Track days

[rtd]

I'm thinking of taking the car on the track - would appreciate advice for a novice!

[S4INT]

Bedford Autodrome would be a good start for you - lots of run-off and not much to hit means that you can learn how the car behaves at the limit without too much risk of damage.

They also have good instructors available for tuition (I still take instruction when I'm on a circuit for the first time - its invaluable for getting the most out of the car and the day).

If your car still has the stock brakes be very careful as they will only last a couple of laps before going long, then the ESP does all sorts of weird things to try and "save" you, usually culminating in a spin!

As for tyre pressures, its a trial and error thing. Some people say let some air out, some say inflate them to fast road pressure. Basically, lower pressure seems to equal less understeer, but more scrubbing of the edge of the tyre, whereas more pressure equals more understeer but more even wear across the tread.

Other than that, just make sure the car is in tip-top condition, i.e. tyres with plenty of tread, loads of life in the pads, a recent brake fluid change etc, and enjoy.

[rtd]

S4INT - I am getting the B7 brake upgrade very soon and all other fluids will be changed at the same time so car will be in good condition. Only thing I am paranoid about is going off the track crashing but I suppose if you don't really push it then that should be OK. Can the car handle a day at the track have you ever experienced any adverse reaction by the car, things failing or breaking down due to the extremem use on a track?

[dace]

Make sure you use a good brand brake fluid. Even with the B7 set up, if the fluid is standard, you will get the dreaded fade.

Castrol SRF or Motul R600 is the best to use. Like Paul has said, to get the best out of the tyres check the pressures after your first session, when they are at their hottest. At this point I find 42psi gives the best traction. Just be careful on your first few laps of each session afterwards unitil the tyres get hot.

Unless you have an after run mod let the car run for 10 minutes after each session and don't put the hand brake on!! I leave the car to "cool down" for about 30 minutes between sessions. 6 sessions, of approx 15 minutes, in a full day is enough for you and the car IMO.

I have done over 16 days and believe me you will get hooked. Just take care.

[rtd]

Hi Dave, thanks for the advice is it worthwhile getting a different set of wheels and tyres just for the track?

[PaulF]

Has anyone here tracked a car with slicks. I was just thinking there is enough room in the car to take a spare set of wheels.

[dace]

Hi Dave, thanks for the advice is it worthwhile getting a different set of wheels and tyres just for the track?

I have two sets of wheels and tyres, however 50% of the time I leave my 19" bi-moto's on. Both sets handle very well indeed.

You will not scrub the tyres too much, if you keep an eye on the tyre temperatures.

[Brisel]

Is Donington a reasonably safe track for a novice? Are the run off areas big enough to get it together before a sudden expensive clout aginst a barrier?

[S4INT]

S4INT - I am getting the B7 brake upgrade very soon and all other fluids will be changed at the same time so car will be in good condition. Only thing I am paranoid about is going off the track crashing but I suppose if you don't really push it then that should be OK. Can the car handle a day at the track have you ever experienced any adverse reaction by the car, things failing or breaking down due to the extremem use on a track?

These cars can handle track use just fine, but you need to remember that are still a fairly heavy car and a lot of that weight is over the front axle, so the front brakes and tyres do get a really tough time.

As Dave said, its really important to do at least one full cooling lap without using the brakes before coming in (I sometimes do two) and your oil temps will be up around 130 degrees plus your water temp may even start to go over 90, so its crucial to lose as much heat as possible during those laps to avoid cooking brakes and engine.

You would have be pushing hard to lose an RS4 on track - the handling is very benign (understeer!) but as I said before, get an instructor to help you learn the track and the car limits and you'll be fine.

[S4INT]

Is Donington a reasonably safe track for a novice? Are the run off areas big enough to get it together before a sudden expensive clout aginst a barrier?

Donnington is great fun, but it is a race track proper, so there are barriers and gravel traps waiting for you if you get it wrong - I know, I've been in the gravel there....

Bedford is a better bet for a novice.

[S4INT]

Has anyone here tracked a car with slicks. I was just thinking there is enough room in the car to take a spare set of wheels.

A few of the guys on here have a spare set of wheels with track tyres on them and they do go in the boot no problem.

The only issue you have with doing this is keeping your road wheels secure while you are on track....

I've driven an RS4 on track tyres and the difference is amazing - you can carry a gear higher through corners than you can on road tyres and you can brake sooo late.

[Rs4Fan]

As Dave said, its really important to do at least one full cooling lap without using the brakes before coming in (I sometimes do two) and your oil temps will be up around 130 degrees plus your water temp may even start to go over 90, so its crucial to lose as much heat as possible during those laps to avoid cooking brakes and engine.

You would have be pushing hard to lose an RS4 on track - the handling is very benign (understeer!) but as I said before, get an instructor to help you learn the track and the car limits and you'll be fine.

+1

[GTMSpyder]

S4INT is right - Bedford Autodrome is an excellent place to start. Lots of run off, and nothing really to hit, so very safe, but still excellent with high and low speed corners. I've been there 10+ times and I'm still finding better ways round it. Most airfield circuits are also safe - Bruntingthorpe, Elvington for example, though maybe not as good as Bedford.

Donnington has some tricky high speed corners (Cramer Curves) with deep gravel (not kind to paintwork) and hard barriers in other places. Goodwood can be (has been) lethal. Combe is very fast. Silverstone is too wide and open to be interesting at realistic speeds. Brands can be OK but again gravel and barriers.

Finally, I wouldn't go with slicks to begin with. They can be a nightmare when they're cold and will give your brakes and suspension a much harder time if you use all their grip. Slicks can also be pretty sudden when they lose grip, especially if you're on road suspension with a lot more body roll than they are designed to work with.

Wherever you go, just enjoy it and let the speed build up as you feel more at home. There will always be someone faster and usually be someone slower. Oh and NEVER go out in the last 15 minutes of the day - its when people often just have to try that little bit harder before the session finishes.......

[DavidT]

We're running one at Bedford 17th Jan, you're all welcome http://audisrs.com/about2536.html

[Chubby]

S4INT is right - ....

Would be a first..... he's usually second...