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First-timers Guide to the Track!
Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 November 2009 14:32) Written by Elizabeth Burns Tuesday, 17 November 2009 00:00
A few things to remember for your 1st visit to the race track, these tips will make it easier and more fun!
- Make sure you inflate street tires to a minimum of 38 lbs cold for all street tires before you get to the track- Make sure you torque your alloy wheels to 90 ft lbs- Make sure all your vitals fluids are fresh and topped up- Make sure your car is full of gas when you arrive at the track- Make sure everything is out of your trunk, glove box and other compartments- Make sure everything that could possibly come loose is out of your car including floor mats- Learn to and practice “heel and toe” downshifting BEFORE you get to the track, if you can’t gear down smoothly you will hurt parts and spin out- Learn how to get your stock seat belt to hold you in the car like a race harness- Learn where the track goes before you worry about learning the raceline around the circuit- Make sure you warm up your brakes and tires before attempting any hot laps, you will find the grass or wall quickly with cold tires and brakes- Leave your drivers aids on (stability and traction controls) if you are into them you have lost grip- Remember these little nursery rhymes: “When in doubt both feet out” “When in a spin both feet in”- There will be cars and drivers with different speed capabilities, check your mirrors after each corner and if you see a faster car coming stay on your line lift off the throttle and let him drive by. DON’T RACE SOMEONE INTO A TURN, only one car will come out.- Look at your gauges every few laps, check oil pressure and water temps. Street cars get hot quickly on the track even on cold days- Do not try and operate cell phones or any type of recording device while driving, and if you have a passenger holding a device it will become a projectile if you go off the track- DO NOT put your parking brake on when you 1st come off the track! If you get the brakes hot enough the pads will weld themselves to the rotors. Let the car idle for a minute or two shut it off and leave it in gear.- It is highly recommended that you wear a helmet but not mandatory- Do not put passengers in the back seat it is not safe and will make your car unstable- It is advisable not to take a passenger until you are VERY familiar with the track and your car unless it is someone to instruct you. They will be a big distraction and keep you from learning If you follow this really simple guide you will have a great time and probably become a track junkie! ABRAlan Balinsky Racing
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