Track Day Starter Kit

[JN66]

Hey Fellas -

Did my first track session last weekend (along with a drive training)...unbelievable. I am hooked.

As a newb, I would like to know what I need in terms of (brakes, fluids, etc) and maybe the maintenance I should be looking at every time or every 5 times, 10 times, etc.

Also, are the wider wheels and tires on the 'R' that much better for tracking? I'm not going to buy a set of R wheels (cost) but would certainly look at getting a set of track wheels and tires for it.

I'll be getting ready to head down to the Ridge in Washington in August if anyone here wants to meet up.

I appreciate all the advice.

Thanks.

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[AGGT350]

Do you have the Track Pack or Teck?
Just curious on my end.

 

[mattlqx]

Hey Fellas -

Did my first track session last weekend (along with a drive training)...unbelievable. I am hooked.

As a newb, I would like to know what I need in terms of (brakes, fluids, etc) and maybe the maintenance I should be looking at every time or every 5 times, 10 times, etc.

Also, are the wider wheels and tires on the 'R' that much better for tracking? I'm not going to buy a set of R wheels (cost) but would certainly look at getting a set of track wheels and tires for it.

I'll be getting ready to head down to the Ridge in Washington in August if anyone here wants to meet up.

I appreciate all the advice.

Thanks.

As a newb, you'll be the weakest link for a while. Don't worry about new wheels right now. Get at least 5-10 track days under your belt before you start changing anything and then maybe only in small increments.

The only exception you may want to consider immediately are camber/caster plates. A few track days will eat your tires on stock alignment. With C&C plates, the uneven wear will be less dramatic and you'll have improved turning. Trade-off there is that if you do a bunch of driving on track alignment, you'll have uneven wear from that. But you can possibly mark both alignments and toggle between them, but that's a bit of a pain.

I'm happy with the stock brake pads and got another set of OEMs. I expect you can probably get a solid 3-4 track days on stock pads, maybe more. Consider swapping to Castrol SRF brake fluid, depending on your braking style and how fast your tracks are, you may be fine with stock fluid.

 

[Sprintamx]

Assuming Track Pack, I will say here what I say every time someone gets into track driving: with this car, you do not need to do anything. Period. You do not "need" to change from the stock fluids, pads, lines or tires. You do not "need" to change the factory alignment. Over time, if you see that you're getting excessive wear on the tires caused by lack of camber, then you can look into camber plates to get better camber.

Otherwise, assuming we're talking about a Track Pack, Ford set the car up with everything you need to rock on track for at least your first 2 full seasons of driving.

 

[JN66]

Much appreciated fellas.

And no...tech pack...will be changing shortly...use as a daily driver...wanted the comfortable seats....big mistake now...haha

 

[JN66]

Assuming Track Pack, I will say here what I say every time someone gets into track driving: with this car, you do not need to do anything. Period. You do not "need" to change from the stock fluids, pads, lines or tires. You do not "need" to change the factory alignment. Over time, if you see that you're getting excessive wear on the tires caused by lack of camber, then you can look into camber plates to get better camber.

Otherwise, assuming we're talking about a Track Pack, Ford set the car up with everything you need to rock on track for at least your first 2 full seasons of driving.

Thank you kindly.

 

[JN66]

As a newb, you'll be the weakest link for a while. Don't worry about new wheels right now. Get at least 5-10 track days under your belt before you start changing anything and then maybe only in small increments.
.

Agreed and noted!

 

[AGGT350]

Much appreciated fellas.

And no...tech pack...will be changing shortly...use as a daily driver...wanted the comfortable seats....big mistake now...haha

Are you saying "big mistake" because of the cooler issue and you will be tracking the car?

 

[BmacIL]

Enjoy your car and hone your skills. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports you have are very good on the track and quite forgiving. Sure, the Sport Cup 2's on the R are quite a bit grippier, but you won't stand to take anywhere near full advantage of what they offer until you have several track days under your belt. Focus on driving clean, and working your way up in speed... there's no one to race at track days. Focus on leaning on the brakes and what the limits are. You'll find you can brake later and later, but slowly work up to it. Clean lines and consistency are the things to focus on before grip/power.


Enjoy your amazing car!

 

[JN66]

Are you saying "big mistake" because of the cooler issue and you will be tracking the car?

100% Sir.

I'm not one to bitch. I bought the car knowing of the issues and chose it thinking I wasn't going to track it...or if I did it would be short and only once or twice...

But fml man...tracking the car is the most fun I've had in my entire life and I am officially addicted. I'll trade it in for a 2016 Track Car or if I can get an early allocation for a 2017 in Canada I will do that instead.

 

[Sprintamx]

If I may be so bold . . .

Did you drive your Tech during the track event?
Did the Tech setup cause any problems that detracted from your enjoyment of the event or impeded your driving?

I'm asking relatively open-ended questions for a reason. I've been driving on track for quite a while, and instruct and race. I have a Tech Pack. I know what I would change about the car and why, but I do not regret my choice to buy the Tech. Why? Because 95% of its life is on the street. On the street, I really enjoy the Tech setup and can have my cake and eat it too. That said, I'll be installing a transmission cooler. And, the Tech seats are not all that good for track driving, though they're awesome on the street. But, unless/until you're pulling some serious g's in the twists and turns, they'll hold you well enough.

All this is to say that it's great you want to dive in, but get some events under your belt and focus on your skill development before you conclude that you have the "wrong" car.

 

[JN66]

If I may be so bold . . .

Did you drive your Tech during the track event?
Did the Tech setup cause any problems that detracted from your enjoyment of the event or impeded your driving?

I'm asking relatively open-ended questions for a reason. I've been driving on track for quite a while, and instruct and race. I have a Tech Pack. I know what I would change about the car and why, but I do not regret my choice to buy the Tech. Why? Because 95% of its life is on the street. On the street, I really enjoy the Tech setup and can have my cake and eat it too. That said, I'll be installing a transmission cooler. And, the Tech seats are not all that good for track driving, though they're awesome on the street. But, unless/until you're pulling some serious g's in the twists and turns, they'll hold you well enough.

All this is to say that it's great you want to dive in, but get some events under your belt and focus on your skill development before you conclude that you have the "wrong" car.

Hey, I appreciate your approach here.

Yes, the car overheated on 3 occasions. Once after about 7 minutes or so (last run of the day) and none of my sessions lasted longer than 15 minutes. 3 times I was forced to come in early.

Again, I expected it. If the transmission cooler option from Ford was available today my car would be having it installed on Monday and then no mistake haha.

I love the car, love the tech options, and I wouldn't change the seats for the recaros, as I use it as a daily driver. I'd like longer than 10-15 on the tack though in a 20-25 minute session.

 

[TheDeadCow]

Not to hijack the thread but, when you have caster/camber plates do you have a shop do the alignment or do you have to do it yourself?

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