First track event @ Homestead speedway advice

[yomny]

Hello to all, I'll be joining Hooked on Driving this coming weekend for my first track event. I would really appreciate any advice , tips or tricks you guys/gals could share so i make the least amount of rookie mistakes i can. I read that the tire pressure should be bumped a couple of psi's for the track, i usually run about 36-38 psi's cold on the street with my continental tires. Planning on taking it easy, learning as much as i can and just enjoying the ride. The car doesn't have any track mods, such as aftermarket suspension or tires. I also need a helmet, any suggestions would be appreciated, since i cant use my motorcycle helmet. Thanks alot

[klammer]

Read this, should help.
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407557

[Slapshot9]

I did HOD at PBIR Feb 4th and they didn't even inspect my helmet. Event ran on-time, I was in Int. group so I cant comment on instruction. Haven't done Homestead. Yet.... Have fun, its very addicting.

[askjeeves]

Which day are you going? I think I am going to sign up for Sunday if it isn't too late.

Btw there is another thread in this section about the hod event this weekend. There should be a few ms out there, though id be in my 350z.

[askjeeves]

I meant to say the other thread is in the south east section.

Hod is pretty easy going with tech. All you do is submit a completed tech inspection sheet. That said, if you can get a proper helmet it is best. No point in risking your head even with the most minor chance of something happening.

Also I'd say dont worry about changing anything at the track at first. Just go for a easy pace and learn the track/lines and being smooth with all your inputs.

[yomny]

Sounds good guys, thanks for all the advice I'm sure it'll be very helpful. I'm planning on just learning everything i can and not risk much, my tires aren't bad but they aren't new. I got the vehicle inspection sheet ready, helmet im going to have to rent one for the day. Other than that i think a little cooler with some sports drinks like mentioned above. Thanks again and keep any tips coming.

[yyoo]

You've probably heard this elsewhere, but...

1. Look far ahead. Practice this on the street.
2. Be smooth. Smooth with braking, accelerating, and steering. Looking far ahead will help you be smooth.
3. Don't focus on the rear bumper of the guy ahead of you.
4. If you have a stick, consider using one gear around the whole track for the first session or two.

[yomny]

Good advice, thanks. I've done a couple of auto-x solo events and I've caught on with the looking ahead trick, it does help. I really appreciate the tips, im sure this will be fun.

[yyoo]

A few more tips.

1. If you're taking your E9x M3 to the track, be aware that your power steering fluid is likely to boil over and splash nasty smelling stuff around your engine compartment. You may well smell the burning fluid while driving. Don't be alarmed. Some folks zip tie a small towel around the power steering reservoir cap to prevent the splashing.

2. Make sure your wheels are torqued to 88 ft-lbs. You might want to invest in a torque wrench and a breaker bar if you're planning to do more than one event. Check the torque regardless.

3. Make sure you have enough brake pad and rotor.

Edit: One more

4. To pop out the cover so you can attach your tow hook, just push on the top of the cover. Don't take a screwdriver to it.

[Car54]

Do these E9X's M3's have a plug in the wheel well for brake cooling ducts?

[yomny]

I'm not really sure if there's anything ducts for brake cooling but i think the stock braking system should do ok. Thanks for tips yyoo, im getting a torque wrench as i write and well the power steering issue I've read similar stories before so I'll wrap something around it to prevent it..

[yyoo]

Originally Posted by yomny

I've read similar stories before so I'll wrap something around it to prevent it..

What I decided to do was not to worry about it. After some of it overflows and the fluid level sinks as a result, you're not as likely to experience the issue again. You could also remove some fluid before you go to the track.

The reason the fluid is getting out is that there is an overflow hole. I'm not sure blocking it is such a good idea. The hole is there for a purpose. But, I'm not a mechanic and this could just be paranoia on my part.

[Car54]

Originally Posted by yomny

I'm not really sure if there's anything ducts for brake cooling but i think the stock braking system should do ok. Thanks for tips yyoo, im getting a torque wrench as i write and well the power steering issue I've read similar stories before so I'll wrap something around it to prevent it..

The E46 had an opening in the bumper plumbed to the wheel well, but the car came with a plastic perforated cap. Guys who tracked their car...punched out that plug to allow fresh air into the wheel well. Not sure if the E9X's have the plug or not.

I don't have my E90 yet...waiting on transport to FL.

[yomny]

I may just try and drain a tad bit of power steering just to make sure it doesn't spill, i really dont want that mess in there. As far as the wheel ducts go, i'll get down there today and check, if possible punch it out. I'm not worrying too much about all these preparations since i dont think im fast enough to push the car to its limits but as long as these dont hurt the car, any little bit helps. Thanks for the tips.

[Car54]

The opposite is actually true...an advanced driver can be better at managing brakes than someone new.

Remember this simple thought...Time heats brakes up more than pressure.

If you ride the brakes for 10 seconds in the braking zone they will be hotter than if you compressed the braking into just 4 seconds. Also...the faster (mph) you go, the more air you pull/push over the brakes...and the longer between applications.

Have fun!!!

[Car54]

Oh...and look for my friend Tony in a green stock E36 M3. Tell him Craig said hi!

[yomny]

Originally Posted by Car54

Oh...and look for my friend Tony in a green stock E36 M3. Tell him Craig said hi!

Lol will do, it'll be good to make a couple of new friends over there!

[MiamiE93Vert]

Are you running Saturday or Sunday? Mattgold, askjeeves and I are running on Sunday; it will be my first time as well. AA said they are running two cars on Saturday so you may see them there if Sat. is your day.

[yomny]

I'll be there Saturday, lets see what AA brings

[yomny]

Gotta say the event was a blast, had to leave half way through, got a couple of sessions in but i didn't want to push my tires and breaks. The car behaved like a champ, 90% of the time the steering and suspension were perfect, the other 10 percent was definitely my fault for going in too quick. Knowing the track helps a lot. I realized a good set of breaks is the most important thing. Breaking hard and for short amount of time is best to avoid over heating the breaks, i felt the brakes fading a couple of times. Overall the car was amazing, according to my instructor i was the fastest one on my level, beginners. There were a few evo's on my level along with a couple of shelby 500 mustangs. The car was putting power down amazingly, but after the second run my rear end was getting loose exiting, had to feather the throttle until fully out of the corner. Over all the experience was amazing, no problem with the power steering, no problems with the car at all, which currently has 11k miles on all stock components. I'll post pics soon.

Anyone know how to add videos without having to add links, embedding them? i tried just pasting the youtube embedded code but nothing.

[arter]

Time to get some race pads, that will fix the fading on your stock brakes...

[yomny]

I was thinking of that, it should also give me more bite at turn in.