Considerations when tracking an F-Type R

[Jlsthlm]

I'm going to my first track day ever later in May and feel completely unprepared for what it will mean for my car. Considering that this is my first time I'll probably not push either myself or my car to the limit, but I have no illusions that it won't bring considerable wear and tear of the vehicle.

So being a total amateur, my main concerns are related to:
- Paint: Will this likely lead to considerable chipping of the paintwork?
- Tires: How much does a track day wear your tires down?
- Brakes: How much does it wear down brakes and brake pads?

Are there other considerations that I should be aware of? Tire pressure? Engine oil? Something else?

Grateful for any help or guidance in the matter!

 

[Gibbo]

Hi there

Done a lot of track days in cars.

Checklist for you:
1. Make sure the oil level is on maximum, check it after every 20 minutes of track driving, top up as required, make sure you have 1l top up with you.
2. If your stock cold pressures are 36-37psi cold, drop them to 32psi, after 5 minutes, check them hot, don't let them exceed 38psi hot or they go greasy.
3. Do no more than 20 minutes at a time, track driving is hard on both car and you, so rest for both of you important. 20 minutes drive, 20 minutes rest etc.
4. Build your speed through the day, no need to be a hero, learn the track, also grab an instructor after your first couple of goes to perfect your lines, turn in, braking points etc, then towards end of the day get same instructor again to see if you learned from his pointers earlier on.
5. Never try to do a quick first lap, cold tyres etc. Also when you decided to come in, spend a whole lap cooling down, so say 5th/6th gear, no braking just cruising around off line to cool the car and brakes.
6. DO NOT PUT THE HAND BRAKE ON!


Stone chips should not be an issue, but if you see a car running wide or going off, back right off as that is when stuff gets flicked up.

Lastly remember the techniques of single input steering, be smooth, slow in, fast out but treat all the inputs gently, aggressive inputs will make you loose control, also brake smooth but hard, apply the throttle in a linear and smooth way. Don't overdrive the car or yourself, if your start making mistakes, its because your tired, time to come in and take a break.

Track driving is surprising tiring on both you and car.

If you keep it smooth, limit your time out to 20 minutes at a time expect to take 1-2mm from tyres on a full day track day and around couple mm from brake pads. Also be very focused on your mirrors, if some catches you up, do not try and race them, simply move over and let them pass, if they catch you its because they are faster. Also if you catch people make sure they have seen you and indicated to let you pass.

 

[Anonymous]

When I have done track days before I have always been told to remove number plates as soon as you enter private land at the race track.
Insurance companies like to take pictures on open track days and if you have an accident a few days later they could argue you did it at the track.

As above, build up speed during the day and unless your a pro, tyres and tyre pressures will make the most difference on the day.

 

[dezzy]

Great advice above. I've done a lot of track days in the past in my Lotus days. The only things I'd add are...

1. When you think it's time for "just one more lap" come in! Quit while you're doing well!

2. Chill for a bit before you go back on the public roads to just re set your brain. Drive like an old granny when you leave the circuit! You'll still be full of adrenaline and there can be a temptatio6to drive like you're on track when you're back on the road. Don't!

3. If you're taking a friend, make sure you've done some laps before you take them out and don't show off! I've ended up in the kitty litter twice at Knockhill and both times I had a passenger. Was my own fault and no damage at all but could ha E been worse.

4. As above I'd echo the points about overtaking but just be wary of the other people on the track day. I only did certain track days where I knew the etiquette was good. If you notice someone driving like an idiot and trying to race you just let them past and go in for a break

Have fun! I do miss going on track but don't think I'd do it in my 340.

D

 

[Jlsthlm]

Thanks all of you, fantastic advice! I am literally taking notes!

I will for sure take it easy, both for my own and my car's sake.

One question regarding tires; my car has the original Pirelli P Zero in the front, but the previous owner has changed to Michelin tires in the back - of the wrong dimension (305/ 30/ R20 as opposed to 295/ 30/ R20). Will the tires being too wide have some sort of implication?