First time at the track

[BoulderVette]

Not only with my 2004 Z06, but period. Saturday I'm doing an HPDE school with the local BMW club so I'll have an instructor along for every lap.

Anyway, to prepare I have changed the oil/filter, changed the brake fluid, put on new brake pads (Hawk HPS), changed the tranny fluid, and the rear diff fluid. I've inspected the car to the best of my ability, and also had it inspected by a local BMW tuner shop as required by the club. Everything looks good to go. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Also, I've read here, been told, and seen in the owner's manual I should add an extra quart of oil. With that extra oil do I need to do an O/C afterwards? Also, I was curious about gas. Should I run with say 1/2 a tank?

Hoping the weather holds!

[Duke 1]

It sounds like you are well prepared for the track. Don't worry about the extra weight of fuel, it will be sometime before you will notice the difference and running out on track is rather embarassing...

And remember to have fun!!!

[ZO6 AL-X]

I think you're pretty ready to go. No o/c is required, unless your oil temps get way high. But you should be okay since it's the first time.

Have fun and share pics if you take any.

[DennyM]

Assume you have a helmet ...
Van't checklist is a good thing to review as far as what you're packing ...
HPDE Checklist
Go with a full tank. ... you should come close to burning it in a day, and track gas is $$$
Biggest challenge you'll have is information and sensory overload.
Do your "readaheads" and be comfortable in your understanding of track protocol and flags.
make sure you're in sync with your in-car instructor as to how he will communicate to you ... words ... hand signals ... and do some mutual expectation setting before first heat; critique at end, and iterate thru the day.
Be rested and bring non-caffinated drinks.
Enjoy!

[blkZ06]

I like to start drinking a lotta water a day or 2 before HPDE's-it REALLY makes a difference with fatigue.

Have fun!

[mjustmike]

First time ever???!! Ah geez.....be ready to swallow the hook......line and sinker. You're done son!! After this weekend, when you finally get the smile off your face, when you see what your car is really capable of.....you're gonna be looking for the next event, signing up for the Fest and the DE we're having there, scouring the 'net for available information for your area, etc, etc.
Really....all the above are great tips. Your first time, just enjoy the ride. Communicate with your instructor but most important....LISTEN to them. I've been really lucky and found that most instructors will give you great information and super tips. Chances are they have great knowledge of the particular track.

Most important this time....Have fun!!!

[AlohaC5]

Gordon - you're going to have a GREAT time and learn a lot! Sounds like your car is prepared. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated before and during the event with lots of water, establish good communications with your instructor early on - let him/her know what your learning objectives are and enjoy the experience - you'll be hooked like the rest of us. If you want some good reading material - check out "Speed Secrets 2 - More Professional Race Driving Techniques" by Ross Bentley. Mike

[Jim Lembo]

Sounds like you got it covered, and good choice going out with the BMW club, at least you'll be out there with some decently fast cars. You are going to have a blast, these cars were built for the road course, and its going to be a great learning experience for you, and make that "perma-grin"
even bigger!!!!!!!!!!!

Jimbo

[XFordGuy]

You want a full tank. It depends on the track, but at Barber a few weeks ago I reset the MPG and checked it at the end of the weekend. 7.2 MPG.

It was a Chin event, so there was a LOT of track time. I burned up 3 tanks in 2 days.

[BoulderVette]

Thanks for all the responses, and your right, I'm hooked. Here's my write-up on the day:

http://www.z06vette.com/forums/showt...93#post1197093