Need advice for First Track Day
10-04-2006, 06:06 PM
#1
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Need advice for First Track Day
Going to Autobahn CC (Joliet, IL) Monday for first track session in RS4. Any advice on tire pressures, etc for a rookie? Anyone else going to be there?
10-04-2006, 06:57 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 24,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
get an extra set of brake pads.
"track day" can mean a lot of things. I think if it entails more than 3-4 twenty minute sessions, you're probably going to go through a set of stock brake pads. I think larryV has more track time in his RS4 than anyone else here, so hopefully he will chime in.
as far as tire pressures, i'd start with the factory recommended pressures and then check them at the end of the first session. adjust if necessary for the ensuing sessions.
make sure you torque your wheel bolts. don't try to be competitive...people have totalled their daily drivers at "track day".
as far as tire pressures, i'd start with the factory recommended pressures and then check them at the end of the first session. adjust if necessary for the ensuing sessions.
make sure you torque your wheel bolts. don't try to be competitive...people have totalled their daily drivers at "track day".
10-04-2006, 07:51 PM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
You going to FVM's octoberfest of speed?
hehe... I was going to go too but had to back out at the last minute because of other obligations.
However, I was just there this past monday with my RS4 for the full 3.6 mile circuit (combined north & south tracks) and it was a blast as usual. Love that track! Not much elevation changes yet still very technical and fun to run while you figure it out. Since you're a track day newbie, it looks like you'll be running the North track only which is still lots of fun. As with most tracks, you will be between 3rd and 4th gear only... and if you're not up to speed being your first time out, you can probably leave it in 3rd the whole time while you learn the track although you still will likely bounce the rev-limiter on the front straight.
Now for the advice:
1) Torque your lugs and start off with cold pressures as recommended by the user's manual and monitor it after each session. I run 18" wheels and tires for the track so I can't comment so much on the 19" stockers. In my case, I started out with cold pressures of 36 all around and after a session, those shot up to 44 up front and 42 in the back. This car is hard on front tires! Make sure you have enough pressure so the sidewalls don't roll over too much but at the same time, not too high that the temps get out of control. Thankfully, it won't be a hot day for you. Tire chalk is a good way to monitor how much the sidewalls are rolling over too.
2) Check your front brake pads regularly. Don't learn the hard way like I did and have to buy a new set of rotors. At least in my case, the inner front pads wore out faster than the outer. Unfortunately, those are the pads you can't see without taking off the wheel or using a dental mirror. The RS4 is hard on brakes just as it's hard on tires. My first set of front pads lasted me not even 2 full days of hot lapping at a DE but ymmv depending on how hard you're running. Since this is your first event and assuming your car is relatively new with plenty of pad thickness, you should be fine with one day at the north track. If you can, bring a set of replacement front pads just in case. Rear pads last much longer. I'm still on my first set of rear pads after several track events but if you use traction control and stability control, the rear pads might wear faster.
3) Make sure you've topped off your oil (better yet, get an oil change if haven't already since break-in) because new oil will run cooler oil temps especially in hgh revving track conditions. These cars don't have a dry-sump system and although they don't pull G's like a race car, you don't want to to risk potential minor oil starvation issues if run hard with low oil.
4) Turn traction control and stability control completely off! Even if you are a newbie, this car is so inherently stable with the quattro that you'd have to do something incredibly foolish to spin it or lose control. You're better off without the nannying, trust me. Autobahn is a very open and safe track with lots of run-off areas and you'll learn more about the car and proper driving if you don't let the car hide your mistakes. The only remotely sketchy area is a set of armco barriers bounded by tires near a tricky transition that has claimed many high-powered RWD cars in the past but that's in the south track immediately after the front straight.
5) Have fun and drive relaxed and smooth! Smooth = fast. Don't let me scare you too much with the brake and tire wear stuff. For what it's worth, the north track is a lot easier on the tires and brakes than the south track and still just as much fun.
6) Check out this track map if you haven't already done so: <a href="http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/FullCircuit.pdf">autobahn CC full track</a>. It's the full (combined north and south) track but it includes a description of the turns and such. The North track portions are described as N1-9 so you get the idea. I have an in-car video too in both the RS4 and M5 but it's way too big of a file to post. There's probably a video of the north track on autobahn's website.
Here's a pic of me exiting turn 9 on the north track during a wet day this past april. I know, not in my RS4 because I didn't have it yet then
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/34/m5abccn.jpg">
However, I was just there this past monday with my RS4 for the full 3.6 mile circuit (combined north & south tracks) and it was a blast as usual. Love that track! Not much elevation changes yet still very technical and fun to run while you figure it out. Since you're a track day newbie, it looks like you'll be running the North track only which is still lots of fun. As with most tracks, you will be between 3rd and 4th gear only... and if you're not up to speed being your first time out, you can probably leave it in 3rd the whole time while you learn the track although you still will likely bounce the rev-limiter on the front straight.
