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    Thread: Track Day Prep.

    1. #1
      Join Date
      Jun 2001
      Location
      Newbury Park, CA
      Posts
      5,821
      Country Flag: United States

      Track Day Prep.

      Here's a list of a few items that I spent the better part of two days doing to get ready for Saturday.

      Rebuild both front calipers (Previous track day event melted the dust boots.)
      Re-locate both front brake flex lines to better inner mounting point locations.
      Inspect brake linings and rotor quality.
      Inspect chassis and suspension components for wear and visible cracks.
      Flush brake fluid.
      Rotate tires.
      Cleaned and repacked front wheel bearings.
      Re-torque all critical fasteners.
      Check all fluid levels.
      Set front end alignment (-2, +6, 3/16" out)
      Repair exhaust hanger damage.
      Full chassis grease lubrication (28 points.)
      Inspect belts and hoses.
      Change coolant.

      There's a few more things I need to do but basically the car is ready from a safety standpoint. If you have not done a safety inspection on your car I highly suggest spending some quality time in the garage ASAP.

      Also, it's going to be very warm. Latest forecast is 105* on Saturday. Track and pit temps on the blacktop will be higher. Making sure that both the cars and ourselves do not get overheated will be important. Keeping an eye on each other and watching for signs of both mechanical and human problems will be something all of us will need to practice.

      Let's remember that Vince's party will only be a success if all of us come back in one piece.

      VaporWorx. We Give You Gas http://www.vaporworx.com


    2. #2
      Join Date
      Nov 2003
      Location
      Paradise, Ca
      Posts
      1,411
      Also, it's going to be very warm. Latest forecast is 105* on Saturday. Track and pit temps on the blacktop will be higher. Making sure that both the cars and ourselves do not get overheated will be important. Keeping an eye on each other and watching for signs of both mechanical and human problems will be something all of us will need to practice.
      If you see anybody stop sweating when they should be sweating, they need to sit down in the shade RIGHT NOW. Poor cool (not cold) water down their back and stomach, and if they're wearing a hat, take it off. Do NOT poor water on their heads!! You lose most of your heat from the top of your head, and the shock associated with pooring water on your head will restrict your pores and keep you from losing the heat. A temperature can result, and if nothing is done, you'll eventually pass out. Another sign of heat stroke is if you see somebody wobbling around like they've been drinking.

      I'll be bringing a thermometer with me, and if anyone gets a temp of 101º or over, they're going to the hospital that second.

      Also, guys, you need to start drinking water right now. Not Friday, and certainly not when you get to the track. When your piss is clear, you're good.

      Also, if you're gonna be walking on that hot pavement all day, a change of socks is highly recommended. Change 'em at lunch time or so.
      -Matt

      Welders: The only people that think a co-worker catching on fire is funny.

    3. #3
      Join Date
      Mar 2003
      Location
      Boringville
      Posts
      1,987
      umm, i don't think were going to Iraq, i'm sure all the little boys will be just fine Hopefully there will be some shade!

    4. #4
      Join Date
      Mar 2002
      Location
      Redwood City, CA
      Posts
      1,895,413,640
      Country Flag: United States
      There's not much shade there Cody. And for what's going on, it's best to take the precautions.
      Allen Ortega
      Meanstreets Performance Fabrication

      ---------------------------------------

      Vegetarians are the reason for global warming

    5. #5
      Join Date
      Mar 2003
      Location
      Chino Hills, CA
      Posts
      698
      That's some good advice from the both of you. I'm taking a new car, so I don't know if getting too warm in the driver's seat will be a problem, but good to know either way. Since the Chevelle is up in Ridgecrest with my dad, who'll be driving it, I'll pass this list on to him. I know that he's putting new brake lines on the rear and swapping out the 2.5" exhaust for a 3" on Friday. The car's getting dyno-tuned that day as well, so it should either be in good shape on Saturday or broken from the dyno pulls!

      Any recommendations for what I should do with my Mustang? I figure everything should be alright. Just had an oil change last 2 weeks ago and the car's running great (it should be, it's only got 3500 miles on it,)
      but any insight would be great!

      Kris
      Custom Car Design, Hot Rod Art, and more...

    6. #6
      Join Date
      Mar 2003
      Location
      Chino Hills, CA
      Posts
      698
      So uh, bring sunscreen too huh? Got a wicked burn out at the NHRA Nat's in Vegas, and that was only April.
      Custom Car Design, Hot Rod Art, and more...

    7. #7
      Join Date
      Apr 2003
      Location
      Central Valley, CA
      Posts
      900
      Country Flag: United States
      Another thing guys to add to Carl's list: BRING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.

      I've seen a couple guys lose their cars at track days when a fire started and the safety crew couldn't get there in time. An in-car extinguisher may have saved them. Cheap insurance. Make sure you don't get one of the powdered ones that become highly caustic when you later try to wash the residue off with water.

      It's going to be HOT down there. Temps on the track will probably be in the 125F range; it's been years since I've been down there but it gets BLAZING hot in the summer. Someone should bring a portable canopy (or two) to hang out in, ice chests, lots of water, etc. I've had heatstroke before and it was NOT fun by any measure. Could have very well been fatal. I was young(er) and stupid(er) then.

