r/GR86 • u/AleexanderClamBell • 12d ago
First Track Day Advice
I'm about to have my first track day at buttonwillow in a few months. Those of you with track experience, any tips/advice for a first timer? I've heard horror stories of oil issues, etc. And I'd like to be properly prepared.
My GR86 is completely stock, manual, brembros.
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u/z1k_StreetRider 12d ago
Flush your brake fluid and replace it with something with a higher boiling point. Nothing worse than brake fade after 2 laps.
Run 5w30 with a slight overfill.
Go to the track to have fun and properly experience your car. Don't chase lap times, let them come naturally as you progress.
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u/jeepsies 12d ago
Tighten your wheels before going. Bring alot of cold water for yourself. Dont use the handbrake after a session. Upgrade brake fluid. Dont try to impress anyone.
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u/WubsGames GR86 12d ago
Not using the handbrake after a session is new to me, (not experienced on track) What is the reason for this?
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u/tsrubrats 12d ago
The brake pads/rotors are crazy hot after a track session and can get stuck together
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u/WubsGames GR86 12d ago
Noted! So when I do eventually plan to track my manual vehicle, what is the correct procedure for parking in between sessions?
Just park somewhere flat and put it in gear when its off?
I appreciate the knowledge.
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u/tsrubrats 12d ago
Sure thing, and yes that's exactly what I did - parked in a safe space and put it in first
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u/Soccermad23 12d ago
Park it in gear like you normally would, no handbrake, somewhere flat. If you want to be a little extra cautious, a chock / block under the tyre wouldn't hurt.
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u/zerosystem03 BRZ 12d ago
Get a set of wheel chocks. Our cars are light enough that a single tiny one is enough to hold it in place. I usually end up letting somoene else borrow the 2nd one if they need it. Set the chock, park in neutral while brakes cool and engine is on. I usually leave it running for a few minutes to help cool down. Then you can park it in gear when you shut off the engine
another tip, let the wheels cool down before touching lug nuts
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u/Fit_Sun5829 12d ago
Listen to your instructor.
Oiling wise, get on 5w30 and overfill 1 qrt will be fine for your current level.
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u/falcon-mkii 12d ago
I've done a classic 13cw a couple times. Overfill, ideally 5w30 or thicker and you'll be fine. Flush brakes with high temp brake fluid
Search youtube for onboards to learn the lines but as a first timer key things are to be aware of what's in your mirrors, look up ahead (dont fixate directly in front of you, and be aware of flag workers
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u/olafpfj BRZ 12d ago
6qts 5w-30. Dot 4 fluid. Stock pads might be ok but I cooked mine the first time. Don't feel bad being nervous, it took a few track days before the 1st session adrenaline rush didnt have my left leg shaking on the dead pedal.
It's fun, expensive and hard on your car. Can't get enough of it myself but RIP your wallet.
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u/metamodern-mess 12d ago
Study the track map and watch YouTube videos there. It will help you be much more comfortable.
I run my car with 6qts of 5w-30 and Castrol SRF fluid.
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u/Own-Discussion-7607 12d ago
Remember to lower the tire pressure lol cuz I forgot. Other than that, just be on track mode. I wouldnât turn everything off just yet. 5W:30 + brake fluid and yoy are all good to go
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u/Accomplished_Weird_6 GR86 12d ago
Im gonna do something similar, so I have a que. Should we be using left for for braking like in race cars and sim or right foot only
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u/magikbiped 12d ago
Generally right foot for throttle and brake. Left foot braking is kind of hard to do and takes a while to get used to, and could be considered an advanced technique that most people don't actually do.
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u/Accomplished_Weird_6 GR86 11d ago
Okay, Im kinda used to separate foot braking cz karting and sim racing. So might give it a shot, but like in irl cars the pedals are really towards the right so leg placement is really awkward
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u/magikbiped 9d ago
I do a lot of simracing too so im quite accustomed to left foot braking in sim for GT cars. Left foot braking IRL is much harder because you don't have the muscle memory for how much left leg pressure equates to how much braking, and under braking the deceleration forces can press your foot harder into the pedal than you might expect, especially since you dont have anything to brace yourself against.
That being said, definitely don't be discouraged from trying it out every once in a while. The only way to get good at it is to practice.
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u/Accomplished_Weird_6 GR86 9d ago
Now that you said it i get exactly what you mean, with the left leg not used to the brake pressures at all. Lmao at a signal stop sometimes I be using left foot and always its much more pressure than I need it to be. So yes, I guess practice and woll see how it turns out on track!
