Going to Mosport for the first time (first time on a track in general). Was wondering if anyone had any tips for me; things to watch, car prep, etc.

I am cleaning the air filter (pipercross dry) and changing the oil 2 days before the track.

Do I need to pump some more air into the tires?
I always drive with all of the electronics completely off (traction/stability), should I do this at the track?

Should I leave the heater on max hot (not air con) in the "take air from outside mode" while leave it at on 0? Was thinking maybe it helps the engine cool down a little better since wherever I do this, while being technically in the off position, it still blows hot air.


Maybe some info on corners/gears or car tendecnies.


Thanks in advance.

 

Hey, just a question is the lapping day this friday?
Here's a few things to look for and bring.
Bring a tire pressure gauge, pump your tires up to 35-38 psi (assuming you are running street tires and not r compounds) at the gas station (fill up too as I've finished my tank with 130kms of track mileage) after you get off waverley, get to the track, go do two or three laps, get back into the pits and let air out of the tires, hot temps I usually ran on street tires is about 36 or 37 ish. You will notice your tire pressure will go well above 40 psi. Bring two litres of oil, you'll need it eventually. try to keep your tank above a quarter because of fuel starvation because you will get hesitation coming out of corners when you are low, I've had it before, another guy had the car shut itself off on the straights due to low fuel. I turn my DSC complete off (hold it for 8 secs) on the track but it really depends on if you are a new at this or not, since mosport has a lot of walls mistakes are not forgiven there. Get an instructor to go in the car with you pretty much the entire time, you will learn so much from them and go much much faster.

 

^ Thanks. I will get an instructor. I am going on Saturday.
Didn't quite understand your advice about the tires; I was planning to let the car sit for about 2 hours after getting to the track (while I get some instructions) then, from cold pump it to 5psi higher then recommended (don’t remember what it is).

Does it matter what kind of fuel I should fill up with? 91 / 94 or something higher that they sell on the track.

 

Higher fuel grades aren't going to make much of a difference with the Renesis motor because of its inherent thermal inefficiencies for mileage; it's sort of by the seat of your pants with higher grades for performance, though. You'll need to run a couple tanks of it through to see the maximum benefits in those cars that will respond to a change in fuel grades.

Tire pressures should be watched throughout the day; driving there, you should have it set at whatever you would normally set it for regular driving. Once you get out there, after a lap or two the tire temperature will be much higher - you'll likely be reaching mid 40s PSI in each tire. Let the pressure down to 36-37 PSI while the tires are warm, and get back out on the track. With the tires at high pressures, the traction on street tires will be compromised; what you think is loss of grip because you're going faster is actually altered tire dynamics because of overinflation. Makes a big difference.

Go out with an instructor to learn the line for a few laps. YOU DRIVE. Go slow out the first couple to a feel of the car at its limits. Then come in, twiddle with the tires, etc., and go back out.

Mosport is fast, and if you have enough HP, it can be crazy fast. You're much more likely to go splat than at other tracks, say, such as Shannonville, since camber and elevation changes, and visibility are so much more of an issue. The 8's brakes, however, shine in stock form on this track. Just be prepared to buy a new set!

 

Now I got what 92tsiawd meant about the tires. Thanks for the advice.

I have brand new pads now. Are you saying they will be done by the end of the day?

 

I concurr ... Mosport is a BIG deal in terms of taking your street car on the track. Scary stuff ... I have spun a few times there (in good spots in a formula car) and the white walls are not a pretty sight. Not to be negative but take it easy and don't push your car to the limits!

A full day at Mosport (driving hard) should take 50% off of stock pads I would guess ... even more for Shannonville.

If there are instructors take full advantage and I would suggest all day have one in the car. They help with both confidence and safety ... and help to remind you it is not a race.

 

Thanks, can't wait for it already.

Does driving with a helmet take some getting used to?
I barely have enough headroom now and I haven't picked up my helmet yet, hoping itsn’t going to make things to awkward.

 

I raced a spec car at Mosport once about 8 years ago. It's a wonderful track, but it can be scary as hell. I think I'd probably leave the traction control on in my RX-8 if I were driving there, just as a precaution. It might slow you down a little, but there are a couple of places that can bite you pretty bad. At least leave it on for the first couple of sessions until you are comfortable. The entrance to turns 2 and 4 are the scary parts. Unless things have changed, the entrance to both corners is blind because the track drops away. I remember wanting to let up but having to force myself to keep the gas down to the floor coming into 4. You start to turn in before you really see the corner, but you are cresting a hill so the front is unloaded and the car doesn't really start to turn until the front end starts to load. The car I was driving was much different than the RX-8, so I'm not sure that you'll want to keep the gas down entering 4. Anyway, the main point is just to be careful. It was my favorite track, mostly due to the elevation change and layout, but partly because it scared the crap out of me.

 

Aye, Turns 2 and 4 are a bit tricky...

A full day at Shannonville might be more on the brakes because of all the turns. You'll probably be down at least 50% on your pads if you go hard most of the day.

Mosport is a much faster track. Leave DSC on, even if you get brave.

A helmet sounds ++ different, I find, but at WOT it's still loud. A properly fitting helmet won't restrict peripheral vision at all. The only 'weird' thing is that your head has more momentum when you turn your head - sort of like having a really heavy watch on the wrist that you don't usually have a watch on.

 

LOL! You guys crack me up!

Gotta love Mosport! The only place to know what you're really made of. Sure, Shannonville is alright and all, but it's mainly a novice track.... Mosport is the main event!

I remember the first time I had the pleasure of hitching a ride in a Ferrari around the famous racetrack! What a fantastic moment! Even though the driver was no where near the ragged edge, the track still felt really fast.
Since then I've been able to take Formula cars and sports cars around the track. I can never get enough of the track.

Go out and enjoy yourself. You don't have to over do anything. Remember, you're there to learn and to have fun. Don't worry about lap times. The speed will come after you get comfortable with the limits of your car and yourself. The times will come tumbling down as soon as you find your groove.

And for Pete's sake, take all the DSC+TCS stuff off!! Trust me, you don't want those devices on! Especially around a track like this! They can do more harm than good!

Hope the weather holds out for you!

lates,

 

Big thanks to everyone for the advice. I hope the weather is good. My main objective is not speed or lap times but learning and absorbing, so that I will have a foundation to build on for the next time I come out.

Once I get some pictures I will post them here (probably December).

BTW; Should I still go if it rains or will this just be pointless and dangerous in the absence of proper tires?

 

Go if it rains - just be careful.

I don't know about switching DSC and TSC off, actually. I'd leave them on until you get a handle on the course and you don't feel them kicking in. If you must take them off, do it BEFORE you get out on the track, and before you've had a chance to push the limits. Have you ever driven a course hard, and then switched off the traction devices? You'll be off before you know it - those things really do rein in power and keep you relatively straight under braking into corners more than you'd realize.

But Neo has a point - it's more fun without the traction devices.

 

Didn't end up driving at the actual track, (did a driving school on the Kart track) but had a very good day overall. Going to write a review.