Author |
Message |
Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari
Post Number: 85 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 8:13 am: | |
Brian, I've had a look and there is no size in the suit. Not sure how big Rubens is but my mate is 5'9" with a 40" chest and he thought it fitted fine. I am 5'11" and I thought it was OK to wear but I wouldn't want to try touching my toes in it! It's one of the more comfortable drivers suits I've worn. David Coulthard is certainly the tightest suit I've tried and Montoya the most roomy. I've found a picture of it:
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Chris A. (Asianbond)
Junior Member Username: Asianbond
Post Number: 115 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 7:37 am: | |
Open face or full face helmet? |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd
Post Number: 135 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 3:01 am: | |
A tip; The gloves/shoes/suit are great (I have 'em all, all in red But, practice in your car with them as often as you can! I know it sounds silly, but when you take the F-car out, do so in the gear (sans helmet for legal/vision reasons.) It will get you familiar with it all, so you don't feel "out of touch" in the car. Your friends may rib you, but it's well worth it ;) Anyone else remenber when they got their first helmet? I clearly remenber wearing it around the house ALL DAY. There I was, sitting on the couch watching TV, with my helmet and gloves on... Best! Ben.
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Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy
Post Number: 160 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 12:35 am: | |
What size is it? How tall is Rubens?
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Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari
Post Number: 84 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 12:26 pm: | |
This suit has only been used for testing so it is not worth as much as a race suit. The same guy also wants to buy a Rubens Barrichello racesuit that my wife has. It's the suit that Rubens wore for the 2000 Malaysian GP. It will meet the same fate if he buys it. If anyone here is interested I should be able to do a good price if it is going to go to a good home (�2.9K). |
Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666
Post Number: 138 Registered: 9-2002
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 10:17 am: | |
Woow that's bad Ow yeh, now I remember (stupid me), you were the one with the party pics, from the same mechanic I guess Maybe a stupid question but for how much do you sell a racesuit like that ? |
Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari
Post Number: 83 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 8:46 am: | |
The racesuit was given to a Ferrari mechanic by Michael. The mechanic sold it to my wife. She sold it last week to a guy who has terrible plans for it... He's going to cut it up and sell it piece by piece! He reckons that's the only way he'll be able to make a profit on it. |
Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666
Post Number: 137 Registered: 9-2002
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 7:59 am: | |
Anthony, you real mean you GOT it from him ?? That would have been awesome then ?!? |
Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari
Post Number: 82 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 7:56 am: | |
You want a racesuit? How about one of these? I got it from some German guy. It is slightly used!
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Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 3511 Registered: 5-2001
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 7:48 am: | |
Peter I bought a suit from Wesco Performance. They have great prices for Nomex Suits. You can get a 3 layer for under $300. Shoes, gloves and caps as well. I think I have a thread "Driving suit which one to buy" a while back. Check the keyword search.
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William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1701 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 7:38 am: | |
I have a Sparco suit very comfy, most important thing is to stay away from dark colors as they absorb heat & you will tire earlier |
Peter (Bubba)
Junior Member Username: Bubba
Post Number: 222 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 2:29 am: | |
Thanks for all the inputs! Also, I am going to get some racing apparel and gears for myself. I am leaning toward Momo helmet, suit, gloves, and such. Any suggestion on these stuff? Thanks! |
William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1683 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 11:03 am: | |
Dave is that your girlfriend, Is it just me or does she look Horny, Baby?!?!? ;) Peter buy some gatorade or something like that for the track to rebuild electrolytes etc |
Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman
Post Number: 628 Registered: 1-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 10:31 am: | |
I check wheel torque when the car has fully cooled after a session. Also: do NOT put your hand brake on after coming off the track & getting out of the car. Leave the car in gear!!! Otherwise, you will likely seize up your rear brakes, esp. if it is a warm day.
