Things to know before popping the (track) cherry...? - LotusTalk

PatrickShim · 04-24-2008, 08:25 AM

I will be tracking my Lotus for the first time, and wanted to see if there are any things I should remember/know about. I guess it will be pretty hard on the motor, break and tires..

Please let me know what I should know.

Lotusmotion · 04-24-2008, 08:49 AM

Don't lift mid-corner or if the back-end starts stepping out.

Actually, how hard it is on your car depends on your driving style. I have found that tracking my car is far less punishing on it than I thought it would be...but then, the fact that I'm slow may have something to do with that.

Just have fun on concentrate on learning and safety.

ace10 · 04-24-2008, 09:05 AM

" Elise/Exige Track Day "Tech" Checklist? "
Elise/Exige Track Day "Tech" Checklist?
" Track Tips for Novice Drivers "
Track Tips for Novice Drivers
" How do I get on the track? "
How do I get on the track?
" Pre-race day prep??? "
Pre-race day prep???
" First Elise Track Day! "
First Elise Track Day!
" Track Prep: Questions on Safety, Spares, References, and Accessories "
Track Prep: Questions on Safety, Spares, References, and Accessories
" After Track Checklist for Elise "
After Track Checklist for Elise
" Elise-specific pre-track checklist? "
Elise-specific pre-track checklist?

track days HPDE inspect inspection tight tighten check change learn toelink link brake break pads thickness rotor fluid tires tire first time newb newbie know checklist tech technical sheet check list don't dont lift easy pressure pressures instructor flag flags listen pass line lines water fluid fluids oil drink hydrate dehydrate dehydration listen tips flush sunscreen sunblock

PatrickShim · 04-24-2008, 09:33 AM

I got pretty much all the safety gears... helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, shirt, etc. pretty much all except the nomex undies and HANS.

Too geeky to go on a full racing suit? I think many people show up in jeans...?

BRTHTAKR · 04-24-2008, 09:56 AM

Enjoy the "full dynamic capabilities" the manual describes. Get on cam and stay there a while. Feel out ABS, stop like never on the street. Let people pass, possibly follow them if your instructor likes their line. Say Hi to other drivers in the paddock. Don't race anyone. Keep breathing. Tell stories. Have fun.

Oh yeah, record if possible.

JohnnyQuik · 04-24-2008, 10:01 AM

There is almost as much info on this site about tracks technique as there are questions about the Elise as a daily driver...

Listen to your instructor. You are going out with an instructor, right? Don't try to drive too fast, especially into the corners. Learn the line. Be smooth. Know the rules for passing. Know what the flags mean. And, oh yeah, don't lift.

yak52pilot · 04-24-2008, 10:42 AM

Dont drink the night before and get a good sleep. The rest are details.

JimK · 04-24-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickShim

Too geeky to go on a full racing suit? I think many people show up in jeans...?

Who cares what others think?, you will be safer in Nomex head to toe.
(I must admit I don't wear mine for HPDE's, just the w2w stuff.)

JonOrangeElise · 04-24-2008, 11:07 AM

Send me a mailing address. I'll send you a copy of my magazine (High-Performance Driving) which has good info for beginners. That said, I'll give you three pieces of advice right here:

- When your coach tells you to be smooth with your steering and pedal inputs, take him or her seriously. Smoothness is the key. No abrupt motions.

- Look as far ahead as possible. This has a miraculous effect on smoothness.

- Accept the fact you are slow and that you have a lot to learn.

fishguy · 04-24-2008, 02:08 PM

when you show up to the track, leave all the other crap in your life behind. focus on what you are doing.
the stuff you left behind will stil be there when you are done.

CosmosMpower · 04-24-2008, 02:23 PM

Don't drive beyond your limits, bring an instructor to safely figure out what those limits are. Bring and drink plenty of fluids.

t65tampa · 04-24-2008, 02:27 PM

All you have to remember is keep that gas pedal mashed to the floor. If you are not first, you are last!

(I'm just kidding, of course.)

Listen to your instructor. You own a car far more capable than you are. You are about to fall in love with your Lotus all over again!

PatrickShim · 04-24-2008, 03:35 PM

"Be safe and be gentle"...

