Track forum general chit chat.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by spxxx

Hahaha don't tell anyone that I work in data analysis and studied math in school

55/45 distro*** dunno why I had the number 65% stuck in my head.

I thought you gave 110% like all the pro athletes do. I am disappoint.

[Evice]

One more video. My chonky m3.

3320# weight with a half tank, about 360whp. All stock engine. not PB, but a decent lap.

[m3number86]

Installing the new RS One.

I'm lowering my front from 700 to 600.

Should i pair them with my 800 or 700 in the rear?

[spxxx]

Originally Posted by m3number86

Installing the new RS One.

I'm lowering my front from 700 to 600.

Should i pair them with my 800 or 700 in the rear?

I run 625/900 and I'm pretty happy with the balance, I initially tried 700/1000 but the understeer/balance wasn't great - it seems like most folks running 600# up front are at 900# minimum in the rear.

Edit: disregard if you're on true coilover in the rear...

[latterburyson20]

Originally Posted by redpriest

I just ordered some Swift Spec-R springs.

I can't do full coilovers without getting reclassed into B2 with my mods, so this will have to tide me over until next year. These springs are a "free" modification, and I'm hoping with spring rates of 279 lbs/in in the front (160 lb/in stock M3), and 670 lbs/in for the rear (550 lb/in stock) will make a noticeable difference. I'm not expecting miracles, just something that will help me put the power down sooner in a corner.

Also ordered a Fall Line Motorsports tow strap with a tow-hook cover with a slot for the strap. Someone swiped (or it fell off somehow on the drive down to Chuckwalla) my tow hook cover so I have a gaping hole in my bumper I went to remove it on Saturday and it was already gone. Wtf!

Talked with my shop about getting an upgraded oil cooler + radiator, maybe with some custom ducting, to attack my cooling problem. Going to do that first before tackling the DCT cooler, maybe this will be enough. Shop talked about perhaps mounting better ducting or a fan on the DCT cooler, before upgrading.

You doing a good job to give this information.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by spxxx

I run 625/900 and I'm pretty happy with the balance, I initially tried 700/1000 but the understeer/balance wasn't great - it seems like most folks running 600# up front are at 900# minimum in the rear.

Edit: disregard if you're on true coilover in the rear...

can confirm I am 600/900 street/track set up.

good compromise. just need to stiffen the dampers when tracking.

and the frequency is where I want it to be.

[turbo_joe]

Originally Posted by Evice

One more video. My chonky m3.

3320# weight with a half tank, about 360whp. All stock engine. not PB, but a decent lap.

You're hauling ass, I couldn't get below a 1.35 back in June

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by Evice

So some updates to the earlier chit-chat.
Updates from VIR:
- Gearing is updated to 4.10
- Rear wing on
- Front roll center correction parts on
- Lexan everywhere
- Still old bone stock engine, car is still at 3320lbs. Carbon fiber doors are delayed.

I am on the same Michelins (Hard) 27/65 from April VIR. They are toast, this is a lap from the first practice session. Not attacking everywhere. 1:31.8

(Sorry I missed this post. Been busy.)

Nice to see the car continuing to progress.

So, what tires will you be running in your upcoming events?

[Evice]

Originally Posted by dogbone

(Sorry I missed this post. Been busy.)

Nice to see the car continuing to progress.

So, what tires will you be running in your upcoming events?

This past weekend at Ratl, I was on Yokohama A005s. Hards. Due to supply chain stuff, IMSA Pro racing teams are prioritized so I couldn't get Michelins.

Yokos felt like Hoosiers. Almost DEAD Michelins with about 300kms on them felt just as fast as Yokos.

[roastbeef]

Started drilling out these damn side airbags before the heat chased me out of the garage. It's a sucky job.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Started drilling out these damn side airbags before the heat chased me out of the garage. It's a sucky job.

just get it done before the 24th

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

just get it done before the 24th

this coming week is going to be a lot cooler and i'm planning on getting some shit done. i think i'm going to try putting my dremel shimmy blade behind them and see if that works better. i got a few of them off, but sometimes the drill bit bites and the rivet just rotates in place. such a lame design... they could have just used bolts for these. ugh.

on a happy note, costco has the trailer valet on sale. it should help with manipulating my trailer into a tighter spot on the side of my house. the area in front of my rv access has mailboxes and a curb, so someone could park there and there isn't much i could do about it. with this thing, i can tuck my trailer away really close to my side wall or park my trailer head-in if i want to.

https://www.costco.com/10%2c000-lbs-...100745138.html

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

this coming week is going to be a lot cooler and i'm planning on getting some shit done. i think i'm going to try putting my dremel shimmy blade behind them and see if that works better. i got a few of them off, but sometimes the drill bit bites and the rivet just rotates in place. such a lame design... they could have just use bolts for these. ugh.

yeah I was actually staring at your pic of the side airbags and was like why was it done like that...