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Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Member Username: 95f355c
Post Number: 323 Registered: 8-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 9:12 pm: | |
Forgot to mention. Always check your wheel bolts to make sure they are torqued correctly (if not after each session at least twice a day) and check your tire pressures frequently.
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Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Member Username: 95f355c
Post Number: 322 Registered: 8-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 9:09 pm: | |
As most of you know I am a dedicated track/race junkie and I have to say the words of wisdom already posted below cover it all. Some other things to remember is that you can get dehydrated pretty fast if the weather is hot so drink plenty of fluids. In addition to drinking plenty of fluid make sure you go to the bathroom before your session. Nothing worse than getting out on the track and then realizing you have to take a leak. Lastly, always take your driving down a notch or two first session out in the morning. You are cold, your tires are cold, the track is cold..... Also drop it down a notch or two last session as you should be tired at that point and fatigue is responsible for many errors. Most bad wrecks are either at the beginning or end of the day. Even more wrecks are seen the morning of the second day. Folks forget that the track has changed (temp, grip, fatigue from the previous day...) Another thing to remember is that "..nothing you do to your car today will increase it's value..." AND "....Ferrari already has all the test drivers and racers it needs..." AND When you are going full tilt and everything seems like it's perfect (perfect lap) BACK OFF and relax. I can tell you from experience that some times you go out on the track and end up amazing the sh*t out of yourself and then you suddenly loose concentration and something bad happens. A few years back I was at a track event and it was raining heavily. I was running with a group of guys who at the time were better/faster drivers especially in the wet. I had struggled for most of the day to match their pace. For some strange reason one session I was keeping up to them and I was amazing myself, the car was sticking like glue, and I was catching every slide. I kept up with them for an entire session and was convinced I had mastered the track in the wet. I was caught up in the moment and got a front wheel on a rumble strip and that was the end of it. My Porsche bit the wall and my wallet ended up 20K lighter. At Skip Barber School they really preach the notion that if you think you just did the perfect lap don't get caught up in it and back off a bit (or at least keep your focus). Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 1988 M5 Club Racer #44 1998 Spec Racer Ford #6
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billy bob (Fatbillybob)
Junior Member Username: Fatbillybob
Post Number: 131 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 7:46 pm: | |
Don't let the instructor drive your car. He will try to impress you...unless you can afford his mistakes. Most likely he can't. "Gee I'm really sorry the car is a bit tail happy and it surprised me". |
Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman
Post Number: 626 Registered: 1-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 7:17 pm: | |
All good advice. I especially agree with all of Ric Rainbolt's points. I have seen him drive, and he is gifted, to say the least. My own $0.02? Read a few books, such as Going Faster, by the Skip Barber School guys. Go out with an instructor at every opportunity, even after you are cleared to go Solo. Be smooooooooooth in everything you do on track. And make sure every minute is fun. Translation: if you get uncomfortably hot, or get a seat rash, or are thirsty, or tired, or your arms/neck/eyes hurt, or you are nervous and truly scared, come back in. Rest. Relax. Drink some water. Think about what made you uncomfortable, and then fix it. And then go back out, as long as you want to. This is entertainment & sport--NOT work! Enjoy yourself! And happy new year.
