I have had my 03' Z06 for over a year now and havnt taken it to the track yet, but all that is going to change on June 1! I'm going to take it to Thunderhill in NorCal (road course)and although I have had a bike on that track, I have never taken a car. My question is this, is there anything I need to do to the car to get it ready?

 

A LOT - costing many dollars. Can't give you specifics since I have never tracked my car but for serious tracking what I have seen here in Phoenix (PIR) be prepared to pay $$. Bet some of the guys on this board can give you specifics.

 

Thought about your question a little more. Be sure to protect the front with a bra or tape, also tape behind the lower side panel behind the front and rear wheels.If U don't planon a repaint after a few runs.Expect fast tire wear. Ask the pro's about correct PSI. For just casual tracking U probably won't need any expensive changes but for serious tracking you might need hi-performance brake fluid that won' boil and hi-performance brake pads that won't fade out. For serious tracking you will be doing a lot ofbraking. I rode with an agressivedriver at 120 MPG at Phoenix Internation Raceway once - a real thrill !!! And if U really get into it U might need different shocks and swaybar - talk to the pro's. Good luck and have fun.

 

As this is going to be my first trackday, I'm really giong for the experience. We'll see if it is addictive as riding the track on the motorcycle.

Thanks for the tip starvinmarvin, I will definately check into the brake fluid... I will be driving in "A" group, so it will be a bunch of noobs like me, and I'm not planning on an aggressive day as my tires are original to the car; 15,000 miles and 4 1/2 years old...

 

On the very first day you WILL be addicted. Your instructor won't let U drive aggressively until he moves U into Group B which will be only after several event days and he feels confortable with that decision. U will definitely need to buy new tires after "promotion". Have fun.

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One more hint. Go to the track with a full tank of gas, altho some tracks have a fuel truck on site. U probably won't burn much per day in Group A but U will be amazed how much U will burn in advanced groups. Your instructor will probably inform you.

 

Wow! 2 1/2 tanks in a day and a half of driving! Gas was one of the most expensive parts of the trip. But it was totally worth it!

 

Thought I would give a quick report on my first trackday.

TOTALLY UNBELEIVABLE!

First I had been to the track previously on a super bike so I pretty much know where the lines were going to be in the car. Durring my first session, with an isntructor, he says "you have great lines, I'm gonna have to give a few of them a try!" Then when we get back to the hot pits, he says, "I'm going to go see if I cant get you bumped into "B Group". Needless to say, I was estatic. A couple of sessions in "B Group" and I started figuring out how to actually "drive" my car. What a feeling!

Let me tell you that Thunder Hill is one of the best tracks out there and Hooked On Driving is one of the best event coordinators I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Thanks to everyone!

 

Another picture

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Last one.
I dont know why I can only figure out how to make a thumbnail image.

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