It doesn’t matter how much a car costs, if they’re at the track they bought the car cuz they like the car, you’re faster because you’re a better driver, not because of the arbitrary cost of your car
Track insurance. Typically normal insurance won't cover on-track damage. Accidents aren't always the driver's fault. Sometimes a BMW drops coolant on the track and becomes quit slick (something I've seen numerous times).
New brake fluid. Most track days require recent brake fluid. The older the fluid, the easier it boils.
A novice driver with a right seat coach is at low risk of an incident. Not zero risk but pretty unlikely. Most beginner track drivers are way under the limits of their car and the instructor will rein them in if needed. Most of the incidents are in the more experienced run groups.
https://preview.redd.it/n5r5m3qryezc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99f81c8b50a24225003d11649df28d0f5095bf06
First event in my new to me 991.1. This car is a beast. Love the paddle shift along with 480hp in a 2500 pound race car!
I’ve been the hobby over 20 years, including being an instructor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a totaled car in a novice run group. Other groups, sure. At Homestead Speedway today taking delivery of my 991.1 Cup car. With no track insurance. 😊
As I said to another poster. I saw a Viper go into the trees during a cooldown lap in the noob group. On a spot on the track it should have been impossible to drive into normally
>With no track insurance.
Hope that's not famous last words.
Watched a guy put a Viper into the trees...on the cool-down lap. One season, I saw a totaled car every other track day. It was the worst I'd ever seen.
It depends on the track too. Some tracks have plenty of run-off room. Some the walls are right next to the track.
I only track cars I can afford to lose.
1000% track insurance. It's a goddamn expensive car. Imagine how it would feel if it got smashed due to no fault of your own and you had to just eat the cost.
If there are instructors available, have one ride along.
Buy track insurance first and foremost. A wreck means the car is written off, or if repairable, then repair costs would be out of pocket. Always opt for 10% deductible. Even if it costs a little more. An extra $50 would have been the difference between a 4 digit deductible, vs a 5 digit deductible. Hagerty, Lockton, and Open Track all offer them. Open Track was the least expensive for my 718 for the last event I went to.
Check tires to make sure they have tread. Ensure that brake pad thickness is at least 50% or more. Bring a tire pressure gauge(like a real one, not those stick ones) and a 12V air pump. The instructor will very likely suggest tire pressure changes, and you want a pump to put air back in to the tires when you go home. Check lug bolt torque. Ensure proper oil level. Turbo engines are thirsty and you can see the fuel gauge deplete in real time. If there are no gas stations nearby, it might be a good idea to buy one or 2 of those Lucas 5 gallon fuel can and the nozzle, which is sold separately. 2 of them should fit side by side with room to spare in the frunk, like it does on my 718. If there's a gas station on track, expect to pay double or triple street price for 91/93 per gallon.
Other than that, have fun and listen to the instructor and pay close attention to how the organizers run the event, so you can safely navigate in and out of a hot track.
Great comment above- covered the basic well but I will add on. Regarding tire pressures you are probably going to want to drop pressures with an eye toward as hot pressure of 34 or so depending on car/track. That means before your first session (and depending on how warm it is outside) you will want to drop your pressures to maybe 29-30psi (assuming a green run group I can’t see adding more than 4-5 psi since you won’t be cornering or braking as hard as more experienced drivers. Bit of you fail to drop pressures your tire will get too hot and greasy and ruin your session
* Bring a nice tire pressure gauge, even though most cars have on-board pressure gauges now. If you want to be extra prepared, bring a small compressor to refill tires. You’ll probably air them down significantly as they heat way up.
* Bring a torque wrench with you so you can check your lugs before/after your sessions, surprisingly, they do loosen after hitting some rumble strips and such.
* Bring zip-ties. Just do it.
* Make sure you know where your front tow-hook is, and install it. If you do have an off and get beached, they’re going to remove your car. Make it easy on them so you don’t need to sustain more damage when they tow you out.
* Bring and drink lots of water, like as much as you can stand. Be pissing clear all day.
