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      03-17-2012, 03:21 PM   #8
Finnegan
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Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Teaching the dog to slalom

iTrader: (22)

I'll bite.

First, listen to your instructor.
Second, bring an open mind and no ego.

Other things
  • DSC on the first few times at the track if not longer. (AutoX, off is fine, you aren't carrying as much speed.)
  • Look where you want the car to be. That means looking way ahead of you, not where you are, not over the hood, not on the car in front of you. (Sometimes that means looking out the side window.)
  • Tires, brakes, car, and your brain need to warm up. Warm all of them up each session and gradually increase speed.
  • If you don't know how to heel/toe, practice practice practice now. The track isn't the place to learn this.
  • Tires--check them immediately after each session or if the car starts feeling greasy. I start off at about 30 lbs cold front/rear, targeting about 37/38 hot. If they get above the target pressure, let air out. You're probably going to be letting air out as the day goes on and it gets hotter--both speed on the track plus ambient temps (heck even sun on one side of the car) affect pressures.
  • Be well rested. The first few times on the track you're going to be totally wiped out after a few sessions. You're learning a hell of a lot of new things and your brain will be working overtime. You'll have a blast, but you'll be tired!
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