This week I'm covering the most basic part of getting onto the track, the track day.
So to get started, you first need to pick a track day to participate. www.playdayontrack.co.nz is a great place to start, as well as local car clubs, and in some cases, racetracks themselves host open track days like Hampton Downs in the North Waikato http://hamptondowns.co.nz/pages/201/car-track-days.htm.
Once you have decided on when to hit the track there are a few things you should have covered before you leave the house.
1. Is the car in general good condition? In order to be allowed out on the track there are basic rules you need to adhere to and one of the first is whether you car is up to Warrant of Fitness standard. If your car isn't up the scratch you will not be allowed on to the track.
2. Tyres - are they in good overall condition? Do they have plenty of tread? Are they at the correct air pressure? Tyres need to be in good order as they are the only thing holding you to the road/track. Bad tyres will end with a bad time so it's worth forking out for quality tyres if you're planning on spending much time on the track. If you don't know what pressure to run your tyres on the day, just ask a fellow competitor or the organiser. They will be able to suggest to you what pressure to run for the track but if in doubt, run your manufacturer recommended pressure.
3. Oil - has it been changed recently? Good quality oil will limit the wear on the engine from the harder use that it will see at track RPM's. The older your oil the less effective it is as a lubricant.
4. Brakes (spelled BRAKES NOT BREAKS) - are the rotors and pads in good condition and have plenty of, for lack of a better word, meat to them? When was the brake fluid last changed? Braking ability on track is possibly one of the most important things to have in top order before you hit the track. The consequences of neglecting looking at your brakes is obviously a potential catastrophe waiting to happen. Brake fade from high brake temperature and use is a scary phenomenon which can cause you to have an off. Auto shops such as Repco stock race quality brake pads and brake fluid which are initially all you should need for your first foray onto the track.
5. Inside the car - Once at the track you will need to ensure you have no items in the cabin that are loose and have the potential to interfere with your driving experience. This is items such as drink bottles, McDonalds burger wrappers, cell phones, GPS devices and anything else that didn't come out of the factory with. The last thing you want is to be hitting your braking point and finding a half drunk bottle of coke under your brake pedal!
6. Personal - Most track days require minimal safety gear for participation but at the very least a certified helmet (often a motorcycle helmet will do) is required, along with covered shoes and in a lot of track days, overalls. Other track days however do require slightly more and it's always best to check with the organizer before leaving for the track.
Next week I'll start looking at competitive track action.
Oh, and since a couple of weeks ago when I noticed that my life was seriously lacking in project cars I have found myself one. More details next week.
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