Track Day Set-Up
10-27-2016, 11:40 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Track Day Set-Up
Well just registered for first Race School/Track Day with the benz! So what kind of stuff do you bring (tires, fluids, etc)
and what kind of set up do you have extinguisher helmets gloves cloths? I have a 4 point (from when I had the Subaru) but haven't looked at how /where to mount in the 63.
picture and any advise on car prep, gear, tips for track day is appreciated!!
and what kind of set up do you have extinguisher helmets gloves cloths? I have a 4 point (from when I had the Subaru) but haven't looked at how /where to mount in the 63.
picture and any advise on car prep, gear, tips for track day is appreciated!!
10-27-2016, 12:07 PM
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
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2016 c 63 s
Are you referring to amg driving academy? If that's it all you need is your drivers license and they take care of the rest you don't use your car they provide fleet of different cars it's a lot of fun enjoy.
10-27-2016, 12:42 PM
#3
Banned
No, he's referring to taking his own car to the race track.
It would be great if someone can create a checklist. I'm also taking my car to the track on Nov 20th and I'd love to hear people's recommendations.
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It would be great if someone can create a checklist. I'm also taking my car to the track on Nov 20th and I'd love to hear people's recommendations.
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10-27-2016, 02:01 PM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Track day/ Race School with a car club. No AMG Ach.....yet!
the club provided a small check list but I wanted to see what other AMG things people do. Heard a few people say the will over fill/add quart oil to prevent starving while in turns. Also looking for "hacks" input on what extinguisher or where to mount, and maybe even handleing tips.
the club provided a small check list but I wanted to see what other AMG things people do. Heard a few people say the will over fill/add quart oil to prevent starving while in turns. Also looking for "hacks" input on what extinguisher or where to mount, and maybe even handleing tips.
10-27-2016, 04:19 PM
#5
Senior Member
For a track day, at the bare minimum you will need high temp brake fluid, possibly even track pads for your front brakes if you experience pretty bad fade on your first day. I haven't tracked a W205 AMG yet but that is the typical minimum you could do to make your car track-ready.
Since it's a new car you really don't need a tech inspection unless your car has a lot of modifications. Most people run a different set of wheels & tires since track days can be rough on those. If you plan to track in the future I would recommend investing in a light set of 18" wheels and mounting some stickier tires. Usually schools will rent out helmets, you can bring/buy a helmet sock. I don't think most clubs will require a fire extinguisher or 4 pt harness, but different tracks/clubs have different rules.
Since it's a new car you really don't need a tech inspection unless your car has a lot of modifications. Most people run a different set of wheels & tires since track days can be rough on those. If you plan to track in the future I would recommend investing in a light set of 18" wheels and mounting some stickier tires. Usually schools will rent out helmets, you can bring/buy a helmet sock. I don't think most clubs will require a fire extinguisher or 4 pt harness, but different tracks/clubs have different rules.
10-27-2016, 04:24 PM
#6
Senior Member
Some basics for you.
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
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10-27-2016, 07:16 PM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Some basics for you.
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
10-27-2016, 11:11 PM
#9
Senior Member
You are all welcome and I hope you find it useful.
Once you get into it and decide on track tires, we can talk more specifically on tire pressures. I would also recommend that you learn how to swap out the front pads as you will burn through them fairly quickly; even novice drivers as the car is quite heavy.
The pads are very easy to change and the best track pads, as of now, are available from racebrakes.com. I am sure other manufacturers will follow soon but for now, theirs are very good. Watch a few YouTube videos or get a mechanically inclined friend to help you the first time. In the long run, this track set will last you several events and prevent you from buying the very expensive daily pads from your dealer.
Once you get into it and decide on track tires, we can talk more specifically on tire pressures. I would also recommend that you learn how to swap out the front pads as you will burn through them fairly quickly; even novice drivers as the car is quite heavy.
The pads are very easy to change and the best track pads, as of now, are available from racebrakes.com. I am sure other manufacturers will follow soon but for now, theirs are very good. Watch a few YouTube videos or get a mechanically inclined friend to help you the first time. In the long run, this track set will last you several events and prevent you from buying the very expensive daily pads from your dealer.