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William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1677 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 6:01 pm: | |
Bruce a firlfriend is a hot chick with big jumblies  |
Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88
Post Number: 1815 Registered: 6-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 3:30 pm: | |
Will, 1:39 doesnt seem to "slow"! Also, if you've ever seen in car shots of drivers on TV you'd be amazed at how smoothly they do everything. they dont yank the lever, they do it gently and not fast. it looks like they take their time. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88
Post Number: 1813 Registered: 6-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 3:28 pm: | |
Will, 1:39 doesnt seem to "slow"! Also, if you've ever seen in car shots of drivers on TV you'd be amazed at how smoothly they do everything. they dont yank the lever, they do it gently and not fast. it looks like they take their time. |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 1382 Registered: 4-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 3:01 pm: | |
HEY WILLIAM WHATS A "FIRLFRIEND" HAPPY NEW YEAR, BRUCE |
William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1675 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 2:59 pm: | |
I can verify what Tim just wrote. I was at Moroso and I was doing 1:43 to 1:41. Last session of the day I was tired and had my firlfriend in the car with the video cam so i decided to "slow down & smoothout" for the camera. result is I saw my first 1:39 LOL  |
Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88
Post Number: 1811 Registered: 6-2001
| Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 2:45 pm: | |
One thing i learned while autocrossing that will probably carry over to track driving is that you have to go slow to be fast. it makes no sense but its true. smoothness is key. i like to go into corners slow and come out fast (im not good enough to go in and out fast!). its way better than going in fast and out slow. Theres no point in really worrying about times on your first event. ive never driven a car on the track though, so i dont know what im talking about. |
Peter (Bubba)
Junior Member Username: Bubba
Post Number: 219 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 10:04 pm: | |
Wow! You guys are great! I will try to remember everything you said in here when I am down at the track in Feb. William, the track I am going to is the only track in China (I think). According to friends we have been there, it's only a so-so track, but it's the only track available where I can drive from Hong Kong. The others tracks are in Japan, Malaysia, and Australia. But, that would require putting the car in a boat. |
Kelly (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1
Post Number: 409 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 9:16 pm: | |
It's mostly to keep the group together and be able to get there without delay.
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DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 610 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 9:09 pm: | |
Oh no... i don't wanna see the answer to this question... i have personal opinions tied to something like that... |
acw (Acw)
Junior Member Username: Acw
Post Number: 128 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 9:05 pm: | |
I'm curious. How did you get a Police escort and what is its purpose? Does that mean you drive as fast as you want? ACW |
john w. houghtaling, II (Johnhoughtaling)
New member Username: Johnhoughtaling
Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 6:05 pm: | |
For those intersted we the Louisiana Chapter of the FCA is hosting a track event this Sat. Jan. 4th at the Grand Bayou Circuit (about 70 miles outside New Orleans). There will be a Police Escort for the Ferraris from my home in New Orleans to the track at 8:30am. (7400 Marconi Drive, New Orleans). Lunch will be served at the track. We will have semi-pro drivers in attendance who can give you all the instruction you wish to have. Price is $110 per car, (including lunch) and $25 each guest, including lunch). Directions to the track can be found on the noproblemraceway.com website. Drivers meeting in the Ferrari Garage at 10:00. |
William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1673 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 5:40 pm: | |
Peter, if you become a track junkie like me you Really need to buy a cooling fan and have your mechanic install it behind your 512s oil cooler. Ferrari left very little room for intake to the oil cooler so the oil heats up after only 4 or 5 laps which sux |
William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1672 Registered: 2-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 5:36 pm: | |
Hi Peter what track will you be driving your 512TR at ? I would suggest you call porterfield in the US and order some of their racing brake pads, you can use them on the road as well although they are a bit dusty, they are Much better than stock. Also I suggest a good harness to keep you in your seat. 3555 Challenge slicks fit perfectly on the 512TR and are a Huge help. If you use stock brake pads you will run out of brakes in a Big hurry, change all the fluids before going to the track. the 512 has Serious Power. once you get a handle on it after lots of experience you can make the 512TR dance but its not for beginers There is A LOT of weight back there & it wants to swap ends with the front occasionally. Its a great car even on tight roads where it handles surprisingly good for such a beast. I will be heading back to the track at Moroso for Cavallino Good luck, let me know how it went & if you need some advice |
