)
Cheers,

 

[Vincent@27WON]

hey guys my first track session ever is coming up may 4 at dominion raceway. any tips or pointers? not really nervous just excited to test the car. i've done alot to the car like a cage, fbo, tune, etc. yokohama advan tires. can't wait to test it out...

check out this blog we wrote just for that.

https://www.27won.com/blog/honda-civic-track-day-prep-for-noobs

even got a nice list to download.

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