* Sun hat and sun screen. You’re almost certainly going to bake. Even if there’s some cloud cover, UV rays work their magic. Everyone looks like a dork after being in a helmet anyways, save yourself from sun exposure.
* Remove anything that isn’t tied down. Floor mats and all. The last thing you want is for something to get stuck under a brake pedal at 100+ mph. Just leave all your extra stuff at home.
* Pack in a plastic container or something if you’re driving your car to and from the track. If you don’t have another vehicle with you, when you’re on track you’ll want to leave everything else in the paddock, be able to pack all your crap into a box so nothing blows away or gets rained on.
This is spot on with what I do. The only thing I’d add:
Change the brake fluid. Anything older than like 6-9 months, I’d change. Just have them put the high performance SRF in.
I boiled the OEM Porsche brake fluid in my Cayman S and the fluid was 9 or so months old. It was kind of a last minute track weekend and I figured it’d be ok.
The brake pedal went to the floor on the back straight. I felt the brakes start fading in the 2 corners before so I checked them well before entry and that’s when they went to the floor. I had just enough time to let off the gas and engine brake a hair to make it through the corner without a bigger incident but it was hairy
SRF only for me now
This list is gold.
You will be surprised how taxing a 15 minute session is on your body, by the end of the day you will be worked.
Follow a slow car that is fast on the track. It doesn’t matter if it is a beater, if the car keeps catching you, let them by and observe what they are doing, they may show you how to be faster yourself.
There are plenty of posts here and also r/cartrackdays
Do a quick search
And don't worry, it's easy. You might need some mechanical work, tires, brake fluid, etc.
Just have fun and drive at your own pace. Do not. Do not. DO NOT. Try to go over your own limit and comfort level. It's not a race. There is no trophy.
Bring a lot of water and snacks. Bring a chair and towels. Staying comfortable and hydrated and nourished goes a long way in helping you last thru the day but don't eat anything heavy.
I usually just bring meal bars and bananas for potassium.
Lastly, in case I wasn't clear... DON'T GO OVER YOUR LIMIT OR COMFORT LEVEL AND DO NOT TRY TO RACE OR KEEP UP WITH FASTER GUYS!!!
Have fun and enjoy it at your own pace.
Targa is an awesome car. Not really the best track car, so he needs to be smart. He already has the engine hanging off the back with a heavy center of gravity due to the awesome Targa top. Have him listen to his instructor and go slow. He will be fine, but giving plenty of point bys.
Make sure all fluids are fresh, oil, water, brake lines. Also check brake pads and tires have plenty of life. Though presumably a new 992 would still be good and fresh.
You have to drive slow to be fast later.
Get to know the track, best with an instructor and follow the sound advice given already!
Enjoy your track day!
Enjoy and learn the track.
Go with an instructor and learn the track, when to brake, how to tackle corners properly.
If he hasn't already, I'd highly suggest the Porsche Driving School (afterwards). I had a blast in the winter one.
I haven’t seen it on the list but do a cool down lap and then cruise around the paddock to keep air moving through the car, don’t race the car to the last second, bring it straight in, and turn it off.
Sure. If you engage the parking brake the heat around the brake components can destroy or even melt the rotor. And as you probably know the brake rotors on a 911 are not cheap.
I track my 991.1 S and I do it out of caution.
Basically, come to a stop like you normally do and put the car in park only or, if you have a stick, turn off the engine and leave it in gear. Don’t fuse your parking brake to the rotor.
Embrace being a beginner and just listen and don’t act like you’re a bad ass. Arrive early and ask if an instructor will do a few laps in the passenger seat. Don’t let them drive the car as you might shit your pants. Have fun
My dad did the same with his 992 Carrera S. One thing we wish we had done was bring more snacks and Capri-Suns. Track insurance is a smart investment as well. We were fortunate enough for no accidents to occur, but it never hurts to be sure. Always wear a helmet. Carbon ceramic brakes aren't a necessity. My dad's Carrera is on the steel brakes and they held up really well for the duration we were there. One thing that my friend suggested was bringing gloves if you don't want your wheel to get all sweaty and potentially slippery.
