I want to start taking my car soon to the autodrome.

Any one knows if there are pre-requirements for a new starter like myself?
Any one done any track times?
Driving instructors?
Advice?

my car has no mods what so ever.

 

I have done track days and autocrosses.

Pre-requisites are imho a valid DL and a attitude for learning. A stock car is good, don't modify until you know what you want/need!

Some items to check;
-Coolant level, make sure its topped up
-Oil level, make 110% sure its topped up (then pls do check after every few 20 min sessions on the track!)
-Brake fluid, you car is new so you should be ok. But already 6 months in our humid climate will affect brakefluid negatively. Brakefluid is hygroscopic so it will soak up water from the humid air. So to simplify, flush the brakefluid with good brakefluid every 6 months if you keep tracking your car. FYI => Before and after every session I bleed my brakes.
-Brake pads, make sure you have plenty of pad left before you go to the track
-Tires, check the tires cold pressure and keep checking the tire pressures after your driving sessions. Don't overcomplicate this in the beginning. Aim for e.g. 32psi cold and let them go up to 35-37psi hot. If the pressures go higher than this after your stints => bleed some air. Before you start driving on the road again, make sure your cold pressure is ok.
-Don't use the handbrake while parking when the brakes are really hot

Some words on etiquette;
-A track day is not a race, so if someone catches you, then let them past when safe to do so (on a straight). Don't weave around while doing this, just lift off gently and the other car pass.

Some points about driving;
-Be smooth with your driving => steer smoothly, brake HARD but still smooth, accelerate HARD but again taking 0.5s to smoothly roll on the accelerator is better than slamming it on. What you want to avoid are shock loads to the car, these upset the balance and you will loose grip earlier than if you are smooth.
-Increase your pace in small steps, feel what the car is doing. Don't brake at the 150 marker, then if your ok, next time you brake at the 100 marker!!! Take it in small steps, like 150, 148, 146...
-Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to spin to find "the limit"!

I hope this is helpful and not too self-evident. Let us know if you have some other questions.

 

DesertRat - always the professional!

 

Thanks that was quite detailes and helpful...

what about first times...do you need to have an instructor with you?
What if I need lessons to improve my track times?
When is the track open?
Does any one go regularly there?
Costs?

I will be driving from Abu Dhabi each time...

 

Hi Naim,

Call autodrome and book yourself for the track evening on 21st December. I will be there and will guide if required, all you have to do is take out your frustration which accumilate in Dubai traffic. Drive FAST, FREE and OPEN ... yes and SAFE

 

If I manage to get a set Bridgestone of 245/40 R17 I will defenitely be there...with a damaged right side cuz the new door wont arrive before then!

Hope to see u there

 

Yup, book in.

Anyone can join the open track days, you just need to know the schedule and book in.

I prefer evening track days which are easy on cars and myself!

This month there are two evening track days.

Also try participating in Redline challenge and Auto X. lot of S2000 come for that.

From this Forum (ME) myself, Warren, Gaja, arafat, K2K, Desert Rat take part in these regularly.

 

I'd love to be there...just need to confirm the dates and have the tires.

Whats the cost?

 

Nope, you do not have to have instructor with you. But catch a ride with someone, or ask someone more experienced to ride with you to give hints.

Lessons will always help, you can speak to the Autodrome Racing School for their options (limited imho). Biggest help is practise, practise, practise, patience and smoothness...

Everyone is very friendly at the track days.

600 - 900 per day

Check your tire pressures before driving back (after the tires have cooled down). Make sure you have enough fuel as you arrive, a track day eats a HUGE amount of fuel.

Don't be too worried, just give it a go. Its fun and not complicated

PS one important advice is to: 'always keep the shiny side up'

 

^+1