William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist
Post Number: 545 Registered: 9-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 4:36 pm: | |
For any of the Texas crew that will be at any TWS events, I'll need all the help I can get. Ric, you make prefect sense about learning all aspects of the track, learn to "visualize" the 2.9 mile course. I'm sorry about missing my chance for that ride along you offered. You were very busy with others. (1.8 mile Ferrari meet first week of December 2002). I try to get all practice sessions I can get including working F&C for the SCCA. I got a friendly warning for driving too fast while getting back to corner 4 at the last 6-hour enduro. That was embarrassing, my bad for having fun. Just to let anyone know, I'll be at the Drivers Edge events. I'll try to make to the upcoming MSR event as well. Regards, Will
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DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 596 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 3:29 pm: | |
Ric, when i get my first Ferrari (or other exotic) will you come to the track with me...? |
Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Member Username: Ricrain
Post Number: 344 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 3:20 pm: | |
I like that moniker: "Modification Guy". I think that describes every Viper owner I've ever met. HA! Here come the flames! At our Ferrari events, we have a person that shows up every time. He's enthusiastic & friendly, but has to be one of the worst non-newbie drivers out there. He has Hoosier race slicks on a stock 355. I think he thinks he's driving way faster than he is. Part of the problem is that he never learned how to drive on street tires, and Hoosiers can be difficult to learn on. We had another guy that drove his car way too hard with very abrupt inputs. He spiked the brakes and yanked the wheel at every turn. He constantly bitched about how poorly his 348 handled, and how hard it was to control. Eventually, after two successive clutch failures in a short period, he bailed and bought something else. Peter (or is it Bubba?), the things to remember are: 1) Go as fast as you are comfortable going, and not faster. Eventually your comfort level will allow you to go faster. Don't force yourself into driving nervously, because you will make (and commit) mental errors that will never let you learn to be fast. 2) Drive smoothly. Every car, and especially a 512TR, doesn't like jerky inputs. Rapid changes in steering, jabbing the brakes and stomping the throttle are common mistakes. 3) Work on your driving techinque with a qualified critic on board. By driving technique, I'm talking about the physical inputs. Where you place your hands, how far you sit from the wheel, the placement of your feet, etc. As an aside, you might find that sitting closer to the wheel than normal is better for track driving. 4) Don't worry so much about the "fast line", until you've learned to drive fast. All the technical know-how in the world will be drastically diminsihed if you can't make use of it. It's like knowing the vocabulary of a language, but not the grammar. 5) Drive smoothly. See #2 6) If you can't accept constructive changes from an instructor, consider another sport. Sometimes instructors are butt-heads, but their input is generally valuable. You have to learn and practice the right way, and stop reinforcing the wrong way. 7) Don't let an instructor intimidate you. Very few people know your car better than you. 8) Drive smoothly. See #2 9) You will also notice that some of the things you've learned from years of street driving actually make you slower on the track. This is normal. It's called survival instinct. Examples include, avoiding an apex, not getting close to the road's edge, etc. It takes some people a while to overcome some of those instincts.
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Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91
Post Number: 102 Registered: 4-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 3:02 pm: | |
All the below advise is great but I want to add more on the brake/clutch hydraulics. I lost brakes and clutch on schedule until I upgraded the pads, put in high temp brake fluid and put a tubular heat shield around the clutch line that runs right in front of the muffler (nice location, Ferrari). The 512TR is a heavy beast but can be very rewarding if you can keep brakes and clutch working. I also spun big time at Roebling Rd but luckly ended up on the infield grass. Good luck and have fun, fun, fun. |
DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 594 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:59 pm: | |
Robert- just curious- why match the tape color to the color of the car...? |
Robert (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member Username: Rjklein4470
Post Number: 205 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:58 pm: | |
