"DatASSun" (DatASSun)
08/28/2014 at 09:52 • Filed to: None
0
14|
"DatASSun" (DatASSun)
08/28/2014 at 09:52 • Filed to: None | 0
| 14 |
Fucking duh I want to go to the track. After recently seeing some pics of steering wheels destroyed after a entire day of sweaty hands on them. I decided a 50 dollar pair of karting gloves was worth it to save my steering wheel.
Has anyone used these ? They say they are for Karting but I don't see why I should pay 150+ for something made for driving cars.. not to mention I don't have money to spend like that so these will have to do.
Also snagged a battery tie down kit.. Can ya'll think of anything else needed on a normal day at the track with a buddy ?
Go Pro - Check
Racing Gloves - Check
Excitement - TurntUp
YSI-what can brown do for you
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 09:54 |
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Brake pads and brake fluid!
jkm7680
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 09:55 |
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Nice, Alpinestars makes good and solid products!
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DatASSun
> YSI-what can brown do for you
08/28/2014 at 10:07 |
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Yea ... about that... so I have key'ed lug nuts on my car one of them snapped off around the bottom base of the lug nut so I can't take it off at the moment. a big brake upgrade is coming soon tho. Found out that the S30 datsun Chassis I have has the same bolt pattern as a 4Runner. The perk is the 4runner uses vented rotors and is a 4 piston design leaps and bounds better than my stock solid rotor set up. I'll just have to figure a way to get that nut off without destroying the wheel ..
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DatASSun
> jkm7680
08/28/2014 at 10:08 |
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Think the fact they are "karting gloves" will make much difference ?
Cowboy behind the wheel
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 10:29 |
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I've wondered the same thing, and though I haven't pulled the trigger on them yet, I'm pretty sure that the gloves can't tell if the wheel is mounted to a kart or a car. My only concern would be about the gripping surface of kart gloves being geared toward a hard, slick wheel which might lead to more wear and tear on a leather car wheel.
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YSI-what can brown do for you
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 10:37 |
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I would recommend at least getting some DOT 4 brake fluid! Pads would be even better but at least get some higher quality fluid.
Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 10:45 |
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The difference between karting gloves and full on racing gloves, is the racing gloves are SFI 3.3, karting gloves aren't. Some tracks require to have equipment that is SFI 3.3/FIA 8856 rated.
No idea really what those mean, I think it has something to do with them being fireproof.
I was in the same boat as you, I wanted gloves but I didn't want to shell out 150 dollars for a pair of gloves I would use sparingly, so I found this gloves by K1
http://www.amazon.com/K1-Race-Gear-4…
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
These gloves are 45 dollars and meets those standards most places I've seen require, which is SFI 3.3
From what I've read, unless it's a competitive event, you don't really need to worry. If it is an event that requires certain equipment, they will let you know. Pretty much how it goes is, when it comes to racing stuff don't buy it until you know exactly what you'll need, because you may end up buying something you can't use.
Those gloves should be fine for normal track days/AutoX, but if you ever compete in a sanctioned event, by say NASA or the SCCA, more then likely you won't be able to use the gloves.
As far as other things, make sure you bring plenty of back up stuff, I would bring the basic fluids, oil/coolant, and make sure your oil pressure gauge and coolant temp gauge all work, would suck to be out there and then grenade your engine because you didn't know something was up.
Change your oil before you go out there as well, it's best to have fresh oil in the engine.
Bring lots of water, and make sure you eat well the morning of, it'll take a lot out of you so you'll need a lot of energy.
nermal
> Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom
08/28/2014 at 10:57 |
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+1 on bringing water. I usually budget a 24pk of bottled water, plus a big jug of Gatorade per day. It seems like a lot, but you'll notice it in the afternoon when you have much more energy from staying hydrated.
Also, make sure you eat well a few days leading up to the event, and get plenty of sleep.
2BWise
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 10:59 |
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What is the wheel made of? Leather, alcantra, plastic.....? I've found most leather palmed gloves to be a hindrance on leather and plastic wheels as it's a bit too slippery. Usually I'll go without gloves in those cases. Secondly, if you're holding the wheel so tight that sweaty palms are destroying it you're holding the wheel too tight. The best gloves I've found are the Sparcos with the little bristles instead of the leather pads. They provide a much better grip on all materials, but they are the most expensive out there.
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Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom
> nermal
08/28/2014 at 11:15 |
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This this this.
I'm in the military so I've seen firsthand exactly what happens when you are over exerting yourself without proper hydration or eating habits. Same with sleep, a tired mind leads to accidents.
Something that a lot of people overlook as well, being in decent shape. If you don't at least go on a few runs a week, do a few push ups every now and then, your body will become exhausted fairly quickly.
BKRM3
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 11:21 |
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Is this your first event? Don't worry about taking too much stuff. Also, the post about the gloves and SFI/FIA certification is spot on. They're fire resistant. The karting gloves you bought will be fine for an HPDE.
