Interpol

On the 24th is the first day Portland International Raceway will be holding track days again and I'm planning to go. Since this is my first day, I have a couple questions.

1. Is there any special gear I will need before going (helmet etc..)?

2. Should I take any special preparations to my car?

3. What are the procedures when I get there?

4. Since this is my first time, will I need an instructor or something?

5. Anything else I should go?

expo1

Good reading in these threads.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/my-first-time-race-track-what-should-i-expect-51061/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/1st-time-track-driving-83413/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/special-care-rx-8-track-86213/

DOMINION

Oh oh I know one!
1. Car Helmet not Motorcycle Helmet and 100% cotton or fire proof racing suit

Feffman

Interpol:

1) Consider an SA2000 or SA2005 helmet as many track day organizations don't allow motorcycle/karting helemts. Visit www.TeamSimpson.com for helmet choices.

2) Fresh fluids, particuarly brake fluid all around. Make sure you have new(ish) brake pads, clean all the loose items out of the car, make sure your tires are in good shape, torque yo ur lug nuts and make your seat belt/harnesses are properly functioning.

3) Follow the direction of the group hosting the event. If it's not well organized, be VERY careful. If they haven't asked you to get an inspection done before hand by a mechanic, they will likely inspect your car.

4) YES if it's your first time, they should have an instructor for you.

5) Keep an open mind, clear head and be humble!

Good luck and enjoy the track.

Mark Pfeffer - MVP Track Time

Mykl

Your #1 concern when you get on track with an instructor is to make sure your instructor is comfortable. Do exactly what s/he says to do, when you're told to do it. Being in the passenger seat with a driver you don't know going fast around a race track can be an incredibly stressful situation. The more at ease this person is, the more they'll be able to teach you, and the more you'll be able to learn.

gymdent

I've done several track days with the PDA in my CSP Miata and need a clarification regarding the use of ATE Blue brake fluid (DOT 4).

April will be my first time at Pocono North Course in my new 07 RX-8 with the BMW Club. Should have over 2,000 miles on it by then. Other than switching over to Royal Purple, Koni Sports, alignment and a set of Kumho 710s I plan on leaving the car as is. I should be fairly well adjusted to the car by then as I plan on a few autocross events prior to Pocono.

If I decide to switch to ATE, doesn't it have to be changed on a regular basis due to water absorption and the resulting concerns about corrosion and decreased braking performance?

From what I've read in these forums it seems that the opinion is that a change to high performance fluid and pads is nice but not absolutely necessary. Other than one long straight on the super speedway itself, the North Course is not excessively demanding of brakes, if my memory serves me correctly.

Thanks!

SouthFL

^

I would definately change the pad from stock for anyone who has had a few track days experience. Your braking will be deeper and your entry speed will be quicker than that of a beginner (yet, you probably won't be riding brakes as much as a beginner- which also puts heat into the pad).

I run ATE Super Blue (same crap as yellow) in my daily driver. It is bled every 6 to 8 weeks however for track days.

Try Valvoline Synthetic brake fluid (at the very least, if you're concerned about ATE) and something like a Porterfield R4S or a Hawk HP Plus or a Carbotech AX6 for a pad to be on the safe side of things. Though I'm unfamiliar with Pocono's stress on brakes, you don't want to skimp on your brakes for any event. A fluid that won't be prone to boiling and pad that will resist fade better than the stock pads should be in place for most any event.

Edit: Changed "Castrol" for "Valvoline"

gymdent

Whats the difference between Castrol Synthetic Brake Fluid and ATE Super Blue and Castrol vs the stock fluid?

SouthFL

^
Wet/dry boiling point.

The boiling characterstics of Valvoline Synthetic approach those of ATE. Yet, Valvoline is marketed as a daily driven bake fluid. It's also available at most any autoparts shelf.

SouthFL

I'm sorry, I've meant Valvoline Synthetic. Please note my premorning coffee mistake.

SouthFL

Arranged By Dry Boiling Point:
Dry:401f -- Wet:284f --- Dot3 Minimum
Dry:446f -- Wet:311f --- Dot4 Minimum
Dry:500f -- Wet:356f --- Dot5 Minimum
Dry:502f -- Wet:343f --- Valvoline Synpower
Dry:509f -- Wet:365f --- Motul 5.1
Dry:527f -- Wet:302f --- Ap Racing 551
Dry:536f -- Wet:392f --- Ate Superblue/typ200
Dry:590f -- Wet:410f --- Ap Racing 600
Dry:590f -- Wet:518f --- Castrol Srf
Dry:593f -- Wet:420f --- Motul Rbf600
Dry:610f -- Wet:421f --- Neo-synthetic Super Dot 610
Dry:620f -- Wet:425f --- Cobalt Super Xrf

Arranged By Wet Boiling Point:

