Need first time track advice

[GTP]

You can fit 4 good sized tires (285/305) in the car along with jack, tools, folding chair, fluids etc.

I fit 4 305s in my interior and will try 315s next year.

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[EFI]

I fit 4 305s in my interior and will try 315s next year.

That's true if you don't bring a passenger. I usually keep the front seat open either for an overnight luggage/helmet or a passenger if it's just a single day. You can be pretty resourceful with this size car and not have to worry about lugging around a trailer or have to skimp on stuff you bring to the track.

 

[derklink]

I rode along with forum member @VictorH in his Mach 1 at OIR this year. He is an experienced HPDE driver and I was impressed how capable the PS4S are. He traveled on them through multiple states to the track, and then back home. Like others have said, you will be fine with them.

Another tip: Bring plenty to drink (water, gatorade, etc.). Have fun and be safe!

 

[Mach1NA]

For willow springs specifically. Does anyone know if the area is secure enough to leave tools and equipment unattended while out on track? Would like to bring all the necessities, but would also like to bring them home afterwards if I head out alone. Thanks!

 

[TopJimmyCooks]

Definitely get track insurance.

Someone earlier said don't worry about changing brake fluid, but I'd feel much safer using Motul RBF 660 or Castrol SRF. You don't want your fluid boiling when you are standing on the brake pedal. Check pad thickness. I chewed through a new set of Power Stop "Extreme" pads on a day where 2 of the 5 sessions were in the rain. Not a good thing having metal-metal rubbing the 1.5 hour drive home. Now I have a new set of rotors and some G-Loc brakes sitting in my garage waiting to be installed.

I've never driven Willow Springs in person, but have several hours of seat time driving it on Gran Tourismo 7! I bet you will have a blast.

Most importantly, check your ego, listen to the instructors, and have fun, Track days are the most fun thing you can do in your Mustang!

I second the brake fluid guidance. I took my neighbor to the track with his 3yo Porsche, and he insisted that Porsche put Dot4 fluid in their cars so he'll be fine. That might be the case but he still boiled the fluid. He's an SRF fan now.

 

[sakman84]

For willow springs specifically. Does anyone know if the area is secure enough to leave tools and equipment unattended while out on track? Would like to bring all the necessities, but would also like to bring them home afterwards if I head out alone. Thanks!

No, the pits are open air, you will have to trust your neighbors...

 

[rubyredponycar]

Yes. It took me a few events and help from this forum to figure that one out. I guess the guys at ford didn’t think an idiot like me would be racing WOT in quiet mode lol. For the record, Track mode on mine was just over 100Db (according to the official).

I wonder if it opens up while in normal and sport too? Seems like it’s not as loud to me. I don’t have a meter though.

 

[Turbeau]

I wonder if it opens up while in normal and sport too? Seems like it’s not as loud to me. I don’t have a meter though.

I believe it stays as set in Normal and Sport when WOT. I’ve never experimented in those settings. Only when trying to keep the car quiet I found the valve opens itself.

 

[Noleftist]

Definitely get track insurance.

Someone earlier said don't worry about changing brake fluid, but I'd feel much safer using Motul RBF 660 or Castrol SRF. You don't want your fluid boiling when you are standing on the brake pedal. Check pad thickness. I chewed through a new set of Power Stop "Extreme" pads on a day where 2 of the 5 sessions were in the rain. Not a good thing having metal-metal rubbing the 1.5 hour drive home. Now I have a new set of rotors and some G-Loc brakes sitting in my garage waiting to be installed.

I've never driven Willow Springs in person, but have several hours of seat time driving it on Gran Tourismo 7! I bet you will have a blast.

Most importantly, check your ego, listen to the instructors, and have fun, Track days are the most fun thing you can do in your Mustang!

The best brake fluid I could find in my area as far as dry and wet point was VP 622 at Autozone. 622f dry 399f wet.

 

[WItoTX]

For willow springs specifically. Does anyone know if the area is secure enough to leave tools and equipment unattended while out on track? Would like to bring all the necessities, but would also like to bring them home afterwards if I head out alone. Thanks!

I've never been to a track where I worried about things getting taken. Leave jacks and stands out, trailer unlocked, coolers out, raceramps out, back of truck wide open, and the only thing I keep with me in the truck is my tools. Even then, during the day they are usually sitting on the tailgate.

I'd hate to be at a track somewhere that I had to worry about people stealing stuff, and I probably wouldn't return if that was the case.

 

[S550HPP]

It's a lot cheaper, enjoyable and and safer to get some cheap disposable UHP AS so you get plenty of warning on total traction loss and get the thrill of slipping and squirming with far less risk of sudden traction loss with potentially catastrophic snap out and spins that exists with high end track tires.

You will also learn a lot more about your M1 dynamics thought he slipping and squirming braking, accelerating and cornering.

It's also places far less stress on the vehicle overall.

 

[GTP]

It's a lot cheaper, enjoyable and and safer to get some cheap disposable UHP AS so you get plenty of warning on total traction loss and get the thrill of slipping and squirming with far less risk of sudden traction loss with potentially catastrophic snap out and spins that exists with high end track tires.

You will also learn a lot more about your M1 dynamics thought he slipping and squirming braking, accelerating and cornering.

It's also places far less stress on the vehicle overall.

While all this is true, I don't recommend it. AS tires squeal incessantly, and the rubber chunks off. Tires look terrible afterwards if they are your DD. Summer tires are good to learn on, and squealing indicates you are at the traction limit, or you are not yet smooth enough.

 

[S550HPP]

Yeah that's what make them fun and the necessity for disposable ones. The real challenge is to not over drive them chunking them up. It's all about smoothness and finesse with these...also very safe. Recyclers are littered with mustangs that snapped out...

 

[Noleftist]

For willow springs specifically. Does anyone know if the area is secure enough to leave tools and equipment unattended while out on track? Would like to bring all the necessities, but would also like to bring them home afterwards if I head out alone. Thanks!

I think most people are responsible. although I did have somebody run over my bag with alcohol and contact cleaner, and I was unaware of this and put it in my car and had a backseat full of the fluids.

 

[Noleftist]

What @NightmareMoon said.

You don't need to change your brake fluid. I bet your front brake pads are fine, but you want to start with 50% thickness (for two track days), which is 5mm.

I like your idea of not starting out on the Cup 2 tires. You'll learn better car control on summer tires, and the squealing helps broadcast traction limit.

I recommend increasing your front camber over stock value, up to 2.5 degrees for your first day and PS4 tires. If you have OEM plates and never changed it, you may have some hassle to go through to remove the lock pins. I personally also run highish pressures - at least 39psi hot, or even higher. This will help save your PS4s.

I highly recommend an instructor, even for every session.

Do you still feel like that 39 psi is good for your tires? I have the handling package 10.5 inch 305/30-19 front, rear 11 inch 315 staggered set up and I found each session I was taking tire pressure out and got down to about 27 and I think 28 cold. they seem to be more grippy when they heat it up. With the PS4 tires.

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