Peter, If your car is red I would go out and buy some red duck tape, and tape up all the fenders, rocker panels, and all the body seams. Duck tape comes in many colors, and this will save your paint. Just lightly apply the tape and it will come right off with no residue. Rob |
DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 593 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:55 pm: | |
Like Ric said, the important thing is to improve yourself before you touch the car... i've learned so much and taught myself alot more and i firmly stand in believing that i'm ready for a car whose performance standards can meet my own... However, you can never know too much... i know i would learn so much more from track driving and driving schools... |
Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70
Post Number: 77 Registered: 7-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:45 pm: | |
Amen to Ric. I knew a guy with a BMW M3 and all the bolt-ons: R tires, nice brakes, bilsteins, H&R springs, etc. He struggled to get below 1:32s at Summit Point despite all this crap hung on the car. Meanwhile, another friend could run 1:30s with a BONE STOCK car on street tires. OK, stock except for pads and brake fluid. Worse, Modification Guy never learned to really *drive*. He never really got close to the true limits of the car, except for brief excitement caused by overzealous corner entries, brake applications, etc. All his flailing about made him think he was really driving hard but he was just driving badly. Note that all this was happening at driver's schools which aren't actual racing, something else that Modification Guy could never get straight. |
Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Member Username: Ricrain
Post Number: 343 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 11:43 am: | |
Another thing to consider is this: Don't fall for the typical newbie trap of thinking you need modifications to you car in order to go faster. The first thing to improve is yourself. When you've managed to reach close to you own potential, then you should consider upgrading the car (track tires, etc.). Most organized events require fresh brake fluid. Use a good brake fluid with high boiling points. I use Valvoline Synthetic in my 348. On street tires, it should be adequate for the 512TR. On track tires, I'm not so sure. Get a padded neck brace to go with your helmet. It saves your neck from much fatigue. Also, make sure you use a comfortable helmet... the last thing you want is a distraction at track speeds. When you get to the track, work closely with your instructor. If you don't feel like he's helping, or if he makes you nervous, request a different instructor from the steward or chief driving instructor. Some instructors may be wonderful drivers, but lousy instructors. Another important aspect to learning track skills, is to learn to "visualize". Basically, during your driving sessions, you start to memorize the track... the turn in points, which side of the track to be on, etc. During the breaks, find a place (or just sit in your car), close your eyes, and review the track in your mind. Next time you go out, it'll be like you never left.
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Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy
Post Number: 157 Registered: 3-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 11:42 am: | |
I assume you are going to a track as part of Driving School... and thus will have an instructor. If not, then I suggest doing so prior. Given that, natural newbie speeds should keep you from exceeding the limits of your Ferrari... just make sure your fluids are fresh (brake fluid should be no older than 6 months... get it flushed/replaced). It is highly unlikely you'll boil fresh fluid until you've gone to a few events and greatly elevated your own abilities. The most important thing for a newbie to keep in mind is *testosterone*... as guys, we have too much of it! There is no way in hell that you are going to impress anyone with speed your first day out... nobody is going to identify you as the next Schumacher... your instructor is not going to tell you that you're a gifted driver or be in awe of your car control skills... those hours spent playing driving video games is not going to "pay off"... just relax, stay calm, take it easy... I've been driving on tracks and autoxing for years and impress a lot of people, but I am a lowly neophyte compared to many others. The only way you are going to impress anyone is by listening to your instructor, being open to what he/she is telling you, NOT scaring your instructor, and then slowly and steadily improving. Nail the lines, even if only at 50% of the car's limits... that'll impress them far more than missing the line, getting the car sideways, and then managing to save it with car control skills. All that may sound like your mother talking... but take it from someone who's done this a while... If you keep your cool and progress slowly, your Ferrari will come home unscathed and you will come home having had one of the best weekends ever... let the testosterone get the best of you, and you and your Ferrari may come home mangled... or if you're lucky, no damage but you may be sent home early and unhappy. First time out, you are highly unlikely to exceed the limits of your Ferrari, its brake pads, etc.,... you are far more likely to exceed your own limits. Have fun!
