Revolver

Greg,

Can only speak for myself but I've tracked the car three times at Wakefield (including the Nats) and each time I drove reasonably hard (laptimes reflect inexperience - not how hard I was pushing the car). I've also done levels 1 and 2 with Murcotts which both involve a number of hard stops (albeit on a wettish surface).

I found my tyres were rooted by about 22K whereas I've heard of other guys getting 30K out of the OEM's. So in my view, although the car is reasonably good on tyres it WILL induce higher wear if you're pushing hard. Like any consumable if you try to get more out of it you will go through it quicker.

However, I've not had any problems with the brakes. I should say after the first track day I replaced the front pads with EBC red stuff ceramic pads and they've been great. I have also been careful to use the cool-down lap for what it's designed for and have even done a couple of slow laps of the carpark at Wakefield to cool them down further before parking. Have also avoided the handbrake between sessions to avoid warping the rotors. All this advice came courtesy of MACCAA and I've found that if you follow it properly the brakes are fine. Obviously, there is more pad wear but I'm yet to replace any pads (the OEM fronts still had 50% when I replaced them so I keep them as spares).

jormatom

Thanks Dave.

That gives me abetter idea of what to expect. I know that tracking the car comes at a price and I'm prepared to pay a price given the fun involved. I'm looking forward to Wakefield again and also getting another day in before then as well.

Being a typical accountant, I'm just trying to quantify that price you pay for tracking the car. After tax of course!!

Greg

mirx*8

I just had the oil and filter changed, checked the brakes and no problems...tyres also seem fine. As one of the least experienced and "never tracked" people, it seemed to me that it would be sensible to plan for extra costs if you are taking the car out of its standard working environment...based on how mine pulled up....Im very happy....

Revolver

Averaged out over the total track time/distance and allowing for the fact that my car doesn't exactly get an easy time of it on the road either, I don't think the 8 is an expensive proposition to track. Certainly a heavier car such as the HSV/FPV offerings would chew through tyres and pads much quicker.

Of course, the average cost goes up exponentially if/when you hit something while uninsured. So if you plan on turning DSC off, make sure you're ready to deal with the possible consequences.

I've gotta say though, turning DSC off on the track makes for a better (and faster) driving experience. Guess it's all a matter of how hard you want to push when the risk factor goes up.

timbo

I did 2 track days on my OEM tyres and still got 37k out of them; likewise brakes, where I changed to EBC Reds, too. I have now done 2 on my new tyres and they'll be flat out to see 30k (good riddance!); brakes are fine. I also usually have an oil and filter change before the track day and had a complete brake fluid change when I got the new pads.

I'm obviously an 8/10s driver (given my times) and I don't set out to maximise the number of laps I can do in a day. Maybe a maximum of 40 in a day, where I aim to nail one good one per session.

It seems to me that sort of approach manages risks and costs pretty well

takahashi

The 8 is a smaller car than other like the Z, STi and EVO or HSV and they are pretty good on brakes.

As Revolver said - cool them down. You reduces the chances of wrapping the rotor by doing a really slow, no brake touching, cool down lap(s). No handbrake in the pits either (use your 1st gear/reverse and leave the hand brake down).

EBC seems fine - 4 track days inc Wakefield and they still have 40%. The rotor gave me 10+ track day already.

Now to sum up - Track your 8 = NO WORRIES

Revolver

I think that's good advice and why I'm considering a Mk 1 MX5 for track days.

Personally, if I do a track day I like to push hard and improve my times. However, my finances (especially when I buy this new house) won't allow me to risk the 8 at 9-10/10's on the track.

I'm by no means trying to convince anybody of this view - it is a highly subjective choice as to whether you track it in the first place and if you do how hard you want to push and everybody's decision on the issue should be respected. I'm just mature enough to realise that I've got an addictive/obsessive/competitive personality (what a shock right? ) and I don't believe I can risk a $50K car while moving from track novice to an intermediate level of skill.

Hopefully, the performance envelope of the Mk 1 5 will allow me to build skills that will make pushing cars like the 8 in the future a more risk-free experience.

jormatom

All fairly sensible stuff guys. I don't aim to and never envisage doing any mods to my car and hence don't expect to compete with "The Stig".

I suppose when you aim to achieve a certain level of track skill and low times you must be prepared to put in the laps to improve and part with some $$s, regardless of whether or not you have any unplanned maintenace issues.

I left DSC on all day at Wakefield, and I had more wear and tear on that little light on the dash than the tyres and brakes. It gave me a level of comfort knowing that my fate was not left solely in my own hands. Sacrificing speed and lap times for safety is a small price to pay for track hackers like me.

When I did the level 1 Murcotts I inquired about the level 2 as well. The instructor there told me that I should factor in the cost of a set of tyres and a set of pads into the price. Obviously it is all related to how hard you push the car.