This was pretty recent, actually. I'm still a teenager and my dad bought it several months ago but never really had the opportunity to take it to an actual racetrack until late January 2024, so it's still a pretty recent memory.
I’ve heard the Porsche club track days are always more civilized and have a lot less reckless people, even though you don’t have to have a Porsche to track at a Porsche club. My first car track day will hopefully be with a Porsche club hosting it
My husband destroyed the engine on his c6 corvette during his first track event. That was a $10k mistake.
I never tracked any of my 911s. For me, the risk was too high.
Track insurance is a must!
Ideally he would’ve informed his local mechanic and done a track prep service a day or two before the event, they’ll do everything and check everything to ensure a trouble free day, A post service wouldn’t go astray either.
If your track event has a beginner group that does lead follows I’d recommend getting started there just to follow an instructor around the track and get to know the lines
If possible get an instructor to ride along with him in the other sessions
Don’t push your limits without knowing where they are (I’m sure your dad is just there for a fun time anyways)
The car will be fine it’s very unlikely he will be able to cook the brakes even on stock pads, these cars are extremely capable. Make sure he’s got an instructor he will have a blast. Make sure he keeps all the traction control on. Rear engine is still not perfect.
No ceramics is good, especially for a beginner. They’re great for on the streets but after heavy heat cycling on a track you’d need new ones. My dad raced Carrera Cup and when they all did a customer day in the 991.2 RS road cars, seven out of the 8 cooked a set of discs and pads at 5 grand a set. In terms of advice for your dad, ease in to it. Spend the first 5 laps surveying the track, pushing braking points a little further each time til you’re as close to the limit as you want to be. Be mindful of the track day rules, let cars past, don’t take any risks and focus on having fun
Get separate brake pads. Slower is faster. Drop the ego at the front gate. Listen to your instructor. Bring a jack, tire pressure gauge, and other track day tools. Have fun!
They should have required classroom instruction for novices and an instructor in your passenger seat at least for the first session. After you’ve done a few sessions and feeling more confident, let the instructor drive with you as a passenger so you can get humbled again. Stay humble or you will fuck up.
Brake fluid, new brake pads, helmet, tires and an understanding the car he is driving, is a lot and he needs to go to have fun not to set records. No matter how good he thinks he will be, ok nice you start to make a mistake it is very hard to save it.
Coaching/instructors are also a great thing to get your first couple runs out on the track. They'll point out things you should look for and avoid (dips in the track).
The first track day is about fun and learning the ropes. Second and third he will have more balls than skill. 4th+ should simmer a bit but at some point everybody bins in whether grass or ya try and move the wall. Track insurance is key but also knowing where your limit is.
If you are going with the PCA or some other reputable group, you will be fine. They will let you drive at your own pace. No need to change anything out the car. Get the car tech inspected to check if tires, brakes and fluids are ok.
Many guys have said very valuable things. Especially letting very slow cars with very fast drivers by is important.
Another niche thing I‘d like to point out: the AWD models are more aggressive and difficult to catch if the rear gets lose. I recommend ESC Sport and NOT fully off. Also, if you begin to feel softness in the brake pedal, immediately go for a cool down lap. Overheating brakes don’t happen often in 911s, but if they do, they come fairly quickly and are devastating.
Source with the AWD: picture
https://preview.redd.it/lt21h2wlb9zc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69a93417e1572a626a286a7e9e19684285c7d2cd
Few tips, watch a few videos on YouTube, don’t push yourself, and when in doubt don’t… people crash because they doubt what gear to chose to brake or don’t brake, so better start slow the first day… as I mean really slow.
Make sure tire pressure is right, make sure wheel nuts are tight (not now but 10min before tracktime) take a bottle of oil and coolant with you
Make sure you do an oil change before and one after…
Oh and if the track is wet or moist, just don’t. I have no clue how aggressive a 4s is ( I track my 930 and a 944 turbo) but go slow learn the car, you get punished for every little mistake…
I'd only tracked my E36 a few times before she got rear-ended (RIP). My grandfather was a driving instructor with PCA and my dad club raced so I had plenty of help, thankfully. Others have given solid lists of what to bring.