10-30-2016, 04:23 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Kfeh
Thanks! Great info, really appreciate it! Hoping this first track day starts the addiction! Soon as i get the basics down I would really like to know more on tires and pressure. Track day is 27 Nov so I'll be back! Thanks again
Thanks! Great info, really appreciate it! Hoping this first track day starts the addiction! Soon as i get the basics down I would really like to know more on tires and pressure. Track day is 27 Nov so I'll be back! Thanks again
11-21-2016, 02:05 PM
#12
whats thoughts on fuel type and/or fuel mixing?
standard fuel in CA is 91 but I know they can run 93, so that on the track will be fine.
I have heard people mixing 91 and 100 or other fuel for track days. What's everyone's thought or advice on that.
Also for novice tracker what's best vehicle setting? Obviously no setting with traction off but...
Sport+ (Traction Control Full ON or Sport)?
Race (Traction Control Full ON or Sport)?
standard fuel in CA is 91 but I know they can run 93, so that on the track will be fine.
I have heard people mixing 91 and 100 or other fuel for track days. What's everyone's thought or advice on that.
Also for novice tracker what's best vehicle setting? Obviously no setting with traction off but...
Sport+ (Traction Control Full ON or Sport)?
Race (Traction Control Full ON or Sport)?
12-01-2016, 03:42 PM
#15
Kurt, I noticed that you said to start by adding 6psi to get 39/37 psi...but the manufacturer recommended psi on the door says "cold 48/45". So should I be adding 6 to that or aim for the. 39/37 psi like you mentioned
Some basics for you.
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
1. Unless you have done many track events, don't bother making any performance modifications to your car. You are the weakest link until you are confident and have considerable track experience. With that said, read on.
2. Basic mechanicals: Full fuel, fresh brake fluid (Motul 600 is a very good one), at least 50% left on your brake pads, secure battery tie down, etc. Make sure you've got the engine oil topped off (continuous running track courses, add 1/2 Qt. over full in most cases).
3. Tire pressures: Newbies should start out with high pressures, to conserve the sidewalls of the tires. Start by adding 6 psi to each tire, COLD. That means that if you are running the recommended pressures on your C63, you should plan on starting with about 39psi in front and 37psi in the rears. After each run (each run because you'll be picking up speed on each run) check to see that you're not running onto the sidewalls. Wear on the corner of the tread is OK, but not past that.
4. Interior: Get everything out of the interior that can move. Radar detectors, CDs, etc. Some folks like to take out the floor mats but I prefer to keep them in especially as our MBs, snap into place and should not move. Your call on that one. You'll be braking and turning harder than you ever have before, and you won't believe the stuff that'll come out from under the seats and if it is loose or not tied down, it will fly around. The worst spot for it to land is under your brake pedal.
5. Personal: WATER, WATER, WATER! And eat light. Especially if you get some runs with an instructor, it's easy to get a queasy stomach (at least for me).
Now for the track tips:
1. Slow in / fast out. If you start turning and the car keeps going straight (push/understeer) you are likely entering the turn too fast. In my experience this slows down lap times more than anything.
2. Look ahead. The proper line is key for fast times. Looking ahead allows you to keep the car on the proper line. This may mean looking at the next turn before you are out of the current turn. Often requires looking out the side windows rather than just through the windshield.
3. Use the whole track. This goes with the proper line. In general, you want to make the turn as gradual as possible to allow for greater speed. However, stick to the clean line. If your region has small cars, gravel & marbles will accumulate off the most used line and you will loose traction if you stray into it.
4. Try to brake hard and accelerate hard, minimizing coasting. Roadracing is about smoothness and not upsetting the car.
5. When ever possible, ride with an experienced driver before your runs. Even better, co-drive your car with a good driver. This allows for great feedback on what your car can do for a particular course, and where you can pick up more time.
6. Try to get your hard braking done in a straight line and take a line that allows you to get the car straighter and on the gas earlier in the turn, particularly before a straight.
7. Unwind the wheel as you accelerate out of the turn. Getting on the throttle as you come out of the turn will generally cause the back end to step out (oversteer). Turning into this or unwinding the wheel allows you to control the oversteer and generate more speed. Again, use the whole track.
This is a compilation from other sites but should be a good primer for you. There are several books to review as well if you are so inclined:
here's some good reading for auto-x newbies: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
Here's a few books
Speed Secrets - Ross Bentley
Driving in Competition - Alan Johnson
Drive to Win - Carol Smith
A Twist of the Wrist - Lawson&Rainey
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Kurt
12-02-2016, 07:32 PM
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
The correct ones are on the back of the fuel door.
