Thinking about tracking?

[Todday1]

Glad to see you are hitting the track. I have been at chuckwalla it is a fairly technical track and the bowl/ high bank turn is unique to most of all the road courses in the area. There is not much you can adjust for alignment until you go to camber plates and or adjustable arms. For two sets of tires yes studs are much easier on the tire changes. On cell phones. The new ones are staring to be restricted being allowed on track do to the auto crash detection. Braking g force thinks you crashed and calls ambulance. So big bill that you normally will have to pay. So even though they can be disabled tracks are still prohibiting. I would recommend that you look at options on lap timers like solo2 or a transponder however they are not cheap. Other threads have said this but if you are planning on doing 5 to 6 track days will want to look at higher temp brake fluid, more of a sport or track brake pads, and probably camber plates. The fronts will shred outsides if tires on stock settings one you get out if beginner times so will want to get a little more camber in front for better tire wear and longevity. So some things to consider. Have fun.

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[FLtrackdays]

I'm out there for fun, not for competition or fastet laps.

Questions:

1) For ease of (semi-frequent) wheel/tire removal: Do you recommend installing wheel studs and nuts versus wheel bolts for someone who has two sets of wheels (one for street and another with sticky tires for track) will do a handful (maybe 5-6 tops) of autocross or HPDE a year? Seems to me that it is easier to bugger up the threaded holes in the hub and/or threads on the bolts with the OEM style bolt setup, especially if the wheels/tires are being swapped often enough.

2) What is your recommendation for datalogging engine/chassis/lap data with a cell phone? I have tried Bimmerlink and can I believe I can run it at the same time as Dragy Lap (video & lap timing) on my phone. I would like to study the data for fun and also to understand how the car is performing. Bimmerlink can show 8 parameters at one time and the data can be exported as comma separated values. Anyone have a better solution?

3) What do you recommend for alignment settings for a stockish car (I am on lowering springs, running stock size wheels/tires)? Any special hardware or knowledge required? The bit of searching I did indicates that getting someone who knows how to align these cars properly can be a headache.

I'm super excited, haven't been on track in quite a few years.

Nice!!!!!!

1) Do you have another set of wheels & tires for track? Hopefully you won’t be replacing the tires that often and it won’t matter. My wife is a very good driver. But it takes her a lot longer to go through the same set of track tires. Wheel studs are more convenient and give you extra room to add spacers for more negative camber.

2) I just use a Garmin Catalyst. If you focus on that sweet Draggy app/lap device, that’ll be plenty to digest. But if you want to tie into the OBD, Banks iDash have some really cool stuff. Bryan’s (razorlab) build page has every data point known to man, if you want to go that route.

https://www.supramkv.com/threads/banks-idash-aeroforce-single-gauge-pod.16572/page-3

3) Tons of Supra guys drive with the spec alignment. Eventually, in the more advanced groups, you’ll want more negative camber for better tire wear and cornering. An independent alignment shop will be able to put a little toe in the rear and make her neutral up front.

 

[nibble]

I'm all set for next Saturday, 02/17 at Chuckwalla down here in Socal. Anyone else going to be there? I'm hopeful it will be dry after all the rain we just got. Super excited I can't contain myself.

Couple more questions for you experienced folks, I'm not going to have this sorted out before next week but maybe it can help someone else for now. I did do some searching and seems like a lot of the info is geared to more serious drivers, of which I am not. I'm out there for fun, not for competition or fastet laps.

Questions:

1) For ease of (semi-frequent) wheel/tire removal: Do you recommend installing wheel studs and nuts versus wheel bolts for someone who has two sets of wheels (one for street and another with sticky tires for track) will do a handful (maybe 5-6 tops) of autocross or HPDE a year? Seems to me that it is easier to bugger up the threaded holes in the hub and/or threads on the bolts with the OEM style bolt setup, especially if the wheels/tires are being swapped often enough.

2) What is your recommendation for datalogging engine/chassis/lap data with a cell phone? I have tried Bimmerlink and can I believe I can run it at the same time as Dragy Lap (video & lap timing) on my phone. I would like to study the data for fun and also to understand how the car is performing. Bimmerlink can show 8 parameters at one time and the data can be exported as comma separated values. Anyone have a better solution?

3) What do you recommend for alignment settings for a stockish car (I am on lowering springs, running stock size wheels/tires)? Any special hardware or knowledge required? The bit of searching I did indicates that getting someone who knows how to align these cars properly can be a headache.

I'm super excited, haven't been on track in quite a few years.

1 - Good to have but not necessary. not going to win in pit stop competition. and if you are using inferior stud, it may break and will give you more issue. - I've seen 3 of 5 stud broke on 1 wheel.

2 - I used to use Harry's lap timer. I believe only $20 on iphone or samsung phone. and get a good mount and tether it properly. may not be the best in the world but worth the money. I don't use it any more because I'm not interested in lap time any more during HPDE..

3 - see my build thread. I believe pg#3.

 

[razorlab]

I used OEM wheel bolts for an entire season of tracking, 21 track days. Zero issues.

You can use the Bootmod3 app to datalog everything, you do not need a BM3 license. Not sure if you will be able to run both that and Dragy at the same time on the phone though.

 

[mdpalmer]

Sharing my recent experience as a newb at Chuckwalla with NASA AZ in hopes it will help others. If one of the experienced folks have comments please chime in.

1) I had a blast. As in unbelievably too much fun. Seriously, put the biggest smile on my face I was grinning ear to ear for a few days after.

