My first track day

[cozye]

I've been racing motorcycles for a few years and have had a ton of track time. It can be a lot of fun.

Beware though, it's highly addictive and you will tear stuff up on a regular basis. After a while the big rush starts to wear off, the costs start to go up. My favorite saying is that the "fun per dollar" ratio starts to flip on you. If you can maintain the attitude of just taking it easy and not trying to "go faster", you can keep the costs down and tear less stuff up.

[steve91tt]

Diff is toast. Noooooooo

[tlorber]

Sounds like a blast. I'm looking forward to getting my car on a track.

I completely understand the seat issue. I recently installed a Miata seat on the driver's side-very easy mod and the seats look like they belong in the car. I've had one canyon run since then and for the first time since I've owned the car I was actually able to use the steering wheel only for steering the car rather than trying to keep myself in position. This makes you feel like your sitting IN the car instead of ON the seat. The anti-butt-slide may help, but the main problem with the stock seats is the lack of side bolstering. It's your upper body that tends to move around.

[ajmcforester]

Just finished my first session. The car developed a thud with throttle transition. On the lift now. Fingers crossed.

The diff mount might need replacing very common. Check the bolts that the diff mounts to the mustache bar. Glad you had some fun if you get into it try some of the high speed gokart type racers it might help kepp some of the cost down

[WW2Winger]

Steve, I have run about 15 Drivers Edge events over the last two years. They are a great group of folks. I missed the Houston event as I have my car under further modification. Drivers Edge will be in Cresson in February and you wull love that track. I hope to see you there.

Jim K.

[steve91tt]

Believe or not someone I just met is letting me take his gt3 out on the track! I love car guys.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

WHat is the word on your diff? How bad is it?

[cygnusx1]

He said GT3 and track in the same sentence. I think he forgot about the thud.

[We Bad]

Attaboy Steve!

You might also check out AutoX. Low speed fun without the high speed risks.

Richard

[steve91tt]

The differential isn't too bad. I drove the car home...just a thud now and again. The track mechanic put it up on the lift and checked it out. He thought it was a 50/50 shot whether or not I'd be going home on the back of a tow truck if I tracked the car again. So I called my wife and she brought out my G37s to finish the day. Didn't even miss a lap.

Here is the last lap I did in the Z. You can hear the diff banging on the transitions.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yGzsrbZkmI4" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

The G37 was a very different experience. On paper it has better brakes, suspension, power and tires but I prefer driving the Z. The G feels sterile and the Z feels raw. Raw is more fun.

Here is a lap in the G.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0JSUeGgeQeo" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Overall a great experience. I learned a bunch about the car and my abilities (or lack there of).

I'll be doing it again in April if anyone wants to join!

http://www.thedriversedge.net/02_tracks.htm

Doing some reading on diff options now. Any suggestions are very welcome.

Edited January 24, 2011 by steve91tt

[steve91tt]

Attaboy Steve!

You might also check out AutoX. Low speed fun without the high speed risks.

I would like to try AutoX one day but a busted diff is not going to keep me off of the big track. WAY too much fun.

[ajmcforester]

The Z is more basic and the car gives you stronger feedback. The G37 is built for comfort and not feeling the road. The Z might make you a better racer because it will teach you how to read the road, and the car. Just remember the G37 is safer and less likely to get into trouble.