At the end of this month, my dad and I are taking our cars (2009 BMW 135i and VW GTI) out on a track day for the first time. I've been reading on the track's website about the stuff that we will need to bring with us, and one of the things that it suggests us bring is painters tape, for headlight and paint protection. It also says Windex, paper towels, and car cleaning towels. This got me thinking...what would be the best method to protect the paint and other exterior surfaces of my car from potiental damage at the track? What sort of things should I expect to happen to my car on a track day? Thanks, Clark
i believe you'll also need a helmet, adequate tread on tires and brake pads, proven safe to drive by the guys there and stuff like that. Never been to one but have seen some regulations. Hard to say how to protect the paint especially rocks and bits n pieces will be flying everywhere.
Painters tape is used to protect the paint. You can also find plastic sheeting at Home Depot, maybe you can figure out a way to cover parts of the car with that.
Blue painters tape will probably be the easiest/most accessible form of protection but you can get temporary "clearbra" like material to lay on the leading edges of the car. Other than that, you will likely need a Snell 2005 rated helmet or better, all the mechanical parts of the car in good condition (won't be a problem I think), and maybe the completion of an onsite safety course at the track.
Thanks for the answers so far! Helmets are no problem, we're ordering them soon. Same with the mechanical condition of the cars, everything is good to go with them. Where would you advise us apply the tape?
Definitely apply it to the front of your cars. Front bumper and part way up the hood. And on the side mirror caps. Then also keep in mind your tires as they will prob get pretty hot. Put some tape behind them as well and on the rocker panels. That should be sufficient.
Another idea might be to use temporary paint protection tape, Griot's Garage sells it and I have recommended it to a few racers for this purpose. Two sizes available. Surface Protection Film Roll - Everyday and Storage - Car Maintenance - Griot's Garage
That's what I do, only difference is I put down automotive masking tape first, then put duct tape on top of that, will make for easier removal with great protection
to be honest I think it's a bit of a waste of time... shouldn't be much different on your car than driving on the road regularly. if you decide to tape it, put a little bit behind each wheel, and on the leading edge of your bumper, lower lip too. I don't tape my car up and haven't noticed any damage. You shouldn't be spinning out or driving right up people's ass on an open lapping day anyways....doing so is grounds for a black flag. make sure all your tires are inflated equally. unless you know what you are doing, do not play with them they can have large effects on the way your car handles. make sure all fluids are topped up. you'll find the limit of your brakes pretty quickly if your vehicle is stock. Good idea to put in some good brake fluid (like MOTUL RBF 600) before you even go. bring distilled water, and oil incase you have a problem. track days I have gone to do not require helmets. I highly suggest wearing one, regardless of it's certification. bring a torque wrench and torque your lugnuts before your run. do so after every session. I have seen two wheels come off in my travels due to this lack of maintenance. Take everything out of your car, even the floor mats. Wear closed toe shoes, long pants. most importantly, slower is faster. 99% of the people that go out for the first time try to drive the hell out of their car, and I guarantee I can drive circles around them just by being more relaxed. Smooth is fast...work your way up in speed as you get more comfortable. concentrate on finishing your braking while still in a straight line and smooth turn-ins. Have fun!
i literally sand blasted two rocker panels on a audi on the track in the rain. griots has a spray on bra but its expensive. works great though. i put it behind each wheel well.
I've done a fair bit of track days and other forms of motorsports. For some beginners advice, tire shredder pretty much said it all. Ask experienced drivers to ride along for pointers whenever you can. Proper line and driving technique goes a long way.
Ive never understood how painters tape can protect from stone chips Look at how easily clear coat + paint is removed from a stone and to think some adhesive paper will protect better is laughable
The only real way for painters tape and the like to protect against rock chips is if it's layered 4-5+ times. Then it will have energy absorption properties and greatly decrease the likelihood of damage. A single layer of tape is only gonna protect against dust and finger prints... But behind the wheels, 1-2 layers would be fine since it won't be a direct hit. Or if you're gonna do this frequently, get a track day car who's paint isn't too great and keep a rattle can handy
yep thats how i feel only track a car you can walk away laughing when/if you put it arse backwards into a gravel trap or concrete wall
Here's what I recommend: don't crash your car while you're out there because insurance won't cover it!
I won't...I do not plan on driving super aggressively, this is more of a time for me to get out there and get my bearings on a track and not necessarily go all out. We also talked with someone who tracks up at Putnam often, and he said that he has never had paint damage on his car (that I should be detailing soon) from tracking at that particular track. He also said that with the novice class there wouldn't be much, if anything on the track that could damage my paint. I'm still gonna get a temporary clear film for the front of my car though, just to be safe.