2) The NASA AZ group was very organized that day, everything runs on a tight schedule. Be prepared to run around between talking to your instructor, tech inspection, prepping the car to go out, making sure you have fuel, checking tires and pressures, attending post session downloads/classes, eating, etc. I felt like I didn't have any solid downtime most of the day to process everything.

3) Mandatory instructors in your car in group HPDE INTRO/HPDE1 (newbs). Which I signed up for. I'm not sure how they handle it if you manage to sign up for a higher level, I believe you have to take an instructor for a check ride first to show you can drive safely.

4) Ask your instructor if they have some kind of helmet communication system, otherwise you won't be able to hear each other well while driving... Windows have to be down so you can point people by and communicate by hand if needed.

5) The pits were packed. Get there as early as you can either days prior if possible or the morning of. My instructor was kind enough to get in touch with me the day prior and offered to save me a spot in his area!!! What a guy. And he drove an F series BMW M2 comp so he was familiar with the supra. See photo. I got super lucky to get hooked up with him.

6) I didn't bother to set up a camera in the car, way too much going on while learning the track with my instructor. No timing transponder is allowed for novice run groups.

7) Bring cash in case they don't accept credit card to pay for food (they didn't take card for food) and miscellaneous fees. Make sure to top off fuel before you head to track.

8) Definitely bring a torque wrench and make sure your wheel bolts are torqued to spec. Bring a tire pressure gauge and a portable air inflator. Run your tire pressure monitor on the infotainment screen to see how your tire pressure and temp change with driving and you can adjust accordingly. Know where your OEM tow hook is in the trunk and practice install before you get there. I had to put mine on to be allowed on track.

9) Study the track map and configuration you'll be driving and study videos before you go. I regret not doing that before I went.

10) I packed a bunch of stuff in my trunk, carried a passenger with all our crap for a two day trip. Here's the list, see attached pic. I actually wanted to see how much would fit ? I prepared to be able to lift and support the car and remove tire/wheel if I needed to. Basic tools and other stuff for comfort, etc.

-weather resistant tarp (in case it rained)
-moving blanket
-phone charger (wall plug, cigarette lighter plug, 3' cable for car and wall)
-clean small cardboard moving box (to lay or kneel on)
-helmet
-torque wrench, protective wheel/lug socket, short extension
-3 ton jack stands (QTY 2) + adapters for lift points, wrapped in beach towel
-1.5 ton floor jack wrapped in beach towel
-2 planks of wood (to chock wheels and/or to drive on to provide clearance for floor jack)
-portable/battery powered tire inflator
-foldable tool box (basic hand tools)
-tool bag (rubber gloves, tire pressure gauge, painters tape, flashlight, torx/etorx socket set, floor jack puck for lift point on car, paper towels, clean Microfiber towels)
-plastic bin (1 qt oil, funnel, windex, shop towels, absorber/squeegee, alcohol wipes, gojo hand cleaner, knee pads)
-camping chairs (QTY 2)
-small backpack cooler for drinks
-2 backpacks, 1 gym bag (snacks, clothes, toiletries, sun hat, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, etc for 2 people)
-camera bag (gopro, suction cups, phone chargers, cables, batteries, memory cards)

Anyway I got the bug to start doing more events like this. Not for competition but for driving enjoyment and to be a better driver. The Supra is such a great car, super comfy and practical and mega fun on the track.

Thanks to my instructor and all the experienced folks for sharing your knowledge ?

 

[nibble]

On #3, it is good to ask for instructor to work with you in any level. just need to walk up to head instructor and ask. They should be able to assign you one. as for DE1, it is mandatory to have an instructor with you.

 

[Todday1]

Great. Now come over to Az tracks and we can connect. There are events with different clubs every weekend in march. PCA at Inde, NASA at podium, and Pro Auto at Firebird. I will be at all if these. Look on Motorsport reg to register

 

[racebuild]

Great. Now come over to Az tracks and we can connect. There are events with different clubs every weekend in march. PCA at Inde, NASA at podium, and Pro Auto at Firebird. I will be at all if these. Look on Motorsport reg to register

I’ll be at podium on Saturday, see you there!

 

[FLtrackdays]

Anyway I got the bug to start doing more events like this. Not for competition but for driving enjoyment and to be a better driver. The Supra is such a great car, super comfy and practical and mega fun on the track.

So glad to hear it hombré! She’s a beast of a track car. Now that the hardest part is over, just going, let the fun begin ? ??

 

[Rensuhlo]

I've somehow came into another GR nasa day to use...Looking at tracks further away. Does anyone in here have theirs scheduled in the AZ/North East area that may convince me to trailer out? Im always down to meet new people.

 

[Rocksandblues]

stop by in VA on your mid atlantic swing

 

[Evolution]

I've somehow came into another GR nasa day to use...Looking at tracks further away. Does anyone in here have theirs scheduled in the AZ/North East area that may convince me to trailer out? Im always down to meet new people.

Come out to Cali. We have all the good tracks.

 

[Drot]

Alright after reading through this thread I think I am going to sign up for the April 20th event at Mid Ohio. Really excited!

 

[DC5UPRA]

Just got off the waitlist for VIR next weekend, looking forward to it.

 

[NINaudio]

Alright after reading through this thread I think I am going to sign up for the April 20th event at Mid Ohio. Really excited!

I'm doing the May event in Mid-Ohio. Sign up for that one.

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