Learn the track as best as he can beforehand. My first event was at Watkins Glen so I did dozens of laps at the Glen on Forza with my car. I watched onboards of professional drivers, but he wont/shouldnt do what they do (different line, braking point, etc). Knowing what corner comes next and getting a sense of the racing line as well as braking points (Forza was remarkably accurate in this regard) helped me quite a bit, imo.
What track and which group is running the event? Also, PDK or manual? I've only done PCA's HPDE, but have heard plenty of stories about other groups letting novices do some seriously risky shit on track.
Tell him to listen to his instructor who will be in the car at all times, listen and follow the instructor’s directions, and tell your dad to not question the instruction and stfu. He will have a blast. Oh he will be a slow ass car even though he has the most modern car, some old 996 base Carrera will fly by him after he gives the pass signal, and it is perfectly fine.
Fans, beef jerky, a cooler full of double the water you think you will drink, pop up tent and some weights to hold it down
Helmet coolers(fans) are the shit as well.
Just my experience from my first motorcycle track day. You’ll be wearing significantly less gear, but it’s more draining than you think it will be.
Lots of good advice in here.
Personally I couldn't imagine doing a first track day without an instructor, particularly if you don't know about fundamentals like weight transfer, how to brake (hard but smooth, always in a straight line), eyes ahead, a proper driving line, what flags mean and where the stations are, point bys, passing zones, presenting before a pass, mirror tapping to acknowledge someone presenting behind you, what to do if you go off, etc.
Although these things should be explained in the classroom before sessions begin, it can be pretty overwhelming, especially when you're in a situation where things move fast and there's the potential for great harm to yourself and your car. Having an instructor in the car to guide you through all of that is immensely helpful.
Get plenty of rest the night before. It may sound weird, but a track day is often physically exhausting. I think your brain expends a ton of energy.
If the car doesn't have PPF, wax the front end to help reduce rock chips. Some people tape the shit out of it with painters tape.
Be prepared to give a point buy to a person in a stock engined Miata.
I love tracking my S2k just to see how many cars I can pass that cost 5x as much
You know what they say, it’s not the car it’s the driver :)
_Saluting, while shouting…_ #”I LIVE MY LIFE A QUARTER-MILE AT A TIME!” Sorry, I’ll get down from my desk now.
Mubble mubble FAMILY mubble mubble
Poor mouse
It doesn’t matter how much a car costs, if they’re at the track they bought the car cuz they like the car, you’re faster because you’re a better driver, not because of the arbitrary cost of your car
The look on those drivers with C8s as you go wide.
lol truth
Track insurance. Typically normal insurance won't cover on-track damage. Accidents aren't always the driver's fault. Sometimes a BMW drops coolant on the track and becomes quit slick (something I've seen numerous times). New brake fluid. Most track days require recent brake fluid. The older the fluid, the easier it boils.
Any hot tips for companies to research for track day insurance?
Hagerty, Lockton, OpenTrack
Hagerty is my go to company. Last year they gave me a refund after my car died on the way up to the track.
Thank you!
Shout out to OpenTrack for coverage and easy payout on a total loss
Sorry for your loss 😔
Thank you!
A novice driver with a right seat coach is at low risk of an incident. Not zero risk but pretty unlikely. Most beginner track drivers are way under the limits of their car and the instructor will rein them in if needed. Most of the incidents are in the more experienced run groups.
It depends on your comfort level I guess. Over a 10 year period, I've seen more totaled cars at track days than I can count. I don't assume anything.
https://preview.redd.it/n5r5m3qryezc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99f81c8b50a24225003d11649df28d0f5095bf06 First event in my new to me 991.1. This car is a beast. Love the paddle shift along with 480hp in a 2500 pound race car!