Dry:401f -- Wet:284f --- Dot3 Minimum
Dry:527f -- Wet:302f --- Ap Racing 551
Dry:446f -- Wet:311f --- Dot4 Minimum
Dry:502f -- Wet:343f --- Valvoline Synpower
Dry:500f -- Wet:356f --- Dot5 Minimum
Dry:509f -- Wet:365f --- Motul 5.1
Dry:536f -- Wet:392f --- Ate Superblue/typ200
Dry:590f -- Wet:410f --- Ap Racing 600
Dry:593f -- Wet:420f --- Motul Rbf600
Dry:610f -- Wet:421f --- Neo-synthetic Super Dot 610
Dry:620f -- Wet:425f --- Cobalt Super Xrf
Dry:590f -- Wet:518f --- Castrol Srf

EricMeyer

Guys, guys, guys. This thread has gotten off the mark.

Mr. Interpol. You need not upgrade your car with special XYZ tires or super dooper brake pads or 86 way adjustable shocks. In fact, doing this will HURT your first experience Being your first day I can tell you that your brain will bonk well before your Mazda will. Prepare accordingly with a great nights sleep and prepare well in advance. Your post prior to the 24th tells me that you plan ahead----A+. The guys that plan ahead have the best experience. Those that don't miss out on a great time and look like dumb asses.

Since you're not sure if you'll have an Instructor (which is really the way to begin a good, solid foundation that is safer AND more faster), I'd do some research and confirm this. Try and request an Instructor that has familiarity with your car. Perhaps he/she owns an RX8. Most clubs will try and honor this request. In the event that you're own your own, do these things to improve the quality of your experience:

1. Print out a few track maps. Simple black and white. No Google geography satellite terra-whiz bang imagery crap.
2. Search youtube or video google for some good in-car track videos. If you can find some clear video which includes the driver's hand movement, that's a big plus. DON'T get Mr. hotshot with the 5 rotor swap in his MX3. Any car will do. Good audio will allow you to hear the engine (which is what you want).
3. Trackpedia.com is a wonderful resource
4. Bring lots of water. If you get a really good instructor, your brain will fade before your brake pads will. Drink lots of water. Plan on crashing early if you're driving the next day. DON'T go on a Tequila shot drinking competition with your buddies. If you did and I was your instructor the next day I'd ask you to go home because safety is #1. Getting the idea here?
5. The Weather Channel can be your friend. In the event of rain bring a simple tarp you can get at a hardware store.
6. Empty your car of your super-bass 42" subwoofer and any items that COULD fly around the cockpit. You can't overdo it here----floor mats, spare change, empty the glove box, anything in the map pockets.
7. Plan to arrive early. In fact, be the first one there. Tell the event organizer that it's your first day and have him/her suggest an ideal place to park (if their is a classroom that will be home to Instruction, park near it to save time/maximize your track time). Contact your local import shop for the name of any rotary RACER and give them a call. Perhaps they are headed to this event also and would have no problem with you parking next to them. An experienced racer can greatly increase the quality of your experience. Keep in mind that people at the registration desk at your event might not even be drivers and asking them where to park may puzzle them. Seek out experience. You have a week prior to your event. Get on the phone jack!
8. Paper and pencil and lots of notes.
9. Find out if there is a way to walk the track with a veteran Instructor or driver BEFORE the events starts. Again, a guy who has been there/done that will know this routine. Personally, this is very rewarding and unfortunately is not allowed in Pro Racing. I ALWAYS learn something new and it's a great relaxer in the A.M. Make this request to your event organizer. If he has NO idea about the value of this experience, drop it all together. If the track is close by, drive over there and check it out. Where are the bathrooms? If it's raining, where does it puddle in the parking lot? Is there a really good place to park that this near the entrance to your car entering the track?
10. Forgot about track records, tire testing, beating your buddies best lap time. Your goal should be to learn begin learning a strong foundation from which to build from. I GUARANTEE that if you work on a solid foundation you will KILL other drivers in the long run because you DIDN'T LEARN BAD HABITS. Instruction is about avoiding bad habits before them become permanent habits. If the event does not provide instruction, ask around for the best instructors possible. BWMCCA is known for their Instructor certification. Look on the track's calendar and find out which Club frequents the track---contact the club and ask for the lead instructor. Ask the lead instructor for a list of instructors that you could contact and trade them the cost of lunch and dinner for their passenger seat input. Make sure you screen the instructor and/or they have references before you agree to drive with them. Believe it or not, there are some shitty *** instructors out their that think they know what they are doing. If it's a racer that's helping you, ask them where they normally finish. Last or first is a big difference. If they say "first", find out if they are the only one in their class. Some race classes will only have 1 driver in them! Seek out the racer that has 10+ cars in his/her field and wins. Side note---some of the BEST instruction can come from Spec Miata racers. My recommendation would be to find a local Spec Miata race car builder/shop and share your situation. The shop owner may be able to help you. Lots of Spec Miata's out there and many, many a pro road racer has driven or drives a S.M. to keep a sharp edge on his sword.

