bioman

I'm assuming it's somewhere on Long Island, right? I drive all the way back to Boston after Glen events . The track closes at ~5pm and even if you dawdle you should be on the road by 6. You'll be tired but not utterly exhausted.

LI-S4

I have some concerns about the Glen as well.. I understand there is little if any run-off. That is why I opted to drive 550 miles to VIR for the first event and save the Glen for later in the year.

In al likelyhood, I will compromise on the pads..and choose an aggressive street in lieu of the all out track pad..but I will give it more thought.

Silver Streakin'

for example. I've seen some races on tv showing a big kitty litter trap at the end of the front straight.

This pic was taken from the tower on the front straight when I was there in 2002:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/10901/dscn1079.jpg">

As you can see, run-off is minimal and you'll find a blue rail before anything else. Another tricky spot in going down into "The Boot". I recall a tire wall doing a lot of damage to a white WRX that day.

I'm curious to see the new pavement.

Sawbones

Track days and DE's are awesome. You will meet tons of nice people, most of whom will bend over backwards to help you with advice, tools, parts, etc. There is no need to be nervous. You will have a blast and be begging for more. That said, if you aren't a little nervous everytime you are about to get out on the track, somethings wrong!

For your first couple DE's have good brake fluid, decent pads and rotors. I have never met a dual street/race pads that was worth a damn. Especially on the S4. Maybe there is something available for the Brembo's that I don't know about. Get a decent set of race pads. I would swap in my race pads the night before heading to the track, bed them in and drive with them to the track.

Just take your basic tools, including a decent torque wrench for you lug bolts. I always bring along some extra oil &amp; brake fluid. I really need to make a check list, becasue I ALWAYS forget something. But, If you don't have it chances are the guy parked next to you will.

There is alot of down time. Bring a chair &amp; cooler for food/drink.

Remember, ALL of us here were in your shoes at one time of another. We enjoy helping each other and offering advice. Before my first event a couple years ago, I posted a similar thread to yours. A couple people offered, that if I wanted, I could call them and pick their brains. If you want to give me a call, shoot me an email and I'll give you my number.

It's normal to be a bit nervous, but I can assure you, you will have the time of your life.

Another Drew

Just make sure your car can pass tech inspection. Don't worry about heel toeing. That's way down the list of things to learn.

Your first time there, you'll be spending most of your time practicing threshold braking, transitioning from braking to turning, getting a feel for weight transfer, recognizing understeer/oversteer, etc. And the rest of your time you'll be learning the track. VIR is huge with lots of turns so there's lots to memorize.

Your street tires and pads will be fine. The weather should be cool so your brake should be ok, and if not, then you get to practice learning to manage your brakes. Just make sure you have the minimum amount of meat on them.

Here are a few tips I rarely see listed on other "my first time at the track" tips:

1) Watch a video of a lap around VIR over and over and over. When you start getting sick of watching it, keep watching it. Keep watching it over and over until you can visualize the lap really well. That way, you can spend less time learning the track and start enjoying the drive.

2) Whenever you have free time, ask to go for rides with any instructor you can find. Most instructors will be glad to let you ride.

3) Ask for advice and help. You'll find that the everyone is extremely friendly. And put your instructor to work. He/She's there to make sure you get what you pay for.

Krisko

And just so you know, you don't necessarily need slotted rotors. I've had the name OEM (bmw oem anyway) rotors on my race car for over 2 years and they're fine.

How long is the drive home? I'd say any drive up to 6 hours is doable after an event. Of course I've been doing this a while...just drive whatever your comfortable with.

D all over

as well, but I was never at the track before the changes. It's certainly still not a track one wants to run out of talent at, no question!

LI-S4

So, do they allow onboard video during the events? I have a Chase-Cam mount for my vid-cam

LI-S4

I think I am more concerned about being properly prepared, and of doing damage to the car.

Everything else will fall in place I am sure. The drive down, some sight seeing, and just hanging around will be worth the trip.

I may take you up on the call...thanks. I still have some unanswered questions..

LI-S4

Thanks...all good advice. I'll find you there...the Alcons will be easy to spot..