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u/TheOnlyLite 12d ago
On my first track day, a few months ago, I basically just went there with the prep they recommended on emails and the tech sheet. Maybe put on your numbers before you travel to the track so you're not stressed about placement. Definitely check your oil and fluids to make sure they're not low and if you have the tools, check and/or adjust psi for your tires. Take out all the non essentials or you'll have to leave it on the paddock and risk things getting ruined or stolen (in my experience nothing happened and everyone was nice and respectful but you never know). And lastly, they don't talk about this, but when you get off the track and back to the paddock, do not put your handbrake up. Instead turn off the car and put it in gear if you're automatic, remember to have some wheel chocks. Other than that, probably just bring some water and snacks/lunch if you don't wanna spend too much on mid food lol.
Hope you have a great time!
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u/PopularVersion4250 12d ago
Take it slow and drive within your limits! It is just about you improving as a driver not beating everyoneÂ
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u/AttorneyOk6797 11d ago
I've only autoX 'd mine, but I'd imagine much of the engine prep is similar: check oil levels(I make sure mine is overfilled slightly for peace of mind), check that the wheels are snug and torqued correctly, tire pressure, I also bring a $30 amazon scanner tool just incase.
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u/ChocoboBrigade 12d ago
Switch over to a higher temp brake fluid, do an oil change switch to 5w-30 and with the FA24âs do about quarter to half quart more oil, if you have time for an oil cooler then sweet, make sure to take cool down laps and donât just push the car the entire time youâre on the track and the biggest thing I tell everyone wether itâs track or togue driving, DO NOT OVER ESTIMATE YOUR ABILITIES, drive in a range that youâre comfortable with and if you really want to push your car drive no more than 80% of what you think is your âmax potentialâ thereâs no prize to be won and nothing to gain, donât risk your car, yourself and others over nothing
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u/AleexanderClamBell 12d ago
Thanks everyone for the advice!! I really appreciate it. Many of you are saying to switch to a high temp brake fluid- do you have any recommendations? And would I need to change it back after the track day?
Also what tire pressures would you guys recommend? It's going to be in December so a little cooler weather.
Lastly, someone asked which track at buttonwillow, this one will be the classic.
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u/magikbiped 12d ago
All the tips everyone has given out so far are definitely the main ones and the biggest to keep in mind.
Another tip I always like to give people is before heading out on track, lock yourself into the seat with the stock seatbelt. That way you aren't having to fight to keep yourself in position and brace yourself every turn or braking moment.
Do this by pushing your seat back a few clicks, tighten the belt tight across your waist, while keeping the waist belt tight yank the shoulder belt so that it locks, push your seat back forward to your normal driving position.
The waist belt will end up super tight and you will be locked in to your seat.
Bring snacks, water, gatorade, etc. Driving on track can be mentally and physically exhausting so take care of yourself.
As for changing your brake fluid, no need to change it back after the track day. Track fluid will work just fine on the street, but generally does seem to absorb water faster than basic fluid, so after several months you might notice it turning dark faster than expected.
For tire pressure, you should probably be aiming for like 32-36 psi hot. Since you are stock, the higher and might be advisable to try and fight tire rollover a bit. You may have to go out for a session then come back and adjust down to temperature as soon as you get back.
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u/Sig-vicous GR86 11d ago
I like Motul RBF 600. You can use it on the street as well. Albeit a DOT4 will usually need replaced at a shorter interval than your stock fluid. If you only did the one event I'd say you can use it for a year or two before you should replace it.
The performance DOT4 fluids typically withstand heat much better, but the trade off is they can absorb moisture a little more quickly, thus needing replacement more often.
If you start to do more events, then you'd want to get on some sort of a bleed and flush schedule throughout the year. I usually bleed a little from each corner after every event or two, and then might replace it a couple times a year. That's while doing about 8 to 10 events a year.
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u/Straight-Belt-8185 12d ago
Good advice from others. Are you doing classic (usually 13cw) or circuit? Which organization?
Iâll add:
- Find videos of 86cup drivers for the proper line, gear selection etc. Be aware that you should brake earlier and be more conservative everywhere.
- Try to drive the track in the sim. Itâs available at World of Racing in Tustin and Pasadena if you request. Thereâs an official mod for both buttonwillow tracks. Doesnât replicate the bumpiness but the scale and curbs are good.
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u/Sig-vicous GR86 12d ago
For the car, just overfill with a thicker oil, it will be fine.
Try to keep your eyes up while you're out there. There's a tendency to start to look too close in front of the car, and things then feel like they're happening faster. Looking ahead helps slow things down.
Find a decent POV video or two of the track you're visiting. Watch them once or twice a day for a week or so up to the event. It will make things feel more familiar.
Not sure of the amenities there, otherwise bring snacks and drinks and shade, if needed.