Now for the advice:
1) Torque your lugs and start off with cold pressures as recommended by the user's manual and monitor it after each session. I run 18" wheels and tires for the track so I can't comment so much on the 19" stockers. In my case, I started out with cold pressures of 36 all around and after a session, those shot up to 44 up front and 42 in the back. This car is hard on front tires! Make sure you have enough pressure so the sidewalls don't roll over too much but at the same time, not too high that the temps get out of control. Thankfully, it won't be a hot day for you. Tire chalk is a good way to monitor how much the sidewalls are rolling over too.
2) Check your front brake pads regularly. Don't learn the hard way like I did and have to buy a new set of rotors. At least in my case, the inner front pads wore out faster than the outer. Unfortunately, those are the pads you can't see without taking off the wheel or using a dental mirror. The RS4 is hard on brakes just as it's hard on tires. My first set of front pads lasted me not even 2 full days of hot lapping at a DE but ymmv depending on how hard you're running. Since this is your first event and assuming your car is relatively new with plenty of pad thickness, you should be fine with one day at the north track. If you can, bring a set of replacement front pads just in case. Rear pads last much longer. I'm still on my first set of rear pads after several track events but if you use traction control and stability control, the rear pads might wear faster.
3) Make sure you've topped off your oil (better yet, get an oil change if haven't already since break-in) because new oil will run cooler oil temps especially in hgh revving track conditions. These cars don't have a dry-sump system and although they don't pull G's like a race car, you don't want to to risk potential minor oil starvation issues if run hard with low oil.
4) Turn traction control and stability control completely off! Even if you are a newbie, this car is so inherently stable with the quattro that you'd have to do something incredibly foolish to spin it or lose control. You're better off without the nannying, trust me. Autobahn is a very open and safe track with lots of run-off areas and you'll learn more about the car and proper driving if you don't let the car hide your mistakes. The only remotely sketchy area is a set of armco barriers bounded by tires near a tricky transition that has claimed many high-powered RWD cars in the past but that's in the south track immediately after the front straight.
5) Have fun and drive relaxed and smooth! Smooth = fast. Don't let me scare you too much with the brake and tire wear stuff. For what it's worth, the north track is a lot easier on the tires and brakes than the south track and still just as much fun.
6) Check out this track map if you haven't already done so: <a href="http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/FullCircuit.pdf">autobahn CC full track</a>. It's the full (combined north and south) track but it includes a description of the turns and such. The North track portions are described as N1-9 so you get the idea. I have an in-car video too in both the RS4 and M5 but it's way too big of a file to post. There's probably a video of the north track on autobahn's website.
Here's a pic of me exiting turn 9 on the north track during a wet day this past april. I know, not in my RS4 because I didn't have it yet then
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/34/m5abccn.jpg">
10-04-2006, 11:03 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My take... for what it is worth
Always place safety first, this is a learning event and not a competitive event. Meet your instructor and get to know him/her, you are going to have to learn to trust this person and they are going to have to trust you. Both of your safety relies on it. Always listen to you instructor as they have more experience then you (hopefully).
Focus on learning to be smooth with your inputs, steering, braking and throttle. Try and look ahead and not right in front of you... this will help a great deal as you get faster. Proper lines, braking points and throttle on points are very important and try to be smooth and consistent once you learn the line. Also, start slow and smooth and once you get that down then add speed... you can't be fast unless you are smooth. Take every opportunity to practice this, even on warm up laps and cool down laps. Oh as LarryV stated traction control off.
Bring snacks, water and something like Gatorade as you will get dehydrated even though you may not feel like it, so drink a lot of fluids. Also, layer clothing just in case you need to add or take clothing away. Also, bring sun block and lip balm as the wind and sun will dry you out as well.
For your car, bring a tire pressure gauge, tire chalk, as you will need to chalk(prevent from rolling away) your tire when you pop your hood to cool the car (still running, idle). DO NOT SET YOUR E-BRAKE as it can fuse to your rear rotors from heat or warp them. This is the reason for the tire chalk. Also, I recommend bringing a clip board or note pad to take notes after you come off the track for review later. You can also keep the tire pressure / time taken on the sheet as well. If you start taking tire temps, the clip board will be needed as well. All of this will help to learn more quickly and review for the next session or day. Keep the note for your next time on the track; this will help you learn much more quickly.
As for an extra set of pads.... it does not hurt but if your brakes are new... it is very unlikely you will need them replaced after your first event (probably be conservative)....but it never hurts to have them.
