Race Track Questions

Mike

I was planning on AMP with Zdayz in May, but I really don't think it will be open yet. Going to Barber at the end of may, and thats all else I have scheduled for now. I want to get down to sebring sometime. I will see how this Chin event goes and decide if I want to do more with them. I usually run with PCA, BMWCCA, MVP Tracktime and Triangle Z club, but also thinking of giving NASA a try. I used to hear it was too crowded, but I don't think with the economy that is the case anymore, and it seems most of my friends run in NASA now.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

flashburn

Let me know what you think of Chin. I've only been to one HPDE so far, and it was with Chin, I definitely liked them, but have nothing to compare against. I will say one thing though, you get LOTS of track time with them, and they run extremely efficient. They get cars on and off the track very quickly. They do pretty big bookings, but its more crowded for us Novice drivers. Although the later session (especially the open "Happy Hour" session) thin out pretty good.

I really like how many times they hit up Sebring throughout the year (as well as other tracks), it gives me a lot of choices on when I can go to the tracks.

I think I'm going to go buy a helmet in a couple of weeks. They rent out helmets, but at $20 a day, it adds up. I also don't really like the idea of renting a helmet, for hygiene reasons.

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Current Ride: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition Carbon Flash 6M
Previous Ride: 2009 Nissan 370Z Sport Platinum Graphite 7AT

cossie1600

Yeah, used helmets are gross!

JB1

1. As answered by others before me, you don't need a license for participating in track days or HPDE events. For Road America I'd suggest to check out MVP track time, they have an HPDE event scheduled in October. I'll be going there with one or two other Z buddies.

2. This depends on the type of racing you want to do. Different licenses are required for Road racing, Open wheelers, Rally etc. Check out the websites of the governing bodies for more info (NASA, SCCA, Grand Am, FIA etc)

3. In theory everybody can get an F1 license (an FIA Super license). But it is expensive and you have to work your way up through "lower" classes of racing (F3, GP2 etc) before you are eligible for an F1 license.

Alternatively, there are a couple of companies that offer F1 driving experiences, or rent out F1 cars as you put it. You don't need an F1 license to do that, but you will pay serious money for a couple of laps in an old(er) F1 car. Just search for "drive and F1 car" in google and you'll find the companies.

4. Not sure about the rules for Le Mans, but you will at least need the correct racing license and a car that meets all the requirements. Number of cars allowed to enter is limited so you probably have to qualify before you can even enter.

5. See point 1. Here is a handy link for track days: MyTrackSchedule.com - Your key to more track events!

6. Search the NASA and SCCA websites for road racing related stuff.

7. You don't have to be a member to drive at Autobahn in Joliet, there are a couple companies that Organize track days there. See link in point 5. Then there are: Gingerman in Michigan and Blackhawk Farms Raceway Check their websites for track day info

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Black Fangs // Black rear Valance // Berk CBE // COBB post MAF tubes // K&N drop in filters // Setrab Oil Cooler // Stillen Sway bars // Z1 SS brake lines // Stillen brake cooling kit // Harness bar //

oleg

Thanks everyone, you guys have been very helpful

b1adesofcha0s

I have a question about getting your car ready for something like an HPDE event. I have a non-Sport touring Z, so would I need to add a bigger brake kit and possibly a limited slip diff before considering my car track ready? Would I be fine with just the upgraded brake pads, oil cooler, brake fluid, and brake lines?

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Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) | Uprev Tune by AAM Competition | Berk Exhaust
Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) | Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

cossie1600

Yes, the LSD just makes you faster. You can get away with the base brakes as long as you have better fluid and pads, but you will probably want to upgrade it or take it easy as you get faster. I had a brake failure in my 350z because i tracked too much with the small brakes

b1adesofcha0s

Thanks!

I don't think I will track the car too much, since it is still my DD for the next couple of years. All of these track prep mods are still like 1.5-2 yrs away from happening for me though.

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Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) | Uprev Tune by AAM Competition | Berk Exhaust
Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) | Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

cossie1600

Just get pads and flush the fluid.

SeattleLion

This thread is very hellful to me. I am off for my PD school on 4/18 at Pacific Raceway. I have a touring with the sport package. I replaced the brake lines with stainless and changed the fluid to AP racing DOT 5.1. Other than that, the car is stock. No oil cooler. I did buy a helmet, even though they lend them for free...just feel better about having my own.

The school tells me that everything from minivans to Lambos show up at these events. Previously (in another thread) it was agreed the oil cooler is not necessary on this first trip. If I go on, I know I will need one. Currently I am leaning toward one with a thermostatic sandwich since most of my driving is on the road (Z is my DD).

I do worry a little about being up for this experience. I have never even considered being on a track before. This was my wife's idea. Hmmm maybe she wants my life insurance money!

Mike

have fun! One time and you will be hooked.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

ZCarMan

Don't worry. I went to my first HPDE last summer at Summit Point with NASA where I ran with another forum member "ResIPsa". I had an excellent instructor! It was the most fun I've ever had driving! I followed that up by driving at Z Nationals last September on the smaller track at Taladega and wound up boiling my clutch fluid so only got two good sessions in before I stopped. It was awesome fun! I have a 19 row oil cooler, uprated Hawk HP+ pads and I've since changed out to the Motul fluid so I won't have to worry about clutch problems. Like I said before. You will absolutely love it!

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Jon

cossie1600

Your wife made a mistake

JB1

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Black Fangs // Black rear Valance // Berk CBE // COBB post MAF tubes // K&N drop in filters // Setrab Oil Cooler // Stillen Sway bars // Z1 SS brake lines // Stillen brake cooling kit // Harness bar //

Nikon FM

Don't worry, just listen to what your instructor tells you. Purely stock with the better brake fluid should be just fine for your first/second time out.

The Porsche HPDE is on 4/21……….I'm there!

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Buddy Revell: "One man's sooner is another man's later"