Dragon Events Tail of the Dragon (Highway US129) 318 curves in 11 miles, is America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.

Brakes and Their Care and Feeding

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Old 02-12-2006 | 05:06 AM
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Default Brakes and Their Care and Feeding

Any of us that have been on the Dragon and or on the track know this but there may be some who don't.

Brakes get super hot on the dragon. Please use them when you need to but remember to give them a cool down at the end of the run. You could vulcanize your pads to the discs.
Do not pull to the side of the road and set your hand brake. After slaying the dragon, drive at normal speed for a mile or two to let the calipers and pads cool off.
Have a safe trip and have fun. See you there.
Old 02-12-2006 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by batguano,Feb 12 2006, 08:06 AM
Do not pull to the side of the road and set your hand brake.
This needs to be emphasized.

The S2000's rear rotors are solid (as opposed to vented) so they tend to hold more heat then the front rotors even though the fronts do most of the work. Setting the parking brake will hold the rear pads against the rotor and could VERY easily cause warpage of the rotors. This is the kind of thing that WILL end your weekend.

It is even advisable to move the car a couple of inches every 30-60 secs as the rears are cooling so the proximity of the caliper does not hold in heat on one specific area of the rotor.

I would also encourage people to inspect their brakes before coming to the dragon. Turned rotors (that are still in spec) fresh pads and fluid are a small price to pay for safety.
Old 02-13-2006 | 04:54 AM
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Bump... this is great info
Old 02-13-2006 | 05:27 AM
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ask hiro about my brakes last year...
he's got some funny footage of all 4 smoking after back-to-back runs
Old 02-13-2006 | 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Mocky,Feb 13 2006, 09:27 AM


ask hiro about my brakes last year...
he's got some funny footage of all 4 smoking after back-to-back runs
Too much middle, not enough right.
Old 02-13-2006 | 09:07 AM
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Brakes, What Brakes, just use 1st and 2nd and a very rare 3rd gear to control your car.

Also make sure your Brakes are in tip top condition, Just in case you need them .

Martin I need to travel with you during one of your Third Gear Runs you spoke of last year. That sounds like Fun.
Old 02-13-2006 | 09:46 AM
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heh. last year my tires were smoking and my brakes were still red after I stopped at deal's gap and hopped out the car to look.

by the way, my 4 brand new tires should be here from tirerack within the next day.

Trending Topics

Old 02-13-2006 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by DERF,Feb 13 2006, 12:07 PM
Brakes, What Brakes, just use 1st and 2nd and a very rare 3rd gear to control your car.

Also make sure your Brakes are in tip top condition, Just in case you need them .

Martin I need to travel with you during one of your Third Gear Runs you spoke of last year. That sounds like Fun.
Keep in mind this is a joke.

Driving hard requires PLENTY of braking. Everyone needs to do a thorough brake inspection before coming.

Also know the limits of your car. The Dragon bites hard. An inexperienced driver would be ill advised to try a downshift while cornering...
Old 02-13-2006 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 44Runner,Feb 13 2006, 01:22 PM
Also know the limits of your car. The Dragon bites hard. An inexperienced driver would be ill advised to try a downshift while cornering...
If she sees that, expect an butt kicking!
Old 02-13-2006 | 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by MulderATO,Feb 13 2006, 01:44 PM
If she sees that, expect an butt kicking!
I have no idea what you are talking about. I was giving out general advice


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