Track day thoughts

[mousewei84]

Hi guys,

Had track school in weekend at NJMP and a lot of fun! Special Thanks to my buddy Oleg who helped me prep my car and Instructor Jeff who gave me lots of help to improve tracking skills.

One small incident, rear part of front belly pan fell off in the middle of session because I used OEM screws after Alu Kreuz installation (Hardware kit's stuck in shipping box and I didn't see it!) it was ripped and I need to buy a new one.

So with audi fans here, what car failures you have experienced in your previous tracking experience, Engine/Transmission/Brake/Suspension etc? Wanna start a discussion to keep other audi track fans from trouble. Always inspect your car before event!

Thank you for your input!

[V8Star]

Main concerns will be to inspect tire depth, pressure, and brake pads.

Tuned / enhanced cars can have other issues related to the upgrades, but a proper tech inspection performed by a professional Audi specialist is highly recommended before any track events.

[milesed]

I've had none with the Audi. I'd expect wear on tires, brake pads and the need to flush brake fluid more often. I tech my own car. It's not complicated if you own a jack and don't mind getting under and around the car. Check and adjust tire pressures as the day goes on and listen to your instructor on any car or driving tips.

Others' cars are another story. My friend had a tire bubble on the sidewall, others with blown engines, leaking radiators, old tires that blew, brake failure, rocks lodged between brake pad and rotor, etc. 99% of these did not cause any type of crash. Of the 10-12 track events I've attended, only 1 was crash free- always driver error and usually in Novice groups. I'm more afraid of someone else doing something stupid and crashing into me than I am of crashing myself or breaking something on the car.

I always tell my instructors that my goal is to safely drive my self and my car home at the end of the day and I may run at 80-90% to avoid trouble. My only 2 close calls were from carrying too much speed into turns, sliding a bit but stayed on track.

[PsYkHoTiK]

I thoroughly check the tire and note any wear and make sure there's no debris embedded into the tires. You should have significant 'pickup' (hot rubber that sticks to the tires) which may cause bumpiness for a while (if you track with your street tires).

If you have adjustable control arms, make sure they're still locked down and not loose. Check to make sure shocks aren't leaky.

Check pads (though it's a non issue if you swap pads out before and after each event). Remember to rotate them around as needed too. Apply a dot of blue thread locker on any brake/suspension fasteners (Let's just say I've had stuff back out).

If you're not swapping out wheels/tires and/or brakes, I'd check the torque of the lug bolts (I do it after every session actually).

If you have rubbing, keep an eye out for how that's doing - check for signs of bottoming out.

I'd also note if there are any strange clunks appearing and inspect/get it inspected.

Check under carriage to make sure that everything is still there (though it sounds like you already checked that :) ).

Reset tire pressure back to street levels (do it the morning after the car has been sitting in the garage - not driven).

Thorough cleaning of the car and if you're OCD like me, remove the rubber marks off of the paint - via claybar/wax/race rubber remover (actual product by Mother's).

Make sure to get an alignment at least once a year before the season starts (soft poly bushings = more variations).

And off the cuff, that's what I can think of. :)

[mousewei84]

Main concerns will be to inspect tire depth, pressure, and brake pads.

Tuned / enhanced cars can have other issues related to the upgrades, but a proper tech inspection performed by a professional Audi specialist is highly recommended before any track events.

Agreed, those are routing check even before every session. Tech inspection is indeed very important!

[mousewei84]

I've had none with the Audi. I'd expect wear on tires, brake pads and the need to flush brake fluid more often. I tech my own car. It's not complicated if you own a jack and don't mind getting under and around the car. Check and adjust tire pressures as the day goes on and listen to your instructor on any car or driving tips.

Others' cars are another story. My friend had a tire bubble on the sidewall, others with blown engines, leaking radiators, old tires that blew, brake failure, rocks lodged between brake pad and rotor, etc. 99% of these did not cause any type of crash. Of the 10-12 track events I've attended, only 1 was crash free- always driver error and usually in Novice groups. I'm more afraid of someone else doing something stupid and crashing into me than I am of crashing myself or breaking something on the car.

I always tell my instructors that my goal is to safely drive my self and my car home at the end of the day and I may run at 80-90% to avoid trouble. My only 2 close calls were from carrying too much speed into turns, sliding a bit but stayed on track.

Wow that is great! I have the exact same goal. Bring car back in one piece is the biggest success of track day. Thank you for sharing!

[mousewei84]

I thoroughly check the tire and note any wear and make sure there's no debris embedded into the tires. You should have significant 'pickup' (hot rubber that sticks to the tires) which may cause bumpiness for a while (if you track with your street tires).

If you have adjustable control arms, make sure they're still locked down and not loose. Check to make sure shocks aren't leaky.

Check pads (though it's a non issue if you swap pads out before and after each event). Remember to rotate them around as needed too. Apply a dot of blue thread locker on any brake/suspension fasteners (Let's just say I've had stuff back out).

If you're not swapping out wheels/tires and/or brakes, I'd check the torque of the lug bolts (I do it after every session actually).

If you have rubbing, keep an eye out for how that's doing - check for signs of bottoming out.

I'd also note if there are any strange clunks appearing and inspect/get it inspected.

Check under carriage to make sure that everything is still there (though it sounds like you already checked that :) ).

Reset tire pressure back to street levels (do it the morning after the car has been sitting in the garage - not driven).

Thorough cleaning of the car and if you're OCD like me, remove the rubber marks off of the paint - via claybar/wax/race rubber remover (actual product by Mother's).

Make sure to get an alignment at least once a year before the season starts (soft poly bushings = more variations).

And off the cuff, that's what I can think of. :)

Thank you very much for your input! Those are definitely very helpful! One question, what do you mean to rotate pads around? Never heard of this before though.

[PsYkHoTiK]

Thank you very much for your input! Those are definitely very helpful! One question, what do you mean to rotate pads around? Never heard of this before though.

You're most welcome! :) Sometimes the pads may wear unevenly (like inside vs outside). Just rotate them around to keep them wearing evenly if you're observing that. :)