I'm thinking about going to the AutoClub Speedway track for the first time with Speed Ventures in late February. Does anybody have any words of advice for my first time on a track? Any personal experiences?

Do I need to do anything to prep the car? The only performance mod I have done to the car so far is a DCI, I may have a JB4 and RPI exhaust by then, not sure... its only money

I plan to do their beginners training course just to be safe. I'm kinda excited.

Thanks

 

Don't worry about going fast -- seriously. Learn the line, learn when to brake and when to accelerate. You'd be surprised how often I see Dodge Neons beating WRXs and STIs simply because the driver knows how to drive.

I'm sure they'll require an inspection of the car. I normally check my brake pads, make sure I have enough oil, check the air in my tires, brake fluid, etc. Oh, clean out your car so nothing goes flying around.

Aaaaaaaand finally, have fun, you'll definitely never see your car in the same way.

Michael
Acute Performance

 

If nothing else, I would def flush the brake fluid and fill with ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid to help prevent boiling.



Nothing like going into a corner and hitting the brakes, and the pedal goes straight to the floor

 

i can't believe nobody mentioned the first and most important thing - RUBBING IS RACING!

 

ATE blue fluid is great fluid but I hate the blue dye stain within the fluid reservoir.

Consider Valvoline brake fluid that you can easily find at local Autozone.
And it's only $7 for w/ similar boiling points w/ ATE for the big bottle (2 flushes-before/after track day)

 

Prepare to pass a tech inspection. No big deal if regular maintenance is performed, unless they have rules requiring safety-wiring drain plugs, special coolants, etc. A helmet helps. A harness helps more.

The most important thing to remember is that smooth = fast. Say that to yourself every few seconds on track. If you're fighting the car, you're slowing yourself down.

Smooth = Fast

Have fun!

 

Thanks everybody, I can't wait. I'll look into the brake fluid great advice.

 

Seeing you have an F10 535i, its new enough I wouldn't worry about brake fluid. There are better fluids than factory but most have their downsides. But I did have an annual complete flush with ATE Type 20 when I was regularly tracking my car. Most clubs require a pre-inspection. You'll need to find a good indy or speed shop. That avoids confessing to the dealer that you track the car. They simply check the obvious which should be no issue on a new car and have a mechanic sign the sheet.

Prior to the track, I'd buy a decent tool kit (socket wrenches, screw drivers, pliers etc just in case), a torque wrench for your lug nuts, a portable air compressor, a tire guage, and a decent sized box for your stuff. Plus you need to buy a helmet. Maybe take a small cooler for water, snacks, etc.

At the track, they'll check the required documents, the lug nuts and air pressures, give you your schedule and instructor's name, and sign you off. Empty the car of EVERYTHING loose, including floor mats, stuff in the glovebox, door pockets, and trunk, throw the stuff in that box. I used a pad lock just for security of costly things. Also check the air pressure of the tires. There will be a BIG debate over the proper pressure but the key is firm enough to prevent the tires rolling over but not so high they go over max inflation after heating up. I'd start at 2-3 over the door sticker or at what it might have for high speeds.

On track, the first thing is to be comfortable at speed, pay attention to the instructor and always look ahead. Learn the proper line around the track, the brake points, and as mentioned above, always be smooth. For complete newbies, some clubs may have a limited first session or add a few braking and slalom type exercises. They could also have classroom sessions. Attend those and pay attention. By the end of the first day, you should feel comfortable with the car at speed, and amazed at what it can do. But go for a ride with your instructor in his car for a real thrill. Finally, be careful in the last session when everybody thinks they are now an expert but are getting tired after a long day. Some call that period the red mist....

Have fun and be safe. BTW, I did feel that high speed on track was just as safe as rush hour traffic because its a more controlled environment and certainly more safe than trying to do those things on street.

 

Here is a video of nearly a complete session at VIR with my '08 550i. The only part cut was the full warm up lap and the cool down. This was my 3rd time at VIR and was in a solo group. I did have some brake fade in a previous session so was taking it easy for a few laps. Turns out that I was following an idiot in the prior session and over braking. Once I pass a Porsche 911 at the 6:00 mark, I build up speed and have several clean laps. I was hitting 125 mph on the front straight and 135 on the back!!! After getting stuck behind a REAL SLOW Porsche, I then let some fast cars go by. You'll see it doesn't matter if its a Mini Cooper S or a Porsche Turbo, but I then stay with them the rest of the session until a bit of brake fade on the last lap and have to back off.

 

if your worried about staining the fluid reservoir that you never see, ATE makes it in gold too



Also there is no reason to do another flush after the track day, unless you're doing some long endurance racing or something . I've done 3 track days with the same ATE Blue over the past year, plus daily driving.....no issues (knock on wood)