For those doing the road course... time to do your homework!!

[SoundQ SVT]

For those of you that are planning to participate in the track day at Nelson Ledges, it is time to do your homework. To get the most benefit of your time, and have the most fun, and hopefully stay out of trouble, I highly recommend doing the following:

Memorize the track.

Read writeups about taking a lap on the track. Look at a track map while reading the write up. Try to memorize where you need to be, and what you need to be doing, while entering each corner, going through each corner, and coming out of each corner. Visualize what it will be like.

Here are a couple write-ups I have found just by searching Google...
http://www.soloracer.com/nelson.html
http://everything2.com/title/Nelson+Ledges+Road+Course (an older write-up. The track itself should be the same, the surroundings may have changed)

After you have it memorized, take advantage of all the YouTube videos that people have posted with their laps. Compare what they are doing, how they brake, turn, and accelerate, where they place the car to the right, left, or middle of the track, to what you have memorized. This works best if you watch a video of someone in a vehicle similar to what you/we have. It makes no sense to watch a video of a corvette or race-prepped cobra and visualize yourself doing that (unless you are also in a corvette or race-prepped cobra or similar).

The track's own website does not have a write-up of a lap, but it does have a track map and a video of a hot lap you can watch (after doing your homework). Use this information to your benefit. This will prepare your mind for the day so you can enjoy it instead of feeling lost in a place you don't feel like you belong.

One common thing between the two write-ups I linked above is that they both mention how fast the track is. Plan on going over 100mph at times, followed by fast and hard braking to something less than 60 on a couple occasions per lap. (I saw a comment in a Corvette forum that the guy went from 135 down to 100 to make the left hander turn 12 before slowing down even more for the almost hairpin right turn 13) Make sure your car is ready for this. Do the prep now. Flush your brake fluid (I will be using Ate Type 200 myself this weekend, it's the same as Ate SuperBlue except it is Amber in color) and make sure you have sufficient pad life left. Review the tech sheet sample I posted on the other track day thread for an understanding of all that needs to be checked before you get there.

Remember, Safety is the most important thing when at a track. Knowing the track will help you be safe, and have fun, and hopefully be faster than you would have been without the preparation.

 

[SoundQ SVT]

Memorize this too.....

Track Rules
Safety on the track is the most important consideration. Drive within your limits. Anyone repeatedly driving in an unsafe manor or ignoring the rules will be subject to ejection from the track.

1.All open cars and convertibles must have a roll bar, reinforced factory rollover protection; similar to a Porsche Boxter or BMW M3.

2.All loose items must be removed from the interior, glove compartment and trunk. Hubcaps and trim rings should be removed. Examples of items to remove include floor mats, radar detector, cell phone, coins, pens, paper, rags, oil, cleaning supplies, etc.

3.Driver’s window must be completely open. Passenger window must be either completely open or completely closed. Sunroofs and vent windows if equipped must be completely closed.

4.Use the following procedure to enter the track from pit lane while a driving session is underway. Pull up to the start/finish tower and wait to be waved through; move out of the pit lane briskly when waved by; stay to the right side of the track through Turn 1; check your mirrors to be certain you are not being overtaken as you enter the track. Do not exit pit lane slowly after being waved by the start/finish tower person; if you do, you run the risk of being overtaken by a car on the pit straight.

5.Use the following procedure to enter the pit lane from the track. As you approach Turn 12, put your arm out the window and as high up as possible; stay to the right side of the track through Turn 13; and pull into the pit lane slowly.

6.Flagging instructions: You will see corner workers with flags at strategic points around the track. These corner workers are the “traffic cops” of the road course. The basic flags being used are yellow, black, red and checkered.

7.Be attentive to the flag stations. Watch for flags being displayed and acknowledge with a nod of the head or a wave of the hand. Failure to comply with flag instructions could be hazardous to you and to others.

8.Passing is permitted in only two locations: the pit straight and the back straight. Do not try to pass after the bridge on the pit straight or after Flag Station 11 on the back straight. You may not pass a car until the driver of the car in front of you signals you to pass.

9.Watch your mirrors! If a car is obviously overtaking you or appears faster in the turns, signal the car to pass. The obligation for a safe pass falls primarily on the passing car, but, once you have signaled a car to pass, it is your obligation to let that overtaking car pass, even if you must slow down to allow the pass.

10.Do not group together in a pack or tailgate the car in front of you. If you find yourself running in a pack, or if the car in front will not signal you to pass, slow for a lap or two to let the other cars disperse. You can also pull into pit lane and be restarted with plenty of open track between cars.

