430 track day question

Hi guys

I live in Florida and am getting the chance to drive a 430 spider on a track for about an hr. Never driven a 430 before and I know there is a lot of technology and settings that I can use to change the cars characteristics/handling etc.

My real question is, how do I engage launch control, turn the traction off, set the suspension harder etc.

Bare with me, I am 550/575 enthusiast - never really got into the 430's but when someone hands you the keys and says "beat the **** out of it", it's hard to turn down an off like that!

Thanks for the help,
Mark

 

I would highly recommend not doing any of the things you mentioned. Launching the car, traction off, and harder suspension settings is a recipe for disaster if this is your first time behind the wheel. Keep it in sport mode. You can still get into trouble. I don't know your driving background but even an advanced driver can get caught up in a mess with a car as powerful as a 430. You will have more than enough fun with the driving aids on.

Just curious, but who is letting you do this?

 

if he's had some experience on the track, then I think he should be ok with RACE mode. SPORT mode is ridiculously intrusive IMO

 

Nice friend (whoever) you have

For the sake of your friend I would say don't use the launch control. It really eats the clutch and - for what - an extra 0.30 second off a standing start?

The switch on the steering wheel does the rest in terms of firming up suspension and relaxing the stability systems. Race mode should allow for a pretty lively car with plenty of slip allowed but ultimate "nanny" intervention still capable of coming on in the event of loss of control.

CST off is the last switch setting. If you're familiar with driving with such aids off by all means go there.

 

Thanks guys... I will take a few laps and get warmed up with all the assists - as I get more comfortable I may have to give Race mode a try.

Pics soon to come.. Nov 25th

 

Sounds like a good plan. Sport 'can' be intrusive, but start there anyway. Race is where all the fun happens while still being able to leave the track with the car in one piece. For the sake of the car, don't launch it. As said, it will just eat the clutch. Looking forward to the details after the track day.

 

Get some pix and let us know how your track time went, impressions, fun level, etc...

 

All good advice. US cars don't have 'launch' control anyway.