Enjoy yourself! Everyone is out there to have fun!

 

Like it's been said. The FAQ has a lot of good information.

Just relax, have fun and stay safe.

 

just the word "newbs" and words "no prior track experience" would keep my Z off that track.

 

Base or ? If it's a base I'd say take it easy for the first time auto xing and have fun!

 

Most likely everyone around you felt the same way the first time you went on track.




There are beginner sessions for a reason. And I know we try to put our most experienced instructors in the green group. Everyone had a first time and it's the organizers responsibility to make a good experience.

 

Your instructor will pretty much keep you in check and away from other cars. Passing is only allowed on the straights, and then only when you are waved by. Everyone on the track with you will have an instructor - those who have advanced run separately. As mentioned already, leave your ego at the door and listen to the instructor. My first track day was without a doubt the best time I had in my car to date. Also as mentioned, new brake fluid is a must - brakes are THE most important part of the car on a road course. Have fun and report back.

 

^^^ agreed! Best time to date. It gives you a whole new appreciation for the car and will make you a better driver.

Also probably the most humbling experience: the instructor did a lap in my car with me as a passenger before I took over for the rest of the day and showed me just how far I need to come despite considering myself a good driver!

One thing I came away with that I now use daily is how to heel-toe downshift especially after watching him just execute it perfectly for every corner - BUT a good word of advice from my instructor was don't worry about that on my track day but something to practice prior to the next one.

So you learn a lot and will learn what to work on, and as for being a "newb" with "no experience" everyone starts somewhere!

 

This^. First time I have seen really fast Maita's was at a HPDE.

 

 

Go for it. You picked a good event to start with. I tracked my Z completely stock first time out. It might not be completely stock for long though..

 

 

no but theres a problem with your sense of humor

 

I am not the one going to the track.

 

Yeah, it's a base model. When I was debating the trim to get it seemed that a good bit of people ended up swapping out the OEM VLSD for an aftermarket unit so I figured if I ever got that heavily into modding then it would have been swapped anyway.

As someone that has never driven on a track before I have absolutely no expectations for he day other than to go out there and try to learn somethings and have some fun!


I'll be changing to a high temp brake fluid and engine oil before but was wondering if there were any recommendations on what tire pressure to run at the track? Is that standard 35psi recommendation OK or do you guys run higher/lower?

 

The fact it's your first time means you're probably not going to get too crazy. Trust me, you're probably not even going to come close to your Z's limits. You'll be ok with your OEM everything.

Good luck!

 

I run 33 front and 32 rear HOT with Nitto NT05's , ran 38 front and 37 rear HOT with Falken 615's. All tires are different, i would start at 32 cold, see what the tires are doing and adjust from there.

 

Just wanted to thank those of you that chimed in here with meaningful responses. I changed the oil and brake fluid as recommended and everything was fine!

I had an awesome time at my first track day and will definitely attend some more in the future. Kept the car out of the dirt and didn't spin out! It was a somewhat humbling experience but really something that I enjoyed and that I look forward to doing again.

The only things I could have asked for was more grip and a little more lateral seat support. Another session or two would have been nice as well though!

 

My biggest complaint with my car right now is the lack of support on my legs. My left knee is usually killing me the next day as I have it pressed on the door.

Glad you enjoyed it!