Track Day Guide: MUST WATCH BEFORE DRIVING

This video gives a quick glimpse of what typically takes place at track events around the country. This are my favorite car events of the year and are the best way to improve your driving skills on a regular basis. THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR READING YOUR CLUBS RULES AND TRACK REGULATIONS! This is simply a look behind the curtain in hopes that it will encourage to join us at the track. Thanks so much for watching and be safe :)
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, nor Make Rain Productions. Video and Content are owned by Make Rain Productions © 2021

[mellena]

I have spent the few months literally saying to my friends "I wanna get into track days I just don't know anyone that does them regularly to explain the process." Thank you Larry for the knowledge and taking the time to make the video. This video is one of your best yet.

[wolfy]

Something which needs to be touched on;

Stock/lightly "modified" street cars(figure the typical power/handling mods without the "proper" first mods) will generally boil brake fluid in 3-4 laps, will be overheating in 2-3 laps(and probably flashing warning lights by 5), and oil temps will be going nuts. Auto transmissions might start acting funny in 2-3 laps. This is for smaller tracks, if it has longer straights you may get away with a few more laps.

Larger radiators, oil coolers, trans coolers, later-spec brake fluid(DOT 3 boils at 205C, DOT 5 at 260C, make sure your seals/hoses can take it), brake ducts, everything you can do to keep it cool. Water/meth may be beneficial to keep charge temps down and in turn reduce load on the coolant, water spray(ie. some Evos/others run it) on your intercooler.

More "race" driven brake pads will perform better than standard street pads(ie. EBC Yellow Stuff or equivalent for your vehicle, it's what I use and can vouch for but there are plenty of other great pads)

It isn't fun running out of brakes into a sharp corner and ending up in the dirt ahah

[sarahdell]

There's really no solid track "how to" videos. These are great for people wanting to get into it

[InfinityFofus]

Where I live we don't have tracks, we only have a quarter mile but it's only open for about 3 hours and it's all old. We usually street race in a straight street that is about 1/2 mile next to a football stadium. The police come sometimes to "shut us down" but all they do is charge about 1$ per car and leave us be. Yet the government releases videos saying how street racing is wrong, how it's a criminal action, and that the police do the best they can to shut us down. Instead of opening a race track. This is in Mexico, btw.

[ericdishington]

I'm getting into track driving. Seeing your cool 911 saddens me. My dad had a gorgeous 1980 911 that he sold. So cool seeing yours on the track. Good vid.

[stiless]

Man, this is a fantastic video. I've been wanting to take my M3 to the track for the past year but am always scared I'll embarrass myself with my lack of track knowledge. I feel a lot more confident after watching this. Thanks :)

[willyisaac]

This is one of the most detailed vid I have ever seen. Great info - better safe than sorry type of outlook.

[lthern]

I had a lot of fun at Palmer in June. Went to an open track day, were some folks from COM Sports Car Club there. They are an excellent group to run with. Only fifteen people there for the day, two of us in my run group. We had the track to ourselves! So much fun.

Good advice here for people new to HPDE. One thing he didn't mention is fluid changes. I flush the brake fluid before every event (Motive bleeder FTW). If not flushing for every event, a bleed should definitely be done! If the car is a daily, bleed after the event too. The fresher the fluid, the higher the boiling point. You do not want to boil the brake fluid. Change the oil. Consider changing the coolant if it hasn't been done recently. Transmission and differential fluid should be changed more frequently than normal if car is being tracked. If you are having a speed shop do the tech inspection and work, they should go over this.

You should also try and get an instructor that drives the same type of car, or has in the past. Let the instructor drive the start of the first session to show you the line. Brake early, focus on keeping the car positioned where instructed. Try to memorize the track and the locations of the flag stations(corner workers). Don't go out there expecting to drift like Chris Harris.

Also, the anti-skid systems (if car has them) should be left on for the first few track days. Then think about going into the performance mode or turning the systems off. Keep in mind that they work by activating the brakes and will increase the amount of heat being put into the brake system (another reason to make sure the brake fluid is new).

If you are looking at mods for track prep: roll bar/cage or harness bar + 6 point harnesses are #1. It is a lot easier to feel what the car is doing if your body isn't flopping around. Also much safer if an accident should occur. Increase safety, increase longevity (essentially cooling for the various systems, brakes, engine, oil, trans&diff), only then increase power.

Once you get out of Novice and are doing events several times a year, you will notice that the car will eat brake pads, rotors, and tires. Keep that in mind before putting $1600 worth of Michelin tires on the car or fancy $400 a piece rotors. This hobby is expensive! I run the cheapest tires I can get with stock rotors and pads (non-ceramic). The extra 1 second a lap is not worth the extra money. HPDEs are not about time, but education and fun. I would rather go to more track days.

[chentwoten]

This is a great video. As a novice driver who's only been to the track once, the tips on what to bring and what to do is super helpful. Thanks Larry! - Michael

[tysanborn]

Such a great video Larry, and the resources you provide are invaluable! AMMO NYC is a 'must see' for those who are passionate about car care & those who are true auto enthusiasts! Job well done, and thanks!

[WadeWilson-]

All I can say to all people who want to have fun on trackday event, just go ahead and do it, just be polite, respect other drivers and have fun.

[acclaimedsheepdog]

Larry I will continue and continue to watch your vids I have only subscribed in last 2 months when I came along your channel but I have watched 3/4 of your vids and your true passion for detailing and your passion for these vehicles motivates me to do those extra steps on my car and what makes my car stand out from me and my friends I cannot wait to try your products your a big inspiration and if you could do a vid on how to use your carnuba paste wax please that would be helpful

[DaBluedude]

Larry, This is an awesome guide for track day newbies!!! Maybe even too much awesome info haha... I only spoke with you once in person, but I can see that you really have captured your drive and passion for automotive culture, detailing excellence, and racing enthusiasm. What I find extra special about you is that you take the time to share your enjoyment with others for the sole purpose of hoping they find the same joy you do. Cheers to you Larry.

[clubsportZ]

A quick thanks for a great video. I have my first HPDE day this coming Saturday over at Buttonwillow in So Cal and your video clearly outlines the steps I need to take to prep the car and myself. Granted I've done a number of Auto-X days but being on a track is a whole different beast. Well both the driver and car are ready. Many thanks and best of luck to you sir.

[webnutsu]

Super video for beginners. Nice 964. One thing that really helps is checking tire temp as well as pressure to really dial that in. Moving up to the point where you add a data logger that lets you see your time vs braking vs lateral forces plotted on a detailed path around the track in sync with a video cam... yeah, now we're talkin.

[SimReal.]

I havent watched the whole video, just for the thunbnail and your dedication im pressing like! Im used to grest quality videos from you!

[rondetorres]

Great Channel!!! I've learned a lot about detailing all the different cars that i've owned and what that particular car likes. Most of all you own a black car & almost all the vehicles i've owned have either been black or some other dark color. Also, thanks for the DE into...hopefully that will help others get out on the track and learn how to drive their car so they can enjoy it that much more. Thanks for posting!!!

[bostonaudi]

Well done video, I did track days for a number of years and got into instructing with PCA, this brings it all back. Just got a 911 too, maybe time to get back out there!

[brianyim]

by far one of my favorite videos from Larry that isn't fully about detailing. although I love detailing.

[stevewaclo]

I’m taking my ‘87 Alfa Spider to Thunderhill on 8/2/19 with my buddies from Reno SCCA and will post this on our website for first timers like me. Well done and excellent production value. 👍👍👍