barryl

Hello,

I understand some of you lucky people will driving on the track soon.
For many of you I assume it will be your first time on the track, and
your first time driving an A8 on the track. Driving on the track is a real
hoot, just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
However, there are also serious risks involved, so be aware.

Some info for you:

1. Brakes
Heavy cars are hard on brakes.
Cars with high horsepower are hard on brakes.
Novice drivers are hard on brakes.

If you car is not a Porsche or a Ferrari, the stock brakes most likely
are not up to the rigors of track driving. So, make sure your brakes
are in the best condition possible BEFORE you get to the track. This
means pads that are at full thickness, rotors that are at full thickness,
and brake fluid that is fresh, and preferrably high temperature rated.
When you are driving, be aware of the signs of boiled brake fluid:
soft pedal, more pedal pressure required to slow down. If you experience
that, don't panic, just take it easy.

When your track session is over, drive the last lap easy, try to not
use your brakes at all the last lap. Then, when in the paddock, don't
put the hand brake on.

Bring extra brake fluid. If you boil the fluid day one, you can bleed
them before day two.

2. Tires
Street tires are not designed for track use. You are best off running
higher pressure than normal. Talk to others at the track for suggestions.
Check your tires before EACH run session. Pay extra attention to the
inside and outside edges. Your car will probably have a lot of roll
when cornering. This will really beat up the outside edge. So pay
attention to your tires.

3. Your physical and mental condition.
Driving on the track is physically and mentally difficult. Get plenty of
rest, drink lots of fluids. Concentrate concentrate concentrate. If you
start to lose your focus don't be ashamed to sit out a session or
park the car early. The results of losing your concentration, even for
a moment, can be disasterous. I have seen cars wrecked on the
cool down lap because people lost their focus.

4. You should have an instructor in the car with you. Listen to your
instructor. Don't try to impress or scare your instructor. If they are
decent, they scare themselves enough so that they don't need you
to do it also!

5. Have a great time.

I will be driving at Pocono Raceway Saturday with Metro NY PCA.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Have fun, drive fast, be safe.

Barry

LenVOS8

Please let me know how you like your day at Pocono - I plan to go for a day in early August with PDA out of NJ. They will be running the long course that weekend. I plan to put new racing pads on for that day.

escapA8

I had a mechanic check everything the week before getting on the track. Always a good thing to do. I had stock brakes (over 50% left) and all-weather tires (I still drive on the same set believe it or not!). I did loose about 2-4 mm off my tires during the track sessions. You have to remember that a session lasts only about 20-30 minutes, but that is plenty long for that kind of intense driving.

Tips I always seem to have in the back of my mind:

1.Gradually build up your confidence with and feel for the car. The A8 will feel like a small car after a while. Last year Randy told me he experienced the same with his S8.
2. Only drive as "hard" as you're comfortable with.
3. Drink plenty of water. The funny thing is that even when you do, the day(s) can be mentally intense enough to possibly feel something similar to a normally dehydration related headache.
4. After a session, drive around for 5-10 minutes to let everything cool off. You're instructor probably will use that time to talk with you about your last session. After you park why not open the hood for more cooling...
5. If you get the chance, buy at least one picture of you and your car on the track so you can use it as your forum sig picture. ;-)

ryoung

we both need to get a new sig photo, which we should have in about 10 days :-)

barryl

Hello,

I didn't mean to intimidate anyone, that was not my intent.
However, track driving requires a lot of respect for the
track, the vehicle, and your body.

Think safety, then fun, then speed!

Take care,
Barry

escapA8

What about having a picture for our collection with more than 1 A8 in one shot? ;-)

ryoung

The photographer was a no-show at Grattan last year; I hope he makes it this time.