First Track Day

[schwar74]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at signing up for my first track day and am looking for some pointers. It'll be a Heartland Park in Topeka KS. I'm pretty excited about it!!!

I had a few questions about what to expect and what I should plan on:

Is it a good idea to drive my car to the track? Its about 90 miles away from my house, and I'd hate to get stuck there if something broke on me. Or is trailering the car to the track a better idea? What do most people do?

Should I run my gas tank as low as possible and fill up at the track? Should I run it half down and have a mix of race/street fuel? Its tough to find anything but 91 octane around here.

I've been trying to figure out the helmet thing. Do motorcycle helmets typically meet the specs (Snell SA or M,
2000 or newer rated helmets are required.)

Any other tips you guys have?

I'll obviously be going in as a novice and so will have an instructor in the car for a while.

Thanks!!

Scott

[z32loverboy]

I would trailer it, just in case, so you won't be stuck. Most people who are serious about it trailer their cars to tracks. I would run my normal gas seeing as I'm guessing that your car is not tuned for the higher octane fuel? Usually Motorcycle helmets will work, as long as they're "D.O.T." (department of transportation) approved in your state. Also personally I would go with a full face helmet, but that's just my personal opinion.

Tips:
Watch your clutch engagement, It's fun to rev up and clutch drop and all, but it puts a lot of wear and stress on the clutch itself. Don't be afraid to hard launch, but don't rev up to 5k is all I'm saying.
I would bring a normal tool kit: sockets, wrenches, extra oil, extra coolant and such. If you can leave it with a buddy while you're on the track. Most tracks won't allow much loose stuff in your car if your going on like a drag strip. I've heard of some places not allowing cars that have subs installed on the track. I would personally call them and ask them for the regulations for the track to be 100% sure. Of course that's probably over kill but it's better to be prepared than to go all that way for nothing. No harm in asking them to be sure.
Are you going for a drifting track day, road course or drag day?