on the road to become track ready

[kigz]

Hello fellas, I'm finally back and almost near to buying an s2k. almost been 3-4 years since I've been wanting one.

The first thing I want to do is go tracking, so I am planning to go as soon as I buy a used s2k.

I know the s2k is a track ready car, but I would like to know any tips or expierences with the track , so I don't forget anything or any tips so i don't screw up

I know the brakes pads can heat up real quick so I know I should get those changed, what else should I bring? I'll probally get a tranny and lsd flush.

how does the track license work? Can I get them their and drive on the track the same day?

[jagg]

The first thing I want to do is go tracking, so I am planning to go as soon as I buy a used s2k.

you should definately do this right away........Well, after the LSD flush.

Happy Trails,
jagg

[samsam5886]

It's nice to see someone who wants to head to the track. Props to you.

The first step is to find race tracks around your area. Then you need to find an event holder for that track to register with. They will provide rules, split people into (usually 4) run groups based on experience, most likely instructors, and of course plenty of track time (usually 4, 20 min sessions in a day). All you need is a helmet and I recommend some good brake fluid. The event holder may ask for a tech sheet (inspection of your car) to be checked off and handed in prior to the event. That's all there is to it. No licenses or whatever. Almost like arrive and drive! Have fun and be safe! You'll have a great time and learn a lot.

For examples of organizations I've ran with check out speedventures.com and thedriversedge.net I'm sure there will be some organizations around your area too. Average price is about $150 per day. Think of it as about $3 per lap if the track is about 1.7 miles long (at least 1:30 per lap) Don't forget they are offering instruction too, and you are on a real race track, driving 100%. That's a great deal!

[zpeed]

I tracked my new 06 when it had 1500 miles on it. I burn my stock pad on that 1st day. Now I prefer ATE blue/200 with Cobalt pad XR-2/XR-4. Tranny and LSD flush is a good idea don't forget engine old too.

[samsam5886]

Yup some other things like an alignment, making sure lug nuts are torqued evenly to around 80-90 ft-lb, checking the suspension, are good ideas too.

[kigz]

ty, I went on a touge type course the other day my 240sx and just from a 5 minite run my brake pads were steaming... my other friend's pads were steaming+rotors glowing..Brake fade sucks!

[gomarlins3]

Change the brake fluid and the pads.

[kigz]

Originally Posted by samsam5886

It's nice to see someone who wants to head to the track. Props to you.

The first step is to find race tracks around your area. Then you need to find an event holder for that track to register with. They will provide rules, split people into (usually 4) run groups based on experience, most likely instructors, and of course plenty of track time (usually 4, 20 min sessions in a day). All you need is a helmet and I recommend some good brake fluid. The event holder may ask for a tech sheet (inspection of your car) to be checked off and handed in prior to the event. That's all there is to it. No licenses or whatever. Almost like arrive and drive! Have fun and be safe! You'll have a great time and learn a lot.

For examples of organizations I've ran with check out speedventures.com and thedriversedge.net I'm sure there will be some organizations around your area too. Average price is about $150 per day. Think of it as about $3 per lap if the track is about 1.7 miles long (at least 1:30 per lap) Don't forget they are offering instruction too, and you are on a real race track, driving 100%. That's a great deal!

Why thank you for giving me the run down. I was upset when I heard s2k requires a roll cage to track, but different events have different rules and regulations? so thats a plus for me because I don't want to spend any money on the car unless I absolutely need it. Ty so much it, I'm really relieved

[kigz]

Originally Posted by zpeed

I tracked my new 06 when it had 1500 miles on it. I burn my stock pad on that 1st day. Now I prefer ATE blue/200 with Cobalt pad XR-2/XR-4. Tranny and LSD flush is a good idea don't forget engine old too.

Thanks, I think thats what I'll go with unless anyone else disagrees these will hold me off for an all day tracking. Would it be wise to go ahead and get slotted or drilled rotors? and steel brake lines? Would the rotors and lines increase the duration of the performance in the past drastically? or maybe like an extra 30 minutes of driving before they start to fade?

Like I said, I'm trying to spend very little as, I want to save all my $ for more track days and eventually many tires. (weekend drifter/autocross)

[kigz]

Originally Posted by samsam5886

Yup some other things like an alignment, making sure lug nuts are torqued evenly to around 80-90 ft-lb, checking the suspension, are good ideas too.

most definately, I can't forget those! ran once with an alignment that was off+heavy driving and turning, and went through a set of front tires in 1 month.

I had my new tires on, got an alignment, then got my tierods on and needed another alignments, wanted to just wait untill I was back in the shop or untill it started to really bother me. lesson learned get an alignment after your tires + tierods

[samsam5886]

Yup you're right about some organizations not requiring a roll bar. I wouldn't bother with slotted or drilled rotors because the stock rotors are good enough for the track. Just stick with pads and brake fluid. Stainless steel brake lines aren't necessary either. They're just like an extra mod to improve the braking feel a bit (by expanding a bit less than the stock lines would under pressure. But it's not like the stock lines will blow under pressure or anything). I'm sure the rotors may decrease temps a bit and give you the extra time on track you were talking about, but then the sessions they run at track days are usually around 25 minutes including a cool down lap at the end.

Also, just remember not to torque lug nuts when brakes are hot and to not apply pedal pressure when the car is stopped too much with hot brakes. Applying pressure to one spot on the rotor when hot can cause it to warp. Try a chock or using the ebrake slightly (the rears won't be as hot). Just some tips in case...

Touge runs are awesome too. Where are you at? I just moved to Texas and there aren't any nice roads around where I live

[kigz]

I'm in New York City. I go upstate, plenty of nice curvy roads. My friends and I, go very late at night to avoid any congestion on the roads, we're terrified of the deers. We see atleast 3 deers a night. After a couple times we decided there are just too many factors and the public roads is not the place to have fun and darkness, deers, civilians just make it so much worse.

Thanks for that great info. Really helped.

Well some update on this. Finally should be selling my car within this week to get the s2k, I got a jump start while I wait on getting track ready. I did about 7 races on gas rwd gokarts this past 2 weeks. Two of the sessions being one hr each. I learned alot about balance, braking, griping, sliding, bumping, and spinning out. I only spun out once in total! while all my other friends were getting dizzy from spinning out on every hairpin n' corkscrew. Not to brag but I'm already drifting in my current car so I could always correct and modulate the inputs.

Anyways on my first run I was catagorized as the intermediate class, thanks to many computer and console simulation track games. by the time I did my 3rd run I was able to push my self and wow I'm already lapping times with the experts, and it feels damn good.

Enough of that. Here is my helmet I brought at the place, to jump start my track requirements, its a vega DOT approved helmet, I riced it out with some spoon stickers and j's racing! I love it!