My first lapping day

tehskeo · 10-18-2012, 12:29 PM

I can finally post in this thread, having gone to my first lapping session yesterday at Cayuga (finally).

I have literally zero modifications to my car (other than bilstein dampers) and, as such, I was using the regular semi-metallic brake pads I had mounted at the time. Here's what happens into turns 1 and 2:

On stock brakes, I could only really manage 4 laps at a time without having the pedal go to the floor. I think for next track day, to better use my time I will perform the following upgrades:

Ceramic (perhaps racing-spec) pads
Braided lines
Re-bleed brakes prior to the day

Thoughts? Will the pads/lines really help as much as I think they will? I have no idea how long or how well the stock e36 (non m3) brakes should last on a track.

BigD · 10-18-2012, 01:23 PM

My thoughts are stop doing lapping until you do at least one school. The sooner you do that, the fewer bad habits your instructor will have to undo, and fewer things to convince you of that you don't really know even though you think you do.

**T.Dot_E30** · 10-18-2012, 01:35 PM

Sounds more like brake fluid than pads...
When was the last time you flushed your brake fluid? Everyone seems to overlook that.

E30 Girl · 10-18-2012, 02:20 PM

Also make sure you use a synthetic fluid with a higher boiling point like Super Blue I have never ever had brake fade even after lapping for the whole day.

sb_600 · 10-18-2012, 05:04 PM

1. Not sure if you're an MCO member, but join & do one of their lapping days next summer. They provide "free" instruction by qualified instructors.

2. Yup, upgrade your fluids. BMW pads should last at least one lapping day. Get a good set of street/track pads to start (ie. Hawk HPS/HP+) and some ATE superblue, and you'll be all set.

tehskeo · 10-26-2012, 05:24 PM

sb_600 · 10-26-2012, 05:47 PM

not bad for your first day! Glad you had fun

Whole lot of scary in that first session with then instructor - not even waiting for you to put your seatbelt before going on track :O:O:O

Anyways, I say it again - sign up for a instruction day with MCO next summer... It's totally worth it, and you'll be amazed at what you'll learn!

davericher20 · 10-27-2012, 12:58 AM

Plus 1000 on getting instruction. Koodos for going to the track though.
Nt saying that you are, but Lots of people make the mistake of thinking that simply driving on the track suddenly makes them an amazing driver now and they dont need to be taught anything.
Dont be that person.

Gleb · 10-27-2012, 11:59 PM

You need to talk to Racer, I hear he's a Cayuga expert.

And get in touch with Mr. Apex, the moment you talk to him is the moment you will be faster.

davericher20 · 10-28-2012, 12:41 PM

I was instructed by racer at the last school, i havent heard from him since. His instruction led to me winning the school trophy for fastest driver

tehskeo · 10-29-2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gleb

You need to talk to Racer, I hear he's a Cayuga expert.

From what I've seen on these forums, he's also an expert troll. I like that.

Thanks for the advice guys! Instruction (and brake pads/fluid) are my next motorsports investments. Shawn, I will definitely look into signing up with MCO, though I am no longer in Ottawa (the girlfriend is, but that might also change

). I graduate from school in the spring, so where ever I find a job is where I will be looking for a local motorsports club!

Did you learn from MCO? I remember you destroying everyone at Top Karting last fall.

sb_600 · 10-29-2012, 11:46 PM

Cool man - where are you going to school?

Yeah, most of my instruction comes from MCO - they have been really focusing on their instructor program to get a good set of qualified instructions - some of the best around. I also did a driving school with Glen Clarke (2006 Targa Newfoundland winner). I did the BMW driving school at CMP last year as well which was good too.

haha yeah Top karting was fun

I don't think I've been back since!