First time on a track, need advice

[fuel997]

Going to Willow Springs next week, it will be my first time on a track and I'm getting the feeling a Z06 might not be the safest car for a newbie

First things first, what mode should traction be? Should I turn it off and learn how the car behaves but take it easy, or trust big brother and go balls out?

Secondly, how much damage can I expect? Should I worry about little rocks and stuff scratching up everything, any mechanical concerns?

Those are my major concerns for now, additional recommendations would be apreciated.

ps here's a cool look at the track Virtual Road Test & Car Racing Games - American Sport Coupes - Motor Trend

Oh ya, and TIRES!?

Whats the cheapest option? I've got the stock run flats now but I'm thinking of getting the cheapest front pair I can find and using them for the track and keeping my tires in the rear since they don't usually wear out as much (right?) and I couldn't find any cheap rear threads online

[Last C5]

Originally Posted by fuel997

Going to Willow Springs next week, it will be my first time on a track and I'm getting the feeling a Z06 might not be the safest car for a newbie

The Z is one of the most forgiving cars on the track, it will make you look better than you really are. (I usually count on that

First things first, what mode should traction be? Should I turn it off and learn how the car behaves but take it easy, or trust big brother and go balls out?

First time? Leave everything on. You're going to be back and you'll know when you're good enough/comfortable enough to start turning things off

Secondly, how much damage can I expect? Should I worry about little rocks and stuff scratching up everything, any mechanical concerns?

It's not really that much of a problem, you may get a few marble marks but they wipe right off with some Stoner's Tarminator.

Those are my major concerns for now, additional recommendations would be apreciated.

ps here's a cool look at the track Virtual Road Test & Car Racing Games - American Sport Coupes - Motor Trend

Oh ya, and TIRES!?

Whats the cheapest option? I've got the stock run flats now but I'm thinking of getting the cheapest front pair I can find and using them for the track and keeping my tires in the rear since they don't usually wear out as much (right?) and I couldn't find any cheap rear threads online

I run Toyo T1Rs in the rain and Nitto 555RIIs in the dry, neither are the cheapest out there but they are reasonable. However, I wouldn't be mixing front and rear rubber right now.

You're going to love it. Have a ball!

[ZO6 AL-X]

Use Comp Mode for t/c, a/h control.

As far as tires, I would run the stock ones. When those wear out, switch to PS2s for better feel.

[BEZ06]

My first time on a track was in my C6 Z06 last year - and it was a blast!!!

An HPDE is for you to learn about you, your car, and driving it fast - it's not a race. Don't expect to be able to go 100% in the Z06 - the car is a beast, and unless you are a very experienced driver you won't be able to get anywhere near the full capability out of the car, but it will still be faster accelerating out of corners and down the straights than just about anything else out there.

You can turn Traction Control off with one push of the button, or go into Comp Mode with a second push. I'd at least leave it in Comp Mode - that's what I've been running in and don't find it intervening at all, but it's still there to help me out if something gets way out of whack.

The stock tires are great. Just like the rest of the car, you won't be able to outdrive the tires until you get a lot of experience.

The only thing you might outdrive is the brakes - specifically, the fluid. The stock brakes will do a good job for you as long as you don't boil the stock fluid. That's the only thing I'd recommend - swap out the fluid for some DOT 4 with a higher boiling point. I've been running Motul RBF 600, but ATE is good also. The best is probably Castrol SRF, but it's very expensive and maybe overkill for a few track days per year.

Look out - these events are addictive!!!

Bob

[fuel997]

Sweet, thanks guys.

[DennyM]

Well said by Bob ...
For overkill on prep ... look at the sticky here on HPDE checklist.
Leave your ego at the gate.
Get a ride with your instructor AFTER you've been out for one heat.
SQUEEZE the brakes and throttle.
Stay cool and relaxed ... you'll be on information overload ... don't try to absorb it all in one day. Priority to safety.

[Texas Z06]

While you obviously can't control what the weather will be, pray for rain. While many people will think I am crazy, rain was the best thing that happened to me in some of my early DEs because you get to really concentrate on your skills, the line and everything else without worrying about speed as much since you obviously can't push it as hard. When it dries out you will be amazed at how much more you learned going slow in the rain. I've heard people say they won't sign up for DEs in the spring because they are afraid it will rain, so my advice is don't shy away from an event because it is in a rainy time of year.

[fuel997]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks texas

[Subdriver]

Looks like an old thread come back to life. Hope your track day in May went well. Did you run anymore during the summer?