Tip #1 – Bleed your brakes.
Tip #2 – Flags, their meaning and track terminology
On hind sight perhaps I should have commented about tires in the first track tip as it seems getting a fresh set of Bridgestones (at least the Potenza's 050A Scuderia 345/35R19 110Y rear tires) is a bit problematic for some wanting a new set of tires for our track event. There have been a number of discussions on our Fourm as to the newer go-to Bridgestones over the OE Goodyear’s. In its day the Goodyear’s were a good all around tire which the GT engineering team worked with Goodyear through MANY iterations to get to the final OE tire configuration. Mr. McGowan still believes they are the best tire in the wet so for you cross country drivers driving through rain on your way to the rally they are still held in high regard by some. But in the dry, the Bridgestones are superior.
Before heading to the track, look over your tires carefully. UMC is a big track with long straights enabling the GT’s to stretch their legs. Both the Goodyear and Bridgestone tires in the FGT sizes are “speed rated” tires. The Goodyear’s are (88Y) front and (103Y) rears while the Bridgestones are (101Y) front and (110Y) rear. The number in the parenthesis is the tire load index and indicates the Bridgestones are able to carry slightly higher loads per tire relative to the Goodyears. The important factor here is the (xxxY) in the rating. The “Y” in the parenthesis indicates that that specific tire has a speed rating from the manufacturer in excess of 186 mph (300 Km/h). So both the Goodyears and Bridgestones had high speed capability when new. It is not known how this capability changes over time. You must be the judge. It is unlikely the 05-06 GT’s will get anywhere near the 186 mph mark but it will probably be in the high 150’s for the advanced drivers. And probably higher than that for Nick in his 2017 with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires. Look your tires over, know when they were made (the manufacture date code is molded into the side wall) and just drive within your comfort limits.
Now let’s answer some general information questions regarding the track format –
1. What time will the track be open for participants to show up? 7:00 AM. Understand it will take a little over an hour to drive from the Park City accommodations to the track. There is an early function planned for the GT group on Thursday evening but it is not a late night event (unless the beer/drinks/stories start flowing back at the hotel). Plan accordingly. The mandatory drivers meeting will be held at 7:30 AM sharp so we can get out on the track when it goes hot. Car numbers allowing track entrance for each of the three driver run groups will be distributed to the attendees following the meeting. If you do not make it to the drivers meeting you will not get car credentials to drive on the track. This mandatory meeting is no different than any other track event.
2. What time will the corner workers be at their stations and the track goes hot? Track is hot at 8:00 AM (no earlier due to noise restrictions) The first 20 minute session will be all run groups on the track to warm up and learn the track corners, where the corner workers are located and get comfortable in the track driving mode. It will be a standing yellow flag session and there will be no passing allowed. No formal lead/follow although it might be prudent to pick out an experienced driver and follow him/her. Each run group will have 30 minute sessions on a rotating basis starting at 8:30 AM up till lunch at noon.
3. There will be a “track out” person checking credentials and releasing cars onto the hot track. For the first time out on the track, this individual will collect the driver’s self-certifying tech sheets each driver will fill out regarding the condition of his vehicle. This form will be posted on the Forum prior to the event for drivers to download, print, sign and bring with them to the track event.
4. What time will the track go cold for lunch time and what time will it again go hot after lunch? 12:00 - 1:00 PM
5. What time will afternoon track hot time end? 5:00 PM.
6. What time do all participants have to leave the grounds? Doesn’t matter. They can sleep in their car if they want.
7. Due to the low humidity and high ambient temperatures at the track, driver hydration is a concern. Event coordinators will make available bottled water for the participants. It is important to drink water frequently.
8. Where are the bathrooms located? There are bathrooms basically everywhere. Both ends of the tower, the garages, the main entrance building, the ticket office, the kart center, the east and west garages…
9. Where will the group assemble for the early morning drivers meeting? Classroom space is in the main Grand Prix Tower upstairs. When arriving for the drivers meeting, please move spritely from the parking area to the upstairs classroom for the meeting. 7:30 sharp.
10. Will a UMC track representative be at the meeting to discuss track policies and flags? Yes.
11. What helmet policy is in effect? Helmets need to be SA2005 or newer. No motorcycle helmets are allowed. They must be “SA” helmets. UMP will have SA2005 helmets for rent for $20/day, but they are old and not great. How much is your head worth? New SA2015 helmets can be purchased for less than $300.
12. What driving attire is required of the drivers? Long pants, close toed shoes, short sleeved shirts are acceptable as are driver suits.
13. Are in-car fire extinguishers required? No.
14. Is fuel available for purchase on the grounds? And if so what octanes are available. Yes. 91, 98 and 100 octane unleaded. 110 octane leaded is available at the track.
15. Will Ford Performance supply any instructors to ride along with Novice drivers to help ease them into high performance driving? No. Novice drivers are encouraged to pair up with a willing Advanced Forum driver for coaching if they desire.
16. Will there be any track cars (FR500, Boss 302, etc.) to rent for owners who attend the rally and do not have their cars? No.
17. Will entrants have to fill in and sign a Tech Sheet certifying their car has passed a mechanical review. (Tires and brake fluid). Yes, collected by pit out worker on the first track session.
18. Can you purchase Track insurance? Yes. Talk to Ben Phillips (843-324-9599) www.theopentrack.com. Otherwise participants are 100% responsible for their own car.
19. What driver group(s) will be allowed to take passengers out on the track during that group’s time slot? Advanced and Intermediate level drivers are allowed to take passengers on the track with appropriate helmets. Novice drivers cannot take passengers for track rides. The only riders allowed with Novice drivers are identified Advance or Instructor drivers.
