Scheduled first ever track time

[cheezhed]

Finally am able to get my car on the track at Road America.
Anybody have experience there?
Any tips?

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

From what others here have said, RA is very hard on brakes. Make sure you have cooling ducts installed and flush your OEM brake fluid out for a racing-grade DOT4 fluid.

Approach "The Kink" with caution and build speed gradually lap after lap.

 

[TMSBOSS]

If you have the time, schedule a track day at Blackhawk before. RA can be a little intimidating. A smaller track with a good instructor should set you up for success.

 

[gripdriver]

Bring food & water, or money for food & water.
Don't forget your helmet.
Leave all the crap in your car at home, or it will sit in the parking lot all day.
Having at least Dot 4 fluid, brake cooling, and some decent pads will make the last few laps more enjoyable for you.

Its not a race, have fun and listen to the advice of the instructor/other drivers. They are all good people who want you to be a part of their hobby/sport.

prepare to get home, take a shower and then sit in front of your computer with a credit card to order brake upgrades before the next track day.

 

[mnmike59]

RA is one of my favorite tracks! Very high speed compared to most. You'll love it.
When are you going?

 

[BigTaco]

I think it’s worthwhile to check to date of mfg on your tires. You don’t want to hit the track on old tires even if they appear to be brand new....

 

[cheezhed]

RA is one of my favorite tracks! Very high speed compared to most. You'll love it.
When are you going?

May 14 and Sept 24

 

[cheezhed]

If you have the time, schedule a track day at Blackhawk before. RA can be a little intimidating. A smaller track with a good instructor should set you up for success.

Where's Blackhawk?

 

[TMSBOSS]

Beloit. South Beloit Il. Small track with a great bunch of folks running it.

http://www.blackhawkfarms.com/

 

[cheezhed]

Ok thanks. Looks to be about 5 hrs away from me, RA is much closer.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Northern WI. Not many tracks up there.

RA is fantastic. Rough on brakes. Cooling is key.

Fellow cheese head, pufferfish, can hook you up with cooling mods.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Might sound obvious..... but do not eat a large breakfast... Thats what I did my frist track day and went a little green...

 

[TymeSlayer]

I like a nice Kind bar. Almonds, coconut and a drizzle of dark chocolate. Okay maybe two but I agree, stay away from fat heavy breakfast. Oh, and none of Grant's pizza.

 

[Opolis]

Good luck with your first track day!
I am new to the forums and will be participating in my first track day soon as well (Auto Club Speedway Infield).

I am doing an oil change, flush with DOT4, G-loc pads, and a BF front tow hook.
Thanks to extensive reading of this forum and other resources I feel a little better about being prepared.
The only other track experience I have is the Skip Barber 3-day school.

I always stick to a Kind bar or protein shake before sports, so I guess it makes sense for the track as well.