How to protect paint at Track?

Hi, I have my first track event coming up in October. I know many may not care about protecting their paint, but for those who do, can you tell me what I should do? I have nary a stone chip or scratch, and want to keep it that way. I was told some use painters' tape at the track, on the front bumper and side mirrors. I was wondering about the wrap I see on new cars on the delivery truck? Let me know if there are any good ideas out there. (yes, I know there are plenty out there who just say screw it...). Also, my local dealership is giving free "Tech Inspections" for the track event. They say I will also need a brake bleed. Anything special included in a Tech Inspection? I believe it is required for the track event? Thanks, Todd 99 C2 Aero

stay in the pits inspect required, anything found under par will have to be brought up to par prior to a passing grade, they will let you know and dont be afraid to bring along the credit card !

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Several layers of Saran Wrap. Also, I've heard of car reviewers in UK using Vasoline smeared pretty heavy on nose of car to protect car against pitting. Event not until October so you have time to have clear bra fitted to car to protect whatever surfaces you want to protect. Sincerely, Macster.

A couple different price point options: Painters Tape Goes on easy, come so ff easy, sometimes a little too easy the "Saran Wrap" approach This is a highly adhesive carpet protection plastic wrap that can be picked up at Lowes or Home Depot. I found it too sticky for my comfort level, especially if leaving it on for multiple days; I started to apply then, then backed out. Here is an example of the wrap stuff, a little overkill perhaps in this case ; Link Clear Bra End of discussion. There are all kinds of flavors, manufacturers, and options [hood, bumper, mirrors, fenders, quarter panels, etc.] It can be somewhat pricey when done correctly, but all of my cars are done. No worries about damage and it makes clean up much easier. I'm sure there are myriads of other options, but to me these are the most recognizable. IIRC you just took ownership of this car, so before the event, I'd do a very thorough cleaning, especially on the exterior with a good polish and perhaps a couple layers of sealant or wax [another can of worms]; this will make your post-track event clean up much easier as well; this can be its own other thread, or PM me and I can tell you what I had success with. HTH

Thanks all. The link to the Saran Wrap is funny!

+1 on the clear bra - but don't forget the lenses for head/fog lamps - you can tape those or buy a thick clear plastic permanent cover. Tech inspection is pretty basic stuff - most places insist on the driver signing off that they are responsible for their car so any free tech inspection is worth the time. Try a Motive power bleeder and learn to flush your own brake fluid. If you don't know when the fluid was last changed, I'd get it flushed prior to the first track event. This track stuff is addictive, you may wish to quit before it takes hold of you!

Oh and no matter how hard you try - you will get a stone chip or two somewhere.... It's like a badge of honor - these cars were made for the track!

Todd, With which group is your track event in Oct? Summit Point?

Thunderbolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park. A PCA event. I will be in the Green Class (newbie).

i will be the chief of the t-bolt event todd. i wouldn't worry too much about rock chips. usually you'll get them by following the car in front of you closely. most noobies tend to be so overwhelmed by the experience that they tend to keep a very safe distance from the car ahead of them. anything else you need to know, pm me.

a removable bra would do the job. I imagine they are avail for 996's. if the paint is that good then go clear bra. why wait till oct? it is july now and you will love it!

My thoughts on this after taking a number of cars to a number of track events: 1. Forget the painters tape, it's too thin to prevent anything but the smallest chips; when we see the noobs show up with painter's tape we joke that it holds the chips in place 'till you peel off the tape. 2. Removable bras work but have their own problems. I've never used a removable bra that didn't leave scratches along the edges and other spots where it contacts the car but vibrates in the wind. 3. Clear bra is really the only way to go, unless you just want to learn to live with stone chips.

Don't leave it in my garage, that's one way to keep the paint looking good.....

^ Good one! Nice to know you kept your sense of humor in spite of "the incident."

I'd say that your best bet is to just go as slowly as you can to avoid any chips. You're welcome...

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As a Professional Detailer and a track nut I find quite a bit of value in painters tape. There's alot of microdamage done to the clear from flying rubber, bugs, dirt, sand, etc coming off of other cars that is easily prevented with painters tape. you're correct it's not the ultimate solution for larger stones but I use it even on my car that has clear bra to get additional protection in areas that the clear bra doesn't cover (a pillars, etc). I enjoy being heckled by people for my blue painters tape....it's funny how quiet they get about it after they get passed by me

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It is a well-known fact the painter's tape will make you go faster, which is why you're passing people. I'm not so sure about the micro-damage however. As I get older my vision gets worse so the smaller chips don't bother me as much.

I seem to recall seeing vinyl protective pieces that attach magnetically to the front of the car.

when exactly is this event? Im a newb also and would like to look into going

You can find more info at www.delawarepca.org

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Since aggressive washing can cause as much paint damage as anything else, apply a fresh coat of wax before the event so that when you subsequently wash it, you're not having to scrub too hard to get all of the tire smears and track debris off. Damn, that car looks ready to ejaculate!