Track day advice - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I've got my first track day coming up next month with my 718 GT4, just looking to see what advice people have that have used them on track I wont be setting any lap records, but any advice on what tyre pressures people use etc would help, I've got Cup 2s on my car and there will be a passenger if that makes any difference I've seen people talking about upgrading brake fluids in track day threads etc, but I'm assuming my PCCBs will be fine as they come from factory (never had a car with ceramics before so unsure on this)... Any other general advice anyone could provide would be appreciated! TIA

Depending on how hard/fast you drive, 30-32PSI or 2.0-2.2 bar all round should be good. That's what I run. Remember to take a pump/compressor and top them up before you leave the circuit! Don't use your handbrake, park the car in gear instead. Cool your brakes down properly. As you have PCCBs, consider two cool down laps instead of one to minimise the risk of heat damage. Take it easy, check your mirrors regularly, and pull over to let faster cars through. The car as standard will be absolutely fine. No need to worry about brake fluid, brake pads etc to begin with. I've only done a few days in mine but they're fabulous to use on track - enjoy yourself!

if 1st track day (and is a general one, not PCGB) then maybe leave the first 30 mins or so, while people with the red mist get it out their system.

Or, if you’re like me, even my “quick” laps are actually cool-downs.

Tyre pressures will also be determined both by your driving style (and pace, somewhat) and also the temperature on the day. If you notice that the grip levels of the tyres seem to be dropping, flick to the TPMS and see what the pressures are at. Once the car is cooled a little (in the pits), let a couple or a few PSI of air out - if the PSI is much higher than 40, let out the appropriate amount (you can always pump a bit more back in) to get to about 38-39 PSI when hot^ (remembering, that front and rear pressures will differ). You'll identify a good peak PSI pressure on track and then you can adjust the cold pressures based on the day ... As Twinfan says, DO NOT use the handbrake. You may need to come in without much of a cooling lap (if there is a red flag etc.) so you may want to take some wheel chocks with you; so that you can leave the engine running and stop the car from rolling, as you will not be able to leave it in gear and should not use the handbrake or brake pedal; if you have a PDK car, this is less of an issue as you can leave it in P. Take some top-up oil, just in case ... ^ If the cold pressure of 30 gives a hot pressure of 42, try removing 3 PSI from the tyre before you go out next time. As you become quicker, drive harder, or as the day's weather changes, you may need to adjust up or down. If you notice that hot pressures differ a lot from across an axle (unlikely, but it can happen if 1) there is an extreme discrepancy in the number of corners in one direction; or 2) if you park the car with one side in the sunshine (in a hot day) and the other in the shade) don't worry too much but you may want to speak to one of the organisers, or one of the experienced track day-goers, to see if there is an issue or something that you can change. Don't worry too much about this, but I've just added it in case you spot anything when checking the hot pressures using the TPMS ...

If tyre pressures increase too much the tread will start to balloon reducing the contact patch. Some people like to maintain the standard tyre pressures when hot, I prefer to keep them at around 30-32psi hot after cooling down laps, which should see them a little higher on track. Regarding cooling down laps, I try not to use the brakes on these … it is excessive heat that will damage discs and shorten pad life … hence leaving the handbrake off when parking up … All other suggestions good, have fun and don’t forget to check the wheel nuts stay tight !

If tyre pressures increase too much the tread will start to balloon reducing the contact patch. Some people like to maintain the standard tyre pressures when hot, I prefer to keep them at around 30-32psi hot after cooling down laps, which should see them a little higher on track. Regarding cooling down laps, I try not to use the brakes on these … it is excessive heat that will damage discs and shorten pad life … hence leaving the handbrake off when parking up … All other suggestions good, have fun 😉