I’ve been the hobby over 20 years, including being an instructor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a totaled car in a novice run group. Other groups, sure. At Homestead Speedway today taking delivery of my 991.1 Cup car. With no track insurance. 😊
As I said to another poster. I saw a Viper go into the trees during a cooldown lap in the noob group. On a spot on the track it should have been impossible to drive into normally >With no track insurance. Hope that's not famous last words.
Not sure too necessary in a green run group. I cannot remember the last time there was an accident in novice group
Watched a guy put a Viper into the trees...on the cool-down lap. One season, I saw a totaled car every other track day. It was the worst I'd ever seen. It depends on the track too. Some tracks have plenty of run-off room. Some the walls are right next to the track. I only track cars I can afford to lose.
Unless it's raining
Track brake fluid too!
1000% track insurance. It's a goddamn expensive car. Imagine how it would feel if it got smashed due to no fault of your own and you had to just eat the cost.
If there are instructors available, have one ride along. Buy track insurance first and foremost. A wreck means the car is written off, or if repairable, then repair costs would be out of pocket. Always opt for 10% deductible. Even if it costs a little more. An extra $50 would have been the difference between a 4 digit deductible, vs a 5 digit deductible. Hagerty, Lockton, and Open Track all offer them. Open Track was the least expensive for my 718 for the last event I went to. Check tires to make sure they have tread. Ensure that brake pad thickness is at least 50% or more. Bring a tire pressure gauge(like a real one, not those stick ones) and a 12V air pump. The instructor will very likely suggest tire pressure changes, and you want a pump to put air back in to the tires when you go home. Check lug bolt torque. Ensure proper oil level. Turbo engines are thirsty and you can see the fuel gauge deplete in real time. If there are no gas stations nearby, it might be a good idea to buy one or 2 of those Lucas 5 gallon fuel can and the nozzle, which is sold separately. 2 of them should fit side by side with room to spare in the frunk, like it does on my 718. If there's a gas station on track, expect to pay double or triple street price for 91/93 per gallon. Other than that, have fun and listen to the instructor and pay close attention to how the organizers run the event, so you can safely navigate in and out of a hot track.
Thank you. I haven’t done a day yet but this is what I needed to mentally prepare.
^^ this guy tracks!
+1000 for getting an instructor +1 for OpenTrack insurance
Great comment above- covered the basic well but I will add on. Regarding tire pressures you are probably going to want to drop pressures with an eye toward as hot pressure of 34 or so depending on car/track. That means before your first session (and depending on how warm it is outside) you will want to drop your pressures to maybe 29-30psi (assuming a green run group I can’t see adding more than 4-5 psi since you won’t be cornering or braking as hard as more experienced drivers. Bit of you fail to drop pressures your tire will get too hot and greasy and ruin your session
* Bring a nice tire pressure gauge, even though most cars have on-board pressure gauges now. If you want to be extra prepared, bring a small compressor to refill tires. You’ll probably air them down significantly as they heat way up. * Bring a torque wrench with you so you can check your lugs before/after your sessions, surprisingly, they do loosen after hitting some rumble strips and such. * Bring zip-ties. Just do it. * Make sure you know where your front tow-hook is, and install it. If you do have an off and get beached, they’re going to remove your car. Make it easy on them so you don’t need to sustain more damage when they tow you out. * Bring and drink lots of water, like as much as you can stand. Be pissing clear all day. * Sun hat and sun screen. You’re almost certainly going to bake. Even if there’s some cloud cover, UV rays work their magic. Everyone looks like a dork after being in a helmet anyways, save yourself from sun exposure. * Remove anything that isn’t tied down. Floor mats and all. The last thing you want is for something to get stuck under a brake pedal at 100+ mph. Just leave all your extra stuff at home. * Pack in a plastic container or something if you’re driving your car to and from the track. If you don’t have another vehicle with you, when you’re on track you’ll want to leave everything else in the paddock, be able to pack all your crap into a box so nothing blows away or gets rained on.
