Tracking my car next month any advice ?

[franki68]

I have a full day at Oulton Park booked ,never tracked one of my cars before ..any advice appreciated.

[Bodhii]

First, have a mechanic do your check list.

Second, drive all of the day with an instructor. Maybe ask the head instructor. He will be the best and most experienced person, and he will probably jump at the chance to go in another R8. Your instructor will drive your car first and let you become comfortable with the track at speed. He will also give you many many suggestions, as well as how to enter and exit each turn, where the correct apex is located, important info about braking techniques, etc.

Be patient and listen well as the instructor drives your car. After a few laps, it will be your turn and the instructor will ride as the passenger. I do NOT suggest driving on the track without an instructor at any time for your first full day, even if it is allowed. There are just too many new and important things to learn and remember. Keep all of the car's stability support and active suspension ACTIVATED and ON.

Tracking is incredibly hard on brakes and tires, so be ready to be shocked at how fast these parts wear out while doing DE track days. These items will never be covered under warranties if you have tracked your car.

Think about relaxing your mind as you drive, over and over and over. Grip the wheel lightly. Enjoy it all!

[James Knight]

Sound advice.

I've raced at Oulton in the Elise Trophy a few times. It's a fantastic track (one of the 3 best in the UK), but it can bite hard - especially in the wet. Take it easy - and get some instruction!

There are no prizes for winning a track day. The most sensible goals are to begin to learn the track and improve your driving. Consider shifting earlier into higher gears - wear is exponential to revs.

Most importantly, give your car a chance to manage the heat. Only do short sessions - 15 minutes or less. Make sure the car is properly warmed-up before you start, and do at least one full cool down lap, avoiding the brake pedal as much as possible. Open the engine cover when you are back at the pits to let heat escape. Keep inspecting the tyres for signs of overheating - notably delamination.

In terms of tyre pressures I would stick with the road guidelines. If it is a hot day, then LOWER both by 5 or so psi.

If you are a complete novice then leave the traction control one. If you are more experienced then stage 1 of traction control off gives you some leeway for fun. If you get into trouble, use the brakes - the stability program should then kick in.

Most important thing is to relax and enjoy it. It is not a race nor a competition!

[wedouglas]

^ How can you turn only TC off? ESP controls the entire system and as far as I know, you can only turn everything off.

Am I missing something here?

[Inrev]

wedouglas, when you simply press the button it doesn't fully remove ESP, it makes it give more freedom to skid and whatnot. Try to hold the button a few seconds in order to fully remove the electro-nannies.