Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Track Days..


  • Please log in to reply
23 replies to this topic

#1 b_sdaddy

b_sdaddy

    Super Mini Mad

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 643 posts
  • Location: Diksmuide, Belgium

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:09 PM

Dear all,

 

with summer looming, I'm thinking about taking my min onto a track.

 

It's not 1380.

 

It's not even Stage 1.

 

It's a standard 998 Mk4 on 10".

 

So then? Why a track day.?

 

Just want to be able to drive it, with out worrying about oncoming traffic and speed cameras.

 

With a top speed of about 70mph, it's definitely not about the thrill - just about getting to know the car in a safe environment.

 

 

What I need is some advice on tyres: an hour round a track & near 100% of the mins limit, what will the tyres be like afterwards...?

 

I'(m aware that track day'ers take a second set. Will even my 998 require a second set..?

 

 

cheers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



#2 Steve220

Steve220

    Crazy About Mini's

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,045 posts
  • Location: Shropshire
  • Local Club: BMC

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:21 PM

I love track days. Tyres will be fine, i've yet to destroy a set in a hand full of laps. They're always worth doing as i personally believe you learn more about your abilities and your car's handling characteristics!



#3 cal844

cal844

    Crazy About Mini's

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 9,622 posts
  • Location: Ballingry, Fife
  • Local Club: TFMOC

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:22 PM

Id advise buying a set of cheap mini wheels(as a second set) with decent tyres, then a decent set of wheels for during the week

#4 racingbob

racingbob

    Up Into Fourth

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,061 posts
  • Location: Hampshire

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:34 PM

just don't get carried away, its easy to on the track

just do spirited driving and enjoy yourself

put a few more pounds in the tyres

#5 mr cooke

mr cooke

    Mini Mad

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 278 posts
  • Location: sunny stoke
  • Local Club: Any

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:48 PM

what about safety , rollcage etc



#6 vx220

vx220

    Speeding Along Now

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 419 posts

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:51 PM

just don't get carried away, its easy to on the track

just do spirited driving and enjoy yourself

put a few more pounds in the tyres


Surely, let a few pounds out?

#7 coopdog

coopdog

    Up Into Fourth

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 4,506 posts
  • Location: South Wales

Posted 14 April 2015 - 07:54 PM

 

just don't get carried away, its easy to on the track

just do spirited driving and enjoy yourself

put a few more pounds in the tyres


Surely, let a few pounds out?

 

or dont change it at all.......

youll learn how to drive your mini as it is on the road



#8 Cooperman

Cooperman

    Uncle Cooperman, Voted Mr TMF 2011

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 23,286 posts
  • Location: Cambs.
  • Local Club: MCR, HAMOC, Chelmsford M.C.

Posted 14 April 2015 - 08:07 PM

On a dry track use around 33 to 35 psi. If wet reduce to c.30 psi all round.

If you have adjustable dampers take them up a couple of clicks, but make the rears slightly softer than the front.

Fit top quality brake pads - recommend Mintex 1144. Otherwise brake fade will spoil the enjoyment.

Put in good oil such as Valvoline Racing 20w50.

Be careful on long right-hand bends unless you have a central oil pick up, as oil surge could finish off the main & big-end bearings very easily. If the oil light comes on or the gauge flicks down on a long RH bend, press the clutch down and brake to slow the car, then the pressure will come back up. Don't repeat the pressure drop or engine failure will occur.



#9 Earwax

Earwax

    Speeding Along Now

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 488 posts
  • Location: Brisbane

Posted 14 April 2015 - 08:53 PM

Don't forget to take out all the loose things in the car and boot, plus one for better brake pads or you will experience fade, check  for clean fuel and no breaking down at high revs BEFORE you go.... i see quite a few track days terminated early because of existing problems coming to light only at higher extended revs... be sensible remember you have to drive home   and enjoy... 



#10 Black.Ghost

Black.Ghost

    Formerly known as TneMini.

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,567 posts
  • Location: Bedfordshire

Posted 14 April 2015 - 09:26 PM

just don't get carried away, its easy to on the track

just do spirited driving and enjoy yourself

put a few more pounds in the tyres

I took it to mean invest a bit more money rather than pressure - as in for track days, get slightly better, grippier tyres.



#11 mab01uk

mab01uk

    Moved Into The Garage

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 12,421 posts
  • Local Club: Mini Cooper Register

Posted 14 April 2015 - 09:29 PM

(Video: Surfblue63)

 

"This is footage of the various Minis and Mini based cars that took part in the Mk1 Performance Conversions Action Day, held at Blyton Park in 2014. All types of classic Mini took part and various kit cars, there was a couple of Mini Sprints, some historic racers, vans and even a couple of Mini Metros."

 

The 2nd MK1 Action Day (2015)

To be held at Blyton Park, Lincolnshire over the weekend of Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd of May 2015.

Both days will feature track action, static displays, very special guests, displays of some unique Minis, trade stands & much much more.

http://mk1-performan.../action-day.htm


Edited by mab01uk, 14 April 2015 - 09:29 PM.


#12 SiZT

SiZT

    Stage One Kit Fitted

  • Noobies
  • PipPipPip
  • 50 posts
  • Location: Staffordshire

Posted 14 April 2015 - 11:19 PM

Give the car a good going over, change the brake fluid and oil then get out there and have fun. You won't regret it :-)

#13 Kam

Kam

    Straight to the Point

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 4,140 posts
  • Location: Hampshire
  • Local Club: 16vMini club

Posted 15 April 2015 - 02:14 AM

Don't brim it with fuel before hitting the tarmac, it'll only end up spilling out your cap and thats not even with any spirited cornering - just any cornering, anyone remember castle combe?
 
fuelleak.jpg
 
fuelleak2.jpg
 
fuelleak3.jpg
 
They should have a fuel pump on site so fill up enough to get there from home then top up on site, just over half a tank is all you need, remember you have a 998 so its good on fuel, no need to go round with a near full tank, save some weight there

Just have some fun especially if its your daily driver, try not to start putting too many mods on after which is aimed at the track as you might end up hating using it daily as it won't be the same car again, car and track cars are two different cars, one will always suffer being used in the others 'manor

As mentioned already, check over the car first, is it running sweet as as it stands now? would it survive a quick blast on the rolling road? if no then forget the trackday and get the car running at its prime first

#14 b_sdaddy

b_sdaddy

    Super Mini Mad

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 643 posts
  • Location: Diksmuide, Belgium

Posted 15 April 2015 - 04:33 AM

cheers all for your sound advice - off to Spa!



#15 jt19

jt19

    One Carb Or Two?

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 745 posts
  • Location: Hertfordshire

Posted 15 April 2015 - 09:25 AM

I've booked one at bedford autodrome. Sen circuit. First weekend of may.

Can't wait!!




1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users