Sup fellas. I'm goin to the track for the first time tomorrow night. I'm running my bone stock, 2000 M6 Z28. I'VE NEVER BEEN TO THE TRACK. I just got the car about 2 weeks ago and i'm def. not the best driver. Im sure she's capable of 13's, but what do you guys think I should set my goal for? What tips do you guys ahve for me to run the best time possible other than get better at driving? Anything to help pretty much.

 

Anyone?

 

Your goal should be to have a good time, let the people at the track know its your first time, watch the other drivers and see how they stage, how they burn out, and listen to those people who have been there before. Listen and learn. Follow the rules, be courteous of others, and ask someone (anyone) if you are uncertain about doing something.

Then report back and we may be able to give you more specific advice. You will need a helmet if your car runs in the 13's like it should. Snell 95 or 2000,

 

Whoa, like you have to have a helmet? Like it's required?

 

the tracks here say 13.99 or quicker you need atleast a snell 90 or newer , i got mine for when i go this summer

 

A little rookie advice, don't do a burnout the first time. Just drive around the waterbox and lauch as hard as you can without spinning the snot out of your tires.

Brad

 

I'll add another vote for skipping the burnout on your first outing. Also I'd suggest watching things for a few passes before you line up to race, so you know the general flow of things. It's considered proper "etiquette" not to stage until the car in the other lane is prestaged. Also, after you race, don't cross into the other lane until the other car is off the track. So if the track has a right-turn exit, and you're in the left lane, don't pull off the track until the guy in the right lane is out (this prevents horrible crashes). The general advice for getting a good reaction time is to "drop the hammer" just when the last amber light illuminates; the exact sweet spot depends on lots of factors and will take lots of practice.

If it's a street night everyone should be pretty laid back, it should be pretty low-pressure. Try talking to other people there, everyone there loves talking about their cars.

 

i agree with everyone else, just ask to others for tips and relax at the line. just watch the guy who lines you up, he'll signal when to go. dont expect much from your car, the first time out always sucks. first time out i went a 15 flat, next run i got a 14.37.

 

I've written an article for newbies at the track.

www.BlackWS6.com

 

Nice article. Very informative.

 

I have a first timer question too. Hey Neighborstone hope you don't mind me borrowing your thread.
Is there any kind of mechanical track prep I should do to my car before running it? I have a 95 z28 and i was curious if there is stuff I should check for looseness or any adjustments I should make?
I'm putting my car on a huge diet tonight, bye bye jack, spare, seats, and what ever else I don't need. So please let me know if there Is stuff i should check like the rear end, tire pressure for street tires, and i'm obvously checking the fluids. But hoping for any other suggestions.
My car sits stock w/ the addition of a K&N in the stock box and airfoil....Plus the weight reductionas stated.
Please help I'm nervous as a school girl.....

 

Anybody got any advice? I'm leaving this afternoon

 

Yeah, check the usual stuff, fluids etc. Tire pressure is one of those things people experiment with, on your first run I'd go with factory spec (35 psi or whatever), but sometimes you can get better traction with less pressure in the rear tires. If your car is leaking any fluids they won't let you run. Likewise your battery has to be secured to the frame, so it can't roll around. If no one messed with it, your car should have a clamp holding it firmly in place, but I've seen that removed, then you have to tie down the battery with zip ties or something.

Oh, make sure to wear pants, shorts aren't allowed. Likewise you might want to bring your own drinks, track food is usually expensive.