Please contact me with any questions. I hope this was helpful to you.

Eric Meyer meyermotorsports@mac.com

BE WARNED: MOST (not all) people on forums like to talk like they know what their talking about. MOST (not all) of them think you need to modify your car. You don't. Period. Some simple maintenance is all that is required and some common sense---are your brake pads wore out? Are your tires almost bald? Is their a huge crack in your windshield? Does your car leak oil like the Exxon Valdez? Ask for backup info from these people via a P.M. and for proof of their talking points. "My friend said..." is not proof.

Have fun and be safe.

Personally, I've brought many a first timer to the track and instructed hundreds of drivers from 1st time to advanced. As the old phrase goes, "even Tiger Woods needs a coach".

This is a great article: http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/firstday.html

Car Prep: http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/preparing.html

Most Clubs and organizations require drivers to fill out some kind of Tech Inspection Form. Many first timers will take this form to their local garage/Mazda dealer and have THEM fill it out after performing some simple maintenance. Keep in mind that this is NOT any kind of special alignment or h.p. mods to your car, it's simply a check to see that there are no broken items, missing bolts, nails in the tires and such. It's ALL about safety. Safety is #1 at the track and always #1. You saw this over the weekend in Daytona when a car would scrub the wall, the yellow flag would come out and an emergency vehicle would lap the track to look for any debris that might cut a tire. All of this is in the name of safety.

SouthFL

Despite the dissertation, brake pads and fluid that can sustain heat as a minimum are a must. There's no way that these will "hurt" his first experience. They will ensure his safety.

I agree that all else should be stock as a baseline experience.

Spin9k

EricMyer has got it the most right. In short, save yourself a lot of needless hassle and worry by using common sense. Keep important facts in mind:

1) This is supposed to be a fun experience. Like all fun, it can be stressful too. Just try to keep it more fun than stress, by keeping distractions to a dull minimum. And BTW, that's easier said than done, but try anyway.

2) Prep is a SA2000 helmet or better, and get your dealer or mechanic to do a safety check on your car, or if it's been done recently (like an inspection) get them to sign off on the inspection paper for the event. Do what the organizers tell you to do and bring what they tell you to bring - without question.

YOUR CAR, PROPERLY MAINTAINED TO OEM SPEC, IS PLENTY SAFE AND CAPABLE OF SAFE TRACK TIME. YOU NEED DO NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY TO BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN.

3. Get a LONG, GOOD night's sleep and arrive at track as early as possible. Track days make for a busy 10 hr rush with little time left over to relax or catch up on things left undone. Bring lots of water and some energy bars. Not all places have food available. And the right clothes like long sleve pants and shirt.

4) Be prepared to listen, learn, and soak up as much as possible. You WILL be overwhelmed by the sensory overload of all that is going on. This is normal and will get better over time and with more track days (if you enjoy this one).

5. Have FUN, rinse, repeat.

Save all the fancy mods for later. There's always time to spend energy and money on all that as you get better.

parkpy

iTrader: (1)

As others have said:

1) Leave the ego at home
2) Find someone to show you the line, and to ride with
3) BRING A TON OF WATER
4) Don't change a thing on the RX-8. (FWIW, my stock RX-8 held up JUST fine at my last track day). It's very fun in stock form.

gymdent

Just a quickie:

Could one of you folks please tell me the correct ft-lbs of torque for the lug nuts?

Spin9k

108 ft-lbs

costello

The owner's manaul says 65-87 ft-lb for the lug nuts. I've been using 75 ft-lb.

Razz1

I think I use 82 or maybe it's 92lbs

SouthFL

105 ft-lbs. There's some reading on this. Manual may read lower, but dealers are now using the higher tq rating.

Spin9k

Ok guys (Costello 'C-', Razz1 'D', SouthFL A-), it's time you started listening to your elders. This kid doesn't post up since-revised owners manual info, 'I think' info, or close (but why not be right?) info, rather only the Mazda gods honest truth info .

The truth is the latest info the mother ship has issued in writing. So! ..... today's lesson is to read and memorize ALL the TSBs verbatim that have been issued for the RX-8 over the years.

I have, I thought everyone had . Here's a start http://www.finishlineperformance.com...2-04-1301b.pdf

There'll be a test later

SouthFL

^
Bah, 105, 108, it's all within a couple ticks of the wrench's handle. Lol.

Cheers.

Spin9k

A- is nothing to sneeze at SouthFL. In another life I was a math teacher lol, and numbers ... well... they are what they are! Just trying to present one truth to the new quy...I means we're the ones with all the experience and knowledge, doesn't look good to confuse the poor fellow from the getgo..

SouthFL

^
It was a joke! (I know intended tone is usually lost by typing).

Red Devil

This post should be a sticky.