NASA HPDE Newbie

[Billy Mild]

https://www.nasaproracing.com/events/1959

I'm considering going out for my first ever HPDE. I have done a few upgrades to the ZR-1 in order to make it somewhat ready for a track day, but have never done one in my life. I did Exotics Racing down in Vegas and had a lot of fun racing around their small track. I have heard a few guys say the Kansas track is not for newbie's and I might be better off starting on an easier track. I see they have a beginner group that is instructor will ride along and provide advice.

The ZR-1 I have is mostly stock, minus a few brake upgrades. I replaced the master cylinder, stainless steel brake flexible lines, Hawk HPS+ pads, drilled and slotted rotor, with all new fluid. I also have a hurst short throw shifter in place as well. I am considering cleaning my radiator fins before doing the track day to keep the engine running cool.

Has anyone done a HPDE in the ZR-1? How did it go?

[RussMcB]

Billy, sounds like you've done the good first steps - prepping the brakes.

Do your tires have deep tread? If so you'll want to take care with them because they'll get hot and may have issues.

I've taken my ZR-1 to two track events in 2015. My biggest issue was overheating. Since then I've installed a Dewitt radiator, so I'm hoping it will be better when I go back next month.

I'd suggest cleaning your rad for sure. You might want to have new hoses on hand (before you R&R the radiator). If you have overheating issues during your early track sessions, you may be able to get by with shifting at lower RPM's (which shouldn't be a big deal at an HPDE - You'll still have a blast). You can always turn on the heater, too. :-)

I'm guessing you're a fairly level headed guy. If so, you'll be fine. What happens on the track (in a HPDE Beginner group) is 99% in your control, so just go as fast as you're comfortable. Don't worry about lap times or "competition". Just enjoy the opportunity to drive an awesome car on a race track. Concentrate on "the line", don't early-apex. Think "slow in, fast out". Brake early so you're not trying to save your life through the corner. :-)

Send me a PM if you want to discuss more. I've instructed a bunch, mostly at SCCA schools.

One more thing. Consider a video camera. You'll enjoy watching the video later. I have a Mobius. Cheap, small and high quality.

[d15b7]

hey Billy! everything Russ said is spot on. I've been instructing for the PCA, NASA, BMW CCA, and other groups since the late 90's, and hold racing licenses with NASA, VRG, and SCCA too. you're going to have a BLAST doing HPDE!!!

remember, as Russ said, it's not a competition; it's a learning experience -- you are learning to drive your ZR-1 in a high speed environment, and learning skills to better develop your car handling, etc. I have a few more suggestions, too. If the tranny fluid isn't relatively fresh, I'd change it. same goes for the rear diff. have a good 'performance' alignment done at a local 'race' shop. don't go nuts, but a bit of extra negative camber will definitely help your tire wear and ultimate grip too.

be sure to bring plenty of fluids to the track to drink (you'll sweat a lot!). bring good snacks to eat (bananas, apples, granola bars, stuff like that). DE events are very physical (for the humans)!. bring a good tire gauge with you and check the tires after every run group (I'd guess that a good target hot tire temp pressure would be around 38 psi hot all the way around). bring a couple extra quarts of engine oil and check after every run group or so. bring an extra set of front brake pads (it is very possible to wear out a set of pads in just two days at the track!). bring a decent selection of common tools (socket set, open end wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, etc). bring duct tape and zip ties too.

hope that helps you have a great first DE adventure!!!

Todd

[Billy Mild]

I had an alignment done last year to factory specs. I also have a set of Nitto NT-05's with only about 2000 miles on them. Also last year I did change the coolant, trans fluid, rear diff fluid, and oil. I will change the engine oil before this event to be sure its fresh.

Is there anything I need to do as far as a medical check. I was reading all over the site and it appears that a physical needs to be done, but is that only for the pro's in the higher classes?

It sounds like I need to pull the radiator to make it is clear of any crud. It will be a good time to replace my oil cooler lines anyway.

[RussMcB]

I tried blowing out my radiator with it in place and, I may have cleaned it a little, but later when I took it out of the car I found a lot more debris, so yes, you'll probably want to lift it to get to the crap.

I'm not sure what that organization requires for medical. Send someone the question via email, or post the question in their forum.

Todd's suggestions are great, and I thought of something else. Make sure you torque your wheels before your first session, and then, (after you get a little more aggressive), expect them to loosen a bit. Here's the important part: Do Not retorque the wheels when the hubs are hot or you can do damage. Wait until the car has had a chance to cool down, which may take more than an hour (depending on how hot the brakes got, etc.)

I *think* I torqued my ZR-1 wheels to 110 ft lbs., but I'll need to verify that. I have longer studs and deep nuts.

When is the event? I'm excited for you. :-)

[Demps]

The NT-05s are a good first-event tire. They "talk" to you. You'll see. Also, read the tire edges after a run. There are some wear marks that you want to get too. I checked tire pressures before & after. Write them down with notes on tire edge wear. If I remember correctly I started a hot day with 30 psi & it was too much. Take it easy first run and measure psi for a guide.