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Peter (Bubba)
Junior Member Username: Bubba
Post Number: 218 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 10:51 am: | |
Thank you all for your inputs. Please keep 'em coming! |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts
Post Number: 3075 Registered: 12-2000
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 10:42 am: | |
When driving, don't worry about lap times, just have fun and be smooth. Slow is sometimes faster. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 366 Registered: 1-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 10:29 am: | |
Have a mechanic go over the car, especially suspension and axle parts. Fresh brake fluid an absolute must! Get some books on high performance/track driving beforehand. You can practice some techniques on real roads. Dave |
Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member Username: Mitch_alsup
Post Number: 270 Registered: 4-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 10:13 am: | |
Another point about the brakes: besides boiling brake fluid, you can also cook the pads--where the pads get so hot they fall down on their friction coefficient. This happened to me in my F355 in Texas last July with new fluid. {Imagine that fluid doesn't boil, but brakes fail to stop} When I go to the track, I make a point of bringing an instructor along for at least 1/2 of the runs, just to keep me on my toes. Beware that many instructors have different lines, braking points, and ideas of control. Be ready to adjust you style to thier wishes. After getting to know a bunch of them, you will understand the why's and whereof's of their craft. |
Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 3494 Registered: 5-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 8:02 am: | |
Mark makes an excellent point. Brake fluid. Make sure you have fresh one and if you do not want to spring for the expensive stuff use Valvoline Synthetic. You can buy a large bottle in every Auto Discount or Walmart store and its has better than average boiling points. I was VERY happy with it in my 348 in Homestead/Miami doing lap after lap with no problem. The 348 brakes are easy to cook as well. When you feel the pedal getting mushy SLOW DOWN and make a cool down lap with NO braking and come in. At that moment your day is DONE! |
Mark Moon M.D. (Enzomoon)
New member Username: Enzomoon
Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 7:55 am: | |
Peter: I used to track my 512TR frequently, that is until I hit the tire barrier at over 100 mph past turn 1 at Roebling road in 2001. I learned a valuable lesson that day. For one thing I did not have DOT racing brake fluid in the car, for another it was a very hot July day. After about 25 hard laps I cooked the fluid and lost brakes at about 145mph...ouch! Now I only use Castrol Racing brake fluid which is extremely expensive but worth the peace of mind. I have a good friend who uses Super Blue which is also good but with a slightly lower dry and wet boiling point. As far as the 512TR is concerned, as you know it is relatively heavy for a track car and smoothness in transitions is much more critical than in my 355. I am certainly no expert but I did get pretty quick in the 512 before my unfortunate episode. Whatever you do, work your way up slowly. Getting that little bit extra out of the car for a better lap time may come back to bite you. In general, the brakes on the TR series are not really up to the demands of heavy track driving so you may wish to upgrade them as well. Good luck and be safe. By the way, I can tell you from first hand experience that the car is built like a tank. I walked away with only a hematoma to my right shin which hit the front dash. I was impressed...after I stopped sobbing!!!!!
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Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 3485 Registered: 5-2001
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 7:13 am: | |
Peter, as said before, take an instructor to show you the line on each track. What you think is the line usually is not! See an instructor as a free $3,000 driving lesson! I hope William will see your post and give you some 512TR specific instructions. My advise is, take it easy and let people pass you. Remember the TR is a heavy car with lots of HP in the straights but you need to have a good handle on the car in the corners. Basically that is true for most Ferraris. Just enjoy and never push the envelope. It is your car and your life! Since you don't make several Millions a year doing this, it is not worth pushing over the edge! |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd
Post Number: 131 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:39 am: | |
By all means, get an instructor to ride with you (most track organizers actually require for beginners. I take someone with me at ANY unfamiliar track!) Watch the 512 at the limit, it's hard to drive at 10/10ths and not have that tail come and snap out. Careful, it's a hoot, and ADDICTIVE as hell! Enjoy yourself, I wish I could do it all over again for the first time too Best! Ben |
Peter (Bubba)
Junior Member Username: Bubba
Post Number: 217 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 2:20 am: | |
I am going to get my first crack at track driving in my 512TR in 2 months. I know many members here drive tracks frequently. What should a newbie like me expect when driving tracks? Tips and suggestions? Thanks! |