I would also buy a container box to keep all your stuff in when you clean out your car. Also, a fold-able chair is nice as well. A floor jack is kind of nice for rotating tires, also 2 Jack stands for safety. If you really want to do it up and plan to do this more. A craftsman electric impact wrench is great for ease of rotating tires. You could also get a small air compressor for checking tire pressure. Much of this is not necessary but if you plan to do this a lot, it makes it much easier. Not a lot of running around.
I hope this helps.... and remember to have fun. It really is a great experience and fantastic people.
<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v23/photos/6/673844/2773305/derhill04Fermley05KeyWest05054-vi.jpg?1160029777">
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Tools+%26+Equipment&pid=00915239000 &vertical=AUTO&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflator s&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes">air compressor</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=0092682500 0&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Drills&BV_SessionID=@@@@104 2116013.1160021640@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfeaddimlihief cefecemldffidflk.0">Impact wrench</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00950239000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Lift+Equipment&BV_SessionID=@@@@ 0814631694.1160029826@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccidaddimlih ikfcefecemldffidflk.0">Floor jack</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00950340000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Lift+Equipment&BV_UseBVCookie=Ye s">Saftey jacks</a>
Sears also sells the tire chalks, tire gauge, temp gauge and pop-up canopy.... don't forget the impact socket as well I think it is 17mm for the RS4. Oh and <a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00944595000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Torque+Wrenches&BV_SessionID=@@@ @1615016267.1160031480@@@@&BV_EngineID=cdceaddimlh mdlicefecemldffidfjm.0">torqe wrench</a> is helpful for making sure your wheels are on securely. All sold at sears.
Focus on learning to be smooth with your inputs, steering, braking and throttle. Try and look ahead and not right in front of you... this will help a great deal as you get faster. Proper lines, braking points and throttle on points are very important and try to be smooth and consistent once you learn the line. Also, start slow and smooth and once you get that down then add speed... you can't be fast unless you are smooth. Take every opportunity to practice this, even on warm up laps and cool down laps. Oh as LarryV stated traction control off.
Bring snacks, water and something like Gatorade as you will get dehydrated even though you may not feel like it, so drink a lot of fluids. Also, layer clothing just in case you need to add or take clothing away. Also, bring sun block and lip balm as the wind and sun will dry you out as well.
For your car, bring a tire pressure gauge, tire chalk, as you will need to chalk(prevent from rolling away) your tire when you pop your hood to cool the car (still running, idle). DO NOT SET YOUR E-BRAKE as it can fuse to your rear rotors from heat or warp them. This is the reason for the tire chalk. Also, I recommend bringing a clip board or note pad to take notes after you come off the track for review later. You can also keep the tire pressure / time taken on the sheet as well. If you start taking tire temps, the clip board will be needed as well. All of this will help to learn more quickly and review for the next session or day. Keep the note for your next time on the track; this will help you learn much more quickly.
As for an extra set of pads.... it does not hurt but if your brakes are new... it is very unlikely you will need them replaced after your first event (probably be conservative)....but it never hurts to have them.
I would also buy a container box to keep all your stuff in when you clean out your car. Also, a fold-able chair is nice as well. A floor jack is kind of nice for rotating tires, also 2 Jack stands for safety. If you really want to do it up and plan to do this more. A craftsman electric impact wrench is great for ease of rotating tires. You could also get a small air compressor for checking tire pressure. Much of this is not necessary but if you plan to do this a lot, it makes it much easier. Not a lot of running around.
I hope this helps.... and remember to have fun. It really is a great experience and fantastic people.
<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v23/photos/6/673844/2773305/derhill04Fermley05KeyWest05054-vi.jpg?1160029777">
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Tools+%26+Equipment&pid=00915239000 &vertical=AUTO&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflator s&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes">air compressor</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=0092682500 0&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Drills&BV_SessionID=@@@@104 2116013.1160021640@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfeaddimlihief cefecemldffidflk.0">Impact wrench</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00950239000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Lift+Equipment&BV_SessionID=@@@@ 0814631694.1160029826@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccidaddimlih ikfcefecemldffidflk.0">Floor jack</a>
<a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00950340000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Lift+Equipment&BV_UseBVCookie=Ye s">Saftey jacks</a>
Sears also sells the tire chalks, tire gauge, temp gauge and pop-up canopy.... don't forget the impact socket as well I think it is 17mm for the RS4. Oh and <a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00944595000&ver tical=TOOL&subcat=Torque+Wrenches&BV_SessionID=@@@ @1615016267.1160031480@@@@&BV_EngineID=cdceaddimlh mdlicefecemldffidfjm.0">torqe wrench</a> is helpful for making sure your wheels are on securely. All sold at sears.
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post