Thunderhill Dec 23rd!
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^good advice.
My advice:
-If it's your first track day, ride along with an experienced driver before you get on the track.
-go to all the download sessions
-watch thunderhill videos on youtube
-don't show up hungover (obvious one, but should be stated)
I'm not an expert by any means, but here is a vid of me at ThunderHill (running counter-clockwise with the bypass at turn 5)
My advice:
-If it's your first track day, ride along with an experienced driver before you get on the track.
-go to all the download sessions
-watch thunderhill videos on youtube
-don't show up hungover (obvious one, but should be stated)
I'm not an expert by any means, but here is a vid of me at ThunderHill (running counter-clockwise with the bypass at turn 5)
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Hey maybe we should meet up some time or have a meet or whatever to help people or give tips on tech inspection. Does that sound like a good idea?
I am thinking I should have maybe chosen advanced. I am also happy to help out in between sessions. Been doing this, mostly with NASA, since 2001 with many sessions at Laguna, Sears and T-Hill and I used to volunteer/work NASA Safety "tow truck fun-seat" during HPDE and for the 25 Hour Races in 2007 and 2008.
For those of you that have never been on a track before and are worried about your swaybar settings or your double-clutching abilities, please don't worry about any of that. The most important things to do is make sure your car will pass tech, is in good working order, and get lots of rest!!
While on track, you will be getting used to driving with a helmet on, following and understanding what corner workers are doing, and being attentive to other traffic. The best thing in the world is to not even try to go "fast" or do anything fancy at all in your first session. Some would say your first 10 sessions but hey, whatever. Learn the line, exaggerate your turns to get the car where it would be as soon as you start carrying more speed, listen to the guidance of instructors and track officials!!!!!!! So important.
It's also critically important to recognize when you are holding up traffic, and let people by. You are going to have so much fun it's going to blow your mind! You are going to get to learn how your car behaves in situations you have never even been close to out there on the public roads. There's nothing like a track day, and Thunderhill is hands-down my favorite.

I am thinking I should have maybe chosen advanced. I am also happy to help out in between sessions. Been doing this, mostly with NASA, since 2001 with many sessions at Laguna, Sears and T-Hill and I used to volunteer/work NASA Safety "tow truck fun-seat" during HPDE and for the 25 Hour Races in 2007 and 2008.
For those of you that have never been on a track before and are worried about your swaybar settings or your double-clutching abilities, please don't worry about any of that. The most important things to do is make sure your car will pass tech, is in good working order, and get lots of rest!!
While on track, you will be getting used to driving with a helmet on, following and understanding what corner workers are doing, and being attentive to other traffic. The best thing in the world is to not even try to go "fast" or do anything fancy at all in your first session. Some would say your first 10 sessions but hey, whatever. Learn the line, exaggerate your turns to get the car where it would be as soon as you start carrying more speed, listen to the guidance of instructors and track officials!!!!!!! So important.
It's also critically important to recognize when you are holding up traffic, and let people by. You are going to have so much fun it's going to blow your mind! You are going to get to learn how your car behaves in situations you have never even been close to out there on the public roads. There's nothing like a track day, and Thunderhill is hands-down my favorite.

ONE super big tip, don't try to be a hero, take it easy and pick up your pace gradually
Tires, oil, cooling, brakes are most important. If any of those go wrong, any type of setup will not matter!
Last edited by MonsterGC; Nov 6, 2012 at 09:11 PM.
Can anyone bring a pyrometer? They are great for tuning tire pressures. Also, learning about setting/reading/changing tire pressures throughout the day has been one of the most interesting things as well as one of the most important things to keep tabs on during the day. Incorrect tire pressures can ruin your tires, and your day.
Nobody likes the tuna here
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Gabe did you hit the outer dirt @3:50?
What do you have done on the car now? and what were you running in the video?
What do you have done on the car now? and what were you running in the video?
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My car has zero power mods in that video, same right now too. DD setup = track setup, lol.
-Whiteline 24/22 sways
-Hawk HP+ pads
-Star Specs
Hopefully, I'll have an Accessport before this track day. Plan on going?
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I'll be at Laguna Seca with NCRC on the 23rd.
I'll actually be at Thunderhill next weekend with Blacktrax. I'm hoping for some dry weather hehe. You should sign up if you're free that day!