      Speaking of the high temps, Kris, if you're going to run the Chevelle I highly recommend you run on race gas to curb the chances of detonation. No intercooler, high ambient temps, and sustained use will probably lead to a broken motor if you run on pump gas. Do you have the air filter on the back of the blower under the hood still? If so, be even more cautious as it will be sucking in air over those scorching headers. Just be extra attentive for signs of pinging and back out of it if you hear anything funny.

      Another thing to add to Carl's list: fresh oil before the track, and change it again when you get home.

      Wish I could be there but I have a wedding to attend.

      Troy
      1969 Chevelle
      Old setup: Procharged/intercooled/EFI 353 SBC, TKO, ATS/SPC/Global West suspension, C6 brakes & hydroboost.
      In progress: LS2, 3.0 Whipple, T56 Magnum, torque arm & watts link, Wilwood Aero6/4 brakes, Mk60 ABS, vaporworx, floater 9" rear, etc.

    8. #8
      Join Date
      Mar 2003
      Location
      Chino Hills, CA
      Posts
      698
      Good advice Troy, I think we might try to work up a way to get the air cleaner to the front. We're planning on running race gas too.


      Also, what tire pressures are ideal?

      I have Nitto 555RII's on the rear. 305/35 18 and Nitto 555's on the front, 245/45 18. Any recommendations on that?

      Kris
      Custom Car Design, Hot Rod Art, and more...

    9. #9
      Join Date
      Jun 2001
      Location
      Newbury Park, CA
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      5,821
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Matt@RFR

      I'll be bringing a thermometer with me
      Where's that thermometer been?
      VaporWorx. We Give You Gas http://www.vaporworx.com

    10. #10
      Join Date
      Nov 2003
      Location
      Paradise, Ca
      Posts
      1,411
      It's brand new...wanna help me calibrate it? Go like this and I promise none of this



      hehehe.. ewwwwwwwwwwwww
      -Matt

      Welders: The only people that think a co-worker catching on fire is funny.

    11. #11
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Posts
      957
      I have a 10' square canopy that I am bringing, any and all are welcome to it. Bring lots of water, both for your body, and your car. That is probably the most important thing to think about.

      I can't stress enough how important what Carl stated really is. I cut a brake line down a few weeks back, found it while driving the car on the street in traffic, when it went "pop." My issue was under full steering lock, the line would flex and contact the inside edge of the wheel, turning cut it down (this is a teflon braided line, brand new). This was my mistake, don't make it yourself. Interestingly, when I looked critically at the other side, I found that it too could have suffered the same fate, even though I would have thought it would have been okay if I hadn't been so particular after the other one let go.

      Look at all fittings to see if there is evidence of any leaks, run your finger around the ones you can't completely see.

      It is my understanding that they sell racing fuel at the track, hopefully they will be pumping that morning (not a race weekend, I sure hope they will!).

      I have a fire extinguisher hard mounted right between the two front seats, I'd highly recommend that everyone else do the same.

      And last, but certainly most important, don't drive beyond you or your car's ability. I really doubt I will come close to the limits of my car this weekend, it is the maiden voyage, so I will certainly not be pushing more than about 7/10's, at the most, and only when I get really comfy with things.

      Mark

    12. #12
      Join Date
      Mar 2005
      Location
      westchester county new york
      Posts
      2,995
      Hey guys, I was at a vintage race at elkhart lake years ago and it was so hot a guy in an alfa (?) passed out at the end of the straight and went off, He died on impact.

      Turns out he was unable to get out of his car without help in some of the practlce sessions, no one wanted to be the one to tell him not to race.

      You guys will have a blast, just keep an eye on each other.

      Also Carl, thanks for the checklist, I will save it for next year.If anyone know a link to a formal track day checklist let me know, I would like to print a few.

    13. #13
      Join Date
      Mar 2005
      Location
      westchester county new york
      Posts
      2,995
      Also what type of fire extinguisher do you recomend?

    14. #14
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Posts
      957
      The unit I have is an "ABC" type, which seems to be the ticket for the typical types of fires one would see in a car wreck (fuel, fabric, etc). I will say, on the present project car, I will very most likely be installing a complete fire system (halon, multiple fixed jets, etc).

      And by all means, don't rely on velcro to hold it down, if it lets go and ges under your feet, well, that is just "not" good. Screw it down, it's not that hard.

      M

    15. #15
      Join Date
      Mar 2005
      Location
      westchester county new york
      Posts
      2,995
      thank you

    16. #16
      Join Date
      Jun 2005
      Posts
      126
      Country Flag: United States
      Water Wetter and straight water will help keep coolant temps down. Also synthetic oil does wonders on a hot day, especially for those of you with forced induction, and/or those without an oil cooler. You will be amazed at how quick your temps get up there in a 20 minute track session in comparison to a few passed down the strip.



