[Updated on: Tue, 09 November 2004 14:07]

[Updated on: Mon, 18 October 2004 06:28]

genkin wrote on Mon, 18 October 2004 10:34

Count me in for a track day! don't mean to ruin your plans Danish, but I reckon it would be cool if lots of the 86 guys had a track time showdown

AE86 BATTLE!!!!!!!!!

how good would it be.. oh man we gotta do that

Edit: what do u mean not being timed? if we arent being timed whats the point of a grip run?

[Updated on: Mon, 18 October 2004 08:56]

Theres a reason you dont need all the safety gear for a practise day, and its because they're not CAMS sanctioned, hence doesn't have to comply with CAMS rules. This also means no Liability Insurance on your behalf.

Further, no scrutineering means you have no guarantee that the car tailgating you at 180 actually has brakes. Or that the one in front isnt about to drop a shitload of oil at the next apex because his sump plug is really a wine cork.

Mallala's not safe. You do high speeds within metres of solid concrete walls and 2 tonne flying metal boulders (other cars)...
that happened 2 months ago, and no he wasnt being an idiot, it can just happen to anyone

You'd all be much better waiting for a CAMS event. Yes it's more expensive, but its safer, and its timed. The open day when that photo occurred they had the HQ & Falcon Sedans out there doing practise in amongst slow road cars, and with 32 cars on a 1.2? kilometre track all doing high speeds.... well you do the math. Coincidentally though, the next time out was apparently dead, no bikes, no racers practising just a couple of Soarer blokes. So it really is a hit or miss affair. (A CAMS event will list the max number of cars that will be allowed on the track during a session.)

As for car prep, have near new pads (esp if youre going out in a newer Soarer... I cant say i know much about the older ones), and recently changed brake fluid (within 6-12 mths - but make sure its full). Also ensure all fluids are at the full mark (trans, power steering, engine oil, headlight fluid). And if you've got an auto make sure it doesnt get too hot because heat will kill it. If the fluids boiling, don't go back out. Don't inflate tyres to their maximum capacity, because as the heat gets into them the pressures will rise, taking them above what they can safely hold. 40-45psi is about right and about what most people think a street car needs anyway Dont bother with nitrogen inflation etc etc. If it was me Id still have a battery triangle and a fire extinguisher on my car going out there but if youre on a budget it's up to you.

Oh yeah, and for those saying Mallala is fairly hard on brakes... it is renowned as the hardest track for brakes in Australia! Look at a map of the circuit and you'll see fast straights with relatively slow corners...

Anyway enough blabbering. For those interested in a CAMS event I know of a Regularity on the 28th of November and I think Sprints are on the 5th of December. There's probably other things on in between as well.

Anyhow if you still decide to go out I'll come out later on and take lots of photos if its a nice day

[Updated on: Thu, 21 October 2004 01:24]