Like I said, I don't want to scare off anyone, but I just want to make sure you pay close attention to the condition of your car. Doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be sound from a safety stand point, and from a 'get your money's worth by being able to stay out on track' stand point.
Brake pads - Hawk HPS won't work very well on track, especially at a track that requires a lot of braking (WGI). The heavier a car is, the worse it is. I made the mistake of using HPS pads on my first event, and after taking a nice tour of the runoff at the end of the front straight at Lime Rock, spent the rest of the event feathering the throttle and coasting into turns so I didn't have to brake much. Kinda sucked, but I was still out there. I used HP+ for many events, but got tired of them melting on the rotors and causing brake shuddering. Everyone has a favorite track brake pad, and most of them will work safely. Depending on your car's brake system, you may be just fine. Stock Hondas tend to have undersized OEM brake systems, but other cars may be up to the task w/o much beefing up. In Car & Driver they try out the brakes on cars they are reviewing, and it's amazing how some of the sportiest cars come with some pretty weak brakes - fading after 2 laps or 3 panic stops, etc. Thing is to just be aware of the potential and talk to your instructor about your concerns - they'll work with you and make suggestions based on what you tell them.
Camry - sure! I've seen a Taurus, a Fusion, and even a rental Pontiac Grand Prix on track. The problem with the family cars is it's tough to get performance pads for them, and all-season tires pretty much stink at the track. You may not be the fastest out there, but it's still fun to be part of the action. If you're paying attention to your mirrors and letting people by so that you aren't holding others up, everyone is happy to be out there with you. Again, if you're new, your instructor will help keep an eye on track for you.
Snow tires - not a chance.
Insurance - depends on your insurer. Best way to find out is to ask them, but be careful; they may cancel you on the spot. Rumor had it GEICO would drop you if they found out you were planning or had participated in a track day. Take a read through your policy. Look for wording in your policy for exclusions. Some make statements about "competition" or "racing", which you aren't doing here (that's why they don't allow timing equipment in your car). Some companies have gotten wise to this loophole and now make reference to driving on a "racing surface" or similar, which is what these tracks are. When I read mine I found out that I'm not allowed to carry nuclear material in my car, or else my insurance is void. So much for my new mods...
Topic: Patroon BMWCCA Drivers School (HPDE) 2011 Schedule (Read 2573 times)