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      03-16-2012, 06:03 PM   #1
VinnieAces
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Shut up and take my money! (track questions)

Hey guys,

So me and my brother are really interested in starting to track our cars, we've never done anything like this before (not even auto-x, tho i seem to be much more interested in an actual track anyway)

Just wondering here, wheres the best place to start? Sign up with a club? Do i need a helmet? WAT DO?!

Give me a rundown on what a newb should do to prep for the track, where to go, who to call, what i need, etc,

Also fill me in on what your first experience was like and how you got started!


posted this in the Canadian section so you guys can be real specific on where i should go and stuff
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      03-16-2012, 06:11 PM   #2
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I like the tread title. I'd start by looking for your local SCCA chapter, and their forums
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      03-16-2012, 06:43 PM   #3
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I am in the same boat Vinnie .. I want to go out to the track this year too. There is a BMW Trillium club event on April 27-29 at MoSport.

They have web pages devoted to explaining advanced track days, what you need and ho it works.

http://trillium-bmwclub.ca/
http://trillium-bmwclub.ca/firstdrivingschool

Let me know if you plan on going. If my schedule permits I'd tag along with my car.
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      03-16-2012, 07:09 PM   #4
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Great suggestions from Roffle and Mirko already.

There's another recent thread on this topic here. Well worth a read.

To what I've said in that thread:
If you haven't taken a car control clinic (BMWCCA or equivalent) start with that. It's directly applicable to track (and auto-x should you decide to do that). What you'll learn will serve you well on the track.

Many tracks rent helmets. Check first. A SA (not motorcycle) rate helmet that's decent isn't cheap, and first time out, best to see if the track is for you.

Tech inspection sheets help with what to have prepped. Sample 1 Sample 2

I've got to agree with The Hack--finding a good group with good instructors is a big plus and develops good habits from the start
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      03-16-2012, 08:01 PM   #5
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^+1 to a car control clinic 1st.
It will give you a huge jump start to tracking the car.

re: Mosport F1 rack.
JMO but you might be better to try the DDT 1st.
The main track is one of the fastest tracks in N.America not something to take lightly.
Last time I was there I witnessed a totaled Lambo.
Between the car & the track, the owner was way over matched for his skill set.
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      03-16-2012, 09:21 PM   #6
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^^ stories like that kinda scare me about the track! But i'm pretty sure i'd know my limits and wouldnt test them without a lot of experience

@mirko, that would be an awesome idea if we both started at the same time
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      03-17-2012, 12:15 AM   #7
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what about basic tips? like hands always at the same position on the wheel unless shifting, dsc off, etc?
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      03-17-2012, 03:21 PM   #8
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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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      03-17-2012, 11:06 PM   #9
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Best place to start is here:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=648372

Subscribe to the beginner group for the Calabogie school in May and you will be addict for sure.

I will be instructing in group 100-200 (beginner group)

You will have A LOT of seat time during this weekend and you will learn all the basics stuff you need to know to participate to further events.

You will need a helmet. You can find open face helmet for 150$. The helmet need to be Snell 2005 approved or newer. I think the club as some helmet for rent also, something like 10$ a day.

Hope to see you there

Marc
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      03-18-2012, 04:39 AM   #10
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No matter what you do, Do NOT start your track career with so called "lapping days".
Only thing you will pick from lapping days is bad habits that won't go away for loong loong time.

Trillium chapter is a good way to start with, OR sweetiegirlracing.com also holds driver training school at tmp(headed by well known instructors including gerry).

Also it is good idea to purchase proper headgear not m rated helmet. designed purpose is different. If you value your head then it is probably a good idea to spend money on properly rated helmet.
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      03-18-2012, 12:54 PM   #11
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Thank you guys for the tips so far!
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      03-18-2012, 01:14 PM   #12
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The BMW Canada car control schools are a pretty good place to start & you drive their cars.

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/insights/dri..._training.html
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      03-23-2012, 12:34 PM   #13
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You can also call Des Sie, the assistant service manager at BMW Toronto, he runs some driving schools with Gerry Lo at the GP track at Mosport. Safety is number one, all new drivers start with a classroom session at the track, skid pad & avoidance exercises, followed by lapping with an instructor with you in the car for the day. I've been going for a few years now and can't say enough good things about it in terms of education safety and the amount of instruction and track time you get. Hope to see you out there.
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      03-23-2012, 02:36 PM   #14
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There are plenty of events offered by plenty of groups.
Don't start off with a lapping day.

everything in due time.

I started with HPDEs and did so many of those... BMW Club Trillium, Ottawa, Quebec, Patroon, PCA Allegheny

Did some lapping events only with Viperclub and Phoenix CMR.
But I suggest you are in intermediate before doing those.

IMO (in the ones I have tried)
Mosport GP track is the scariest.
Calabogie is the most technical.
Watkins Glen is the most fun.
Tremblant is a great all around track.

I would suggest you start with the DDT track at Mosport if you live close by.
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      03-28-2012, 03:40 PM   #15
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Gerry Lo is doing an instructional day at Cayuga this Saturday, $175 for the day, pm me if you're interested and I'll get you in touch with Gerry.
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      03-31-2012, 05:12 PM   #16
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Shannonville is a reasonably technical and safe track to start on too. BTW - The Guy in the Lambo was with an Instructor; as were the last three cars I've witnessed written off at Mosport...
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      04-01-2012, 06:00 PM   #17
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I've been going to the GP track at Mosport with Des and Gerry for years now and have only ever seen one incident where a car was damaged, and it was an E30 that suffered an "age related" failure.

Long and the short of it is it really depends on you as a driver being responsible and having a good instructor to advise you.
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