Tracking 101 for a Noob

[muffinman]

I'm finally getting some coilovers installed this Friday and with the nice weather, am seriously contemplating tracking my car for the first time.

If someone could provide a nice link or post some tips for tracking our cars, I'd appreciate that.

Never been to a track before so I'm a complete noob... any checklist I should follow to prep my car properly (check oil levels, brake fluids, etc) Are new tires / track wheels a must? I've heard you can run through a set of tires per visit... Also, is using TIP a *must*? Will leaving it in "S" mode be enough?

... how are "weaker" wheels damaged on a track when there aren't any bumps or potholes and whatnot? If anything, I figured they would last longer on a track vs. regular roads

Thanks in advance.

Oh, and I already know that I have heavyass wheels with stock brakes, and just Revo Stage 1 and Stasis coils; I'm not looking to post record times, just want to enjoy my car without fear of running over a kid or getting a ticket

[INTEGRATION]

Hmm, I'd actually be more worried about the brakes and remaining tire tread.

Usually people who "burn" though their tires are running a softer-sticker compound and going all out on it. If you're using regular tires they can last you the session and going back (although be careful as they may not have as much grip as they did before!)

I would also check the rotors (for hair-line cracks and such) and pad life, don't forget to check them in between sessions on/off the track too. And honestly I don't feel very comfortable with the stock pads...good reason to burn through them and upgrade!

But yeah, if you really wanna go all out and do time attacks... I'd look into changing: pads, rotors, brake fluid, engine oil. tranny fluid, etc. Run everything fresh.

The things you should really be worried about are all the "wearable" stuff after your track sessions.

[muffinman]

Hmm, I'd actually be more worried about the brakes and remaining tire tread.

Usually people who "burn" though their tires are running a softer-sticker compound and going all out on it. If you're using regular tires they can last you the session and going back (although be careful as they may not have as much grip as they did before!)

I would also check the rotors (for hair-line cracks and such) and pad life, don't forget to check them in between sessions on/off the track too. And honestly I don't feel very comfortable with the stock pads...good reason to burn through them and upgrade!

But yeah, if you really wanna go all out and do time attacks... I'd look into changing: pads, rotors, brake fluid, engine oil. tranny fluid, etc. Run everything fresh.

The things you should really be worried about are all the "wearable" stuff after your track sessions.

I'm not looking to do time attacks just yet, my car's a porker (no weight reduction) and I'm only chipped... so just for "casual" tracking, would my all-season tires (low profile Bridgestone RE Pole Positions) need to be replaced after ONE track session? That's pretty crazy, as I can't afford to buy new tires everytime I hit up the track.

Also, for the aforementioned "casual" tracking, do I need to worry about getting higher temp brake fluids, tranny fluids, change out anything? Or are all those things you mentioned more for hardcore tracking?

Thanks

[INTEGRATION]

I'd really like to help you as much as I can. But in all honesty it really depends on your driving style(s) and technique(s). If you do a few "casual" runs you should be fine, but hardcore time attacks is really what's going to wear everything down. What tires are you using? I'm thinking Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions? Those should last you the track session fine and still be good to drive afterwards.

Oh! Don't forget to check tire pressures. Personally I like to run the front tires a few psi lower than the rears (more grip in the front, can lead to better rotation for tighter low-speed turns). I'd actually recommend filling up your tires with nitrogen instead of air. Molecularly-wise it's lighter and more resistant to heat.

And yes, find an alignment shop that knows how to setup your car for handling. You'd be surprised how much a bit more of negative camber and toe-out would help out (when setup properly of course).

[autoverruckt]

depending on what "club" event you may attend, most will require a safety inspection anyway before the event. On event day another inspection may occur. Some will recommend you change out your brake fluid and bleed your brakes prior as well. Since there will be an instructor with you and this is your first time, you will most likely not go through your tires (talkin' about your 17's which I recommend you do).

Transmission mode: Not sure on this one although most on here who have a tip will recommend manual mode. But that will be a learned thing as well since there is a response lag that you'll have to time in order to settle your car properly. I tracked my S4 which was manual - not sure if I will track the A4 myself.

