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      03-20-2009, 09:41 PM   #6
rideontwo
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Drives: VaNOs
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NE

iTrader: (1)

By track I am assuming you mean road course. You say you live in Nassau, the closest tracks are NJMP/Pocono/Lime Rock, would not touch Lime Rock as a newbie. You will have to go through a HPDE organization or NASA to get on the track. These are highly organized entities that provide instructions on improving driving abilities. They usually tier newbs into the same class with instructors providing guidance as you drive.


Some things to consider:


1) You will need a helmet (Usually SNELL or DOT certified). Check with the organization about renting one.
2)Always make sure your car is in perfect working order, brakes and tires will take a moderate to big toll at a track event. Regardless of what people think, OEM brake pads/fluids might not be able to handle repeated abuse on the track, yes even in an M3. At the very least you may need the brake fluid changed. Ask around the track forums for more advice on track prep.
3) Book at hotel and get a good nights sleep. You WILL be drained mentally and physically by the end of your track day.
4) Bring food and lots of fluids.
5) Bring extra oil, torque wrench, anti-freeze, glass cleaner, etc..
6) Listen very carefully to the newbie lessons, especially things they teach you in the class room. This will generally include how to point somebody by, and more importantly what all the "SAFETY" flags mean.
7) Never let an instructor drive your car.
8) Listen to the instructor, and always obey everything they tell you. Their job is to teach you and get you and him/her back safely to the pits.
9) There will always be somebody better, so stay focused and concentrate on your lines. Remember that you are not a race car driver. Rather, you are there to learn how to handle your car and to hone your car driving abilities.
10) Always be aware of your surroundings, this will get important as you get better, drive faster and brake late for apex's.
11) Keep your adrenaline under control.
12) Take your time.
13) Remember most insurances will not cover "HPDE" events/experiences, this is also true for non-timed events. Best to read your insurance documentation.
14) Pushing yourself and/or your car to the limits is good and bad. Good because you feel good knowing your limits, bad because you may cross that limit and it may be too late.
15) Tracking your car is expensive, its addictive as well, so be ready to spend on tires/wheels/brakes. Tracking your car will take a toll on certain parts, do not expect your dealer to warranty parts that may wear down faster or fail all together. Dealerships are not stupid. See #16.
16) Remember you gotta pay if you want to play.
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