Great advice already on tires & wheels. In addition, I would remove plastic lug covers & center caps if not already done so. I would also flush brakes & replace with a high temp fluid (Brembo or Castrol). Pads/rotors can wear quickly depending on type & use.

Here's my checklist (modified):
Chairs
Cooler
Helmet
Cotton shirts & pants
Tools
Tag
Jacks
Jack stands
Clutch slave & master
Ez y up
Blankets
iPod arm band
Fluids
Keys

There should be a time you check hubs. The events can be hard on them. Bottom line, be safe & have fun.

Ted

[Billy Mild]

I have already replaced my rear hubs. My fronts still appear to be okay.

It sounds like I may need to trailer my car out there with all the stuff you guys bring.

[RussMcB]

Yeah, trailering has a few advantages, including peace of mind. I always choose that route.

If it is a well attended event, you'll probably find lots of folks willing to help out with tools, etc.

[Billy Mild]

I am about 30 minutes from the track. I don't have a trailer, but I could rent one I guess for my car. I know the Jeep could tow it without an issue.

[RussMcB]

Sorry. For some reason I assumed you owned a trailer. For your situation, you can probably do fine without the hassle of getting a rental trailer.

Will you have a buddy or two come with you to help out? Maybe one with a pickup truck? :-)

[Billy Mild]

Sorry. For some reason I assumed you owned a trailer. For your situation, you can probably do fine without the hassle of getting a rental trailer.

Will you have a buddy or two come with you to help out? Maybe one with a pickup truck? :-)

I will be on my own most likely. I know people who do run those days, but I won't be going with them by any means.

[Demps]

You'll be fine. Go for it! Take good notes because you'll be doing it again.

Ted

[lbszr]

Ontackinsurance.com is coverage for your car on the track if you would want it. I know some people at the track that have used them and they paid for repairs without hassle. About 2000 deductible though.

[Billy Mild]

In an attempt to make sure my car will be up to snuff for this track day I attempted to correct a few things. My oil lines were leaking, and what I can tell is the only oil leak I have currently. I also wanted to remove and clean my radiator of any debris.

I have been working on this process last night and most of today. During the "putting everything back together" phase my lower shroud was a little hard to get lined up. I end up getting it lined up and then I noticed that my radiator started to leak. One of the end tank seals had let go.

Is this a sign that I need to take my Regal GS to the track day? Haha.

[Billy Mild]

I got the new radiator in tonight. I pressured tested everything before putting the car back together. It appears nothing is leaking. I even forgot to put one of the clamps one the coolant hose. It all stayed together. I ran the engine up to temp on jackstands. It appears to running cooler. I topped off the surge tank while the engine was running.

Now to replace one front wheel bearing and I should be done for the track day.

[lbszr]

Sounds like your doing a good tech inspection. Have fun. Once your hooked and can't stop taking it to the track:)Let me know when you want take the trip to NCM track, it would be good to have More than 1 zr1 there.

[Billy Mild]

Made it through my first NASA HPDE run. It was a lot of fun. The instructor that rode with me had a C7Z06. It is his first Corvette. Him telling me that reminded me to turn on the power key for the first run. I kept it pretty conservative on the first run, per their recommendations. The instructor mentioned at one point that my car pulled really strong and really throws you back in the seat. After he said that, I responded with, "It's that LT5 engine". Overall the I did decent on the first run, had one mistake where I forgot to let the clutch out before the turn. That made the rear end slide out a bit.

My second run was not good. I was overly aggressive, and overdrove my tires a bit. The pressures were a little too high when hot. They were around 40-42 PSI hot. At the recommendation of my mechanic I lowered them down to 34-35 PSI hot. That seemed to help with my 3rd run.

The 3rd run I noticed the car was down on power by a lot. That could only mean one thing, no secondaries. I looked down and realized the power key was on normal power, not full. I flipped the key on, but it seemed the secondaries never came on during that run. I did hit my highest speed, but I ended up getting passed by a lot of people due to lack of power on the straight away.

Overall great time. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to drive these cars how they should be driven. The ZR-1 handled it like a champ. My coolant and oil temps were well within normal range. I'm glad I cleaned my oil cooler and condenser along with putting in a new radiator. This seemed to keep my temps down.

[lbszr]

Does that track use part of the oval bank?

[Billy Mild]

Does that track use part of the oval bank?

Yes it does. Top speed I heard was 173 MPH during a time trial. This was achieved by a 911 GT3RS.

[lbszr]

Yes it does. Top speed I heard was 173 MPH during a time trial. This was achieved by a 911 GT3RS.


I have Daytona on my list, your track might have to get added to my bucket list also.

What angle is the bank? I found a track map, but it doesn't show details.

[Billy Mild]

Here is a complete video of my 2nd session.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B312BkYzxjU