Well I just found out I have the opportunity to have a day at Willow Springs with a group of friends, and I have a couple questions (especially for HDDP)...

1. What should I do to my car to enhance performance/durability for the track (obviously tire pressure up and new filters/oil).

2. I am also trying to find a used set of tires to thrash as I just put on new ones and I feel bad tracking them already. Any one have a set of take offs they are trying to get rid of?

I am really excited about this, I can finally toss this car around without fear of hitting a curb or another car!

 

Which track are you running at Willow Springs, the big track (WSIR) or the Streets of Willow Springs (SOWS) ?

One track day will not destroy your tires completely... You'll only run 4-5, 20 minute sessions for the day and probably take about 5,000 miles off the tread of a good street tire... There is a tire shop at the track incase you blow a tire and can't drive home, you can buy a new one there...

I would make sure to check your fluids completely... especially brake... if you have not changed your oil in more than 10,000 miles of street driving, replace it before you go... If you have less than 10,000 miles on the oil, use it as is, then replace it after your track event...

You're going to be working really hard on the brakes and tranny and they'll get pretty hot... When you get back into the paddock area, DO NOT put your emergency brake on... The brakes can get so hot that the E brake can seize... Always open your hood after each event to help cooling and prevent heat soaking of the engine...

Most importantly, have fun, be safe and take pictures...

Let me know when you're going to be there... If I'm in town I'll come out to visit or run with you... PS: which group is coordinating this event ?

 

The track is being rented out by my friend for his birthday, and its the streets of Willow track. As far as I know, we have unlimited laps (no lessons/class time). There will be a gallardo among other cars there, maybe a ferrari or two, we'll see. I am glad to hear that my tires won't be THAT thrashed...I can deal with 5,000 miles of use on brand new tires. It would be cool if you came out, I'll let you know if there are open spots. I really want you to spank my buddy's M3.

 

You'll do great on the (SOWS) track. It's a low HP track that is best suited for small better handling cars. The front straight away is only 1,100 feet so it's hard to get good speed, maybe 100 mph for your car. Since you guys are renting the track privately, you should run the track clockwise in the morning and counter clockwise in the afternoon, just to mix things up a little bit...

You'll be surprised that the higher HP cars won't be able to get away from you on that track, it's strictly a finesse track... Everybody will think your Crossfire is a rocket ship compared to those ferraris... This is really a track that you'll need to throw the car around. Their are only two places to pass, so if you do a little "creative driving" you'll beat the other cars handily...

Once you learn the line you'll be taking out your buddy's M3 on your own...

If you want to see some in car video of the track to familiarize yourself with the layout, there's stuff on YOUTUBE... And video of me beating the crap out of a Lotus Elise here on this forum...http://www.hollywooddigitalimaging.c...fire_Lotus.mov

 

I look forward to getting onto the track up here once summer comes (Portland International Raceway)-I got my bike on it 2 years ago, and had a blast!

brhtel - did your car already get the cooling fan replaced on recall? My car never went in for it, so I have it scheduled next week -

Have a BLAST!!!

 

Cooling fan? I am not familiar with this recall...

And HDDP, you have a PM

 

the recall was notification #e19, from 01/26/2006 for a 'radiator cooling fan'-the dealer said the fan is a 2 speed, one speed stops working, causing the car to warm up in traffic-Mine is an SRT-6 so it may be specific to it only, I do not know-but my car will go over the 1/2 way mark if it sets idling, but no higher...your dealer should be able to tell you if your car has had it done yet, or if it even needs it, via your VIN #.

 

Interesting, mine will go over the 1/2 every once in a while just slightly if not at speed.

I will be at the dealer today, so I'll check it out.

 

You might as well change your brake fluid to DOT4 spec. HDDP recommended for me to use ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Fluid Dot 4.


Unlimited laps, huh... NICE!... any chance you can sneak someone in... :-)

Have fun and get some in-car videos if you can...

 

So I can purchase the brake fluid and take it to the dealer? That sounds like a good track prep idea.

I was going to put rotex gold pads on eventually, should I do this before or after the track day??

srt6_crossfire you have a PM.

 

Yeah, I bought the brake fluid online and had the dealer switched it out. My service writer is pretty cool and didn't ask why I wanted it switched out. Though I'm sure he knows why.

Can't remember how much they charged. I would get it done if you're taking to your car to the dealer anyway. As far as pads, kept mine OEM. Not sure how the Rotex pads perform at the track. Not gonna sacrifice my life for a little brake dust. :-)