3.2 Carrera Trackday Prep

[Rick101]

Hello,
Planning to get on track for this weekend. First time taking this car on track. Wondering if there are any extra precautions I should take or prep I should do?

Car has just had a major service by Revolution Birstall
I have a towing eye and have done a test fit. Took a bit of WD40, I don't think it's ever been used.
I understand I'll need to tape up glass headlights.

Anything else? Worth dropping tyre pressure? I won't be pushing and will likely only do a handful of laps so may not even change pressure.

Thanks

Rick

 

[chrishak]

Run standard pressures unless you are going to do a lot of fast laps - but even then any changes will only be experimentation to tweak the handling and this will take time, thus eating into track time.
Oil level should be half-way up the dipstick when hot at idle before your hard laps. This will allow for expansion, as the engine will run hotter than normal. Do NOT be tempted to fill it to the 'max' mark as there's a chance you'll be dumping oil all over the track making yourself very unpopular!
Refuel before entering the circuit - the car will be better balanced with a full tank, consumption will be heavy - and you don't want to run out...
You will need to tape the headlamps and fit the towing eye before you go on track.
Remove all loose items before going on track.
Enjoy yourself and watch out for loose cannons in Citroen Saxo's...

 

[eddie91132c]

Chris has is covered, although I have never taped up headlights, only thought that was needed when racing where there is more chance of contact. I have only taken the 911 out once, rather than add pressure I too ran standard pressures (which increases as tyres get hot) I found my brakes suffered after a few laps and the pedal went spongy, at the next service I got a higher temp replacement. I took it quite easy after q few hot laps, I'd do one again but after I have made some brake upgrades so can push harder for longer.

 

[Rick101]

Great thanks guys. I have done a fair few days before when I had Lotus' so familiar with the basics. Was just concerned there may be extra things to be cautious of with these particular cars.

Looking forward to getting to know the brakes and oversteer limits a bit better.

 

[chrishak]

Oversteer? Their reputation is undeserved and somewhat misleading, particularly in the dry. Unless you do something really silly, you'll find the car quite neutral in high speed corners but tending towards significant understeer in slow ones, when you'll be wrestilng with the steering. Of course, if you lift off and brake in the middle of a high speed corner, it will bite...
Don't forget, you're not in a Lotus (or even a Boxster for that matter).
Let us know how you get on - and your thought's on the Carrera vs. Lotus will be interesting

 

[graham tompkins]

Never taped lights, not required on any track day Ive done or indeed my son who does about 10 a year in his track car. As Eddie says, brakes are the things that you will find take the pounding. On the road you do very little hard aggressive braking whereas on a track you can't help it...gotta be done.
Fluid should be high temp and pads in perfect condition.
beware, it can be addictive.
Main thing is drive within your limits , keep an eye in the mirror as you get some seriously fast cars on track sometimes and enjoy.
Graham

 

[911 targa]

As an old time driver (racing)drive to the cars capabilities not what you think you are capable of,that said have a good time and enjoy the experience
Paul

 

[supersport]

Just enjoy it Rick. I was amazed how capable the car was when I first took mine on track, capable of so much more than me.

It never gave any hint that it was going to do anything out of the ordinary, even when it rained. But then I drive like a granny []

The only trouble I had was trying to changed down to fast, and not being able to get to 2nd. Was fixed by slowing it down and thinking about it.

 

[Rick101]

Had rare opportunity to drive at the Hethel test track. Very enjoyable and the car was faultless as expected. If I were to do more days I think a fluid upgrade and fast road pads would be first on my list.

Thanks for the advice.