First Track Day Tips NASA

[ChosenJuan]

Hey guys, I'm having my first track day/weekend with NASA in a few weeks, and was wondering if you guys have any tips, or things to change on my car before/after? Currently have a 17 GT PP, and stock PZero tires with 12.5k on em. I was debating either running these to the ground and getting new tires after, or maybe ordering new tires before the event? If you guys have any suggestions on tires I would love it, I think I'll only be changing the rears for now.

Also, last oil change was 2.5k miles ago and it's a synthetic blend that the dealer uses since I get a few free oil changes. Should I change that out as well before the track day, and if so, what suggestions do you guys have for oil? And if you guys have tips for brakes/fluids/pads etc, I'll listen too! I'll keep researching while I post this and wait for replies. Thanks!

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[EFI]

Honestly, for your first track day...just go out there and enjoy.

Make sure all your fluids are topped off, the tires and brakes are in good shape and have life left in them, and don't worry so much about everything else. At your level, you are not going to overwhelm any of the things you mentioned where it warrants you changing them out.

Depending on the mileage of the car, you may want to bleed out the brake fluid. But that's about it that really needs attention.

 

[Grintch]

Honestly, for your first track day...just go out there and enjoy.

Make sure all your fluids are topped off, the tires and brakes are in good shape and have life left in them, and don't worry so much about everything else. At your level, you are not going to overwhelm any of the things you mentioned where it warrants you changing them out.

Depending on the mileage of the car, you may want to bleed out the brake fluid. But that's about it that really needs attention.

Right. Now a non PP car might need pads and a higher temp brake fluid.

You might want to bring a jack and rototate tires halfway through. The stock alignment is short on camber for track use, and thus your tire wear might be a little high.

Have fun.

 

[TDC]

As others said make sure your fluids are topped off and just go and enjoy. Bring a folding chair, plenty of water (the adrenaline will make you lose water quickly) and set a goal for yourself each session you go out. After the event I’d change the oil for sure.

Careful, you are going to love it and it may cost you a small fortune in the future

 

[Bridgie]

What track are you running..? Could have an influence on Brake service, flush, temperature and bleeding.
Safety should be your first and foremost consideration in HPDE1, that’s both for you and your car. The PP GT handles and makes a good show of itself on track at the starting level.

I am sure the driver will be the limiting factor in performance and any sort of lap time.
Go and learn, feel the car, listen to your instructor, leave any EGO at home.
The NASA guys will take care of you. The instructors are pretty quick to slow down the crazies and balance out ability to vehicle pace.

You could be in a group of Civic and Miatas.. or a bunch of Vettes and Porsche.

Get the car ready, new fluids, brake and tire review... get yourself ready, watch videos, prepare and learn the flags. You’ll have a blast..!!!

 

[NightmareMoon]

What track? Some are harder on brakes than others. One day or two?

With only 2.5k on the current oil, I’d just top it off and send it, maybe replace the oil after the event. Replace or at least bleed your brake fluid. Stock pads are probably ok for a novice on aged PZero tires, but no need to take chances with old brake fluid.

Buy suplememtal track insurance for the event if you can’t afford writing off the car. It’s unlikely, but it’s happened. Insurance may cost as little as $150-250 bucks.

If those tires are down to the wear bars they might not make it through a two day event, but it depends on the driver. Budget to replace them (possibly all 4) after the event. Hard to say without seeing the current state of your tires. Consider one hard lap on a track is worth ~100 miles of street driving when it comes to tire wear.

Learn the flags ahead of time and try to memorize the track by watching videos.

Novice will have a very wide range of cars and skill levels. Get ready to have some fun!

 

[ChosenJuan]

I'll be running at Arizona Motorsports Park. I guess based on what you guys are saying, I'll just go in there and send it and have some fun! And also bleed my brake fluid, and I'll just get new tires/oil after the event. I'll be getting track insurance through Hagerty too, thanks!

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