+1 ... I didn't realize how much I was riding my brakes the first few times on the track w/ the Z - after spending a few dedicated sessions to braking at either 100% or 0% (besides a few random spots or to make mid-corner adjustments), my pads started to last a lot longer and brake fad more or less went away. (I would say that this is still one of the areas that I lack in...it's hard to adjust my habits )

*After, I also switched to some track only pads (Semi-metallic Raybestos 41/43) and those helped to save my street pads.

 

yeah I used to tend to ride the brakes. Its a comfort thing you need to get over the fact that that little touch does not do anything

 

I hear two things and run them through my head all the time.

"perfect practice of perfect makes perfect"

"slow is smooth, smooth is fast"

 

I like that

 

Thanks for all the posts/opinions. I'm planning on my first ever track session in about a month. I'm all stock...If I get hooked - I'm guessing that will change.

However, I am a bit concerned about my brakes now. They have 12k miles on them and I'd like to be able to drive the car home after the track session. Maybe I should have my girlfriend bring her own car just in case (she's just going to spectate).

 

12k miles on the brakes? so is that 12k on the stock tirees...or did you chnge your tires? cuz i just had some spirited mountain runs last night....and my 10k stock tires...they have 50%f/45%r tread and i though i was all right... but ..l i got really squirelly....thank god i was able to correct myself the few times it happened....almost died stock tires make me sad

 

Oh please...

 

Stock everything - tires, brakes, wheels, everything. I've been pretty easy on the car (Very easy on it actually).

I was thinking about it yesterday and I'm not racing for money or prizes or anything. I just want to legally push my car some to see what it has and - more importantly - ride with a pro a little to learn how to drive it correctly. If it turns out that I can't ride the entire day, that's fine.

 

I heard Kolia just bought a pair of Bruno Magli shoes. I'm now looking for a pair with brown patent leather uppers.

 

I also got a NASCAR toe nail clipper to help in weight reduction. A must have for the serious driver!

Actually, everything sold here is good: http://www.kalecoauto.com

 

After some research here, I've come to the realization that I can not afford to track my car (with quality, maintained parts) on a regular basis. My budget and other financial goals will not permit it. I'm still content in owning this sweet car - with the capability of doing many more things than I will use it for - and only using it for my casual driving pleasure.

I am still going to the track next month with my all stock car with all stock parts w/ 12k miles - for the prupose of learning what I can from a pro driver and opening it up (to the best of my ability) in a safer/controlled environment.

Good luck to the OP and the rest of you. This site does have a ton of good info, references, and opinions. Unfortunately.. I just can't hang with you track folk.

 

get rid of the poopcharger and get a CAI, headers, exhaust, HFC, etc. You also may want to swap out the bushings and add the chasis support bars.

 

I think too many novices go overboard on what they do to the vehicle before going out on the track. It's like buying a high end set of clubs to go out on a course to see if you like playing golf.

In reality all you need are good brake pads, good and fresh brake fluid, and have decent treads on your tires. The other stuff comes later once you decide to like doing track events and you have reached the limit of the stock items with "GOOD" driving techniques. There is a lot to learn before someone needs to worry about the equiptment.

 

Well said.

 

I got 3 15minute sessions in yesterday with my stock 06 Z (13k miles now). Everything went fine. Nothing broke. Perfect weather. I had a LOT of intense fun. Learned some. Got more familiar with my car... and plan on making it out the the track again. I look forward to taking a class specifically for course driving too. I'm really glad I didn't get psyched out by all the brake line/fluid/pad posts - almost scared me away.

I went to Waterford Hills here in MI. www.waterfordhills.com. I was told it is a 'skill course'