Evo9lution said: Tyre pressures will also be determined both by your driving style (and pace, somewhat) and also the temperature on the day. If you notice that the grip levels of the tyres seem to be dropping, flick to the TPMS and see what the pressures are at. Once the car is cooled a little (in the pits), let a couple or a few PSI of air out - if the PSI is much higher than 40, let out the appropriate amount (you can always pump a bit more back in) to get to about 38-39 PSI when hot^ (remembering, that front and rear pressures will differ). You'll identify a good peak PSI pressure on track and then you can adjust the cold pressures based on the day ... As Twinfan says, DO NOT use the handbrake. You may need to come in without much of a cooling lap (if there is a red flag etc.) so you may want to take some wheel chocks with you; so that you can leave the engine running and stop the car from rolling, as you will not be able to leave it in gear and should not use the handbrake or brake pedal; if you have a PDK car, this is less of an issue as you can leave it in P. Take some top-up oil, just in case ... ^ If the cold pressure of 30 gives a hot pressure of 42, try removing 3 PSI from the tyre before you go out next time. As you become quicker, drive harder, or as the day's weather changes, you may need to adjust up or down. If you notice that hot pressures differ a lot from across an axle (unlikely, but it can happen if 1) there is an extreme discrepancy in the number of corners in one direction; or 2) if you park the car with one side in the sunshine (in a hot day) and the other in the shade) don't worry too much but you may want to speak to one of the organisers, or one of the experienced track day-goers, to see if there is an issue or something that you can change. Don't worry too much about this, but I've just added it in case you spot anything when checking the hot pressures using the TPMS ... No offence, but this is bad advice. Car will be proper squirrely with 38-39psi hot. Aim for 32 hot. You might have to do a couple of bleed downs to get to this but then they will be stable. However, they will cool down over lunch. Don’t go back out and thrash is with 26psi in them and wait for them to warm up: almost (not quite) as bad as too much pressure but can damage tyres. Add some more air before afternoon sessions and then bleed down again. Avoid the first 30 minutes even if it’s a Porsche day. Just because everyone is in a club and drives a Porsche doesn’t detract from the fact that people need to get the adrenaline out! Most of all enjoy the car as it is amazing on track and really comes alive.

Mad Scientist said: No offence, but this is bad advice. Car will be proper squirrely with 38-39psi hot. Aim for 32 hot. You might have to do a couple of bleed downs to get to this but then they will be stable. However, they will cool down over lunch. Don’t go back out and thrash is with 26psi in them and wait for them to warm up: almost (not quite) as bad as too much pressure but can damage tyres. Add some more air before afternoon sessions and then bleed down again. Avoid the first 30 minutes even if it’s a Porsche day. Just because everyone is in a club and drives a Porsche doesn’t detract from the fact that people need to get the adrenaline out! Most of all enjoy the car as it is amazing on track and really comes alive. +1

If you own your own Porsche, my advice for a Porsche track-day is simple. Use somebody else's Porsche.

Mad Scientist said: No offence, but this is bad advice. Car will be proper squirrely with 38-39psi hot. ... No offence taken and thanks for correcting. I would rather advice be correct and I'm not going to get uppity about it ...

I always pass on what I was told before my first track day - 1) Before going on track - ENGAGE BRAIN ! 2) If during your first couple of track days you find yourself feeling confident while on track - GET IN TO THE PITLANE IMMEDIATELY !

As a relative novice my advice to start off with is to go at a pace you're comfortable with and don't bow to peer pressure. There are quite a few big egos to contend with on all trackdays, just ignore them and do your own thing. In terms of the first 30mins I was at Oulton on Tuesday and there were four red flags before 12.30am. This included a nasty high speed shunt in a Ferrari in the first 30min and another lengthy stop whilst the marshals were struggling to extinguish a car on fire. In terms of tyre pressures in the first session I came in with 41R 38F and after a dial down came in with 38R 35F. The 38psi made the car very slidey and its only after the third dial down my RS settled at 35R 33F hot which was pretty good. As you get faster you need your wits about you as slower drivers in front will do the seemingly most ridiculous manoeuvres just when you get set to pass them. The process of gradually learning and getting smoother and faster is both extremely good fun and satisfying. My pace a month ago was 2' 06s and on Tuesday I was on 1' 58s even with slower traffic so stick with it.

Last thing from me: don’t time anything! Concentrate on being smooth and it will get quicker. I’m guessing Taffy was looking at videos afterwards.

Get an instructor. Enjoy your day. They will help you sort your tyres out. I used to run my gt4 at 28/29 hot on cup2’s Usually took two or three bleed downs to get them stable at those pressures.

