Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Beloit, IL is having an Automotive track day next month, which I've expressed interest in doing. I've been told that brakes and tires are two key things to worry about. I have an 05' Cooper S with no engine mods and little handling alterations (Cabrio Cross Brace, and Madness Motorworks trapezoid chassis bar)

I'm currently running the Continential ExtremeContact DW on 16x7 Rota RBs, which I got in June. My brakes aren't as new. In fact, I have over 40k miles on them with Hawk HPS pads on replacement OEM rotors.

My dad and brother (who have done many motorcycle trackdays in the past) have advised that I use my spare wheels (X-Lites), and get myself another set of tires specifically for the track, and as well get a set of new brake pads. Chances are I will do more track days in the future.

Even though this would be my first track day, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get another set of tires and brakes so I don't have to worry about my street tires getting eaten up, and worrying about fade as much on older brakes.

Lastly, what tires would you recommend, as well as brake pads?

 

Having raced at BHF I can assure you that your brakes and your tires will get a real workout (especially the LF tire as most of the turns are to the right). An investment in dedicated track tires/rims will add to your driving experience and is good advice to be heeded. BTW make sure you check your brake resevoirs to see that they are adequately filled and use a good quality DOT4 brake fluid. You may wish to bleed the brakes before you go. I cannot advise on what pads/tires to get but there are many others on this forum that can steer you to what you seek. Check out the Racing and Competition section of the NAM website... there are threads there that can offer you some information.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

Good luck and let us know how it went!

 

If your pads have over 50% of their thickness left, you can consider using them. If they have less, definitely replace them. I would be tempted to replace them anyway.

New fluid is, IMHO, a must. I ran in my "other car" on six-month-old fluid, and boiled it after about 15 minutes out of my 20-minute run sessions. Pushing the middle pedal down and having it go straight to the floor at 100+ MPH is no fun. (Pumping the pedal does work, but at that point it's time to head to the pits.)

If you already have spare wheels, it's not a bad idea to get tires for them and burn those up rather than your street tires. I would suggest not going all-out (e.g., getting real slicks or even DOT-legal "R compound" tires) but using more of a regular tire to start with. They tend to be more forgiving and give you more warning at the limit, plus they're usually cheaper.

 

My brake fliud was flushed back in June as part of my maintanence when I took it to MINI to get the alignment done. So I should be alright.

I was considering on getting another street oriented tire for track purposes for now. My brake pads still have more than half thickness, but I'll go ahead and replace them anyway. I'll check around and see what I can find for good pads.

Thanks for your help guys!

 

Also, Bring a few basic spare parts and tools with you.

Parts:
Extra brake pads (the one you just removed), better brake fluid one can, motul or ATE or OEM Mini if you use that now.
Oil, one quart.

Tools:
Some basic tools, wrenches, screw drivers, something to tighten and remove lug nuts, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge etc.
Air pump if you have one.

Other stuff:
Tarp to put your stuff on.
Rubbermaid tub for stuff in case it rains.
Extra set of clothes and shoes.
Long sleeves and pants for driving
Good driving shoes with thinner soles to feel the pedals.
Bottled water and cooler. And some snacks.

You should not need tires during your first day.


Remember not to use the hand brake after your run and torque your lug nuts just before the runs (when it has cooled down)

 

For pads, consider Carbotech XP10s. Expensive but well worth it. Great feel and with good modulation. Does not have the off/on feel of OEM pads. And get the high temperature anti squeal lube. Otherwise it will be squeal city.

 

Since this is your first track day SAVE YOUR MONEY, don't go buy all these racing parts and tires. I'd love to sell them to you since that is what we do, but take this chance to test the limits of your car and learn what you can do, and what you want the car to do better.

Now for what I would do.
#1 replace the pads, you have to have 50% pad or more left to do most track days. You don't need race pads as they won't well for the street, and since it's your first time you won't use them right and eat through your rotors.
#2 do get some high temp fluid. This is never a bad idea as you don't want the stock fluid to boil and have brake fade. Get the Motul RBF 600, NOT the super blue as we have seen it have many problems.
#3 tires You can use your street tires, not the best but remember this is your first time. Rais the pressure a little and go. Yes you will put wear on them, but it's still cheaper than buying a set.
#4 Consider some some schroth harnesses for safety, never hurts and will help hold you in so you can work the wheel rather than hang on it.
#5 Drive and LEARN. Start out slow learn the line, learn the car, look ahead, and learn to be smooth. the speed will come automaticly.