I guess it is just like popping a cherry.

Thanks for the advises!

Richard 350z · 04-24-2008, 04:19 PM

My usual advice for your first day at the track:

1. Bring a helmet
2. Listen to your instructor
3. Have fun.

That's it. You can worry about R-compound tires, Motul 600 brake fluid, pyrometers, and all manner of modifications and racing gear later -- after you decide if this is for you.

Oh, one more thing. Do not focus on how much this is going to cost you after you get addicted.

R'elise Me · 04-24-2008, 10:41 PM

Drop your pressures so she's doesn't go ever the edge too quickly. Then just drive her gently for as long as she can hold on. And if you lose control, just lay back for a couple minutes and the yearning will return again and again and .........just like the first time.

JWA · 04-24-2008, 10:44 PM

Completely off topic, but when did "popping her/a/my cherry" become non-vulgar? They used it on a 7:00pm sit-com a couple days ago and I had to explain it to my wife. I'm no prude, but I always thought it was a very crude saying and am surprised that it's now considered acceptable.

And to the question - don't lift in the corner, and turn in under at least even throttle.

xtn · 04-25-2008, 07:45 AM

It's crude, but when was it ever vulgar?

JWA · 04-25-2008, 09:54 AM

The definition of vulgar is :

Vulgar:
1. Crudely indecent.

So I'd think we're saying the same thing.

Conan · 04-25-2008, 11:21 AM

first time at track:

Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc).
Get instruction from as many instructors as are available. Everyone has strong points and weak points including instructors so a variety will give you a better overall picture.
Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc).
Be smooth with all inputs
Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc).
Do not worry about being passed by [insert slow geeky car name here]. It's going to happen. He/she is simply a more experienced driver. Keep listening to your instructor and practicing and you'll be passing them next year -- maybe even by the next event.
Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc).
Have fun

Oh yeah, don't worry about lap times. If this is your first time at the track, you WILL be slow, so focus on doing everything correctly and the speed will follow.

Mag · 04-25-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishguy

when you show up to the track, leave all the other crap in your life behind. focus on what you are doing.
the stuff you left behind will stil be there when you are done.

+1 nicely put

04-24-2008, 08:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
PatrickShim How you doin'? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,206	Things to know before popping the (track) cherry...? I will be tracking my Lotus for the first time, and wanted to see if there are any things I should remember/know about. I guess it will be pretty hard on the motor, break and tires.. Please let me know what I should know. __________________ '06 Lotus Elise (Laser Blue/Black/Sport-Pack/Touring-Pack/Hardtop/TRD airbox/Stage-II Exhaust) - VIDEO

04-24-2008, 08:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lotusmotion Keep it simple and real Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 926	Don't lift mid-corner or if the back-end starts stepping out. Actually, how hard it is on your car depends on your driving style. I have found that tracking my car is far less punishing on it than I thought it would be...but then, the fact that I'm slow may have something to do with that. Just have fun on concentrate on learning and safety. __________________ '06 Exige - Ph. Black/Touring/Track/LSD/TC/SS. Mods: corner balanced - RTD brace - Manly's inserts - decambered - Pagid Blacks - Motul fluid - tow hooks - Schroth belts - extinguisher - AIM timer - Green Filter - Larini - oil temp & pressure gauges - AO48s & Rotas on track - T1Rs & OEM wheels on street - rear camera & monitor - Stebel horn - speakers upgraded, sub & iPod controller - DRL disable switch - aux. fuse panel - sill pockets - leather console - Bootie - roof scoop functional.

