Tracking my car for the first time...need advice

[mngolfer]

October 10-11th at BIR in MN with ACNA I will track my car for the first time. What do I need to do to prepare the car? This may be my only track event for the car.

I am changing the break fluid, but that is it so far. How much track insurance should I get? Any other tips?

[smoothy]

I'd contact the track (or check out their website) as a few will have rules to various things such as floor mats (not allowed) or fire extinguishers. Almost all tracks have an inspection checklist they will go over, measuring tread depth, brake pad thickness etc. Bring the receipt from the brake fluid change, they may ask to see that.

[mngolfer]

Thank you for the feedback. I just had my oil changed less than 500 miles ago. Do I need a fire extinguisher? I am having it tech on Wednesday. I checked with my insurance. When my policy comes up for renewal they no longer insure any car on the track. I am good until November 26th.

[smoothy]

Thank you for the feedback. I just had my oil changed less than 500 miles ago. Do I need a fire extinguisher? I am having it tech on Wednesday. I checked with my insurance. When my policy comes up for renewal they no longer insure any car on the track. I am good until November 26th.

For a street car, some tracks and/or schools require you to have one, best to see if the track has rules posted. I quickly checked the ACNA site, they only state that you must have a helmet and no convertible cars allowed (they do say though that other safety rules, for example open/closed windows are to be determined by the event host or the track)

[liverpoolish]

All of the above plus:

1. Take it easy, learn the lines of the track, do not push hard from the start.
2. If you begin to push hard, do sets of 2 hot laps and 1 easy lap.
3. I wouldn't recommend sessions of more than 15 minutes without break.
4. DO NOT turn of the engine NOR left up the hand break after you come into the pits. Keep the car running for 10 minutes or so. Let the brakes cool down.
5. After you pit open the engine compartment while the car cools down and if possible park it so that its rear side faces opposite wind direction.
6. Do not switch on the AC on a hot lap and always keep inner air circulation disabled.
7. Do not go on a full fuel tank.
8. When you approach a corner at high speed try pressing the brake multiple times, do not keep your foot planted on it so you don't fry the pads.
9. ENJOT IT

[mngolfer]

Liverpoolish,
Thank you for all of your advice. Wow. This is exactly the information I was seeking.

[SteveR]

For fun, check your tire pressures before you run and again when they are hot. I think you will be surprised.

[ianerrid]

Do Audi put nitrogen in the tyres from the factory, or air?

[SDR8]

I know my car had air from the factory, but the dealer put nitrogen in my original tires for free.

[mngolfer]

I have registered my 27 year old son to join me in the track experience. After serving in the Marine Corp I think he deserves some fun. I wonder how I tell him have fun...but don't wreck my car. :O)