 

My dad will most likely be tagging along and supplying all the necessary parts and accessories needed. My mom even wants to witness this.

Appreciate the input.

Thanks for the info, Way. I still might consider getting some tires to go along with my spare wheels, but I'll definitely get brake pads for sure. If I continue with track days in the future, I'll seriously consider the harness idea, and I'll keep in mind about the brake fluid.

I also have a neighbor who did an auto track day recently, so I'll talk to him as well about pointers, advise and such.

 

Listen to Way. Do your first track day stock, find out what works for you and what doesn't. I've done track days with a stock MCS and MC. *definitely* don't start out with track tires. The tires will mask any inherent flaws in your driving. First step is to tighten the loose nut behind the wheel.
A harness is not super cheap, but it does make a huge difference between hanging on to the wheel for support and using the wheel to turn the wheels. Definitely wise if you expect to do more days.
In CA, at Thunderhill I had no issue with brakes, at Buttonwillow, I definitely suffered some brake degradation. Either way, the simple answer is to slow down. It's not a race, just a track day. IMO, of course.

 

Snaps,

Please add "bring dad and mom to the track" to my list.

And have fun out there.

 

My first post was rather rushed and I did not mean to convey the idea that you should run off and slap a set of race rubber on your MINI, then charge onto the track expecting to set a new lap record... My apologies to you if that was the idea that was passed on.

First off since you are "new" to PDX's or Track Days it is best to limit any and all variables. As stated by others, dedicated tires are not necessary.

For a newbie it is an added expense nothing more. You will have your hands full learning the proper line to use, where the braking zones are and getting a feel for the car (how the car feels when it takes a set... the inherent vehcle dynamics) at speed. What is most required at this stage of your "Track Day" experience is seat time.

As previously stated by others you need to develop the necessary skills behind the wheel. Mechanical improvements (e.g. tires/rims. brake pads, performance mods, etc.) will aid you in going faster later on in your development as a driver. Improvements of this nature, at this point in a driver's development, will not bear much fruit (if any) if you as a driver are not able to extrapolate the most of what they offer. The old maxim of "You have to learn to walk before you can run", aptly applies here.

Now as you progress in skill behind the wheel (assuming you really enjoy PDXs) you will wish to use all the tools available to make yourself fast and safe while on the track.

BHF will put a strain on your brakes and your tires and if you plan on future track days you will want to take the advice offered by your father and brother and get those dedicated rims/tires and pads, etc.

Good advice was offered here in this thread and is well worth following.

You may wish to check out the following links...

http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44464&tag=53

http://scca-chicago.com/track-days-performance-driving-experience-pdx/

Have fun at BHF and remember that speed will come with time... for now go out and learn and most of all have fun!

 

Wow, I'm quite amazed at how much info I'm receiving from you all. It's very enlightening. I have done some thinking over the last couple days, and an extra set of tires is probably not needed. I'll double check the thickness of the pads, and see if another set would be needed. Chances are pads will likely happen.

I may be young, but I don't push myself right off the bat. I know my limits. I plan on taking it easy initially. (Famous last words, I know. )

They have already said they'd like to go and watch, so I got that covered.

 

As far as pads go we recommend Carbotech, we have tried all the other brands and found these are most rotor friendly. We also have a brake cooler kit you might be interested in later on down the road.

http://www.sneed4speed.com/mini/

 

FYI, I destroyed a relatively new set of Continental DW's on ONE track day in June. Now, it was like 105 degrees that day and I drove in the intermediate group, but I didn't think I'd eat up a set that fast (never have before). I would bleed the brakes and put some high temp fluid in and replace the pads.



As others have said, use this as a learning opportunity and explore your limits slowly, pay attention to the instructor and most important, have fun

 

The best street/track tires we have found are the NT05. They last well on the track and work good on the street even in moderate rain.