You need: willingness to learn, tire pressure gauge, torque wrench (although you probably can borrow one). Do not check your lugs more than you need to, and FFS don't do it when you come off track and everything is hot. Check them in the morning prior to the first session, then check them after lunch. No more. And don't fiddle with your tires all day either. This is not autox. Most tires like about 38psi hot give or take a couple psi. If it's lower, you're probably going to roll over your sidewall some. Check them IMMEDIATELY when you get off the track. Again, once they're right don't fiddle with them.
Keep hydrated. Always have a bottle of water in your hand. Bring snacks - granola bars and bananas work well. Get shade if you can. Being out in the sun all day will exhaust you. Take sunscreen. Be prepared for rain. If you feel like you're too tired by the end of the day to be 100% sharp, skip the last session and go home. Always better to leave wanting more than to wish you hadn't gone out exhausted and done something stupid.
Listen to your instructor. Have fun.
Does your event have a pre-event tech inspection? Make sure your brake fluid is less than 6 months old. Have fresh brake pads if yours are under 50% - they wear faster as the material gets thinner. Be ready for some fade, but you don't need race pads for your first event. If your pedal gets soft just take a cool down lap and stay off the brakes. NBD. Your instructor will know what to do.
Little Black Coupe Turned Silver
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 12:05 |
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Being excited is good, just remember your instructor is in control. Listen to them.
Empty your car out of everything you don't need. I don't think my floormats have been in the car for 3 years now... Give it a good vacuum since having the windows open at that speed can kick up dust and debris. You will have to do it again afterwards, but it's good to start with a clean car.
Make sure the car is mechanically sound. Bringing extra pads, rotors and fluids isn't a bad idea, especially if you drive something that the local Napa/Autozone/etc isn't likely to have in stock. Or if the track isn't near one.
Torque wrench (and know what you should be torquing your wheels to...), tire pressure gauge, maybe a basic tool kit. If you need a special lug key be sure to bring it. You don't need to get super in-depth for tools at the start, and you can always borrow if you find you need something. People are very friendly and are always willing to help out new people, just ask around. Talk with your instructor about tire pressure if you aren't sure what you should be running.
Water and Gatorade. You need to drink at least a bottle after every session, even if you don't think you're thirsty. Drink more if it's hot. Being dehydrated will make your brain fuzzy, which is no good. Bring some folding chairs, and if you have a pop-up tent, bring that for shade. It is rare for a track to have trees anywhere near paddock where you will be spending your time.
Most every track requires long pants, and possibly long sleeve shirts as well. Depending on where you are, some will waive that if it's very hot, but have them with you if needed.
Most track days will still run in the rain, and will probably still require you to have your windows down. Grab a tarp you throw over your stuff, or have plastic totes to store things. Have a spare set of clothes you can keep dry for the drive home.
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DatASSun
> BKRM3
08/28/2014 at 12:11 |
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Thanks and this will be my second time at the track. But the first time in the Datassun. I have reallllllly shitty tires on the car at the moment so it's just going to be a spin fest .. especially with the v8 it just blows the tires off as it sits. Raising my air pressure may make the car spin even worse but at least it will be solid in the turns eh ? I don't have power steering and because of that turning my car takes a tad bit more effort and I'm mostly worried about the wheel sliding across my palms until they are nothing but blisters so I'm very happy I snagged the gloves.
Secondly, I'm a lucky fucker. A close friend of mine and fellow opponaut has a membership at harris hill raceway just south of Austin and it's unlimited track time . Includes a clubhouse with full kitchen TV , A/c , Water Cooler .. all that good stuff.. It's suppose to rain this Saturday so we'll see what happens if it does and were aloud on the track I may just become a pro drifter lolol jk jk . but seriously
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BKRM3
> DatASSun
08/28/2014 at 13:13 |
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Be careful in the rain. If you're going to hog on it make sure no one is behind you in case you loop it. Remember: in a spin, both feet in. Lock it up so that you slide in a predictable (safe) direction. Have you driven this same track layout before? If not, a very helpful thing to do is watch in-car video from the track on YouTube and get as familiar with it as possible. One other thing - if you have open track time make sure you don't stay out for too long. Keep it to 20-something minutes and take breaks, both to rest yourself and to cool the car. And HYDRATE! =)
Regardless of the tire situation you're going to want the correct hot pressures to maximize contact patch. Don't worry about oversteer - your FOOT is in control of that, not the tire. Smooth inputs man. Very easy on the accel and before you put your foot down even 1mm make sure you let your steering out. If you pinch corners or still have too much lock when you try to go you're just going to lose the back or find yourself in a tank slapper. I find I really have to tell myself over and over again to use all the track out on corner exit, let the steering out, etc. Get that little voice in your head to tell you "open wheel before throttle" in EVERY corner. Once you get some heat in the tires I bet they'll be better than you think as long as your inputs are smooth!