Thanks for the info guys. See you out on the track.

Greg

astro

My laps were pretty conservative. I was trying to find a line where I can reduce the amount of tyre squeal but at the same time still get a lap I was happy with. Afterall, I'm trying to maximize the number of track days with my OEM tyres.

As far as far as wear and tear:

- my tyres pulled up really well. Still have plenty of tread left. Although, I have a cut on the rear left tyre and I don't know what actually slit the tyres open (2 cm long). It was probably something I ran over while driving up to Benalla - not track related.

- Brakes - stood up to the track conditions. However, I noticed that the rotors were a little bit glazed over and after driving around the suburbs... the brake feel is now normal. Initially, mine felt as if it was "grabbing" onto the rotor where some of the pad material was kind've burnt on the rotor. Luckily my rotors are not warped. Everything looks OK.

I've done 2 track days so far... car is pulling up extremely well. I can't complain!!!
SO FAR - SO GOOD!!!

As far as maintenance is concerned after track days:

I can bleed the brakes myself... you guys should buy some speedbleeders... it is just sooooo easy to bleed the brake lines, clutch and master cylinder after a track session. I'll flush my brake fluid after the next track session.

I would also flush my engine oil and replace the oil filter as well. BUT... my car is due for service so I'll skip on oil/filter replacement this time around.

For me... I can live with all the cost associated with tracking my car. I am still not comfortable driving at 8/10ths of my car's capabilities... I'm still not good enough to push any harder, I'd rather have a straight car at the end of the day. I can also live with cost associated with mechanical break downs if not covered by warranty, however - I cannot live with myself if ever I write off my car.

BTW... when are going to go on another track day?

takahashi

People should have a professional racing driver tuition. It is much better than pushing blindly to a course.

I think we should get some pro next time.

Anyone vote for your favourite track instructor.... mine is a cool guys who willing to speak of your error, drives pretty quick but tend to break people's sway bar, waiting for his opportunity in V8 supercar and earn his douge in a tyre shop...

any advances?

ILIV48

Hmmm... I wonder if I'll be game to let him hop back into my car.

Honestly though not his fault.

jormatom

I found the witches hats placed around the track around wakefield very useful as I had never been on a track before and they helped me get the right lines in and out of corners. I'm not sure I would have stayed on the track if they weren't there.

Out of interest, did you experienced drivers follow the cones at Wakefield last year or did you ignore them?

I agree with Taka though. Having access to a pro during the day would be great.

takahashi

The cones helps you to look where you suppose to drive to = hence apex.

I more or less follow the cone but generally be listening to your car at the same time. Too concentrate on the cone makes you unaware what your car is doing or if there are cars behind you.

Revolver

If the tentative plans to increase numbers at this year's Nats come to fruition you'll need more than one pro instructor. I'd suggest a minimum of four.

takahashi

$$$$$$$$$

Revolver

Something lost in translation there Taka.

Money and love? Hookers?? Ahh, I get it.

I think that should be BYO.

auzoom

Hmmm, maybe we should be thinking more about the cost of instructor time than hookers?

Revolver

Taka started it!

takahashi

Where?

BTW it is common price that they charge about $500/day. Cost a lot of $$$$$$ for the they bring.

But I think it worth to have one or 2 per 10 drivers.

Revolver

^^^oh, I'm not touching that...

auzoom

No ... Taka was talking to the people who like to take their car on the track about the possibility of enabling them to put their canes away and drive it like its meant to be driven

jormatom

Nothing wrong with driving with a cane. Slowly and surely for some of us is better than fast and furious.

We can't all be "Stigs". Someone has got to come last.

Revolver

Oh alright Andrew don't get sniffy. You will note that I was sensibly talking about instructors myself and got confused about Taka's use of the $$$ and the smilie. I thought he was making a wordplay on the use of "pro" in my previous post and simply had a giggle about it.

Sorry!

I'll leave you to your precious thread and won't interrupt further.

auzoom

Dave,

I am sorry mate. Didnt mean to upset you. Box of tissues in the mail mate!

I was just stirring, but obviously you are happy to give but not take.

Jormatom,

As I just mention, I was only stirring Dave as he has a tendancy to get stuck into a number of people for no apparant reason I thought he would be open to a little banter himself.

As you can see from a number of posts I have made in this thread alone, I am all for people driving the way they want and feel comfortable driving.

Now that the apple cart has been upset, I better sign off before I get my hand smacked

mirx*8

Video of Winton. Sorry it's only an mpeg and 3min long but its a look at how the onboard cameras worked on the day. There are some very slight sync issues but otherwise, its a bit of fun... enjoy. File is 13mb
http://rx-8.harrisfamily.id.au/sidew...m/winton2.mpeg

Right click and save target as....
Thanks Andrew for the space.