Track Night Preparation

[MAGS1]

Ok, I will have to look into this tech sheet as this was not brought up on SCCA website for track night

Towards the bottom of the page is a link to the tech sheet

https://scca-chicago.com/track-days/

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[ORRadtech]

FWIW, if you're unsure about your brakes condition and don't want to guess this is a fairly inexpensive solution.

 

[TonyNJ]

Almost forgot.... do not forget your special race day socks. There's no way you'll win without them.

.

 

[Jstang23]

I like to bring a spare quart of oil and coolant when I track my car. Never know when the coyote will decide to eat some oil I tend to get a group to go to the track so we split up the jack and tools.

Above all always bring duct tape and zip ties!! Saved me once or twice

P.S. special race socks are mandatory for all track and HPDE experiences!

 

[ChitownStang]

You guys are making me a little nervous now. I thought this was more casual, I don't want to tear my car up to bad.
The way it sounds is I'll have no tires left and my brakes will be on fire and half my car will need to be taped and tie wrapped back on...lol
Maybe I should rethink this.

 

[boB]

You guys are making me a little nervous now. I thought this was more casual, I don't want to tear my car up to bad.
The way it sounds is I'll have no tires left and my brakes will be on fire and half my car will need to be taped and tie wrapped back on...lol
Maybe I should rethink this.

I did *so* much prep: oil is almost to the full mark; tires are at normal pressure; lug nuts tight; brake fluid ok; coolant ok; GoPros charged. Your Mustang is 4 years older than mine so you should probably check a few more things

Due to some crashes I only got to run two sessions before it was getting too dark for me. Checking my Mustang the next day: the tires still have plenty of tread; the brakes do not need replacing; everything still works fine a year later.
And yes, I did replace the "track oil" 5W-30 with 5W-20... later. ;)

 

[ChitownStang]

I did *so* much prep: oil is almost to the full mark; tires are at normal pressure; lug nuts tight; brake fluid ok; coolant ok; GoPros charged. Your Mustang is 4 years older than mine so you should probably check a few more things

Due to some crashes I only got to run two sessions before it was getting too dark for me. Checking my Mustang the next day: the tires still have plenty of tread; the brakes do not need replacing; everything still works fine a year later.
And yes, I did replace the "track oil" 5W-30 with 5W-20... later. ;)

At least you weren't one of the crashes! I did one other track night at Autobaun when I first got the car in 21 but it was half autocross and lead follow on track. I don't think they even required a helmet. The tires did get nice and gooey though.
Something was wrong on my signature, mine is a 21 Mach 1 with 19k on the odo.

 

[TopJimmyCooks]

The gang provided a good list. Suggestions relative to torque / lugs:
1. Don't tighten / torque hot bolts. I usually check first thing in the AM, and then again after a long break (say 1-1/2 hours). If you tighten hot, the bolts will eventually snap.
2. Bring a 32mm socket to check the rear axle nuts (especially the left). I usually hit it with 150lbs just to make sure it doesn't move. The real torque value is more than that but is 98 lbs + 1/8 turn which is not something you can check with a torque wrench.

 

[TonyNJ]

You guys are making me a little nervous now. I thought this was more casual, I don't want to tear my car up to bad.
The way it sounds is I'll have no tires left and my brakes will be on fire and half my car will need to be taped and tie wrapped back on...lol
Maybe I should rethink this.

No. It's all good. Just take it easy going into and around the turns. That's where most of the drama, wear and tear, and issues come from. You'll be cool. Focus on form and apex, don't worry about "winning".

Some Ford racing school instructors told me the Mach 1 is probably the best handling car of the line. You're in good hands.

 

[Ballistica]

You guys are making me a little nervous now. I thought this was more casual, I don't want to tear my car up to bad.
The way it sounds is I'll have no tires left and my brakes will be on fire and half my car will need to be taped and tie wrapped back on...lol
Maybe I should rethink this.

No need to be nervous. The nice thing with the TrackNight events, especially in the novice group, is that it’s very low pressure. My first time out included a guy in a 4 cylinder Buick who was giving out point by’s like they were going out of style, but he was having a blast. Second time had a 70’s Alpha Romeo convertible who had to drive in the rain with the top down. It’s super chill and absolutely not competitive. You can go as fast or as slow as you want. The whole goal of these events to to learn. Learn what you’re capable of and what your car is capable of. Don’t over think it, just go out and have fun!

 

[Ballistica]

Thanks Scott! This is exactly what I was looking for.
You looked really good out there!
Where did you have the GoPro Mounted? I bought a suction cup mount with an arm.

Here’s the pictures I promised you of how I have the GoPro mounted. Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[ChitownStang]

Here’s the pictures I promised you of how I have the GoPro mounted. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Very slick setup! I may have to try to get this mount beforehand.
Thank you for sharing.

 

[Jstang23]

Very slick setup! I may have to try to get this mount beforehand.
Thank you for sharing.

Don't be worried about a track day! The reason you bring so much stuff and prepare for the worst is so you can have the best experience possible. While most group and tracks try to make a track day as safe as possible there are still always risks and chances you take with your car on a track. So think of it as you prepare for the worst and hope for the best! Since you are a novice you won't be going fast enough to really get into damaging your car.

Just come into the experience ready to learn and listen to your instructors. Pay attention to your car and how it is handling and be prepared to pit early in the session if your car is struggling. The goal of every track day is to be able to drive home safe and sound. If you remember that you'll have a blast!

 

[ChitownStang]

Don't be worried about a track day! The reason you bring so much stuff and prepare for the worst is so you can have the best experience possible. While most group and tracks try to make a track day as safe as possible there are still always risks and chances you take with your car on a track. So think of it as you prepare for the worst and hope for the best! Since you are a novice you won't be going fast enough to really get into damaging your car.

Just come into the experience ready to learn and listen to your instructors. Pay attention to your car and how it is handling and be prepared to pit early in the session if your car is struggling. The goal of every track day is to be able to drive home safe and sound. If you remember that you'll have a blast!

Thanks Jack, good advice!

 

[ChitownStang]

Hey guys, tomorrow is my track night at Black Hawk Farms.
Did an oil change and cleaned/oiled the air filter, and back on 93 octane.
Looks like no rain and 80 degree weather. What air pressure should I be at cold ?

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