11.At the conclusion of a session, the checkered flag will be given at the start/finish tower. After receiving the checkered flag, proceed around the track at a reduced speed for a “cool down” lap and enter the pit lane slowly.

12.If a flag station gives you a black flag, acknowledge the flag with a nod of your head or a wave of your hand and proceed around the track to the pit lane. Stop at the start/finish tower to discuss the problem with the track personnel. It could be a mechanical problem that a corner worker observed, or, if you are not following the driving rules, it could be a reminder on the course regulations.

13.If a red flag is displayed at any flag station, stop as quickly and safely as you can, keeping in mind that there may be other cars traveling at high speeds behind you. Pull slowly to the side of the track in a location that you can see a flag station. Do not start out again until signaled by a flag station. Once told by the corner workers that it is safe to continue, proceed to the pit lane at reduced speed.

14.Recommendations in case of trouble: If you err in judgment and lose control, the best general rule is to lock up all four wheels and keep them locked until you are completely stopped. If you see you are going to run off the track and, if you still have control, drive off straight. Do not make an attempt to hold the car on track, which results in a sideways slide off track or backing across the track into oncoming traffic. Your chances of escaping unscathed by driving off under control are much better.

15.If you do go off track, wait for a corner worker to signal you that it is safe to proceed. Anyone driving off course or spinning (either on-track or off-track) must pit for consultation. After time to “settle down” after the incident, you may continue in the session provided there is no damage to your vehicle.

16.If you experience a problem and feel you can’t make it back to the pit lane, do not stop on the track to inspect your vehicle. Remember that there is access to the paddock at two places around the track. The first access point is driver’s right at Turn 4 (Oak Tree). Pull off track and follow the old pavement to a break in the tire wall. The second access point is driver’s right at Turn 11. Again, follow the old pavement to the infield gate. Use the access roads back to the paddock area or stop at the flag station for assistance.

17.If you can’t make it safely off the track at the above-mentioned locations, pull completely off the track and as close to the tire wall as possible. Get out of the vehicle and stand behind the tire wall for protection. Signal to the nearest flag station that you need help or that you are ok. A corner worker will come and provide assistance so please stop as close to the flag stations as possible.

Flag Rules
Yellow
This is a signal of danger and should be shown to drivers in two ways with the following meanings:
•Stationary: Reduce your speed, do not pass and be prepared to change direction. There is a hazard beside or partly on the track.
•Waved: Reduce your speed, do not pass and be prepared to change direction or stop. There is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track.
Red
A red flag indicates serious trouble on the course. Red flags will be displayed at all flag stations if an emergency situation occurs. All cars must come to a stop as quickly and safely as possible.
Black
This flag should be used to inform the driver concerned that either his car has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself, or he has violated one of the driving rules. The designated driver should acknowledge the flag with a nod of the head or a wave of the hand and proceed to the pit lane. Failure to respond to a black flag may result in expulsion from the track.
Checkered
Signifies the end of session. Proceed around the track at a reduced speed for a “cool down” lap and return to pit lane.

•ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED.

•Absolutely no aggression/road rage is tolerated. One warning is given then you will be asked to leave the property.

•Track time will be between 20-25 minutes per session. This is for your safety.

•A helmet is required. (Snell approved motorcycle is OK)

•All open cars and convertibles must have a roll bar, reinforced factory rollover protection; similar to a Porsche Boxter or BMW M3.

•Proper attire is required. This is defined as sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes and long pants. NO shorts, tank or halter- tops, sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed; shoulders, legs and feet must be covered. Again, this is for your safety.

•We do allow a passenger, over the age of 18 and helmeted, in the car with you.

•There is a Drivers Meeting prior to the beginning of the FunDay. This is important, so please attend.

•For your safety, it is important to listen and comply with track personnel.

•Please check your car thoroughly prior to going on the track or have a mechanic do so prior to coming to the track. Check brakes, brake line, hoses, cooling system, tires, power steering system etc. Under track conditions, belts and hoses do break, so do not take a chance on missing the day with a broken part.

•All participants must be over 18 yrs old, carry a valid driver’s license, and have current auto insurance.

•We reserve the right to refuse service.

 

[SoundQ SVT]

From my post in the deposit thread about the things to consider on your car before you go to the track.

