From Street To Track

[lastlineofdefence]

Going to the v8race (http://www.v8race.com/) around e/c. i have about 7 laps on the track(smaller track i think?).

Just wondering if you guys had any tips before i get there in regards to driving technique and how it differs from the track. Like the basics of steering wheel grip and control to picking the correct line. im a first timer to the track, so any tips would be great. From what i have heard, these cars are close to stock engines, stripped, with suspension and slicks.

What times should i be getting, and i will tell you the result after i run.

Oh and which car should i go ford or holden? hehe

[Beer Baron]

hi mate, it looks like they run a shortened track. i've never seen that layout used before so I have no idea what times you will get. and I would say with only 5 laps dont worry about times at all (doubt they will time anyway).

just have fun.

[scathing]

The guys there give you driving instruction, so you should be fine.

The biggest thing to remember about track driving is to be smooth. You always go faster when you relax and do stuff deliberately rather than just jerking and sawing at the wheel, fighting the car.

Like Baron says, I've never seen people use that EC layout. I didn't even know you could take Turn 4 like that as a part of the circuit.

[lastlineofdefence]

Well in that case im glad i didnt already know the track well and actually turn there instead of going straight! I will probably take it real easy and just get the hang of it. would be embarrassing to go off the track. nice and smooth, ok. i cant see how i wont have fun.

[ferni]

Brake late... hit the apex's (look for ripple strips), and be as smooth as you can.

[Kennedy]

I did this thing about a year ago. Pretty cool. the shortened track is a bit tricky coz it falls out from under you at the point where it cuts to the hairpin

The cars are pretty good. Big Brakes..stiff setup and plenty of power. There is shitloads of grip in the cars so dont be afraif to go WOT in the middle of the hairpin. Make sure you get the video option for like $30. You get to see what your face looks like going WOT down the straight. :-) If you know how to heel/toe then remeber to do that. The clutch is nice and bitey on the downshift

[Kennedy]

Oh and which car should i go ford or holden? hehe

The guys i spoke to when I was there said the "Champion" ford is best

[fatz]

dont be a pussy and hammer it

[Liz]

lol. best advice ever pete.

[fatz]

lol. best advice ever pete.

yup well it pains me when people say take it easy for a few laps

lol

pussies

[fatz]

especially barron who is a massive butt plug

[Liz]

especially barron who is a massive butt plug

so what you are trying to say is he plugs your butt?

[lastlineofdefence]

Alright just got back from the arvo session. Let me tell you it was a an awesome experience and heaps fun. The in car co-driver was pretty good and helped heaps and they set up witches hats so you know where to aim and start braking.

Yeah the track was a bit weird where they cut it from corner 4-9. i was like 'which way do i go' and he was going 'straight. go, floor it, floor it.' they really want you to go fast and have a good time. Those slicks were great, had heaps of speed through corners and they bit hard.

i got the tape, i have to watch it now. have to get it converted to digital as well. I was heel/toeing through it and he said that i done it really good, with good technique. i was pretty rapt as theis was my first circuit race, and have only practiced on the street and watching dvd's with incar cams.

Yeah i got in the champion ford, and the guy goes 'good choice because this is the most powerful car running, with 450hp'.

And towards the end, you start to get comfortable with the car and track. i actually caught up to the car in front.

Highly recommended!

Edited August 1, 2006 by lastlineofdefence

[Kennedy]

Highly recommended!

Not quite methinks....It's good to recieve as a gift from someone else but I wouldnt recommend it as driver training Vs value for your own money. Take your own car to the next SAU track day and I'm sure there will be heaps of guys who can show you the lines while you figure out the limits of your car. Last track day I went to I went out 6-7 times. A stock skyline can handle it....if you treat it right.

[lastlineofdefence]

Yeah that would probably be next. ive done it now, so wouldnt do it again in a hurry, like gold class cinemas, but it was just a blast to thrash around a (close to) race prepped car and not have to worry about it.

Pretty keen to hit a track again, whether it be circuit, drag, skids...

[Risking]

wakefield speed days are also a great way to learn the ropes.

Occasionally you can get an extremely empty track and have a muck around without getting in anyones way. Going there with someone who knows the circuit can also be a massive benifit.

Im heading down next week if you have a day off and wanna come for the run.

[lastlineofdefence]

Little scared about travelling to wakie just incase something happens to the car and i get stranded down in goulburn. Do you drive or tow down? and are licences needed, would also need to source a helmet.

[Risking]

Getting down and back is not a problem.

I tow or drive depending on which GTR im taking.

Next week ill be towing the car down cause I want to try out the new slicks and driving down there will total them.

Its pretty hard to break anything serious enough to make it undrivable but your welcome to come with and use the trailer to get it home if you break something!

Check out the wakefield site www.wakefieldpark.com for licencing fee's

Helmet is not a problem, ive got a few spares you can use as well.

Brad

[lastlineofdefence]

dont you just have the 32gtr?

loking into licences now. what day were you planning. is it a hired track day or some king of event?

[Risking]

I have a few vehicles I take to the track now.

Ive got the one street GTR but there is others.

We shall have to catch up and you can have a look over them.

Im going on the 10th and perhaps the 14th of augus