C300 on a Road Race Track
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
2016 C400 4Matic
C300 on a Road Race Track
Hi all.... Being new to this coming from drag racing Mustangs I am curious about trying the car out on a road race track?
I found that Thompson Speedway in CT is less than 30 min away and is having an all day event with instruction next week.
Am I crazy for taking a new C300 to the track to try it out?
Has anyone done this and how was it?
Thanks for the input!!
I found that Thompson Speedway in CT is less than 30 min away and is having an all day event with instruction next week.
Am I crazy for taking a new C300 to the track to try it out?
Has anyone done this and how was it?
Thanks for the input!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
2016 C400 4Matic
Thanks... And just to be clear.. My post was regarding a road race track not quarter mile.
Sorry if I confused anyone...
I am asking about taking it on more of a handling type track w straight aways and curves..
Thanks
Sorry if I confused anyone...
I am asking about taking it on more of a handling type track w straight aways and curves..
Thanks
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
2016 C400 4Matic
So the update on my first track day:
It was an awesome experience!! We have drag raced for many years, so this is a whole new world. I had a great instructor and by the 2nd out of 4 sessions out I was in the front of the pack passing Z06's. Now by no means am I saying my car is faster than a Z06. I learned quickly the power is needed , BUT not what wins those kind of races. It is all about the driving skill, suspension and tires. You really have to use your brain 100% of the time. It was setup to not actually be a "race", so if less experienced drivers were approached on their instructor would have them wave you by if you were on their *** LOL.
So speaking of tires ....It started to drizzle toward the end and of course I pushed it just a bit to hard in a very tight turn and just slid the front tire onto the cement border. As I accelerated through it the concrete spit the inner side wall. I was running Pirelli P Zero Run flats that came on the AMG wheels I bought.
I was going to replace just 1 tire, BUT started trying to research if there were better tire options to use as a summer tire while throwing in 2-3 times a year at the track??
So new question is what are your tire recommendations? And would I need to replace all 4 or can you just do the front 2 since the rest are all in good condition.
Thanks for any input!!
It was an awesome experience!! We have drag raced for many years, so this is a whole new world. I had a great instructor and by the 2nd out of 4 sessions out I was in the front of the pack passing Z06's. Now by no means am I saying my car is faster than a Z06. I learned quickly the power is needed , BUT not what wins those kind of races. It is all about the driving skill, suspension and tires. You really have to use your brain 100% of the time. It was setup to not actually be a "race", so if less experienced drivers were approached on their instructor would have them wave you by if you were on their *** LOL.
So speaking of tires ....It started to drizzle toward the end and of course I pushed it just a bit to hard in a very tight turn and just slid the front tire onto the cement border. As I accelerated through it the concrete spit the inner side wall. I was running Pirelli P Zero Run flats that came on the AMG wheels I bought.
I was going to replace just 1 tire, BUT started trying to research if there were better tire options to use as a summer tire while throwing in 2-3 times a year at the track??
So new question is what are your tire recommendations? And would I need to replace all 4 or can you just do the front 2 since the rest are all in good condition.
Thanks for any input!!
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 613
Likes: 42
From: NYC
2014 C300
Replacing 1 or all 4 depends on the tread depth of the other tires. Tire Rack does tire truing/shaving and will shave a tire down to match your current depth.
My opinion is get some Michelin Pilot Super Sports if you want a summer tire that can handle a couple track days a year. You won't regret it.
My opinion is get some Michelin Pilot Super Sports if you want a summer tire that can handle a couple track days a year. You won't regret it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
C400
I use to Autocross my 2005 WRX STI and was running Potenza which stuck to the asphalt like gum on a hot day (not sure if that's a good analogy). Later in the cars life, I switch over to Nitto Motivo, which had a stiff sidewall for those hairpin turns. I really miss those days.
Like you mention, autocrossing and drag racing are at two ends of the spectrum. Why I love autocrossing was the adrenaline you get going from a straightaway to a turn which IMO takes a lot of skills. It's not about HP but essentially driver skills and a precise tune machine. I've seen a Honda CRX take out big boys.
With that said, you should look into suspension and perhaps bigger disc brakes. Tuning is the name of the game and a few twitch here and there will make a big difference to your car.
Glad you had a great time....I miss those days and hopefully be out on the track in the future with my C400
Like you mention, autocrossing and drag racing are at two ends of the spectrum. Why I love autocrossing was the adrenaline you get going from a straightaway to a turn which IMO takes a lot of skills. It's not about HP but essentially driver skills and a precise tune machine. I've seen a Honda CRX take out big boys.
With that said, you should look into suspension and perhaps bigger disc brakes. Tuning is the name of the game and a few twitch here and there will make a big difference to your car.
Glad you had a great time....I miss those days and hopefully be out on the track in the future with my C400
