Track day at Texas World Speedway

[boots]

Today me and a few members embarked on our journey to Texas World Speedway for our first track day. All I got to say is wow! I had so much fun today. After our drivers meeting I hooked up w my senior instructor. I had the only female instructor. We got into her Nissan 370z and off we were on our site lap and hot laps. Man can she drive. I put her driving skillz before any dude I know who thought they could drive.

After she showed me the best lines and when/where to brake, how to roll smoothly and to watch out for the various flags it was time to head in.

When it was my turn we got in my car and off we were. Learning to drive on the track was awesome. Our cars are heavy and you can feel it especially when you stomp on the brakes seriously hard, turn in and excellerate out. I never hit these brakes this hard before this car really stops. I went so fast going into the curves and it was so kwell to know that I could carry so much speed going into the curve and bring more out if it. Trust me when I tell you this car rocks in the curves. When you think your on the ragged edge and might lose it, give it more gas and bring he rear around. Our cars really handle the track well. If you listen to your instructor and practice you will get it right and be rewarded.

My highs: hitting my apexes and learning the track which turned into faster laps.
My lows: I did manage to hit one curve too hot (not ashamed to admit it either) and used alittle bit of runoff. Now I could have brought the car around but I did the smart thing and played it safe.

Now your brakes will fade, outside heat temps along with hard driving will cause your tires to wear down and start feeling like grease but be smart, pull in and let these items cool down for next run. You will be awarded with another great session. Anyways. I had a great time and learned so much. I used to have track days in my sports bike but a car is a different beast. can't wait for my next track day.

[Spinny02]

=) sorry I missed it ! Great write up Boots!

[boots]

Yea spinny hurry back. Your missing all the fun. We'll go on the next track day. You will love it.

[DrKevM5]

Awesome!! So glad you finally took the plunge. I know speed is a part of your DNA, but it's SO much better experienced in a safe controlled environment. Highly advise you change to a racing brake fluid, especially in those Texas temps.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Great job to Phil for setting this up (I couldn't attend)!

[Bokke]

boots - learning what these cars can do is amazing! Makes you really appreciate the M engineers and all those development laps on the Ring!

Curious, did you have any heat soak and limp modes with the high heat we have this time of year in Texas?

[boots]

Yep thanks go out to Phil and his team for this event!

Doc your right in the brake fluid. My pads were already close to needing changing. My brake light came on during my 2nd run indicating a need to change out. Now even though it came on the car was fine. But I did come in so I could see what the problem was. With better brake lines/fluid it's a better experience especially since I drive fast. I tried to make an event before but no go. After watching your vid I finally had a chance to take the ride.

Bakgat my temps didn't go higher than close to 200deg. The car never suffered from heat soak or any problems at all. Now when your tires start to get slick you will slide around more and miss your marks but that's when you slow it down and bring it in for a rest. If your not pushing it like I was its a non issue.

In the curves the m3 will hang if they push it and have similar skillz but once a straight comes up it is lights out. One thing though guys don't remove your drivers aids as it is there to protect you from yourself. Once you are comfortable then experiment w a light foot. We all had a great time.

[mcvaughan]

Awesome! Glad you had a good time Brian. TWS is a fun track. I used to run my P-car out there with PCA and it was loads of fun. Slippery slope for sure...

[wrsbmw]

This sounds like it was a lot of fun. It also seems somewhat hard on the car.

[boots]

Yep it's lots fun. The brakes and suspension and tranny get a workout along w the tires. More so the brakes. But you have to remember everyone drives diff

[shahano]

Glad you enjoyed it Boots. I recommend also trying some racing pads. They have some on IND, not sure if they are good, but it will be good for track days. As they also said, some racing brake fluid is quite important as well.

[boots]

Thanks bro. Great advice from all. I will next time and actually I just finished setting up my appt Friday for new pads. The light came on at the track.

[Spinny02]

Originally Posted by boots

Thanks bro. Great advice from all. I will next time and actually I just finished setting up my appt Friday for new pads. The light came on at the track.

In addition to the pads I would recommend getting the challenge brake lines( I think they were $100-200) and castrol SRF fluid (1.25-1.5 ltrs needed for a good flush then 1 ltr for next swap in 1-2 years)

[boots]

We'll get the lines done when you return john

[pochesq]

Sounds like you had an awesome time but

[thebishman]

When you gain more experience and start turning off the electronic driving aids you'll notice your brake pads, especially of course the rears, will last much longer. Have fun and be safe.
Bish

[boots]

Yea I cursed the car every time the traction lights lit up and I could feel the car braking. But this was my first time on the track so I was in learning mode. So after more experience I will only take off the first but but not all off. Sorry I don't have any pics but next time. I do have my my first run on tape which I will upload