Question about car prep for HPDE/track day

[Dragster]

I will be doing my first HPDE in early October, and I was wondering what I should do to prep the car. I will be changing out the brake fluid, but is there anything else I should do in preparation? The car is a GT PP with some suspension mods (Eibach Sportlines and BMR sway bars and lockout kit), but stock PP wheels and tires. Should I be running at the stock recommended tire pressure?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Sponsored

 

[Trackaholic]

Here is a checklist that I use. Probably a good place to start. Keep in mind that some of the items are specific to the organization, and may not be required for you (numbers for example)

http://www.ncracing.org/docs/carchecklist.pdf

I don't yet have experience with air pressure in a Mustang, but in my Z the stock recommended pressure (when cold) is 35 PSI. I will typically start there, do a couple warm-up laps before starting to push, and by the end of the first session I may be up around 40 or more. I will typically drop a couple PSI in order to keep the hot temps around 40 or so. If they get much above 42 or 43, I can really start to feel the grip go away (and I am not a very talented or sensitive driver).

So, you may want to start with the stock pressures, gradually get them heated, then check pressures at the end of your session. Maybe try to keep them 5 or so PSI above the cold temps. I'm sure some others with more Mustang specific experience will have more info.

As far as other things, I like to bring a pop-up tent (I can fit one in my passenger seat), a small cooler with your favorite drink/water (I like bringing several Gatorade bottles), and maybe some snacks. It is very easy to get dehydrated (especially on hot days), so staying up on fluids and maintaining good energy are vital.

I also bring a tool kit, various spare parts and fluids that I've accumulated over the years (brake pads, an extra quart of oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc). I also bring a small tire pump and plug kit. I typically end up giving that stuff away to random people who need it, so it's not like you need it on your first event.

Arrive with an open mind, and a calm attitude. Be prepared for information overload (flags meaning, flag station locaitons, learning the line), so don't worry about starting off slow and working up to a good pace as you get comfortable with all those inputs.

The most important aspect (and most difficult to put into practice) is to look WAY ahead, and keep your vision active. I still find myself occasionally fixated too close to my hood, and therefore try to remind myself to look through the corner as I approach. This helps establish the best line, and helps you spot potential trouble ahead much sooner.

You will have a great time, and I am looking forward to hearing about your experience!

-T

 

[Anthony@HTM]

I agree with all of the above lol

The GT pp is very capable as is.

For you the main things are tire pressure and having some fresh oil in it.

Our cars do have a weight difference but I have experienced great success with 27psi for the fronts and 28psi for the rears.

Once they are up to temp they hit 35 psi all around and the magic begins!

 

[Dragster]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it! I'm definitely looking forward to it, and I will certainly be prepared for information overload. I'm not looking to set any lap records, that's for sure. As long as I leave with my car and body intact, I'll consider the day a great success!

Thanks again!:cheers:

 

[K3NMasterS]

I just completed my 3rd track day with my stock tires and pads. I'm about due for new rears with only 3100 miles on the odometer, but these P-Zeros really hold up!

You're going to be surprised at how well the GT PP grips, but just remember that it's a 3800lbs car and there's definitely a lot of load to carry if your course has any quick chicanes. I've completed all my track days with the Traction Control ON, Steering and Driving Mode in Sport. I never had the Traction Control interfere with me enough to want to turn it off and I definitely took her to the limits! Other drivers, mostly M3, continue to approach me in the paddocks to see what's done to my car after the sessions. It's stock'ish!

It's your car of course, but Ford did a great just setting the interference limits on the PPs. I will wait until I get R Compound tires to turn the system off.

As Anthony said, 34~35 warm is about where you want to be. I generally take it easy on my first session and then deflate my tires afterwards to the desired levels. I ran F34/R33 at the last event on the P-Zeros.

Have fun and just remember that it's not a competition so be safe!

 

[Norm Peterson]

I would still recommend turning TC off, if only because I don't want to throw any more heat into any of my brakes than necessary to get slowed down for the upcoming turn. I may never need that margin, but that doesn't make me willing to simply give it away.

Yes, TC off may make demands on you to be smoother on the throttle exiting a turn . . . but that's a good thing to learn.


I was also going to suggest a small difference in front vs rear tire pressures, with the front tires a couple of psi higher.


Norm

Sponsored