Tip #2 – Flags, their meaning and track terminology
On hind sight perhaps I should have commented about tires in the first track tip as it seems getting a fresh set of Bridgestones (at least the Potenza's 050A Scuderia 345/35R19 110Y rear tires) is a bit problematic for some wanting a new set of tires for our track event. There have been a number of discussions on our Fourm as to the newer go-to Bridgestones over the OE Goodyear’s. In its day the Goodyear’s were a good all around tire which the GT engineering team worked with Goodyear through MANY iterations to get to the final OE tire configuration. Mr. McGowan still believes they are the best tire in the wet so for you cross country drivers driving through rain on your way to the rally they are still held in high regard by some. But in the dry, the Bridgestones are superior.
Before heading to the track, look over your tires carefully. UMC is a big track with long straights enabling the GT’s to stretch their legs. Both the Goodyear and Bridgestone tires in the FGT sizes are “speed rated” tires. The Goodyear’s are (88Y) front and (103Y) rears while the Bridgestones are (101Y) front and (110Y) rear. The number in the parenthesis is the tire load index and indicates the Bridgestones are able to carry slightly higher loads per tire relative to the Goodyears. The important factor here is the (xxxY) in the rating. The “Y” in the parenthesis indicates that that specific tire has a speed rating from the manufacturer in excess of 186 mph (300 Km/h). So both the Goodyears and Bridgestones had high speed capability when new. It is not known how this capability changes over time. You must be the judge. It is unlikely the 05-06 GT’s will get anywhere near the 186 mph mark but it will probably be in the high 150’s for the advanced drivers. And probably higher than that for Nick in his 2017 with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires. Look your tires over, know when they were made (the manufacture date code is molded into the side wall) and just drive within your comfort limits.
Now let’s answer some general information questions regarding the track format –
1. What time will the track be open for participants to show up? 7:00 AM. Understand it will take a little over an hour to drive from the Park City accommodations to the track. There is an early function planned for the GT group on Thursday evening but it is not a late night event (unless the beer/drinks/stories start flowing back at the hotel). Plan accordingly. The mandatory drivers meeting will be held at 7:30 AM sharp so we can get out on the track when it goes hot. Car numbers allowing track entrance for each of the three driver run groups will be distributed to the attendees following the meeting. If you do not make it to the drivers meeting you will not get car credentials to drive on the track. This mandatory meeting is no different than any other track event.
2. What time will the corner workers be at their stations and the track goes hot? Track is hot at 8:00 AM (no earlier due to noise restrictions) The first 20 minute session will be all run groups on the track to warm up and learn the track corners, where the corner workers are located and get comfortable in the track driving mode. It will be a standing yellow flag session and there will be no passing allowed. No formal lead/follow although it might be prudent to pick out an experienced driver and follow him/her. Each run group will have 30 minute sessions on a rotating basis starting at 8:30 AM up till lunch at noon.
3. There will be a “track out” person checking credentials and releasing cars onto the hot track. For the first time out on the track, this individual will collect the driver’s self-certifying tech sheets each driver will fill out regarding the condition of his vehicle. This form will be posted on the Forum prior to the event for drivers to download, print, sign and bring with them to the track event.
4. What time will the track go cold for lunch time and what time will it again go hot after lunch? 12:00 - 1:00 PM
5. What time will afternoon track hot time end? 5:00 PM.
6. What time do all participants have to leave the grounds? Doesn’t matter. They can sleep in their car if they want.
7. Due to the low humidity and high ambient temperatures at the track, driver hydration is a concern. Event coordinators will make available bottled water for the participants. It is important to drink water frequently.
8. Where are the bathrooms located? There are bathrooms basically everywhere. Both ends of the tower, the garages, the main entrance building, the ticket office, the kart center, the east and west garages…
9. Where will the group assemble for the early morning drivers meeting? Classroom space is in the main Grand Prix Tower upstairs. When arriving for the drivers meeting, please move spritely from the parking area to the upstairs classroom for the meeting. 7:30 sharp.
10. Will a UMC track representative be at the meeting to discuss track policies and flags? Yes.
11. What helmet policy is in effect? Helmets need to be SA2005 or newer. No motorcycle helmets are allowed. They must be “SA” helmets. UMP will have SA2005 helmets for rent for $20/day, but they are old and not great. How much is your head worth? New SA2015 helmets can be purchased for less than $300.
12. What driving attire is required of the drivers? Long pants, close toed shoes, short sleeved shirts are acceptable as are driver suits.
13. Are in-car fire extinguishers required? No.
14. Is fuel available for purchase on the grounds? And if so what octanes are available. Yes. 91, 98 and 100 octane unleaded. 110 octane leaded is available at the track.
15. Will Ford Performance supply any instructors to ride along with Novice drivers to help ease them into high performance driving? No. Novice drivers are encouraged to pair up with a willing Advanced Forum driver for coaching if they desire.
16. Will there be any track cars (FR500, Boss 302, etc.) to rent for owners who attend the rally and do not have their cars? No.
17. Will entrants have to fill in and sign a Tech Sheet certifying their car has passed a mechanical review. (Tires and brake fluid). Yes, collected by pit out worker on the first track session.
18. Can you purchase Track insurance? Yes. Talk to Ben Phillips (843-324-9599) www.theopentrack.com. Otherwise participants are 100% responsible for their own car.
19. What driver group(s) will be allowed to take passengers out on the track during that group’s time slot? Advanced and Intermediate level drivers are allowed to take passengers on the track with appropriate helmets. Novice drivers cannot take passengers for track rides. The only riders allowed with Novice drivers are identified Advance or Instructor drivers.
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