Test

[Greg@SVTOA]

Can you guys please quiet down? :)

[gcassidy]

Uhh...that's not why we bought these cars.

Not much going on here yet. I'll start. I'm going to an open track day at Summit Point, WV. for the first time in Dec. I havn't been on a race track (1/4 miles don't count) since I used to race GP motorcycles in the 70s and 80s. Should be a change of pace. Hope the old competitive juices don't flow too much. Can't afford to race these. I just want to wind it out and carve some corners (maybe pretend i'm diving inside someone while outbraking them).
I think I have everything ready, which means I'll find out at the track what I forgot.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Greg

[Stanger58]

Hi Greg,

Yeah... kinda quite this time of year. But, we DID put on four different SVTOA "On Track" events this year. Mosport (Bowmanville, Ontario, CA), Indianapolis Raceway Park (Claremont, IN), Texas Motor Speedway (Justin, TX) and Heartland Park Raceway (Topeka, KS).

If you've got some "racing background", you should do fine at your first track event with four wheels...:D

Just remember, that Cobra takes more distance to slow down and after a few laps, you'll notice some drop-off in your braking efficiency (as your pads, rotors and calipers do get heat-soaked.

Other things to do to your Cobra before hitting the track;

* Tire pressures - I'd recommend starting with 40 psi in the front and then adjusting up or down as needed (much depends on your car's alignment and YOUR driving style). Use some white chalk or shoe polish over the edge of the tread on your tire to determine if you are "rolling" the tire over too much.

* Lug nuts - make sure they are properly torqued. Check your owner's manual or with your SVT dealer for proper torque specs. And check them a couple of times during the day as the heat cycles and high sideloads can affect the torque of the lug nuts.

* Brake pads - make sure you have AT LEAST 3/4 of your OE pad thickness. It's also a good idea to bring an extra set of pads with you to the track.

* Brake rotors - free of any cracks or warpage.

* Brake fluid - clean and fresh brake fluid. Ford Heavy Duty fluid is a VERY good choice.

* Check all your fluid levels - engine oil, power steering, coolant, and if your Cobra has quite a few miles, it would probably be worth your effort to have the transmission and rear diff oil levels checked by your dealer.

* Helmet. A GOOD SA00 helmet is worth the investment. See my "helmet" posting for a good place to purchase one if you don't already have one.

* Instruction - I don't know what kind of event you're going to, but HOPEFULLY they will have some classroom time for you and some "in-car" instructors available for you. TAKE ADVANTAGE of them! Ask them to ride with you and better, yet, ask them if you can ride with them. NEVER stop learning!

* HAVE FUN!! Drive within your limits and you'll be simply AMAZED at just how competent your Cobra is.

Good luck Greg, and please DO report back to us.

See you on track! :bna

[gcassidy]

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[gcassidy]

Thanks for all the info. I'm gonna use this as a checklist for getting stuff ready.

Got my dial tire pressure guage.
Need to check lugs.
Have been looking for a set of PFC pads locally to put on (don't know current pad status)-never had to worry about fade with a 150 lb bike.
Will look at rotors when doing pads.
Brake fluid changed in Aug when braided lines put on.
Engine, tranny and diff fluid just changed, must check coolent and p/s.
Just got new Bell M2 (painted it Dupli-Color Mirage).
Hoping for in car instruction, at least I know the track (Summit Point) intimitely.

Biggest concern is weather, I've raced there in Nov and March, but never in Dec. Just hope it's dry.

BTW, towards the end of my racing, I was involved in running a riders school for new racers at Summit Point, and hope I can still remember the feeling of a new rider (driver). Loved having the "baby ducks" follow us around (no in car instructors).

Thanks again
Greg