As above, 32psi hot. Take note of how much you let out through the day and put this back in before you set off home. This is important or youll end up running very low 20s as the tyres cool on your home drive Again, as above, take it slow after lunch as the pressures will have dropped so ease the heat back into the tyres to increase pressure steadily Drink water/liquids Take a long sleeved top in case theyre strict on it, most allow tshirts but you dont want to do the 1 in 20 days where they want long sleeves and not have them Dont put handbrake on Do an extended cool down lap so 1 full lap at a steady pace Check wheel nuts a couple of times, if theyre going to loosen then it will be after your got up to pace and got things hot so not after the first couple of sessions Check the oil level before you set off to the track and at lunch time minimum, some cars that never use oil in the road consume it on track Dont obsess with your mirrors, its your corner from the braking zone to corner exit. Dont be overly courteous jumping out of the way, it will spoil your day Id avoid alcohol the night before, you wants your wits about you Have fun

Get tuition. Early on, when people are going more slowly, sit with someone to show you the lines. If someone knows the track, get them with you on the sighting laps to show you where to put the car This will make you faster, safer, and prevent unnecessary wear on tyres Pressures are 29 / 33 (front / rear). The Cup2s are sensitive to pressure so set them to 29/33, do a few laps, then let air out if they get more than 3psi. The rears should be the ones that go hottest first Probably shouldn’t matter too much on a UK track day but don’t let them go cold - ie drop below 28/32 if it’s your first day Check the oil before you set off - if it’s not half level or more then consider topping it off. Probably don’t wan to start a day with it towards the min, even if it’s your first one Let faster cars past on the straights but don’t panic. Indicate towards the end of a corner, sacrifice your exit speed, and pull across smoothly There is ALWAYS another lap Edited by dashobbit on Wednesday 15th June 22:25

You haven't said what your previous track experience is OP. I've done 3 trackdays in my GT4 now (but have quite a lot of track experience in other cars). You'll have a different experience depending on the track, the organiser and who else is there. My first one was an RMA day at Donington and most of the other cars seemed to be either Manthey spec GT3RS's or race cars! I spent the day feeling like a mobile chicane and was constantly being passed by groups of cars inches from each others' bumpers. I've done less daunting test days. The other 2 days were with Javelin at Cadwell and Oulton and were different (much more enjoyable) experiences - both quite scary tracks with little run off but the car was just great at both of them and I was only getting passed by some of the quicker cars. The GT4 is an incredibly capable car and is actually very forgiving. The engine, transmission, suspension and brakes are well up to track use and it really is a car you can enjoy driving to the circuit, spend all day on track, then drive it home again. You might want to take a litre of Mobil1 with you, mine needed half a litre after my first morning but hasn't needed any since. Tyre pressures are, as you've already been advised, a key issue. I found this post on Rennlist , which says Michelin advise to aim for a hot pressure of 2.2 - 2.3 bar (32 - 34psi) all round for Cup 2's. Get yourself a good pressure gauge with a bleed valve, and an electric inflator. You'll need to let more out of the rears than the fronts - I found dropping mine to about 29psi before going out worked out about right. It takes pretty much a full lap to get them up to pressure. I've found the 'track mode' in the tyre pressure display really unintuitive to use and at Oulton just left it in normal mode - you'll have the tyre pressure warning but at least can see what the pressures are doing. My experience is that I need to put about 2psi back in the fronts and 6psi back in the rears to get the pressures about right once they've cooled down on the drive home. Oh yes, and make sure you hit the PASM button to stick it into sport. The GT4 feels a very firm ride on the road, but feels quite wallowy on track in normal mode, the sport setting firms it up and massively reduces body roll.

My 2p worth is also avoid cadwell or Oulton if you aren't a regular trackday goer, until you've done a few days. Blyton or similar places to learn the car before one of the more exciting/intimidating tracks!

200Plus Club said: My 2p worth is also avoid cadwell or Oulton if you aren't a regular trackday goer, until you've done a few days. Blyton or similar places to learn the car before one of the more exciting/intimidating tracks! Very good advice. I would add Bedford as an ideal novice track. I've done Oulton five times and it was only last month on my fourth day there I felt comfortable pushing hard. Fantastic track once you get to know it but very intimidating until you do. Silverstone is also a fantastic safe track for novices as there is plenty of track width for everyone.

