Getting Started

[Swagerwagon03]

So I have the itch to get to a track...and so I registered with CHIN motorsports. I will be at the Dec 4 track day at VIR. This will be my first track day with the 08 MS3...any tips advice??...this is not my local track and I have never been there so this entire experience will be new.

[Swagerwagon03]

Anyone else doing any track days on the east coast??...Anyone going to be at VIR on Dec 3 or 4th

[jroc]

since its your first time:

take your time, and learn the track. do not try to keep up with the faster cars (at first), as that will only end in disaster. will you have an instructor in car with you? if so, LISTEN. Drive in your comfort zone. I have driven and corner worked, and the "newer" guys trying to show off/go fast/drive out of their comfort zone have damaged their cars, i have even seen noobs flip their cars, go through fences...and this was on the same day, same run group.

BE OPEN MINDED. Have the will to learn from others/yourself/your car. You will not learn everything your first day out on the track.This will come from experience.

COOL. CALM. COLLECTED. Remember those 3 words. Ask around the paddock for advice about tire pressures, etc. Take ridealongs with the higher run groups (if allowed).

Stay hydrated throughout the day, ESPECIALLY the day(s) before the event (i.e. take a gallon of water and drink that) eat a healthy breakfast/lunch/take snacks. Nothing is worse than not being able to concentrate out on the track. Its a safety hazard to you and others.


I would highly recommend going to a bookstore and picking up "Speed Secrets" by Ross Bentley. im only saying this because after you get on track, you will be hooked and you will want to go faster and do more track days. this teaches you fundamentals as well that you may/may not learn on track.

[Swagerwagon03]

@jroc Thanks man for the advice, I have a TON to learn..I will have an instructor with me...I have been practicing on I-Racing witha spec miata on the VIR track....I know its nothing like the "real thing" but I have learned the turns pretty well....I will not be cocky and I DEFF do not want to crash because this is also my DD car and my wife will KILL ME if we drive home broken...plus she will rag on me too....I do have the plan to run in the SCCA and to drive the MS3...so it all starts next month...

[jroc]

i-racing is a great program to practice on. pay attention to the lines the instructor takes when he goes out with your car (if he drives it first).

[Swagerwagon03]

yeah good thing about I-racing I can put the optimal driving line also when I'm driving the track...but my butt will be in as many cars as I can be on Track day...want to learn, and want to learn FAST..

[Swagerwagon03]

also I've been thinking about my AP....do I need to put it back to stock? What maps should I run...does anyone have a AP setup for Road course racing??...are these dumb questions??

[jroc]

pay attention to vitals, but pay attention to the road more.

[Z06 Speed]

Be patient and don't try to go too fast too soon. In the long run you will do much better if you concentrate on learning the line, being consistant and smooth. Practice when not driving by closing your eyes and accurately driving the track including shift points. You need to be able to visualize the entire track.

Drove VIR for the first time this summer as an instructor. I memorized the track by watching video to minimize the learning curve so I wouldn't hold up my students.

VIR is a great track. The climbing Esses are a hoot and visability is good. There are some blind corners that you need to take your time to learn or you will run off track. The down hill section leading to the front straight is the most demanding.

Remember, there is no substitute for seat time.

[xbox4414]

Just like everyone has said go slow. Once you learn the track you will naturally go fast. It took me a lap and a half to catch a Prius bc he was just a much better driver than me. Also even if the instructor is telling you to go faster but you don't feel comfortable say so. Tell the lead of your group and maybe swap instructors. People learn better from different people some time. Yesterday I did a track day and saw an instructor pushing a guy in BMW, next time I saw the BMW it was in the dirt. Drink a lot of water, Powerade and if you have more than a 45 minute drive home bring someone with you as you will be EXHAUSTED. But you will have tons of fun and get addicted. Already looking forward to my next track day.

Hope for rain. It will make you a better driver. Did my first wet track day yesterday and learned so much more about my car. Wet track days will slow you down, which is a good thing, and lastly wet days usually make u make mistakes which are the best ways to learn sometimes. And since you are going slower less chance for damage from these mistakes. Lot's of spins yesterday on my track but it taught the limits to those drivers.

Also don't be scared to go off track. Once had a STi lift off over steer, next thing I know he is ass forward. He didn't lock his brakes and he shot back across the track. Only thing I could do was go off course or I'm t-boning him. Not being scared to purposely go off track is the best survival if things go wrong in front of you. In fact a Porsche spun in front of me yesterday and rear exhaust caught on fire... Had to get a few wheels off.

[jroc]

might want to bring some excedrine too, just in case you get a migraine.

[2008MS3H]

VIR is one of the most fun track I have ever raced on.
+1 @Z06 Speed - the esses after the bridge are fast and fun. well......pretty much the whole track is awesome lol.

just be careful not to hit the rumble strips through the esses too hard - i saw a guy take a bad jump being slightly too aggressive

i wished i lived closer cause i would love to go out there, even if it is only to watch.

other then that, have fun, share stories after and post some pics!

[gte024h]

Good luck, stay safe. Bleed your brakes if you haven't lately, and make sure to check pad thickness on *both* the inner and outer pads.

Make sure to eat at the Oak Tree Tavern (at the track) while you are there, it's quite good.

[2008MS3H]

@Swagerwagon03 - so how did track day go?