commasense

I'm going. Anyone else?

John

iTrader: (17)

It's fully booked isn't it?

BigBadBuford

I'll be there with my Z and my brother will be there with his TA WS6. I originally signed up for the first FATT of the season that you were also signed up for but I wasn't able to make it and had to reschedule for the 15th. I guess I'll see you there!

noahbuddy

This is finally our date to go... Rain or Shine!

commasense

John S: Yeah, it's nominally full, but you could try just showing up early. It's not like you have to work or anything, is it? (How come the screen name change? Given up your hedonist ways?)

Buford and Noah: First road track day for all of you? You'll have a great time!

See you all there.

John

iTrader: (17)

I'll see if I can escape work that day, but no guarantees. I first need to get my car cornerweighted and aligned before I take it out on track again.

Oh, and I changed my name for something a little more professional...

gaseous

I'll be going, first time out too. I'll be staying at the Knights Inn in Charles Town Thursday night. I don't see myself waking up at 4 or 5am to drive down to the track.

I'll see you guys there this Friday. I'll be in the Novice group.

gaseous

Oh, for us first timers. Is there anything we should bring, not bring, know, not know?

commasense

4 or 5 am? Where in Maryland do you live?

This page has a good description of what to bring and how to prepare for an HPDE (High Performance Driver's Ed). You'll find more info by searching my350z.com for "HPDE" or "FATT".

One very important thing (although it's getting a little late if you haven't already done this) is switching to high-temp brake fluid. I say this from hard experience: on my first track day in my 944 Turbo, the standard brake fluid (which was brand new) boiled, leaving me with no brakes as I headed for Turn 10. It was exciting.

But if you aren't able to change it before Friday, don't panic. Just don't go completely crazy on the track. You shouldn't be trying to break the track record your first day out, anyway.

Once you're at the track, the most important thing is to LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR(S). They have lots more experience than you, they know what they're talking about, and they're trying to help you. For a lot of guys, especially younger guys, it's hard to take someone else's advice. But you're there to learn, not to prove something.

Most of the times I've seen someone really damage their car at a FATT, the instructor later told me that the driver wasn't listening and wasn't doing what he was being told. Thinking you know it all can be bad for your car, and possibly you and your instructor.

For the first several sessions, you'll be overwhelmed with everything that you have to think about and deal with. Don't worry about going fast. Focus on the racing line first. It's the most important thing. Next is being smooth. Smooth will make you fast.

You'll have a great time! See you Friday!

John

iTrader: (17)

Well, I know I won't be able to make it this Friday. It's the end of the fiscal year, and with getting the budget out the door leaves little free time to be had at the office. Oh well, have fun!

commasense

John: Too bad. Next time.

The rest of you: Do me a favor, and if you can, save me a space in the paddock. Being in Group 2, I don't have get there as early as you guys, so I'll probably pull up about 9:30, while you're in your first class session. If you all park together, save an extra space with some of your gear, or a trash can, so I can pull in with you. Thanks.

Bring plenty of water: it's going to be hot!

gaseous

I'll try.. not sure what the paddock is, heh. But when I find it I'll save a space.

commasense

The paddock is a big open paved space behind the main building where everyone parks their cars, trailers, trucks, etc. There are also parking spaces (on gravel) adjacent to the track. I suggest we try to create a "350Z row" in the paddock.

The routine is you claim a space by putting all the stuff you have to clear out of your car (floor mats, spare tire, tools, etc) at the head of the space. This should keep people from taking your space while you're out on the track.

Conversely (obviously), don't pull into a space that has stuff near it.

Which reminds me: anothing useful thing to bring, although it doesn't look like you'll need it tomorrow, is a tarp to cover your stuff if it rains.

See you in the a.m.

John

iTrader: (17)

On a side note, I've been looking at the FATT schedule, and I think I'll sign up for the Nov. 7th HPDE. My B-Day is the next day, so that merits a good excuse to play hooky from the office.

commasense

I'll be at a FATT on my birthday, too. Oct. 17.