This is spot on with what I do. The only thing I’d add: Change the brake fluid. Anything older than like 6-9 months, I’d change. Just have them put the high performance SRF in. I boiled the OEM Porsche brake fluid in my Cayman S and the fluid was 9 or so months old. It was kind of a last minute track weekend and I figured it’d be ok. The brake pedal went to the floor on the back straight. I felt the brakes start fading in the 2 corners before so I checked them well before entry and that’s when they went to the floor. I had just enough time to let off the gas and engine brake a hair to make it through the corner without a bigger incident but it was hairy SRF only for me now
Great advice. I would add bring a folding chair. Absolutely spot on about the water
This list is gold. You will be surprised how taxing a 15 minute session is on your body, by the end of the day you will be worked. Follow a slow car that is fast on the track. It doesn’t matter if it is a beater, if the car keeps catching you, let them by and observe what they are doing, they may show you how to be faster yourself.
There are plenty of posts here and also r/cartrackdays Do a quick search And don't worry, it's easy. You might need some mechanical work, tires, brake fluid, etc.
I'll add alignment and wheels balanced.
Thank you!
Listen to the instructor and have fun
Just have fun and drive at your own pace. Do not. Do not. DO NOT. Try to go over your own limit and comfort level. It's not a race. There is no trophy. Bring a lot of water and snacks. Bring a chair and towels. Staying comfortable and hydrated and nourished goes a long way in helping you last thru the day but don't eat anything heavy. I usually just bring meal bars and bananas for potassium. Lastly, in case I wasn't clear... DON'T GO OVER YOUR LIMIT OR COMFORT LEVEL AND DO NOT TRY TO RACE OR KEEP UP WITH FASTER GUYS!!! Have fun and enjoy it at your own pace.
Extra engine oil
Targa is an awesome car. Not really the best track car, so he needs to be smart. He already has the engine hanging off the back with a heavy center of gravity due to the awesome Targa top. Have him listen to his instructor and go slow. He will be fine, but giving plenty of point bys.
Probably do it in someone else’s car first, also make sure your insurance covers track days.. vast vast majority will not.
Just get on the day insurance so you don’t even have to ring your day to insurance company
Make sure all fluids are fresh, oil, water, brake lines. Also check brake pads and tires have plenty of life. Though presumably a new 992 would still be good and fresh.
Definitely get an instructor. Remember smooth inputs throttle, braking, and steering are critical for a fast lap
You have to drive slow to be fast later. Get to know the track, best with an instructor and follow the sound advice given already! Enjoy your track day!
Enjoy and learn the track. Go with an instructor and learn the track, when to brake, how to tackle corners properly. If he hasn't already, I'd highly suggest the Porsche Driving School (afterwards). I had a blast in the winter one.
I haven’t seen it on the list but do a cool down lap and then cruise around the paddock to keep air moving through the car, don’t race the car to the last second, bring it straight in, and turn it off.
Good one, I do this
Most track day groups require tech inspections. A good one from an experienced shop will really help.
Thanks y’all I’ll make sure to transmit him all of that!
Do NOT engage the parking brake when coming hot off the track. Put the car in park but do not engage the actual parking brake itself.
Could you please explain why is that the case ?
Sure. If you engage the parking brake the heat around the brake components can destroy or even melt the rotor. And as you probably know the brake rotors on a 911 are not cheap. I track my 991.1 S and I do it out of caution.
Basically, come to a stop like you normally do and put the car in park only or, if you have a stick, turn off the engine and leave it in gear. Don’t fuse your parking brake to the rotor.
Embrace being a beginner and just listen and don’t act like you’re a bad ass. Arrive early and ask if an instructor will do a few laps in the passenger seat. Don’t let them drive the car as you might shit your pants. Have fun
Don’t die.
My dad did the same with his 992 Carrera S. One thing we wish we had done was bring more snacks and Capri-Suns. Track insurance is a smart investment as well. We were fortunate enough for no accidents to occur, but it never hurts to be sure. Always wear a helmet. Carbon ceramic brakes aren't a necessity. My dad's Carrera is on the steel brakes and they held up really well for the duration we were there. One thing that my friend suggested was bringing gloves if you don't want your wheel to get all sweaty and potentially slippery.
Thank you so much you are reassuring me haha, how old were you and your dad when this happened ?
