Chriscooper1's Blog

Hi Chris - this would probably be better as a thread on the forum, however pre-trackday I check tyres, water, oil and brake pads....then I just get on and enjoy myself!

 

Because the cars are so light, they are pretty good on consumables

Chris,  warm it up well having checked all fluids and nuts and bolts.  Have a nice bacon sandwich and a coffee and then thrash it ! enjoy 

Cheers lads thanks for that, do you recommend a certain tyre?

Chris - I did my first track day in March last year and followed the advice already posted. The only thing I would add is allow your engine to idle for a couple of mins after coming in and build up your continuous laps. Watch your tyres don't overheat. You will know by the drive when you need to come in and allow them to cool. Have a great time

For tyres you need soft grippy ones. They will be advertised as Trackday tyres on tyre suppliers websites, plenty of tyre brand advice if you look around this forum.   For summer trackdays the favourites are Toyo R888, Yoko AO48.  For winter the Toyo R1R's were the favourites but they are not going to be made anymore.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself.  Special trackday tyres are not neccesary IMO.  You can have just as much fun with a roadgoing tyre such as Toyo T1R and they will probably be better than special trackday tyres if it's cold and wet.

Had a spare set of alloys so I've been to DMAK tyres and got a set of track day tyres off them £60 each, there the same tyres they use on the Tarmac stages of the WRC so should have plenty of grip.

As no one mentioned brakes, I will.     You should have at the least, OE quality brake pads, not cheap compound made items that will cook as soon as a bit heat is introduced, so look for Mintex, Pagid, Ferodo, Ford supplied items.   Brake fluid should also be a branded name such as ATE, Motul, Girling, Castrol, you need dot 4 spec. If you are doing a few trackdays a year then change the fluid about once a year.