Not racing track use

[Ferrit]

Hoping to get the car back in the next week 

So if Cinders can go to the ball and go to Goodwood LMC Track Day - I have a morning session booked. 

What tips can people suggest for a first time driving my old car around a track?  I am assuming not fast round the bends will help me and the engine (non baffled sump), any tips on oil levels etc?

I have done plenty of track days but always in their cars..

So looking forward to it :-)

Mark

[capriblu]

I'd invest in some fresh good quality oil, nothing too thin at the top.  Valvoline VR1 20/50 mineral (high ZDDP) is a very good inexpensive choice if you are not going to be doing regular cold morning starts.

I'd be tempted to put in some higher temperature rated brake fluid - ATE superblue gives major improvement and modest cost

[Ferrit]

I currently have TotalEnergies Quartz Racing 10w­50 Engine Oil and its done about 800 miles, is this okay?

[capriblu]

I currently have TotalEnergies Quartz Racing 10w­50 Engine Oil and its done about 800 miles, is this okay?

Should be fine!

[Ferrit]

"I'd be tempted to put in some higher temperature rated brake fluid - ATE superblue gives major improvement and modest cost"

If I get the car back as promised I will look at this also.

I have bled the death out of it less than a year ago and its got new front discs and green pads, and its passed a recent MOT brake test.

[TonyLanciaBeta (Tony Harrison)]

My best advice after sorting your car, would be go out with the Goodwood instructor 1st, and wave to the photographer   

[Ferrit]

I didnt know I can do that, do I need to book it?

[TonyLanciaBeta (Tony Harrison)]

Not 100 % sure, be worth asking Neil, I know the instructors normally ask in the briefing if anyone has never driven the track.

[WestonE]

Make sure the oil is to the max level or even a small amount over. The biggest threat to your car is oil starvation on corners with the red light coming on for low oil pressure as it leaves the pickup and washes up the side of the sump. You really can ruin the bearings easily when you drive with a passion on the bends.

[SanRemo78]

I did that at Aintree back in 1994 with the Stratos.... Light came on on right turns, topped it off, still did it, topped it off and then blew the crankshaft oilseal out. Oil all over the exhaust, smoke everywhere, fire extinguisher pulled on the grass when everything was off. Checked it over, refilled with what oil was left back in the pits and drove it home 1.2 miles leaving a trail probably. No damage done luckily.

On the upside it was the last outing before swapping it to a V6 Alfa motor and the guy I'd been playing tag with all morning, Steve Pilkington in  his Ferrari, felt so guilty about me "pushing it to destruction" having fun that he took me out for his next 20 minute session.

Still the only Ferrari I've ever been in. 20 minutes at race pace in a 1963 250GTO. Heaven.

[Ferrit]

what a story Guy :-)

I will take it easy Eric.

I will have a chat to Neil.  I have driven on tracks on quite a few corporate track days, single seaters oll knackerd Porches etc, but never in my 45 year old car.  I was planning to just take it easy on the corners :-)

[betabuoy]

Hi Mark,

Even with just a morning session, you will have a huge amount of track time opportunity and the temptation to go from completing your session directly to the queue for the next is overwhelming; my advice, however, is to take proper cooling-off breaks in the privacy of your own allocated pit bay. Pop the bonnet, have a look around, let the car cool a bit, and let yourself cool too!

I've done a few of these Goodwood days; they're extremely well run, friendly and gentlemanly. And as a newbie, you will be offered a couple of early laps with an instructor driving and talking you through the circuit in one of their pace cars. You should take this.

Take tools, spare fuel and any other mechanics' comforts you need. You can unload all of this stuff plus spare wheel etc to the back of your pit bay and hopefully not need it.   

Enjoy...  It'll be a lovely day.

[lancialulu]

Hi Mark,

Even with just a morning session, you will have a huge amount of track time opportunity and the temptation to go from completing your session directly to the queue for the next is overwhelming; my advice, however, is to take proper cooling-off breaks in the privacy of your own allocated pit bay. Pop the bonnet, have a look around, let the car cool a bit, and let yourself cool too!

I've done a few of these Goodwood days; they're extremely well run, friendly and gentlemanly. And as a newbie, you will be offered a couple of early laps with an instructor driving and talking you through the circuit in one of their pace cars. You should take this.

Take tools, spare fuel and any other mechanics' comforts you need. You can unload all of this stuff plus spare wheel etc to the back of your pit bay and hopefully not need it.   

Enjoy...  It'll be a lovely day.

From recent experience you will only get 3 or 4 slots in the morning and queuing is advisable. So long as you stay with your car you can open the bonnet before you are called to the the pit lane to have a quick look. If you see something that needs attention you can peel out of the queue to your pit bay in the paddock, deal with the issue and rejoin the queue. No work can be done in the queue or while in the pit lane. Drink lots of water if its a hot day! If you drive hard its the brakes that take the hammering. Use the cooling down lap with minimal use...