Many thanks for all your comments, it's much appreciated and I didn't expect this many replies! The day is at Bedford as I don't have much experience and was told that it's one of the best novice tracks to do as there's lots of run off in case my somewhat limited skill runs out I do also have an instructor booked, so hopefully they can point me in the right direction on the day in terms of tyre pressures etc, but will bare in mind what everyone in here has suggested. Looks like I'll have to get a tyre inflator/ bleed valve as I was just planning on using the local petrol stations tyre pump to do this! - Looks like this is a bad idea now! I'll also buy a little top up oil and take it with me just in case It's needed. Hopefully I don't have any ego moments on track, like mentioned earlier in the tread "there is always another lap" Usually if I have someone come up to me and try to race me on motorways, I just pull into the slower lanes to annoy them. They usually just get bored, speed off and leave me alone - I'll try to do this on the day as well if anyone attempts to race the "race car" I believe the session is in time blocks and not open pit lane, so I'll miss the first one so people can speed around and try and go on the second session which should hopefully be quieter Any further info/comments anyone would want to provide feel free to do so!

F12DDE said: Hopefully I don't have any ego moments on track, like mentioned earlier in the tread "there is always another lap" Usually if I have someone come up to me and try to race me on motorways, I just pull into the slower lanes to annoy them. They usually just get bored, speed off and leave me alone - I'll try to do this on the day as well if anyone attempts to race the "race car" I don't think you'll have that problem. Just leave your ego in the pitlane and move over when it is safe to do so (ie. not mid corner or in your braking zone) and nobody will be interested in "racing the race car." Where it gets annoying is when somebody in a faster car holds you up in every corner and then burns it away from you on the straight only to do the same thing again in the next corner. I was stuck behind a 992 doing this for multiple laps at my last track day and it was really frustrating - in the end I gave up and came in but the more committed/aggressive track day enthusiast may end up doing something stupid. TLDR: Leave the ego aside, learn at your own pace, and enjoy a safe day. Nobody will care what you are driving if you drive the track in a "polite" fashion

LennyM1984 said: Where it gets annoying is when somebody in a faster car holds you up in every corner and then burns it away from you on the straight only to do the same thing again in the next corner. I was stuck behind a 992 doing this for multiple laps at my last track day and it was really frustrating - in the end I gave up and came in but the more committed/aggressive track day enthusiast may end up doing something stupid. Yep, I'm no driving God by any stretch of the imagination but a 992 Carrera S was doing this with me on my last track day. They either weren't looking or just plain refused to let a Cayman and/or GT car past. I followed for two laps then came in. The other option is a pit lane drive past to get you into a different track position. Definitely not worth getting aggressive about it and/or making a stupid attempt at passing somewhere!

Twinfan said: Yep, I'm no driving God by any stretch of the imagination but a 992 Carrera S was doing this with me on my last track day. They either weren't looking or just plain refused to let a Cayman and/or GT car past. I followed for two laps then came in. It sounds like we met the same guy! I drive a ratty, underpowered, 2.7 987 on track and they were certainly not too keen to let me pass them

LennyM1984 said: It sounds like we met the same guy! I drive a ratty, underpowered, 2.7 987 on track and they were certainly not too keen to let me pass them Ha ha, could be! Very typical of a lot of drivers these days I find - happy to boot it in a straight line but can't corner at all...

LennyM1984 said: TLDR: Leave the ego aside, learn at your own pace, and enjoy a safe day. Above all, prioritise this. The mental attitude aspect is huge, and really will be the key thing to whether or not you enjoy the day.

Twinfan said: Ha ha, could be! Very typical of a lot of drivers these days I find - happy to boot it in a straight line but can't corner at all... The sadly late Steve Kevin's famous curse of the "moderately driven rocket ship"

F12DDE said: I believe the session is in time blocks and not open pit lane, so I'll miss the first one so people can speed around and try and go on the second session which should hopefully be quieter If it's a sessioned day I would go out in the first session - it won't be any busier than the others and most folks are still finding their way around in the first session. Best that you find your way around at the same time, otherwise you're going out for your first session when everyone else is up to speed.

