So i'm finally getting around to writing about my first track day. On friday 2/27 I headed to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. The track is very technical with 17 turns and quite a bit of elevation change. If I had one word to describe the experience; AWESOME. The F was the total package. It handled incredibly well and just kept asking for more. Prior to the event I put on new front rotors and Carbotech XP12 front and XP10 rear pads (Big shout out to SpeedFreaksUSA for the super fast shipping) and Motul 660 fluid change due to the suggestions from you fine folks. The braking performance was incredible. I was able to get deeper and deeper into the turn as I gained more confidence in finding the threshold and the brakes never once let me down. There was no fade whatsoever, and the only thing that held them back was my own comfort. I know they could have held much harder braking than I was comfortable with. Anyway, onto the car. Turn in was super smooth, even going into a very tight hairpin, the car responded very predictably. My only issue, and more of a driver mod I guess, was the large carousel turns 2 and 3 where I couldn't quite get the speed right and experienced the most understeer at any point on the course. I took the first two sessions in sport-auto mode until I felt more comfortable with the line and after meeting a fellow F owner who convinced me to go with the paddle shifters, the car really woke up. I couldn't believe how much faster the car was moving to the paddle shifters. I reduced my lap time from 2:28 at the start to 2:01 as my best time. Top speed of 107.5 (courtesy of Harry's Lap Timer!). Needless to say I'm hooked. I was only able to get a video of my first session because my GoPro died after only 50 minutes of recording. If I could offer any additional suggestions to track days: 1. Drink LOTS of water. By the end of the day I was getting a headache and I was staying hydrated (at least I thought I was) 2. Bring your GoPro charging cable 3. Put together the tool kit that lobuxracer posted in the track thread, it gives you good piece of mind 4. Pack a lunch, snack, and additional food. I made about 4 sandwiches, bring fruit and brain food, you will get mentally exhausted so keep your calorie intake up 5. take notes on your sessions as soon as you get off the track, which turns gave you the most challenge, where you're missing turn in or apex, so you can work your line off the course. 6. Relax and have fun Here is my video of session one. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TAbmuC...ature=youtu.be

 

Nice run zach, anything else on aftermarket or just the brake system? I looking forward to go to the track as well. Maybe speed venture in fontana or streets of willow...

 

right on !! Nice driving. Welcome to the track F'er crew !! The video had no sound when I played it

Its funny how when there are trees on the sides it looks like you are moving faster because there are points of reference. In the desert its just open so I could be going into a bend at over 100 mph and it looks calm as long as the tires dont scream and squeal .

 

Only aftermarket is Sikky headers and WedsSport wheels.

As far as the sound, I had the windows down the whole time (required) so the wind noise coupled with my dog's metal collar hanging from the rearview the sound was unbearable. I edited it out.

 

Great work! There is a lot to take in your first event but it seems like you did really well, showing a huge improvement throughout the day! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and are happy with the performance of the pads and fluid

-Matt M.

 

Here's a few still shots:

 

Awesome write up... I'm looking forward to my first track day this spring myself especially after reading your review.

 

if you order a CD from the photographer you can have a 20x30 print made at costco for $8.99 . I dig the shot of you coming out of the corner

 

Congrats, looks like fun. I wish I could get to a track, but where I live they are covered in ice and snow.

 

Awesome!! I've got a package of 38 pics to choose from, those were some of my favorites. They were sent to me high res so I've got the really big files on my computer.

 

pics look great!

 

our photographer only charges $25 for pics. Totally worth it. When the files are bigger the resolution will be better and it will allow you to crop it. Some of those would look great in the garage

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. Hang it next to the rest of the stuff the wife won't let me put in the house. Haha

 

you can do 20x30 prints for $8.99. I even had some canvas prints made of some shots I took at the Concours De Elegance in 30x40 !!! They look amazing in the man cave

 

Random question, but those of you who track their cars, do you disable the VSC (turn off the traction control)? I'm assuming it goes along with experience and how comfortable you feel and your skill set of correcting the car right?