I have never taken my car on a road course, but have always wanted to. This seems like a really complicated process and i'd like to know what i need to do from start to finish to get a few hotlaps in with my s2k. i realize i am a newb, but i'm not asking to go do some mad drifting or something, so be gentle.

first of all, what is required to get me on a track? i was thinking VIR since it's probably one of the closest. do i need a special license or do i need to attend any schools? i know hpde is recommended, and i do plan on signing up for one of those. do they have open track days?

equipment: i know i'll probably need a helmet. that and appropriate brake pads/fluid are a requirement too i'm sure. anything else?


thanks for any help guys. i plan on autoxing next season but i'd really like to take my car to a real track as well.

 

You should leave the car stock for your first few track events. Make sure that it is in good running condition though, with decent tyres.

Call the organisation or track to see what programmes are offered, and if your car needs any special features like rollbars or not.

I drive on the N

 

[QUOTE]I drive on the N

 

Sounds like you already know the answers. Most places require a helmet that is Snell rated (M95,M2000,SA95,SA2000). You will want to take a school, instead of just an open track day. Your car is probably fine stock, for the first time or two. After that, all that is necessary is to go to higher temperature brake pads and fluid.

One thing to watch out for is the convertible policy of the school you attend. Some schools will allow stock S2000s, while others will only allow them with aftermarket rollbars and harnesses installed. Ask in advance.

The school will probably require some sort of technical inspection of your car, to make sure the car is in good enough shape to drive the track.

 

thanks for the answers guys, i'll see if i can get a group of friends together and head up to vir. gotta call them up and ask about any schools they may have.

 

- complete checkover of the car by your mechanic, a tech inspection shall we say
- alignment, get it to spec at the very least
- upgrade front pads to a high performance street compound
- make sure you have good OEM pads on the rear or new to match front compound
- complete brake fluid flush and potentially an upgrade to a fluid with a higher wet and dry boiling point
- helmet
- helmet neck collar (big thick padded thing that reduces neck movement in a crash, keeps neck warm too)
- good tire pressure guage, you will be adding tire pressure to street tires
- torque wrench, make sure those lug nuts are tight and even
- notebook or pad, take notes, write down your observations and thoughts when you come in off track and document tire pressures and handling characteristics
- extra quart of oil
- comfortable shoes that do not have a big thick hard non flexible sole
- small piece of rubber shelf liner, like the stuff you put under a throw rug so it does not slip on the hardwood floor. Toss that in on the leather seat, back and bottom, then put your belt on, you will be amazed at how much body movement it will eliminate
- empty everything out of your car, then check again to make sure you have not missed anything

I'm sure I must have missed a few of the basics, but off the top of my head those are my thoughts...

 

thank you for another great response.

 

VIR does not allow S2000's w/o additional roll over protection (track rule).

But Summit Point does, you can pretty much drive anything there. They even have smelly helmets to borrow

You can sign up for Friday at the track events here.

FATT

 

Unfortunately an unmodified S2000 can not run at VIR. A car equipped with the Elda bar is permitted.

If you have the right hardware come play with us - Chin Motorsports. There's a VIR date in December 11-12, complete with an instructor dedicated to your development as a driver.

There's a lot of helpful advice about preparation and expections here.

 

A cheating bastard move if i ever heard one Thats a great idea.

Keep in mind that a great deal of the effort exserted while on track goes to keeping your body stable in the car. The OEM seats, while very good, force you to use your arms and the steering wheel to keep you upper body stable.