First Track Day - Winter temps?

[RTR077]

Was supposed to start my HPDE adventure this Friday, but it has been called off due to an impending storm.

The next available date with this organization is 12/10. I imagine the air temps will be between 40-50F.

I can wait until Spring if its a bad idea to start tracking at low temps...or it doesn't matter much and I should just go and have fun.

Cheers
James

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[tosha]

Was supposed to start my HPDE adventure this Friday, but it has been called off due to an impending storm.

The next available date with this organization is 12/10. I imagine the air temps will be between 40-50F.

I can wait until Spring if its a bad idea to start tracking at low temps...or it doesn't matter much and I should just go and have fun.

Cheers
James

What tires do you have?

 

[pkim17]

I almost went sideways while pitting out at 60F last month haha
Here's a clip of my losing traction 3 separate times within 20 seconds of pitting out lol


Warmed up the tires by gradually increasing my pace during the first 3 laps
I normally warm up for 2 laps, but being my first time driving in chilly weather, I was pushing 70% on my 3rd to check if my tires would grip in each of the corners
Once they warmed up, they were fine

Just take it slow, feel the tires in each corner and how they respond

But being your absolute first track-day, I would caution on the safe side and opt for Spring in March.
During my first HPDE, I was so nervous and had way too many things in my head (Paying attention to traffic, flag stations, driving line, communicating with instructor, etc), I couldn't have imagined driving my first HPDE in a 40f weather lol
But that's just me personally



With that all being said, it also depends on what tire you're running; If the tire is rated for that type of weather in the first place

 

[RTR077]

Nitto 555 G2 275/35/20 square

 

[tosha]

Nitto 555 G2 275/35/20 square

Oh man... hibernate till spring

 

[Arknsawchuck]

Nitto 555 G2 275/35/20 square

There's a lot of hate for the nittos so get used to that. I've been running them for 3 years now. For a starter tire they work just fine. Obviously not the best tire for track but with it being your first time they will out perform your skill level. Like everyone has mentioned, take it easy and let the tires warm up. Luckily the 555G2s warm up fairly quickly. If you do that and run in the novice class you should be fine. The good thing with the nitto's is they will let you know when they are reaching their limit. Just pay attention.

 

[tosha]

There's a lot of hate for the nittos so get used to that. I've been running them for 3 years now. For a starter tire they work just fine. Obviously not the best tire for track but with it being your first time they will out perform your skill level. Like everyone has mentioned, take it easy and let the tires warm up. Luckily the 555G2s warm up fairly quickly. If you do that and run in the novice class you should be fine. The good thing with the nitto's is they will let you know when they are reaching their limit. Just pay attention.

It's not about hate, it's about comfort and risk levels taking. I've been on a track day with 40F temps, you turn into popsicle no matter what you do, which is already less than ideal for concentration. The car actually likes such temps, but then there are tires that are known to be bad in cold and wet conditions. And on top of all this it seems to be first time experience. It could be raining easily. I'm sure that these tires can be driven around a track and they are totally fine for beginners in normal conditions. But me personally - I would put it in storage unless I have very good confidence that ambient temps would at least warm up considerably throughout the day.

 

[RTR077]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will wait for warmer days.

Is there a go to tire in case I get hooked and want to upgrade?

 

[tosha]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will wait for warmer days.

Is there a go to tire in case I get hooked and want to upgrade?

oh, that is a big can of worms let me share couple links that I found to be very informative as a starting point in my research, and you can go from there:
Ultimate track tire guide | 200tw, 100tw, street-legal track, R-comp | Articles | Grassroots Motorsports
2021 Track Day 200TW Tyre Test - Tyre Reviews and Tests

 

[Arknsawchuck]

It's not about hate, it's about comfort and risk levels taking. I've been on a track day with 40F temps, you turn into popsicle no matter what you do, which is already less than ideal for concentration. The car actually likes such temps, but then there are tires that are known to be bad in cold and wet conditions. And on top of all this it seems to be first time experience. It could be raining easily. I'm sure that these tires can be driven around a track and they are totally fine for beginners in normal conditions. But me personally - I would put it in storage unless I have very good confidence that ambient temps would at least warm up considerably throughout the day.

Oh I get it, a large helping of common sense will be needed when running any summer tire in cold temps wet or dry. The hate I mentioned was for the nitto tires. But just because you're on a track doesn't mean you have to go full throttle. He could get in the novice group with no passing and still have fun. Yes, it would be a lot more fun with warmer temps but running in the colder temps could be a nice learning experience as well, again with common sense applied.

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