I am not sure if Malcolm was going to publish a tech sheet for everyone to fill out before arriving, but for those of you that have not been to an open track day before, here is some food for thought that I have copied from the SVTOA website from their event at VIR the weekend after Spring Zing. Keep in mind some of these pertain more to Cobras and Lightnings than Contours, but you should get the point. Also note the helmet comments for SVTOA require Snell SA05 or newer ratings. Some organizations are still allowing the SA00, but my understanding is anything more than 10 years old is not recommended because the materials lose their effectiveness over time. (The snell website http://www.smf.org suggests they be replaced every 5 years). I have seen Malcolm's comments that motorcycle helmets will be ok, as will helmets more than 10 years old, for our event. The Snell website also has an explanation of the differences between SA rated auto racing helmets, M rated Motorcycle helmets, and K rated Karting helmets.

Open Track Requirements for On Track Events/Some basics about how these events are run....

Our first and foremost priority is your safety and the safety of others. That means if you are new to the hobby you should have an open mind when it comes to learning how to drive on a road course. You should listen to your instructor as he/she will know best on how to prepare you for running on the track and can coach and guide you around the track.

Tech Inspection: Participants will be allowed to perform their own tech inspection on their car. If you are not qualified to do your own tech inspection then we highly recommend you take your vehicle to a qualified professional mechanic. Nothing is more disappointing than to have something fail on an ill-prepared car, ending your weekend early or costing yourself and others valuable track time. Be sure your car is safe and mechanically sound before you bring it to the track. Remember to take the pre-event technical inspection form with you. It is MANDATORY that either you or a mechanic signs/stamps your tech form. In addition to the pre-event inspection, your driving instructor will perform a safety inspection before going on track. Any car not passing inspection will not be allowed on the track.

Helmet: You must have a SA05 or better helmet that is approved for road course driving. No motorcycle helmets are allowed at this event unless they are SA approved! Someone may be willing to share, but do not count on it. Besides, sharing sweaty helmets isn't very pleasant. Without exception your helmet must meet or exceed SNELL '05 or newer standards. Note to new drivers: the SNELL rating is inside your helmet under the lining and should start with an SA. The track does have loaner helmets.

Restraints: Both driver and instructor must be equally restrained to participate in the school. Be sure that you have the same restraint system for your instructor as for yourself. This pertains to belt configuration, not seats.

Here are some recommendations on how to prepare yourself for a track event:

1. Protect your body - it is required that you have long sleeve shirts and long sleeve pants when driving your vehicle around the track. In the case of high temperatures, we occasionally use short sleeve shirts.

2. Protect your head -While you can use a stock vehicle for open tracking, you cannot go out there without the proper head gear. You should have a proper rated helmet to wear while going out on track. Your helmet must be a SA 2005 or better rated helmet. You can learn more about Snell Rated helmets by visiting their website at http://www.smf.org/ To purchase a helmet, go to www.dariusrudis.com and call Darius for a reasonable price.

3. Shoes - You will want to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be on track for 30 minutes at a time. Tennis shoes or sneakers are acceptable but you can also buy some track shoes when you really get into the hobby.

Here are some recommendations on how to prepare your vehicle for the track.

1. Good running vehicle - It is recommended that your car has had a recent tune-up so that it is running at its best. You'll certainly enjoy it more.

2. Brakes - The reason brakes are first is because going fast is easy, it's slowing down that requires the most attention. You should have a qualified mechanic check your brake pads and do a complete brake flush. Brake fluid absorbs water (from the humidity in the air), which reduces the boiling point of the fluid. When people "lose their brakes" at an event like this, it is more often than not the result of boiling the brake fluid. The brake pads should have at least one-half thickness. If they don't, replace them in time to bed them in adequately before the event. We recommend you bring an extra set of pads and rotors just in case.

3. Rotors - What good is having plenty of pad if your rotors are cracked or worn down? Be sure you have plenty of rotor surface left. Again, if your car is new or low mileage, you probably have plenty of rotor left. However, if you've a high mileage car, you might want to get some new rotors.

4. Tires - Tires must have at least 1/16” of tread depth, with no blisters, bald spots, or other imperfections. Also, tires that have been patched or plugged are not allowed. You should have some additional tire pressure when you arrive at the track. Generally, for street tires, 36-38 psi is a good starting point

5. Loose Items - If applicable, you should remove sunroof wind deflectors. At high speeds, some of these will vibrate and may make a very disconcerting noise. Also, if your car has removable wheel centers, trim rings, etc., these should also be removed to ensure they don't fall off during the event.

All loose objects must be removed from the passenger compartment and trunk of your car. This includes all items from the center console, glove box and side pockets. It is unnerving and potentially dangerous to have loose objects flying around you during hard braking and cornering. Radar detectors (if removable) and garage door openers often get left on sun visors. Don’t forget the spare change in the ashtray. Double-check your car before your first session that day.

6. Cooling - You should make sure that you have adequate cooling for your car. If your car is new, then you will probably be all right. If it has quite a number of miles on it then you may want to change coolant and add "water wetter" to help keep your temps in check. Water wetter can be purchase at Autozone.

