On Saturday (September 20, 2008) I will be attending my first track event ever. I will be driving my BBI Stage II 997TT at the California Motor Speedway in Fontana, CA. It is a semi-exclusive group (10 cars). We are running 4 x 25 minute runs. I signed up for instruction during each run. It is a morning event expected to run from 6:45 am - 1:30 pm. I rented a garage and a timing transponder as well.

I have a Bell G4 helmet (Snell 2005 rated), Puma Future Cat Mid Pro racing shoes and Pro Fit Cat short Puma gloves. I also picked up a Puma wheel bag to lug it all around.

I plan on also bringing the following stuff: 2 quarts of 0W-40 oil, funnell, folding chair, rags, glass cleaner, painters tape, distilled water (radiator) and tire pressure gauge. Another member of the group (LP640 driver) has all of the other mechanical stuff in his garage and has offerred to let me borrow it if needed.

Is there anything else I should bring? Also, besides the headlights and front bumper area, what else should I tape off to avoid rock chips? Does anyone have any pics of them at the track showing examples of how you applied the tape?

My 13-year old son is going with me but he can't ride in the car because he is too young (must be 16-years old). He wouldn't be able to ride anyway since I will have an instructor in the car the whole time. So he will be taking a lot of pictures and videos from the pit area. I will definitely post them all once we are done.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

Bring some work gloves to wear while checking TP, the tires, wheels, and brakes will be hot on your hands. Also, stay hydrated and don't push yourself. Finally, for the taping of your car, I'd also focus on the lower wheel arches where rocks will kick up off your tires and ding the paint. Good luck, have fun!

 

Have fun Dana, pics.........NO PSM OFF for you either.

 

Don't crash.

 

Make sure to keep hydrated and keep your energy levels up ( snack bars etc )

You will be amazed how much it takes out of you. You will be shagged by the end of it.

Good luck, have fun and be careful, California Speedway isnt to forgiving.

Don't get tempted by the guys going faster than you, stay within your limits.

 

Dana, best of luck man. Enjoy yourself safely.

 

Have fun and listen to your instructor. He will most likely have you leave the car in one gear for the first track session. Pay attention to your turn in points, braking, and apex. Here are a few things they will/should tell you too:

1. If you get in trouble: Two feet in! (Brake & Clutch)
2. The gas is not an on/off switch. Use it as a dimmer.
3. Watch your mirrors
4. Smooth is fast
5. Have fun and don't drive 10/10th on your first time out.

 

PUSH IT... PUSH IT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


https://teamspeed.com/forums/997-996...my-graytt.html

 

Dana good luck buddy, you will be humbled, but in a good way

Soak up what the instructor has to say, although you will want to lift in a turn/corner DO NOT, it's natural reaction obviously but just ride out the throttle gently, you have a fast car and sometimes without sufficient track time you don't realize the speed you are carrying in, and you wind up wanting to break and getting off throttle, big mistake! Will upset the car big time.

 

Thanks for all the great advice my guys. Especially from Brit - I intend to keep the car in one piece my brother.

I know that I will be eating a lot of humble pie and I want this to be a learning session more than anything else. I am pretty much done with street racing (which - for the record - I deny ever actually participating in and any video showing me exceeding the posted speed limit has been seriously tampered with). I am going to keep real speed on the track from now on.

They have different levels of instructor at Fontana. I went ahead and got the professional race instructor - not cheap. So I am expecting a lot. The trip will be well documented with pics and vids. There should be some other really awesome cars there. This group is part of the gang that attends ELIM's big exotic car runs. So it should include some real stunners.

I am only going to be racing myself out there. Lap times are all I am going to pay any attention to. I just want to improve in every session.

Keep the advice coming. It never ceases to amaze me how much collective, real-world knowledge we have here at TS.