[Mackpipes]

OK all you track Dorki, I need some advice. I was just excepted to the DE at VIR in September. With this being a three day event I want to buy an extra set of pads for the track. I have Zimmerman drilled rotors that are in good shape. I have pretty much no track experience. I don't want to be buying new rotors after this event so rotor kindness is a plus. Also, what spares would you recommend? Jase007 has been kind enough to haul my spares down in his trailer for me so space is not an issue. Here's What I have so far:

Spare set of Rains on 6's and 7's
Fan and ac belts
plugs
plug wires
tools
jack and stands
anti freeze
DME relay
bulbs and fuses
1 quart of super blue

I have also told the small family living in my muffler they have two weeks to move out

Thanks for any advice,
Ted

[Vicegrip]

How old are the existing pads? A good set of any type will last the weekend. What are you running now? Street type are good to start out with as they tend to be less aggressive. Any cracks in the drilled disks? Ask Tony K about Zimmerman drilled rotors. I have one of his that looks as if someone sliced it up like a pizza. Big cracks that run edge to center.

Look your car over well. What have you not serviced? The good thing is VIR is not too hard on cars but there are 2 hard braking zones and some more that are low to med.
Bring a folding chair, there is plenty of time spent not on track. Lots of folks have the standard tools to lend but some rags are always handy Clothing for warm and cool weather. Plenty of BVDs. You might need them while getting 17 and 17a figured out. Cooler of drinks and some munchies.

Most of all make sure to pack a good attitude. You will have some fun and learn somthing as well. S*** happens but the gang tends to jump in and work to get each other back on track if posable.

[Rick Lee]

Ted, I just did my first DE this past weekend. My only concern was boiling my brake fluid. I'd do a good flush at the ASG tech session if I were you. I can bring my power bleeder if you want and Kurt can pose for funny pictures (again) orally siphoning off the excess fluid from the mc reservoir. Bring a set of 30W ball bearings, some gauze pads and 5 gal. of Prestone anti-freeze.....no, better make that Quaker State.

Kurt is totally right in advising you to bring a good attitude. It will really come in handy when you get a spot in the paddock next to those who left their good attitude at home, or just never had one to begin with. You're always safe hanging out with the NoVA gang though.

[Mackpipes]

Kurt,
I was in your Tajgarage when I spotted those cracks in Tony's rotors. Lets not hope for a repeat performance. I'm running Street pads that are in good shape. I will be be swapping them out when I get to the track. I'd like something that is more agressive than stock that won't trash my rotors.

Richard,
Jason will have his Motive bleeder there so I'm good on that end. Are you going to this DE?

Also, I'll have the in-car video setup for this event. Should be interesting.

Ted

[Rick Lee]

I'm not in this DE, but I may come hang out for a day. I have a set of new PBR pads you're welcome to. Dunno if they're better for street or track.

[APKhaos]

The offending Zimmerman front rotors were installed in March. They had less than ten track days of service, with relatively rotor-friendly Carbon Kevlar [aka porterfield/cool carbon] pads. No improvement over stock rotors in the brake performace department, so lesson learned!

I still owe David R for the set of new stock rotor he just 'happened' to have in his 'le large garage'.

The lists above cover everything you will need, and the attitude thing is essential to have fun. My second season was spent spinning multiple times every day on every track. Humility was enforced, along with some suggestions that the local golf courses were close.

[Vicegrip]

Swap now or run the existing pads, you don't want to add a handling variable at the track if you don't need to.

Something else to add to the list. A GOOD dial type tire guage.

[BW911]

Ted, You've got a good list, and Kurt's suggestions are all spot on. You'll be glad you brought a folding chair for the down time. If I can find one, I'd like to pick up one of those EZ Up tents for some shade.

It's a good idea to have spare brake pads. I learned the hard way. And if you don't need them, somebody else will. I'm still experimenting with my brakes but have been following David Riley's advice to purchase OG Racing's Performance Friction competition pads.

We're going to have a blast.

- Bill W.

[APKhaos]

Arrr.....ummmm......yes......Bill's Performance Friction pads are now on the rear calipers of my car, and David Riley's rotors are on the front.

I'm a born-again kleptomanic!

Bill's pads have only had two time trial laps, so maybe I can sneak 'em back in the box - he'll never notice.

[rs911t]

I was running new PF pads last weekend, thanks to David's tip and OG Racing. Stopping has never been so much fun!

Bill, don't you mean a spare set of calipers?