Sorry for the shallow question, but if one wanted to start tracking their car, besides racing school, how should you get started? What are the requirements? If this question has already been asked and answered, please point me to the previous thread(s). Thanks

 

Please define 'tracking their car'. Do you mean going to an HPDE (ie, lapping day), competing in wheel-to-wheel competition, or ???

For an HPDE day, find an organization sponsoring one (SCCA and NASA are both good choices - there are many others as well), sign up, and attend. You'll want to flush your brake fluid with something relatively high quality - ATE Super Blue, Motul RBF600, AP Racing's fluids, etc. and make sure you get a good bleed (nice solid pedal). If this is your first time ever on a track (sounds like it), I wouldn't get too worried about pads, although you likely will go through at least the rears (or come close) depending on how many miles you have on the car and how hard you push things.

If you want to be really safe about it, get a set of track pads all around (recommendations abound - do you have a Track or non-Track Z?) so you won't destroy the street pads.

Especially as a novice, if you're remotely proficient, my opinion is that you'll get 10x more out of an HPDE in the novice group with a good instructor than you'll get at most schools. Lots more track time, one-on-one instruction, and most of the instructors I've found to be at least good drivers. Some better than others of course, and some are much better instructors (vs drivers) than others, but *GO*DO*IT*! You won't regret it (unless you push yourself too hard and crash). Take your time, be patient, and don't let the red mist control your actions - enjoy it!

ahm

 

wow thanks! So I don't have to get a special liscense? or a roll cage? There are probably helmets to rent at the track correct?

I'm still not sure if I want to track my Z or just buy a beater track car...

 

Nope. No racing license required. Just a helmet (snell 2000 or newer as of '05) and a good attitude. Better brake fluid and pads would help but are not necessary, not unless you decide you really like it and keep going back, then I'd change them. Besides, a little brake fade (read: a little) isn't a bad thing as it helps you discover one of the limits of your car.
If you attend a NASA 'HPDE' beginner group (if your smart) you'll only be using about 70-80% of your car. Anymore than that with no previous track experience and you risk hurting something.
HPDE is designed to help you learn the limits of you ride, it's NOT racing. Racing comes later.
Go to: nasaproracing.com to sign up. There are other organizations you could attend (speedtrialusa, speedventures) but none give you better one on one instruction then NASA.
Good luck and yes.....TRACK THAT Z!! That's what it's for!!

 

no license or cage required for HPDE's. Some organizations do have helmets available, some don't - you should ask before signing up. Motorcycle helmets are fine (if you ride), although SA (automotive, multiple-impact rated) are better (and, of course, more expensive).

Actual racing classes have differing rules surrounding cages and helmets, although almost all (actually, all that I know of) do require both (and the helmet must be SA). Each series has its own rules surrounding nomex suits/gloves/shoes, fire suppression, and other safety items (external kill switch, tow hooks, etc).

ahm

 

If you want to race or rally, then of course you will need a license. But if all you want to do is learn how to control your car at speed, then you will not. You will not "need" any mods at a driving school...just a stock street car in good mechanical condition.

As others have said sign up for a high-performance driving school (HPDE) with a recognized club. The BMW CCA and PCA are my favorites (and I instruct with both organizations) but there are plenty of others out there. Make sure you go for one that offers one-to-one in-car instruction.

BTW, do not confuse an HPDE with a lapping day! HPDE's are highly structured events with formal instruction (both in the classroom and in your car), lots of safety (flaggers, strinct passing rules, etc.), and students driving in groups according to their levels of track experience. Lapping days are generally a free-for-all with minimal (or no) instruction. That's fine if you already know what you're doing, but it can be very dangerous if you're not already quite experienced on the track.

When you just start off with any HPDE, you will be in the novice group. Accidents are almost unheard of in this group and speeds are low enough that wear and tear on the car is minimal. [BTW, when I say speeds are low It's not because novices are prevented from driving fast...it's just that novices are slow! Even if you're a real hotshoe on the street, you'll be shocked at how much slower you are on the track than the advanced guys.]

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about putting your Z on the track. As you get more advanced, you may consider a dedicated track car, but that's really unnecessary at this point.

Emre

 

wow nice write ups, Thanks everyone. I guess now I should start searching for a HPDE in my area.