Thanks for the warning. Yeah, I have some new high temp brake pads I will put in. I followed Robert's idea of picking up some YellowStuff. I didn't want to spend too much since I plan on upgrading to a BBK in the future. I will also change the oil and bleed my brake lines this Sunday. Then of course properly get those new pads bedded in.

 

Newbie question!

I read up on track prep and it seems the general consensus is to, at a minimum, replace brake pads and use a high-temp brake fluid. It sounds like there are a lot of great track pad options for more experienced drivers, but is it OK to use OEM Brembo pads for my first HPDE?

Sean

 

Sean- in my experience, the OEM Brembo pads are adequate, but prone to glazing. Glazing occurs when you sit on the brake pedal for longer then you need to. Pay particular attention to braking areas for turns and use your brakes HARD and BRIEFLY to shed speed.

Follow the directions and your NISMO Z (as well-equipped for track driving as it is) should be fine.

 

My first track day (which was the 2007 version of this same event, hosted by David M), I had the stock pads on my G35 twin turbo. I did fine most of the day, but I did have an off track excursion based on complete brake fade. Being that you have a NISMO Z, which is better suited to the track than my G was (at the time), and you don't have the extra power of turbos, you should be fine with the stockers. I do recommend bleeding the brakes so you fresh fluid, but other than that, you should be fine.

 

You also didn't have a BBK to go along with those turbos.

Running Brembos I had no problems with fade, I did however flush the entire system the week before.

 

I am interested to see how the 4 week old brembos do at the track. Ive done a few high-speed break checks down to 0mph... I can almost say that stopping that fast and in control is as much fun as accelerating fast...
:-) :-)

Will have to see what sort of fade I feel once they stay hot for a while at the track.

 

My advice, just be careful, dont push yourself. The event wont REALLY test your brakes if you keep your eye on things. The second your peddel starts to feel soft, start keeping a close eye on it. I called out of finishing a SCCA race last season because i knew the brakes wouldnt hold. On spot bleed didnt fix it either so wasnt bubbles in the lines so i sad its done. You should be just fine. I have done two of Davids events of this format with stock non brembo on decent pads. You should be just fine with brembo!

 

Thanks for the info/feedback, guys.

 

I think people need to remember that this isn't a race for competition. This is a "High Performance Driving Course." You drive at your pace. Everyone is there to learn and help. So if you feel you need to exit the course early do so. Give tires a break to cool, your brakes as well, and over all the you. Nobody there is breaking course records. LOL

Trust me when I say, sometime during the later day you will be passed. Even the more powerful F/I cars will see that bright Red Z in their rearview waiting for you to signal what side you want him to pass you on.

 

It's Pueblo, always pass on the right side (well, almost always)!

But yeah, David can outdrive me any day of the week. Even if he was in a stock Nissan Sentra, he would still pass me.

 

Good advice, Robert, but...
my Z is BLACK, not RED.

 

That's AWESOME!

 

For anyone interested in NOT getting up extra early on Saturday, I'll be driving down to Pueblo on Friday afternoon. It's relatively cheap (Quality Inn internet rate: $54) to stay overnight and will help me in setting up the track for Saturday AM exercises. Track opens at 7 AM. PM me if interested, and we'll meet to caravan down.

 

Although directions have been covered by Dave 90TT's previous post, if you have any doubts on how to get to Pueblo Motorsports Park, please ask NOW. Plan on arriving by 8 AM to unload your car because we will be going to the classroom by 8:30 SHARP to start our day. Don't be the one to be late and make everybody else wait!

 

Oil changed, Brake Fluid Changed to Valvolyn SynPower, and Brake Pads changed. I was going to bed them in today, but it started snowing. Will bed in later this week. I should be gtg for Sat. I plan to head up Friday Afternoon as well, but I won't be there until 5-6 earliest.

 

Despite some storm fronts passing through the Front Range this week, the weather in Pueblo continues to look promising. Saturday is forecast with temps in the 40's and only a 10% chance of precipitation.

 

All,

If Dave90TT doesn't mind working with my wife for pick-up/returning, I'm willing to lend my helmet out. It's an extra large Impact SS helmet. Snell 2005 & SFI/FIA Approved!

-Robert

 

Sure, if anyone needs to borrow Robs helmet, I'll pick it up from Ada and bring it down on Saturday.

 

Hey, can you point me to an example of what qualifies as an airbag-compatible helmet? I can verify it has the ratings Dave mentioned. I am guessing that its air-bag safe if you don't have the shield over your eyes (that could be split and cause further injury).
-A

 

No idea, never even thought of that. I have a face shield on mine, but it is removable, and I have it removed. Most helmets with faceshields have removable faceshields.