Don't worry about your power - brakes, suspension, and skill take precedence over HP on the road course. I had many a people on my ass on the road course with 100hp+ less power. They just couldn't pass me on the straights.

Oh, go find a helmet too.

Once you ride with an instructor you will realize how much of a puss driver you are and that what you do on the street is nothing. You'll also be singing in the upper rpm's the entire time.

[lnferno]

Honestly, get the "Speed Secrets" series books. I bought all three of them. The 3rd gets very technical, but all in all, these books helped me immensely. I never thought I could learn so much just by reading, but it's true, these books are the shit!

[Louis J.]

Excellent advice so far. Speed Secrets...check. Alignment...check. Tire pressures...check.

From your comments above it sounds as though you have the 960 Pole Positions, in which case your tire wear will be minimal, especially on your first time out. You won't be able to push the car too much with all-seasons, but it sounds as though at this point all you want is to get your feet wet, for which they'll do the job. You should consider doing a DE (driver's education) event which will likely include some classroom instruction as well as provide you with an instructor for your first time out on the track.

Depending on the mileage of your car, you may want to get your brakes checked (pads and fluid) before your get on the course but I don't think you need to do a change for a DE on your first time out, especially if you're not going to push the car. That said, it's also dependent on the course. If it's a small track with sharp turns, racing brake fluid may not be a bad idea. Alignment is also a good idea. I recently lowered my car and got it setup with RS4 specs and -1.3 camber all around, which makes for a very street-friendly ride that will also work well at the track IMO. Tire pressures might work well at 36F/38R cold depending on ambient temperature and conditions. If it's very hot and dry, you may want to go lower with something like 34F/36R cold, especially given your all-season tires.

Once you decide this is something you have to do again, you may want to consider brake pads, fluid and lines (maybe rotors too) as well as proper tires and possibly some lightweight wheels.

[muffinman]

Awesome info, thanks alot guys. I'll def. do some more research and give the track a call to see if they provide instructors, classes, helmets and inspections.

Bad idea to run a track session on my 19" VMR RS4 reps? I love the grip and handling I get with the wider wheels + Bridgestone RE960AS Potenzas that are wrapped around the VMR's.

Do you guys have problems staying in your seats? I shift around quite a bit in everyday driving.. hopefully the coilovers will help reduce the body roll. If not I'm going to be hanging on for dear life - no lateral support to accommodate fat people and soccer moms FTL

auto - Haha thanks, I'm a semi-aggressive driver but I'm sure I'll end up looking like a bitch on trackday.

[windextor]

Awesome info, thanks alot guys. I'll def. do some more research and give the track a call to see if they provide instructors, classes, helmets and inspections.

Bad idea to run a track session on my 19" VMR RS4 reps? I love the grip and handling I get with the wider wheels + Bridgestone RE960AS Potenzas that are wrapped around the VMR's.

Do you guys have problems staying in your seats? I shift around quite a bit in everyday driving.. hopefully the coilovers will help reduce the body roll. If not I'm going to be hanging on for dear life - no lateral support to accommodate fat people and soccer moms FTL

auto - Haha thanks, I'm a semi-aggressive driver but I'm sure I'll end up looking like a bitch on trackday.

the key to keeping yourself from sliding around is to put you seat back...pull your seatbelt so it locks and then move your seat forward so that the seatbelt hold you against the seat a tad...our seats are the worst for agressive driving..btw most tires hold up ok...I had dunlops and the 70% the was left when i got to the track was down to chords by the end of the day...a few of the people I go with had pilot sport 2's and were already on their 2nd or 3rd track sessions with plenty of tread left...i am now on PS2's as well and tread wear is amazing on and off the track

[autoverruckt]

Bad idea to run a track session on my 19" VMR RS4 reps? I love the grip and handling I get with the wider wheels + Bridgestone RE960AS Potenzas that are wrapped around the VMR's.

Yo aren't your tires a little stretched on your 19's? If so, don't do it or you'll be riding rim around those turns! You could also use your 17's for track only since they oem strong and tires will be cheaper to replace.