[Bimmer Barney]

Hurricane Sunsets

[Cmassey3]

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

[slcook54]

Not really, it's not a high stakes race. You're going out there to have fun, learn and be safe, no reason to overthink it. After time it becomes more routinized. If you're sensitive to caffeine, don't over caffeinate and try and get some solid sleep the night before.

[Bimmer Barney]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

1. Make a Packing list and revise after an event. Packing and worrying you forgot something can be stressful.
2. Hydrate for a day prior to the event and during the event. Nerves, adrenaline, heat all cause dehydration and fatigue.
3. Set yourself a goal or "agenda" for the first session so you have something to focus on.

If you can block out what others are doing and stay focused on what you're trying to do, it will really help. New track drivers tend to focus on others, and in turn find themselves being the problem for others and themselves.

Good luck and if you're not having fun ask the starter for help. If you can't figure out what the problem is, it's probably you! Haha

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

Try to have everything prepped in advance, that at least reduces the nerves of rushing due to something unexpected.

Not exactly a mental routine, but given it's always an early morning, I like to do some mind / body awareness.

• Stretch, as my right leg is always sore the next day from standing on the brakes
• Do some fast and super slow touching my hands to opposite knee (lifting the leg up).
• Stand on one leg with eyes closed.
• Then I ask myself to take it easy on the first session. Wave at corner works, listen to the car and tires. See how far forward I can look.

Thinking Body, Dancing Mind is an awesome read! Heard about it from Speed Secrets Podcast and it relates to most activities.

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

First session is a sighting session, take in the track. Look for landmarks for braking markers, check for cones for corner entrances and exits etc. and any potential drops off, off the track to avoid dipping a wheel.. I like to do this regardless of how many times I've been on the track as things do change. Example is the concrete curbing on the first 5 mile bypass on thunderhill has been broken up for repair. Some of the organizers will allow everyone out in the first novice session of the day under yellow flag for this too.

[Davisca455]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

Obviously, everyone has different priorities and philosophies.
It sure seems like it's beneficial to spend time understanding what's important to you and how that might affect your frame of mind, so good on you for asking the question.

I'm pretty new as well…

My #1 priority is "The car is coming home today."
This priority, coupled with my inexperience and advanced age, definitely keeps me from focusing on lap times.
I'm all about figuring out the right places to put the car, hitting those spots, lather rinse repeat.

I fully realize that I'm not going to set the world on fire with that attitude, but I do still have a blast.
(Younger Chris and his lighting reflexes would have a FAR different set of priorities!)

I like to start the process of prepping my car early, about 1-2 weeks before an event
Installing the track pads, bleeding the brakes, checking fluids, checking belts, organizing tools and supplies, and putting eyes on as many areas of the car as possible.
Keeps me from rushing, feeling anxious about the car or forgetting something.

My tools and supplies list is built around me asking myself:
"What tasks am I actually willing to take on, in the paddock, to keep the car on track or make it home?"

SAMM3Y shared his Session 1 advice above, and I'd like to add on to that.
Last November he taught me a new idea that hadn't occurred to me before.
He said to be mindful of a "cold track" in the morning session, and I'm certain having that thought in my mind saved me from completely losing it exiting T15 at Thunderhill East.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

Anything in particular making you nervous?

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by Cmassey3

Does anyone have a mental routine they do before track days or do you just arrive and get to it?

I think since I'm still newer at this, I get a bundle of nerves that build and build up to the event.

my first track day in a little over a year is coming up in two weeks, and its my first day since i've built the car up significantly. i'm already getting antsy. i had a dream [nightmare] the night i booked the track day that i was rolling up to the track and my car was completely empty of all my tools and equipment as i didn't pack a single item. lol
i'm not an anxious person, but i do get excited and part of that is i don't want to forget everything. a little routine i enjoy is putting all of the equipment i'm going to take with me in an organized "pile" next to my car before i load it. i'm a very visual person and can look over the pile and quickly see what i'm missing. once the pile is complete, i put it in the car. the only thing i want to do in the morning is put the ice in the cooler and hit the road.

as far as nervousness at the track, its mostly excitement. like others have stated, the first session is just to warm up the car, tires, and brakes gradually and get your sensory inputs more in tune with the activity. go at your own pace until you're really ready for more. check your mirrors, drink lots of water, remember to eat. nobody is watching you, and nobody cares. just have fun.