First time track advice?

[ZM5.0]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

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[NoVaGT]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

Don't crash. Get track insurance in case you crash.

Have a new set of tires and brakes all ready to go afterwards.

ETA; disclaimer: I've never been on a track, because I know me, and I'd crash.

 

[ZM5.0]

Don't crash. Get track insurance in case you crash.

Have a new set of tires and brakes all ready to go afterwards.

ETA; disclaimer: I've never been on a track, because I know me, and I'd crash.

That’s why Ive always been skeptical about going but have always wanted to go.. closest thing to a track environment I’ve been to is just canyon driving

 

[NoVaGT]

That’s why Ive always been skeptical about going but have always wanted to go.. closest thing to a track environment I’ve been to is just canyon driving

I've looked into it here in my area.

Here at VIR you have to do a 2-day "Friday At The Track" or FATT, which is (IIRC) a 2 day training course.

Are you saying that Willow Springs goes all Nürburgring and just lets anyone drive around the track??

Because that sounds aweome!!

 

[mindo389]

Observe the other racers, from the time they hit the water pit and burn out, to staging. Ask other drivers questions if you don't understand what's going on... At a new track that I had never raced on, I usually let the other guy win so I can see where he exits the track... Be careful and have fun

 

[NoVaGT]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

Observe the other racers, from the time they hit the water pit and burn out, to staging. Ask other drivers questions if you don't understand what's going on... At a new track that I had never raced on, I usually let the other guy win so I can see where he exits the track... Be careful and have fun

Willow Springs;

 

[ZM5.0]

I've looked into it here in my area.

Here at VIR you have to do a 2-day "Friday At The Track" or FATT, which is (IIRC) a 2 day training course.

Are you saying that Willow Springs goes all Nürburgring and just lets anyone drive around the track??

Because that sounds aweome!!

No from what I heard they have a few different classes and I think they have a few laps of training for the new guys but I’m not sure.

 

[shogun32]

There's a HPDE section on this forum. Start reading.

 

[NoVaGT]

No from what I heard they have a few different classes and I think they have a few laps of training for the new guys but I’m not sure.

Definitely check in with the folks at Willow, and be sure what the situation is, before just rolling out there.

Or hell, maybe it's a nice drive, and worth it for no other reason.

 

[TundraOnKings]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

I’ve only done 2 HPDE track days, 1 in my grocery getter Lexus and 1 in my 2020 GT with PP1 and A10 completely stock (videos below). *Read up in the track forum here*
Make sure your brake pads are 50+ %.
Make sure your brake fluid is newer/not dark.
Make sure your tires are good - 75%?
Make sure your helmet is up to date.
Make sure to bring plenty of food/water for yourself, and a lawn chair. Also torque wrench to double check lug nuts.

Be prepared to overheat diff, engine oil, and trans fluid. I did all 3 the first time out on session 3 after lunch when it was 75 degrees out.
Pop your hood between sessions to cool down, and you may even want to bring an electric blower to cool down the rear diff between session.
I ordered 75W140 rear diff fluid, along with exhaust wrap to wrap the exhaust pipe closest to rear diff.
Learn the flags, learn the entrance/exits…If someone ends up behind you, point them by….you are slower. Even though you may be faster on the straights. Leave any ego at home.
I personally watched videos of the tracks I was going on to try and get comfortable with them before I went, and that really helped me.
Have fun! It’s an absolute blast!!! Remember, the most important thing is that you and your car go home in good shape.

 

[Michael_vroomvroom]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

Maybe this could be a start?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/first-track-day-prep-and-expectations.156490/

 

[OnThree]

Drive within your limits, don't over drive.

 

[GTIIIL]

Which track are you going to- Big Willow or The Streets? And is this a HPDE or an open track session?

 

[Hye Power]

Might be going to willow springs next week in CA. Any tips for a newbie?

Theres a race there next weekend? Also which track big willow or streets of willow.

 

[ZM5.0]

Which track are you going to- Big Willow or The Streets? And is this a HPDE or an open track session?

Theres a race there next weekend? Also which track big willow or streets of willow.

Honestly not sure.. a few of my coworkers told me about it today didn’t get the full details. I’ll find out tomorrow

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