This was pretty recent, actually. I'm still a teenager and my dad bought it several months ago but never really had the opportunity to take it to an actual racetrack until late January 2024, so it's still a pretty recent memory.
That’s so great !
Go and observe one and try and get passenger laps to get feel of it
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Disastrous_Cup_3279: *Go and observe one* *And try and get passenger* *Laps to get feel of it* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
The advice in this thread is amazing.
I’ve heard the Porsche club track days are always more civilized and have a lot less reckless people, even though you don’t have to have a Porsche to track at a Porsche club. My first car track day will hopefully be with a Porsche club hosting it
My husband destroyed the engine on his c6 corvette during his first track event. That was a $10k mistake. I never tracked any of my 911s. For me, the risk was too high. Track insurance is a must!
Interesting, a C6 shut down one of my track days when it disintegrated and left a million pieces all over the track. Any chance his car was yellow 😆
Money shift?
Ideally he would’ve informed his local mechanic and done a track prep service a day or two before the event, they’ll do everything and check everything to ensure a trouble free day, A post service wouldn’t go astray either.
If your track event has a beginner group that does lead follows I’d recommend getting started there just to follow an instructor around the track and get to know the lines If possible get an instructor to ride along with him in the other sessions Don’t push your limits without knowing where they are (I’m sure your dad is just there for a fun time anyways)
The car will be fine it’s very unlikely he will be able to cook the brakes even on stock pads, these cars are extremely capable. Make sure he’s got an instructor he will have a blast. Make sure he keeps all the traction control on. Rear engine is still not perfect.
That’s the first time he’ll really be able to enjoy his car haha
No ceramics is good, especially for a beginner. They’re great for on the streets but after heavy heat cycling on a track you’d need new ones. My dad raced Carrera Cup and when they all did a customer day in the 991.2 RS road cars, seven out of the 8 cooked a set of discs and pads at 5 grand a set. In terms of advice for your dad, ease in to it. Spend the first 5 laps surveying the track, pushing braking points a little further each time til you’re as close to the limit as you want to be. Be mindful of the track day rules, let cars past, don’t take any risks and focus on having fun
Get separate brake pads. Slower is faster. Drop the ego at the front gate. Listen to your instructor. Bring a jack, tire pressure gauge, and other track day tools. Have fun!
A humble attitude and tempered driving or else be prepared to bust out that checkbook.
It’s not a race.
Smooth is fast and fast is smooth.
Lot of good info here
Do Not Show Off On Cold Tires
Sunscreen, bigass hat, comfy shoes and snacks. Beginner has a good bit of downtime. Hope they get a good instructor.
Think with your upper head, not your lower.
You just screwed ur dad by posting this.
Helmet?
They’re given directly at track day
Ideally you want your own not a rental, I used a rental once and it was a bit gross
They should have required classroom instruction for novices and an instructor in your passenger seat at least for the first session. After you’ve done a few sessions and feeling more confident, let the instructor drive with you as a passenger so you can get humbled again. Stay humble or you will fuck up.
Brake fluid, new brake pads, helmet, tires and an understanding the car he is driving, is a lot and he needs to go to have fun not to set records. No matter how good he thinks he will be, ok nice you start to make a mistake it is very hard to save it. Coaching/instructors are also a great thing to get your first couple runs out on the track. They'll point out things you should look for and avoid (dips in the track). The first track day is about fun and learning the ropes. Second and third he will have more balls than skill. 4th+ should simmer a bit but at some point everybody bins in whether grass or ya try and move the wall. Track insurance is key but also knowing where your limit is.
If you are going with the PCA or some other reputable group, you will be fine. They will let you drive at your own pace. No need to change anything out the car. Get the car tech inspected to check if tires, brakes and fluids are ok.