04-24-2008, 09:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
ace10 -30- Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,449 Images: 35	" Elise/Exige Track Day "Tech" Checklist? " Elise/Exige Track Day "Tech" Checklist? " Track Tips for Novice Drivers " Track Tips for Novice Drivers " How do I get on the track? " How do I get on the track? " Pre-race day prep??? " Pre-race day prep??? " First Elise Track Day! " First Elise Track Day! " Track Prep: Questions on Safety, Spares, References, and Accessories " Track Prep: Questions on Safety, Spares, References, and Accessories " After Track Checklist for Elise " After Track Checklist for Elise " Elise-specific pre-track checklist? " Elise-specific pre-track checklist? track days HPDE inspect inspection tight tighten check change learn toelink link brake break pads thickness rotor fluid tires tire first time newb newbie know checklist tech technical sheet check list don't dont lift easy pressure pressures instructor flag flags listen pass line lines water fluid fluids oil drink hydrate dehydrate dehydration listen tips flush sunscreen sunblock __________________ 2007 Exige S, Storm Ti. Sport, Track and TC.Plus: Multivex Mirrors, S111 Deltabrace, Sparco 6Pt harnesses (w/Ti Dave's Antisub belt mount), I/O Port video mount, Snorkel delete, Shims out, Rearview Mirror delete, 2Bular 7X18, Pagid RS42's, Saiku Michi catch can and, of course, blingy carpet buttons. 08 M-B ML320 cdi, 08 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7, 06 M-B E320 cdi, 02 Lexus LX470, 97 Bobcat 751C The Red Pill Ignore Me Be sure too save your IL before browsing away Last edited by ace10 : 04-24-2008 at 10:10 AM.*

04-24-2008, 09:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
PatrickShim How you doin'? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,206	I got pretty much all the safety gears... helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, shirt, etc. pretty much all except the nomex undies and HANS. Too geeky to go on a full racing suit? I think many people show up in jeans...? __________________ '06 Lotus Elise (Laser Blue/Black/Sport-Pack/Touring-Pack/Hardtop/TRD airbox/Stage-II Exhaust) - VIDEO

04-24-2008, 09:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
BRTHTAKR AKA XHILR8N! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Asheville, North Carolina Posts: 1,151 Images: 6	Enjoy the "full dynamic capabilities" the manual describes. Get on cam and stay there a while. Feel out ABS, stop like never on the street. Let people pass, possibly follow them if your instructor likes their line. Say Hi to other drivers in the paddock. Don't race anyone. Keep breathing. Tell stories. Have fun. Oh yeah, record if possible. __________________ Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Leonardo Da Vinci 2005 Elise LRG, Trim Shop interior, full cage, Cup wheels, other stuff. 2007 Toyota Tundra (about 10 cup holders) 2004 BMW X3 (4 small cup holders) 1980 Rover SD1

04-24-2008, 10:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
JohnnyQuik Registered lUser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 317	There is almost as much info on this site about tracks technique as there are questions about the Elise as a daily driver... Listen to your instructor. You are going out with an instructor, right? Don't try to drive too fast, especially into the corners. Learn the line. Be smooth. Know the rules for passing. Know what the flags mean. And, oh yeah, don't lift. __________________ JohnnyQuik current toys: '05 Elise '72/'79 MGB '06 Z4

04-24-2008, 10:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
yak52pilot Staten Island, NY Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 662 Images: 25	Dont drink the night before and get a good sleep. The rest are details. __________________ 07 Exige S, all options. rip

04-24-2008, 11:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
JonOrangeElise Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,887	Send me a mailing address. I'll send you a copy of my magazine (High-Performance Driving) which has good info for beginners. That said, I'll give you three pieces of advice right here: - When your coach tells you to be smooth with your steering and pedal inputs, take him or her seriously. Smoothness is the key. No abrupt motions. - Look as far ahead as possible. This has a miraculous effect on smoothness. - Accept the fact you are slow and that you have a lot to learn. __________________ 2005 Lotus Elise, "the orange car": hard top, touring, starshield, orange/black Lotus Sport seats, 6-point Schroth belts, 4Tress Harness Bar, SJ Racing 15x7/16x8 track wheels (plus stock wheels for the road), RTD Brace, HIDs, Safety Solutions R3 Head & Neck Restraint System 2006 BMW M3 Competition Package, "the blue car": stock

04-24-2008, 02:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
fishguy registered nipple Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,780 Images: 1	when you show up to the track, leave all the other crap in your life behind. focus on what you are doing. the stuff you left behind will stil be there when you are done. __________________ 2008-2009 SCCA AZ Regional "Driver of the Year" 1986 Swift DB-1 Sold 2008 HSR-West FF 3rd generation Champion 2008 "The Series" FF 3rd generation Champion 1987 Porsche Spec 944 2008-2009 season SCCA AZ regional Champion