Be sure to check these items when inspecting your vehicle:

Engine Compartment / Interior
___ Battery securely fastened
___ Brake lights: all working
___ Brake fluid: level, system bled, fresh fluid -
REQUIRED
Date of last fluid change: _______________
(must be within 6 weeks to date of event)
___ Brake pedal: firm
___ No visible fluid leaks (gas, oil, coolant, hydraulics)
___ Throttle linkage: no sticking/ sloppiness
___ Coolant system: level, condition of hoses, no leaks, hose clamps are tight
___ Windshield wipers: working and good condition
___ Pressure test radiator cap
___ Mirrors: left-hand exterior and interior
___ All V-belts properly tightened; inspect for wear, cracks, fraying.
___ Condition of tires, both sidewall and tread. Minimum of 2/32" tread. H, V, or Z speed rating recommended. This requirement may be waived for special open track tires.
___ Check wheel bearings for excessive play
___ Brake pads & calipers: Adequate pad thickness (at least 1/2 pad left). Rotors within factory specs.
Calipers working properly. Hoses, lines, calipers clean and dry.
___ Steering linkage and suspension: No excessive play. Suspension mounting: no cracks or excessive rust.
___ Braided or stainless steel lines for 1996-1998 Cobras.
___ Check rear engine & transmission seals for excessive seepage
___ Check for hydraulic leaks at wheels and clutch slave cylinder
___ Check half-shaft bolts for looseness
___ Wheels straight, no cracks
___ Check transmission and differential fluid levels
___ Exhaust: no under car leaks
___ Windshield free of cracks
___ Seat belts: both front seat belts are properly operable and in good condition. If you have aftermarket harnesses then they should be anchored as close to horizontal from the seat back in order to prevent spine compression. Essentially, floor mounted harnesses are not advisable to use in this event.
___ If roll bar equipped: adequate padding required on a roll bar/cage installation at any possible contact with driver or passenger

Extra Items to bring with you:

• Helmet (SNELL SA05, or newer required - NO Motorcycle Helmets are allowed unless SA approved!)
• Long pants and long sleeved shirts are required, preferably cotton material.
• Extra quart (or two) of oil
• Beverages to replace the water you will lose at the track.
• Glass cleaner and paper towels
• Gas - fill up before arriving at the track
• Fire extinguisher
• Other tools and parts as desired. Examples: extra brake fluid, coolant, air compressor, hoses, belts
• Extra brake pads, and rotors. Pads with half thickness may be gone by the end of the day.
• A tarp or two to protect your gear from the elements in the event of rain.
• Sunscreen, a hat, lawn chair and a canopy for shade.

Can you tell I can't wait for this day to get here?????

 

[imnotacop420]

Bob, thanks for the write up. I couldnt have said it better myself!

There will be 1 instructor available to ride along with us. I plan on taking him with me for the first session

 

[imnotacop420]

I copied and pasted this info and emailed it to the guys who will be joining us but are not members of the site. They were a little confused with all the different references to helmets......

To clear up any confusion (if there is any), here are the requirements for Nelsons Ledges taken directly from their website

•A helmet is required. (Snell approved motorcycle is OK)

 

[Pole120]

Great info as always Bob. Something I wanted to add for my 2.5 brethren. Many of the right hand-ers on this course ares long, sweeping and high-RPM. Check your oil level! We don't need anyone spinning bearings Friday. I'll be running my typical 6.5 Qts and keeping a close eye on my mechanical pressure gauge....

 

[imnotacop420]

What do you guys think about printing out copies of bob's tech sheet/checklist and having everyone inspect someone elses car?

 

[Pole120]

What do you guys think about printing out copies of bob's tech sheet/checklist and having everyone inspect someone elses car?

Don't see why not....but I would hope that I can just trust everyone to take care of it themselves. I know when i'm about to doo 100MPH+ for a full day of racing I make damn sure my car is ready for it as I tend to enjoy living.

 

[imnotacop420]

Don't see why not....but I would hope that I can just trust everyone to take care of it themselves. I know when i'm about to doo 100MPH+ for a full day of racing I make damn sure my car is ready for it as I tend to enjoy living.

I agree 100%, but it is somewhat easy to skip over something on your own car as you are used to seeing it that way and may not see it as a problem. Kinda like spell checking your own paper....

 

[SoundQ SVT]

I don't know that we need to have others do the check, but if that is what you want to do, ok. I provided that so people could prepare before they got to the track and not just show up off the street expecting their cars to be able to handle the demands of the activity.