Hi everyone- A couple of days ago my wife (best chick ever!) gave me a track day for our tenth anniversary. It's at BIR, and I'll be on the track in late September. The details are on a wedsite called BIRPERFORMANCE.COM. I'll be using my own ride, a Bullwinkle tuned 08 STi with all stock internals and suspension. I'm wondering if anyone knows about this company or has any advice for me. This will be my first time on a track...I can't wait. -Thanks.
I was lucky enough to go to BIR for a track day once. Easily one of the best days of my life. 1) show up EARLY! tell someone it was a present from your (best wife ever) and let them know its your first time. They will be happy to help you out. Try to get in a "class" session so that you are given the rundown on the rules/passing areas/etc. 2) Make sure you have a full tank of gas, good tires, a Snell aproved helmet, and your car is cleaned out of ANY AND ALL stuff (including floor mats, yes I'm serious). They will inspect your car and make sure that everything is solidly bolted down. That's all I have for now
Thanks for the quick reply. I'd planned on pulling out the spare tire, the booster seat, and my hard-mounted radar detector. I hadn't thought about floormats, though. I will show up early. I have the original Dunlops on my car...only 11,000 miles. They've got plenty of tread left, but I don't like them much. Hopefully I'll wear them out and be able to justify something better for next summer. I haven't seen the paperwork yet, since my bride didn't want it showing up before I knew about it. I THINK there's a two hour classroom portion first. Then I'll watch an instructor drive my car, he'll ride with me, and finally I head out on my own. It goes from 7:30am-5:00pm so there should be lots of track time even with the classroom portion and lunch. I'll fill up with fuel before I start. I always use 93 here, but the best I can find in Brainerd is 92. Hopefully I won't destroy my engine.
At a minimum get some high temp brake fluid and flush/bleed your brakes. Track oriented pads would be good if you are an aggressive driver or you think you're going to push it out there. Have fun! fwiw I'm signed up for the 27th at BIR.
I don't see how it would harm your engine. BTW there is Non Ox at the station just south of Bada Bings on 371. If you've never been to BIR, Bada Bings is the bar that is almost directly across the street from the track entrance. The Shell (I think) station just out side the gate is closed. The BP station to the drivers left as you approach the gate is open but they don't have Non Ox. Of course I'm a noob so I don't know how Non Ox effects these cars I just know the race bikes use it religiously. Oh and by the way congrats on the awesome wife and have a great track day!!!!
TwofiveRS: Thanks for the advice. I'll be there on the 27th as well. I'll look for you. Will you be driving the RS? physicker: I'm not really too concerned about my engine. I think it'll be okay. I've just read so much Internet gossip about GR ringland failures that I'm starting to believe my pistons are made of glass. If this STi is half as solid as my bugeye WRX was I've got years of smiles ahead of me.
Don't be afraid to ask one of the instructors to drive your car just a few levels above your skills so you can see what you can work on and what it should look like and feel like. Don't worry they are not suppose to or allowed beat on your car, they are very professional, they are there to help you have a fun and a safe day at the track one you'll remember. I'll be going there this Wednesday and next Monday 20th. I'm not available to go on the 27th otherwise I'd be happy to help you. It will be fun, don't be afraid to come thru the pits if you see too many crazies or want more room on the track. Be patient with yourself because its very mentally draining. Make sure you drink lots of water and conserve your resources and energy because a lot of people start leaving shortly after lunch.
As far as the 93 octane, you may want to check with bullwinkle about the tune. Generally, 91 and above is fine on a non-tune engine; however you have a tune and you are going to be driving aggressively. If was just highway driving I'm sure you would be fine, so I would check with bullwinkle (maybe he has a quick 91/2 map that he could upload?). Have fun though! Lots of good advice already. If you are running stock pads, just remember to take a break from the track once in a while to let them cool down. My first track session I was going all out for a little too long (like 25+ minutes) and when I took my first break, my pads were literally smoking. They are crappy autozone pads, but I would still keep an eye on it. You are probably going to need a helmet, and they may have loaners. If they don't you could potentially borrow mine (assuming you don't have lice or anything lol). Have fun though, and let us know how it is. I wouldn't mind checking it out myself! Last advice...brake early and brake often!
Cool, I'll be in a black miata.... For those that have done the BIR performance school, what is the norm for track time up there, roughly how many miles?
Musashi: I'll have an instructor show me what the car is capable of, for sure. It'll give me something to shoot for. Thanks for the tip on staying hydrated. I tend to forget until I start to get a headache, and then it's too late. I can't believe people leave early. That's good to know, I won't feel like I need to be out when it's real crowded in the morning. Cool avatar. TMF: I'll email Bullwinkle. Th. First time I drove the car to the cabin I was horrified there was no 93 even by BIR. Bullwinkle said at the time I'd be okay as long as I took it easy for 50 miles or so to let the ECU "learn." I'm planning on filling up with 92 before I leave so the car will have the whole drive up to acclimate. Still, it can't hurt to talk to The Man. I hadn't thought of it. I appreciate the helmet offer. I have a mono-brow, a third nipple, a tape worm, and some sort of nasty, flesh eating toe fungus...but no lice. Luckily I also have a helmet from my sport bike days. Thanks, though. I'll take it easy on the brakes. I've heard the stock pads aren't too bad for some occasional light track work. Thanks again, everyone. Lots of good advice. I really appreciate it.
i need a new wife. congrats, you'll have a blast. i'm planning on taking my other car there next year. i'd put fresh oil in the engine before taking it out on the track as well. I didn't see that mentioned. if your anal, you can probably change it shortly after as well. Do get high temp brake fluid and make sure you have plenty of life in the pads if you are running stock. once you come off a few hot laps, don't park the car with e-brake on, find level ground and leave the parking brake off until the pads have had a chance to cool down.
