Speed Racer

Maybe "tech day" was a poor choice of words on my part. Spin9k and I feel that there are probably several people watching this thread with interest who have questions and/or concerns about participating at a track event / high performance driving school. We would like to invite these people to meet with us so that we can answer their questions in person. There are so many questions to answer that it would be hard to do it all on this thread without posting a book or two.

At the last tech day we had planned on showing people how to do a tech inspection and give people a hand with getting their cars ready for NHIS. We also had put together a lot of great information to get people up to speed with doing a track event for the first time. Things didn't go quite as planned which is fine but it also meant that we never had a chance to share our info with the group.

This time we want to focus on the "classroom" aspect and make sure that everyone knows what an HPDE is all about. Then, time permitting, we would physically step through a tech inspection and basic maintenance.

Spin9k

I think it would be no problem to do a 'Step-by-step' for common maintenance procedures, with pictures and service manual excerpts as handouts. That way those wanting to do, for example, an oil change, lube changes, other common routine maintenance and the like could ask and get answers / documentation for procedures/ technical questions they have.

Something like a brake bleed / pad change would be a good show and talk session as that is clearly a track and/or prep-for-track procedure. We could do that to someone's car perhaps - just not an assembly line of one type of thing, but several different things so as to cover more in the limited time a day offers.

Speed Racer's and my intent for this session-to-be is to assist those dreaming, imagining, or preparing for spectating, vicariously helping or actually helping others, or those actually going and needing help doing/understanding the ins-and-out of track day behavior/ what to bring/ what to prepare/ when to do what and how /how to drive / etc - on their car, their friend's cars, and generally wanting to prepare to somehow participate in track events /auto-X events at NHIS or anywhere.

There are going to be some wonderful opportunities for great days of fun throughout this season so the sooner those standing on the sidelines get over "Fear-of-Flying" - and if you try /watch one of these events and actually catch the bug as some of us have - all of us can be there for you whenever we're needed.

It's that much fun is all I can say, and what makes us all want to help others. :D

Speed Racer

OK, I've finally got off my duff and committed myself to this event by mailing in my application and payment. Has anyone else sent in their application or am I the only one who should be committed? :p

Spin9k

I was getting mine set for tomorrow's mail, but I'm also having track withdrawl symptoms :p. Sitting here now going 'Vrroom, vrroooom, whaaaaaaaaaa .... bap, bap, bappp" :D Is no one else afflicted with this problem?

Speed Racer

I know what you mean I spent a few hours on GT4 this weekend just trying to get my "fix" but it isn't quite them same as the real thing.

vwnh

Already got confirmation Ready to go.

Speed Racer

Sorry guys, the intro to track driving - tech day is going to be scrapped. It just didn't feel like there was enough interest to warrant the amount of effort Spin9k and I have been putting into it. If you have any specific questions about participating in a track day feel free to post them in this thread or contact me directly. Thanks.

Spin9k

Just got my confirmation - can't wait :D

vwnh

if this weather keeps up it looks like we will be driving in the rain again. who is signed up?

Speed Racer

If it is raining like last time I will definitely need to replace two of my tires before this event. The tread is worn down to the wear bars and that maybe a little scary on a wet track. Other than that I'm good to go.

Spin9k

Maybe we can do a little horse trade SR . I've got my 235/40-18 RT-615s on the way...and I have the same situation as you. Two reasonable front tires, and two pretty worn rear. Maybe you would want my fronts...?

Speed Racer

Tigger also offered up his old tires. I'll give you a call later and we can try to figure out who has more life left in their old sneakers.

vwnh

last week I just had a four wheel alignment rotated tires and changed the brake fluid. I only have 7K on the car what do you guys think i should do before i go out again?

Spin9k

Without spending alot here are a couple suggestions I found helpful:

Buy a CG-Lock to hold you in your seat www.cg-lock.com

Buy & memorize verbatum 'Going Faster - Mastering the Art of Race Driving' at Amazon.com - there will be a test (June 6 :D )

Remove everything that weighs something that doesn't need to be in the car or can rattle around.

See you in 12 days!

Speed Racer

You already have the basics hardware covered. Everything else is just gravy on top.

I'd suggest thinking about your last time out on the track and pick a couple of items to focus on. In my case I found that I wasn't pushing the car hard enough through turn 10 and wasn't using every inch of pavement. I also need to practice my heel and toe shifting to smooth out the weight transfer while I go into the corners.