Re top up oil, best leave in the pit box when out on track, the bottles have been known to leak when bouncing around the frunk, and even when in the Velcro’d pouch.

Wollemi said: The sadly late Steve Kevlin's famous curse of the "moderately driven rocket ship" Oh how incredibly sad, I hadn't heard. Steve was friendly with my late father, and some time back in the early '90s Steve and I spent a happy 30 minutes or so hooning my Dad's 964 C4 around the roundabouts of the Reading area trying to see if the green light of the earliest 964 C4s still operated when the stability control (probably no more than the centre diff lock back then) needed to engage. Steve was better at hooning than me of course. We left the session confident that it no longer activated no matter what the stupidity level. Talented driver, and a really nice guy. Liam

Hey guys, done my first track day at Bedford on Monday (was very hot, around 37 degrees at points in the car ) and loved it! Thank you for all of your advice above, I found that I had to let a fair bit of air out of the tyres before they stopped increasing in pressure, but got there eventually. Tuition also helped massively, I was taking such different lines to those who hadn't had tuition (it was a novice day so all newbies) and ended up being a lot faster than most others because of this. My favourite photo from the day below, Think i'm going to have to get another day booked up soon

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it. Pretty good for track days these GT4s aren't they?

Crayon, Black rims. Yellow PCCBs and Clubsport the best spec for a GT4 bar none.

+MR kit ;-)

You got the bug!! Glad you enjoyed it & lovely GT4

Excellent. I saw the boys at JZM setting your car up. Glad it’s working well for you. Enjoy and continue to post up your experiences. I’m on my second euro trip within the last month. I love it.

My first "proper car" if you will, so still learning how to get the best out of it, although I will fully admit that the car is most likely more capable than myself, I cant get my head around how a GT4RS/GT3/GT3RS can be any better on track than this(although are obviously are!) Wasn't actually going to have Crayon initially, when I originally submitted my spec it was Miami Blue with Silver wheels, Yellow PCCBs, Yellow Stitching, Clubsport etc. However when my allocation came up it had been removed from the configurator, so opted for Crayon with black wheels! Not complaining as they are both my favourite colours for the car MR Kit would be nice don't get me wrong, but I genuinely don't think that I have the driving capabilities to get the full potential out of something like that, so to me would feel a bit like throwing money down the drain just to say that my car has a MR kit. Maybe in the future when I've done a lot more track driving and improved my skills as a driver. Although for the money it costs, would it not be worth putting it towards something like an 991.1 GT3RS, which would probably end up being faster? Enjoying the geo JZM done on my car, It was only a "fast road" set up done on it without lowering (I live in an area with speed bumps everywhere, so lowering would make my life awkward - Also if it was any lower I wouldn't be able to get it on my drive!) Car definitely turns in better than before it was done, It would look more of the part if it was lowered though! Would love to take my car on a trip around Europe, towards Spa or the 'ring for example, however my issue is finding time to do it. Enjoy your trips!

F12DDE said: My first "proper car" if you will, so still learning how to get the best out of it, although I will fully admit that the car is most likely more capable than myself, I cant get my head around how a GT4RS/GT3/GT3RS can be any better on track than this(although are obviously are!) Just invest in yourself - tuition, sitting with faster drivers etc [quote]MR Kit would be nice don't get me wrong, but I genuinely don't think that I have the driving capabilities to get the full potential out of something like that, so to me would feel a bit like throwing money down the drain just to say that my car has a MR kit. Maybe in the future when I've done a lot more track driving and improved my skills as a driver. Although for the money it costs, would it not be worth putting it towards something like an 991.1 GT3RS, which would probably end up being faster? GT3s should always be faster. But Radicals should be faster again... Yet how many do you pass on a track day... It also depends on your driving style. Personally, I get less enjoyment out of the 911s v the Cayman. Speed is only one part of it, it's about fun... I've had more fun lapping all day in an MX5 in spa in the wet than driving a 3RS in the dry MR kit - or indeed any upgrade - isn't worth it unless you have a problem to solve