Do you guys have problems staying in your seats? I shift around quite a bit in everyday driving.. hopefully the coilovers will help reduce the body roll. If not I'm going to be hanging on for dear life - no lateral support to accommodate fat people and soccer moms FTL

ah yes, I miss my recaros.

[extremesport3]

I actually just got back from the track (Pocono East 5/3) and it was only my second time at the track but the car (with the help of many mods) performed great. My highest suggestion to you is run the car the first time or two with the traction on, then once you feel more confortable with how the car handles switch off the traction. I had a much better time letting the AWD run on its own rather than having the computer shut the trottle down because one wheel is slipping. The car is an animal on the track - you will be very impressed.

As for tires - i ran both times (lime rock and pocono) and a full year of driving on my stock all season tires. I am happy to say they were fine, however i think I would prefer a performance set because of all the mods i have.

Brakes - i recently switched to a BBK, this track experience vs the previous with the OEM brakes was different but not drastic. This all depends on the amount of braking the course induces. The east course at Pocono had some nice spots that were hard on the brakes. Would the OEM one perform, Yes, however the BBK was worth it. By the end of the day the brakes were in great shape as appose to the OEM brakes when i was done were pretty mushy. (It had nothing to do with the rotors or calipers - it was the brake fluid and the brake lines.) Get some high temp fluid and ss brake lines and you will be all set with the OEM setup with no worries.

Suspension- I have the stock sport suspension however i have H-sport S4 sways front and back which dramatically improve body roll. The suspension (stock) holds up very well and is perfect for your first time. I would recommend at the least changing the rear sway bar to improve the car in the corners (less body roll - rear follows front rather than the other way around). H-sport has the best products (thickest rear bar and has two settings - which is nice)

If you have any other questions please let me know. I am very happy to share in my experience with my Audi at the track!!

John

[MAlby7]

I took 10-20% off my tires at the track day I went to and they're summer tires.

[lnferno]

Yeah, I went through a brand new set of Goodyear Eagle F1 DS3s during 8, 20 minute road racing sessions. That's the main thing that sucks about road racing -- it's costly in terms of tires, but passing Vettes and M3s made it all worth while

[VMRWheels]

Tracking is such an addictive hobby... but its so expensive.

-Charles@VMRWheels

[supamannn99]

so, is a tow hook in the front required? and why?

[muffinman]

Yo aren't your tires a little stretched on your 19's? If so, don't do it or you'll be riding rim around those turns! You could also use your 17's for track only since they oem strong and tires will be cheaper to replace.

ah yes, I miss my recaros.

You are absolutely right - unfortunately, I don't have my stockers anymore. I'll def. need to pickup a set of some cheap used, lightweight 18's first and foremost.

Good looking out

[autoverruckt]

Tracking is such an addictive hobby... but its so expensive.

I hear ya. I am 'on hold' for a bit with 2 kids, private school tuition and a rough economy. Hell I even got a tip to help me stay away from the track, but man do I get the itch when there is an event in town. Guess it doesn't help that I show up at hang out in the paddock.

[lnferno]

I'll def. need to pickup a set of some cheap used, lightweight 18's first and foremost.

OZ Ultraleggeras -- 18 lbs each!

[INTEGRATION]

I hear ya. I am 'on hold' for a bit with 2 kids, private school tuition and a rough economy. Hell I even got a tip to help me stay away from the track, but man do I get the itch when there is an event in town. Guess it doesn't help that I show up at hang out in the paddock.

Same here. I wanna go tracking so badly again but likewise the bad economy is a good sign to start throwing more stuff into US investments. Not to mention oil keeps getting more and more expensive.

[supamannn99]

so... tow hook. yes? no?

[lnferno]

so, is a tow hook in the front required? and why?

You have one already, so you're covered. If your car becomes undriveable on the track, having a tow hook allows them to easily tow your car off the track.

[supamannn99]

oh wait isnt my tow hook with the spare tool box? lol

[lnferno]

oh wait isnt my tow hook with the spare tool box? lol

It is integrated into the front bumper. I don't have a picture of it, but look at your right side bumper underneath your headlight. There's a little circle plastic piece -- that comes off and there is your tow hook.