      Anthony
      http://www.cardomain.com/ride/674663

    17. #17
      Join Date
      Apr 2003
      Location
      Central Valley, CA
      Posts
      900
      Country Flag: United States
      Another piece of advice I can give is don't try and keep up with the guy in front of you or stay in front of the guy behind you, go your own pace and be courteous to those faster than you and wave them around. I saw a lot of fancy exotics get balled up at Ferrari Club open track days I used to attend over the years when the guys who thought they were fast tried to keep up with the guys who *were* fast. I remember at one of the first open track events I attended in one of the first sessions of the day I got to watch a then-new Testarossa going off into the tires behind my Dad and I at Sears Point; the TR driver had no business running in the "advanced" group but let his ego get the better of him, and he tried to keep up and over-drove his abilities. He was OK, but the car wasn't.

      Also remember, most of you guys have to DRIVE your cars home! Sucks calling AAA or finding a trailer to bring a broken car home. So don't totally beat the thing to death.

      For guys who haven't run the track before, an experienced passenger is highly recommended to show you the lines and also suggest entry speeds, lest you do something silly like run off into the dirt. If it's the cars first time on the track, it's also good to have a passenger watch the gauges and other stuff for trouble during the first track sessions with the car to watch for oil starvation problems and the like, as the driver typically can't keep his eye on the gauges at the crucial moments where a starvation problem may occur.

      Oil temps are another valid concern, as Anthony said, and could very well ruin your day, especially if it's going to be that hot out there. Guys without oil coolers need to be especially cautious. I know for a fact that if I open tracked my car right now I'd cook the engine in 10 minutes or less, as I can get the oil up to 255-260F after about 10 minutes "playing" on my favorite backroads, where I can drive hard but not nearly as hard as I could on a proper track.

      Still wish I could be there, but I've been scolded that this "friendship and wedding thing" take priority.

      Troy
      1969 Chevelle
      Old setup: Procharged/intercooled/EFI 353 SBC, TKO, ATS/SPC/Global West suspension, C6 brakes & hydroboost.
      In progress: LS2, 3.0 Whipple, T56 Magnum, torque arm & watts link, Wilwood Aero6/4 brakes, Mk60 ABS, vaporworx, floater 9" rear, etc.

    18. #18
      Join Date
      Jun 2001
      Location
      Newbury Park, CA
      Posts
      5,821
      Country Flag: United States
      Sorry if the format does not fit right, but here's a tech inspection form from Speed Ventures. I may have one from Hotchkis and will post it if I find it.

      Tech Inspection Form

      Driver:_________________________________ Date:____________

      Make:_________________________________ Model:___________

      Year:_________ Color:______ Stock or Modified:__________


      Note: If you are self-teching your car, it is your obligation to physically check every item on this form. Do not assume your lugs are tight, for instance, re-torque them to make sure. This checklist is for your safety and the safety of the others on the track with you, and should not be dismissed as a formality. After teching your car, you must sign the bottom of the form (in both places if you're self teching), which indicates that you have, in good faith, checked every item on this form. Please bring this form with you to the track, or you'll have to do a new tech at the track, possibly missing your first run group. Thanks for your cooperation.

      WHEEL and TIRES STEERING & SUSPENSION
      Street Tires: Wheel bearings ok (no play)? ______
      More than 2/32" of tread? ______ Steering tight? ______
      Race Tires:
      Good condition/no cording? ______ Body
      Cuts or other other defects? ______ Gas cap ok? ______
      All lugs present and torqued? ______ Body panels secure? ______
      Hubcaps/ Centercaps removed? ______

      ENGINE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
      Any fluid leaks? ______ Helmet approved?(M-85
      Wires/hoses secured ? ______ 1st time, SA95 otherwise) _______
      Throttle return springs tight? ______ Seats secure? _______
      Radiator overflow ok? ______ Long sleeve cotton shirt? _______
      battery properly secured? ______ Closed-toed shoes? _______
      Battery terminals covered
      (rubber boots / duct tape ok)? ______
      Fluid lines ok? ______

      BRAKES
      Pedal pressure firm? ______
      Fluid level correct? ______
      Lines ok? ______
      Brakes lights working? ______
      Pads more than 5mm? ______
      Rotors ok (no cracks, etc)? ______
      VaporWorx. We Give You Gas http://www.vaporworx.com

    19. #19
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Prescott Arizona
      Posts
      379
      Speedventures requires long pants and a long sleeve cotton shirt for drivers and passengers-don't know if that will be the case this weekend but it might be a good idea to pack extra.
      Brian D
      Snotty Bimmer driver.

    20. #20
      Join Date
      Mar 2003
      Location
      Chino Hills, CA
      Posts
      698
      Okay, a few things I need to run past you guys to make sure the Chevelle will be alright. The rear tires both have slight cuts in them from a rubbing issue we had a while back. They aren't deep cuts, they just gouged the area where the sidewall and tread meet. If that's a problem, I might have to call up Nitto and go get another set before I head up there. Also, I called my dad and told him that he should install the hood pins on our car. The hood on the Chevelle is fiberglass, though it's a bolt on, using the stock latch, etc. I figure hood pins would be a wise addition.

      If anyone has any insight on the tire issue though, let me know!
      Kris
      Custom Car Design, Hot Rod Art, and more...

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