Phil Wicks MINI Driving Academy at VIR / Take 2
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Huntingtown, MD
A couple of issues with brakes. First, if your car is under warranty and you replace your brake pads with an aftermarket brand, you'll almost certainly void the warranty on your brake rotors (and that can be a very expensive mistake if the rotors wear out). Next, if your car is still covered by the OEM maintenance agreement, I think MINI will replace your stock brake pads if they wear out. As far as bleeding the brake lines, the bigger issue is to first replace and flush the brake lines with fresh brake fluid if the present fluid is 'old'. Not sure what actually constitutes old, but if there's any chance that there is water in the brake fluid, you can be sure that it will boil (turn to steam) at track temperatures and pretty much make your brakes ineffective. Several schools of thought on this issue, but some brake fluid is hydrophillic (absorbs water) and that's a bad thing at track temps. So if you're in doubt, I'd suggest taking the car to the dealer at asking them to check your brakes and maybe get them to replace your brake fluid. More expensive than a DIY, but they've got the tools and correct ingredients to maintain your warranty. And it might be good for your peace of mind.
Glad you're joining us, and I hope some of the above info helps. Lots of folks on the forum know much more than I do, and I hope they'll chime in!
Ed
Glad you're joining us, and I hope some of the above info helps. Lots of folks on the forum know much more than I do, and I hope they'll chime in!
Ed
I guess the logical question would be, What did you guys do about your brakes? This is probably good info for everyone to hear, so let's hear it.
Thanks
I'll also take a look at the racing portion of the site and see what I can dig up.
Looks like some free BBQ. YUMMY.
The listing from Phil Wicks Driving site.
Driving Academy Event
Sunday, November 09, 2008 (1 day event)
Danville, VA
Early registration and technical inspection for full Phil Wicks Driving Academy and North American MINI Cooper Challenge activities on Monday, November 10. Activities begin at 4:00 pm at the track and include a complimentary barbecue dinner provided by FLOW MINI, the event sponsor, beginning at 6:00 pm. Participants unable to arrive on Sunday evening will be able to register and have cars teched on Monday morning at 7:00 am. All fees include the Sunday night activities. "
The listing from Phil Wicks Driving site.
Driving Academy Event
Sunday, November 09, 2008 (1 day event)
Danville, VA
Early registration and technical inspection for full Phil Wicks Driving Academy and North American MINI Cooper Challenge activities on Monday, November 10. Activities begin at 4:00 pm at the track and include a complimentary barbecue dinner provided by FLOW MINI, the event sponsor, beginning at 6:00 pm. Participants unable to arrive on Sunday evening will be able to register and have cars teched on Monday morning at 7:00 am. All fees include the Sunday night activities. "
Schroth Harness?
as per the rule book:
"Equal restraints. Both student and instructor shall have the same restraint system."
So....if you want a schroth you also need one for the passenger side too???
ps: how do you get the $250 registration discount??
"Equal restraints. Both student and instructor shall have the same restraint system."
So....if you want a schroth you also need one for the passenger side too???
ps: how do you get the $250 registration discount??
Yep - gotta give your instructor the same level of protection/anchoring that you buy for yourself... it's only fair... if YOU were sitting in the passenger seat (and you MIGHT be, if the instructor wants to demonstrate) you wouldn't want to be getting slung around the car while the driver is harnessed in securely... right?
For the discount - just write-in $250 on the form. That's all it takes. But must do it NOW...
For the discount - just write-in $250 on the form. That's all it takes. But must do it NOW...
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: southeast
Sorry i can't make this event. I had a blast at the last one. Car was a little dirty after the pass in the grass but i'd do i again any time. here a few thoughts for those of you going.
If you can spare the extra cash staying at the track is awesome. it's usually only $99 bucks for non event days. Otherwise i stay at the BW(best western) tell them you want the VIR club member rate. it ends up being a little cheaper than the HIE across the street and they have an indoor pool and all the rooms have micro-fridge/microwaves.
Brakes
i saw earlier someone mentioned a concern about using aftermarket pads and voiding your warranty....... when you take your car back to have the brakes looked at you have your stock pads back on. I can not count how many sets of front and rear pads and rotors i got under warranty.
The one great think about south course is that you get to do Oaktree over and over. Old racing quote but i thought i'd throw it out there "the most important corner of any track is the one that leads to the longest straight".
ya'll have fun.
If you can spare the extra cash staying at the track is awesome. it's usually only $99 bucks for non event days. Otherwise i stay at the BW(best western) tell them you want the VIR club member rate. it ends up being a little cheaper than the HIE across the street and they have an indoor pool and all the rooms have micro-fridge/microwaves.
Brakes
i saw earlier someone mentioned a concern about using aftermarket pads and voiding your warranty....... when you take your car back to have the brakes looked at you have your stock pads back on. I can not count how many sets of front and rear pads and rotors i got under warranty.
The one great think about south course is that you get to do Oaktree over and over. Old racing quote but i thought i'd throw it out there "the most important corner of any track is the one that leads to the longest straight".
ya'll have fun.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in time
Completely off topic but I'm curious.....Katie, now that the F1 season is coming to a close, who do you think is gonna take the "chump-ionship" in Brasil, Lewis or Felipe ? I'm holding out for Lewis......
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,555
Likes: 0
It's the post-midterm panic, and I've picked up 3 new students for tutoring....one of whom can only meet me on Mondays. Can't very well leave her in the lurch.
we're hoping Lewis takes it too, tho' it's Massa's home course. Gonna be a battle.
No takers for my VIR spot? Man, I'm gonna be out several hundred bucks
No takers for my VIR spot? Man, I'm gonna be out several hundred bucks
