I am planning to sign up for a track day in August, but I have a few questions that bother me. I would appreciate some input.

1. Will I kill my tires in one-track day?
2. Does my car insurance cover my car while it’s at the track?
3. Is it bad for the car to run on the track all day?
4. Is my car 2007 Z in stock form suitable for it?


Sorry for stupid questions

 

Have fun.

 

So is there any way to have a car insured while it’s at the track?

 

Can't stress enough about getting some type of tracking compound for yur brakes. Most wrecks I've seen on tracks were from brake failure.

 

No. No. Sort of. Yes.

 

Get some Motul (correction ... )brake fluid, and some quality pads if you don't have Brembo already. Then get out there and you'll be fine. Worrying about insurance, tires, and everything else really prevents people from getting to the track because of doubt. Just go and deal with what happens then. The more you're on the track, the better you are than all the other drivers on the road. Consider it driver education, in which you're less likely to get in an accident after each track day. :]

 

you mean motul?

 

1. Will I kill my tires in one-track day?

No. There are several varieties of track day. The most common is HPDE. You can expect about 4 20-minutes sessions. The tires will be fine.

2. Does my car insurance cover my car while it’s at the track?

Maybe. Insurance will not cover competitive or timed events. It may cover HPDE.

3. Is it bad for the car to run on the track all day?

The 350Z was made for racing. All day.

4. Is my car 2007 Z in stock form suitable for it?

Definitely. Race want you brought.

 

I hated the Motul, they absorb moisture very quickly. I found them to be no better than the stock OEM fluid. I am using the Wilwood, havent had a problem yet. Before I can do 3 laps max. before I lose my brakes, now I can do a full 20 min session

 

What kind of "track day" are we talking about? An HPDE with instructor or a open free-for-all type event?

1) No likely. I've done several HPDE's on my street tires and only have some outside shoulder block wear to show for it.

2) It depends on who you have insurance with and if it an HPDE type event or not. If it's not "driver education" or laps are being timed, then you can forget about insurance coverage (in general).

3) You won't run "all day". You'll get several sessions, 20-40 minutes each. There will probably be multiple run groups, while they run, you'll rest. You might get a total of 1½ - 3 hours of actual driving time. Is it bad for the car, no. Arrive with a full tank of gas, because you'll burn it up in a full day of sessions though.

4) Maybe. Brakes are always a problem. Again, it depends on the type of event you're doing.

One more thing - do not go out there if you are confused about anything. You and the car need to be prepared. The sponsors of the event will probably have some requirements (like an inspection), recommendations and suggestions for things you need to have and get done before showing up. Follow and understand them. You don't want to be driving at 100+ MPH and be unsure and unprepared.

 

I agree 100% with what David and Dave said.

I would maybe look into a set of better brakes than OEM and some sort of aftermarket fluid. I run Valvoline Synthetic and it works pretty well. I also have the Brembo brakes so they are better at dissapating heat than the regular brakes, so if you have the stock brake system, I would recommend looking into a better set of pads.

 

^^^^^^

I've been using the Valvoline Synpower brake fluid and have been happy with it. It has a higher boiling point than regular DOT 3/4 fluids so it will offer you a little cushion there.

I've been using the Endless SuperStreet "S" pads. They have a lot higher temperature range than OEM pad so again, you have a little more to work with.

You can use OEM pads and fluid, but to be safe, it won't hurt to upgrade. Some events require you to replace your brake fluid within the last 6 months, so that gives you an opportunity to do it then.

 

Thank you everyone for this great information.


~OP

 

Just a personal opinion, I had the same water problem with the Valvoline like the Motul. It absorbed moisture very quickly

 

Actually, I have data that will show you that Motul RBF600 is not particularly hydroscopic in comparison to other fluids in its catagory. My guess is that you experienced some other problem. Motul is used by many racers in professional and amatuer settings without incident.

 

That's why I change it shortly before an event.

 

That's good, but based on my personal experience. Valvoline and Motul are two of the worst fluid when it comes to water. They both tend to absorb moisture very quickly compare to the Wilwood and Nissan on my car.

 

You change your brake fluid before every event?

 

I at least bleed out the fluid in the calipers before each event. Most times more.

 

Not exactly. I was fortunate enough to go to three events in a four week period. I changed it before the first event then bled the brakes right before the other two. From what I've read, you should change at least once every 6 months.