Many guys have said very valuable things. Especially letting very slow cars with very fast drivers by is important. Another niche thing I‘d like to point out: the AWD models are more aggressive and difficult to catch if the rear gets lose. I recommend ESC Sport and NOT fully off. Also, if you begin to feel softness in the brake pedal, immediately go for a cool down lap. Overheating brakes don’t happen often in 911s, but if they do, they come fairly quickly and are devastating. Source with the AWD: picture https://preview.redd.it/lt21h2wlb9zc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69a93417e1572a626a286a7e9e19684285c7d2cd
Few tips, watch a few videos on YouTube, don’t push yourself, and when in doubt don’t… people crash because they doubt what gear to chose to brake or don’t brake, so better start slow the first day… as I mean really slow. Make sure tire pressure is right, make sure wheel nuts are tight (not now but 10min before tracktime) take a bottle of oil and coolant with you Make sure you do an oil change before and one after… Oh and if the track is wet or moist, just don’t. I have no clue how aggressive a 4s is ( I track my 930 and a 944 turbo) but go slow learn the car, you get punished for every little mistake…
I'd say do it with someone else's car if you can
This thread is fascinating. Thank you all. Do you find a new side of your Porsche and yourself after first track experience?
Empty out your glovebox.
Just bring some common sense and responsibility.
If things get hairy, step on the gas pedal.
race insurance.
It’s been said - higher performance brake fluid. It’s a must do. Everything else is a bonus. But hydrating can be pretty important too.
Shiny side up.
Don’t get YouTube-itis and try to video everything. Focus on the track, and use the whole track - you paid for it.
I'd only tracked my E36 a few times before she got rear-ended (RIP). My grandfather was a driving instructor with PCA and my dad club raced so I had plenty of help, thankfully. Others have given solid lists of what to bring. Learn the track as best as he can beforehand. My first event was at Watkins Glen so I did dozens of laps at the Glen on Forza with my car. I watched onboards of professional drivers, but he wont/shouldnt do what they do (different line, braking point, etc). Knowing what corner comes next and getting a sense of the racing line as well as braking points (Forza was remarkably accurate in this regard) helped me quite a bit, imo. What track and which group is running the event? Also, PDK or manual? I've only done PCA's HPDE, but have heard plenty of stories about other groups letting novices do some seriously risky shit on track.
Tell him to listen to his instructor who will be in the car at all times, listen and follow the instructor’s directions, and tell your dad to not question the instruction and stfu. He will have a blast. Oh he will be a slow ass car even though he has the most modern car, some old 996 base Carrera will fly by him after he gives the pass signal, and it is perfectly fine.
Insurance
Leave the ego at home, ask lots of questions and seek guidance from instructors. No one was good on their first day.
Fans, beef jerky, a cooler full of double the water you think you will drink, pop up tent and some weights to hold it down Helmet coolers(fans) are the shit as well. Just my experience from my first motorcycle track day. You’ll be wearing significantly less gear, but it’s more draining than you think it will be.
Pads and fluid
Personally, I rent track cars. But, that’s just me.
Lots of good advice in here. Personally I couldn't imagine doing a first track day without an instructor, particularly if you don't know about fundamentals like weight transfer, how to brake (hard but smooth, always in a straight line), eyes ahead, a proper driving line, what flags mean and where the stations are, point bys, passing zones, presenting before a pass, mirror tapping to acknowledge someone presenting behind you, what to do if you go off, etc. Although these things should be explained in the classroom before sessions begin, it can be pretty overwhelming, especially when you're in a situation where things move fast and there's the potential for great harm to yourself and your car. Having an instructor in the car to guide you through all of that is immensely helpful. Get plenty of rest the night before. It may sound weird, but a track day is often physically exhausting. I think your brain expends a ton of energy. If the car doesn't have PPF, wax the front end to help reduce rock chips. Some people tape the shit out of it with painters tape.
Don’t die and enjoy 😊
Take it easy and don’t get into an ego battle. You’ll get passed by much cheaper and slower cars.
Brake fluid should be less than 1 yr old. Tires, brakes, cooling system should all be in good shape.
Does he have a ride-along instructor? If not, this sounds like like a bad idea for the sake of his and others' safety.
Nope he doesn’t have one
Make an appointment ahead of time to flush all the fluids and change the oil.
Get track brake fluid, race pads, cup 2s
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