04-24-2008, 02:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
CosmosMpower Cone Magnet Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 2,029	Don't drive beyond your limits, bring an instructor to safely figure out what those limits are. Bring and drink plenty of fluids. __________________ 06 Canyon Red Elise LSS, Touring, SS, Stg 2, HID, BWR swaybar 09 Mini Cooper S 6MT 2000 Grand Prix White S2000

04-24-2008, 02:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
t65tampa 1/3 Rotweiler, He Crazy Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 654	All you have to remember is keep that gas pedal mashed to the floor. If you are not first, you are last! (I'm just kidding, of course.) Listen to your instructor. You own a car far more capable than you are. You are about to fall in love with your Lotus all over again! __________________ Dean 2006 Pontiac GTO 2006 Infiniti G35 2008 M-B C63 AMG 2002 Honda S2000 1997 BMW 318 iC

04-24-2008, 03:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
PatrickShim How you doin'? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,206	"Be safe and be gentle"... I guess it is just like popping a cherry. Thanks for the advises! __________________ '06 Lotus Elise (Laser Blue/Black/Sport-Pack/Touring-Pack/Hardtop/TRD airbox/Stage-II Exhaust) - VIDEO

04-24-2008, 04:19 PM	#14 (permalink)
Richard 350z Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 245	My usual advice for your first day at the track: 1. Bring a helmet 2. Listen to your instructor 3. Have fun. That's it. You can worry about R-compound tires, Motul 600 brake fluid, pyrometers, and all manner of modifications and racing gear later -- after you decide if this is for you. Oh, one more thing. Do not focus on how much this is going to cost you after you get addicted. __________________ Richard 1994 Mazda Miata - SCCA/NASA SM, ITA, PTE, E2 #94 2006 Mitsu EVO IX MR - bone stock daily driver 2004 Mitsu EVO VIII RS -- modified track day car 1987 Toyota Corrola FX -- cheap car with automatic for my daughter to learn to drive on

04-24-2008, 10:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
R'elise Me My other car's a mtn bike Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Venice CA Posts: 1,371	Drop your pressures so she's doesn't go ever the edge too quickly. Then just drive her gently for as long as she can hold on. And if you lose control, just lay back for a couple minutes and the yearning will return again and again and .........just like the first time. __________________ Sometimes you have to go in circles to move forward. 05 Elise NA 1750 lbs w/ full cage, fuel cell, aero, 173 whp - Colin would be proud. 2008 LR3 HSE 2005 Mini S Convertible If I'd thought that one day ALL my cars would be British, I'd have laughed at myself!

04-24-2008, 10:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,737	Completely off topic, but when did "popping her/a/my cherry" become non-vulgar? They used it on a 7:00pm sit-com a couple days ago and I had to explain it to my wife. I'm no prude, but I always thought it was a very crude saying and am surprised that it's now considered acceptable. And to the question - don't lift in the corner, and turn in under at least even throttle.

04-25-2008, 07:45 AM	#17 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,845	It's crude, but when was it ever vulgar? __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

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04-25-2008, 09:54 AM	#18 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,737	The definition of vulgar is : Vulgar: 1. Crudely indecent. So I'd think we're saying the same thing.

04-25-2008, 11:21 AM	#19 (permalink)
Conan with future lotus driver Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,074 Images: 24	first time at track: Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc). Get instruction from as many instructors as are available. Everyone has strong points and weak points including instructors so a variety will give you a better overall picture. Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc). Be smooth with all inputs Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc). Do not worry about being passed by [insert slow geeky car name here]. It's going to happen. He/she is simply a more experienced driver. Keep listening to your instructor and practicing and you'll be passing them next year -- maybe even by the next event. Under no circumstances should you worry about, think about or keep track of lap times. Focus on getting the details right (braking, turning, line, etc). Have fun Oh yeah, don't worry about lap times. If this is your first time at the track, you WILL be slow, so focus on doing everything correctly and the speed will follow. __________________ Yes, it IS my real name. No, I don't look like him. I'm Polish. Polish barbarians are skinny nerds. 2006 BRG Lotus Elise (broken), 2009 Honda Fit (gas miser), 2007 Honda Odyssey (the wife's)