Track days are great fun and the perfect way of exploring the performance of your Porsche in a controlled environment. Preparing your Porsche for a track day is essential in order to get the most out of the day. Parr have put a list together of the mechanical items that should be in order to give you the best experience possible and keep you safe:
- Porsche Brakes – As with all components on the car your brakes will be under greater load when used on track. Its important to ensure your brakes are in a fit condition to operate under higher temperatures. The braking system including discs, pads and fluid should be checked prior to any track day. Worn discs or pads can lead to braking problems and reduced efficiency which not only is distracting when trying to concentrate on driving, but also poses a safety risk. Brake fluid needs to be changed in accordance with the manufacturers schedule and if a high temperature fluid is not already in your car Parr would suggest a suitable high temperature alternative. Your brakes also need to be managed when used on track with a warm up and a cool down lap at the end of each session to ensure sufficient cooling is given to the brakes before bringing the car to a stop. Never engage the handbrake after a track session, put in gear instead as the hot surface temperatures of the pad and disc can lead to pad deposits being left on the disc. Parr offer a range of brake upgrades including high temperature brake fluid, upgraded pads, upgraded brake hoses and higher performance disc assemblies. If you are looking to have your brake system checked/serviced, or just looking to upgrade talk to Parr.
- Porsche Tyres – Condition needs to be checked and if the tyres are showing any signs of damage they need to be replaced. Low tread depths also need to be considered, if dry you maybe ok but in wet conditions you will have reduced grip. Correct pressures are also key to having a consistent handling car and Parr can give advice on how to manage these on the day. While road tyres can be used on track for ultimate performance track day specific tyres will offer the best levels of grip and performance. Parr can give advice on the best options for your Porsche.
- Porsche Suspension Geometry – When using your Porsche on track the road geometry settings will not give you optimal performance, or the best tyre wear. In order to improve grip levels Parr can offer revised geometry set ups depending on your usage road vs track. Not only will this make the car feel better and give more confidence it will also reduce uneven tyre wear.
- Lights/Levels – It sounds obvious but ensuring engine and gearbox oil is both within its service life and at the correct levels is vital in order to prevent potential damage. Although the Porsche service life for oil in water cooled cars is two years Parr always advocate changing the oil in your Porsche engine every 12 months as good practice. If you are using your Porsche heavily on track then you may want to consider more regular changes. Certain models do suffer from potential oil scavenge issues and Parr have solutions to prevent this.
- Porsche paint protection film – If the front of your Porsche is pristine then keeping it that way will be a priority if venturing out on track. Paint protection film works incredibly well at protecting the paintwork/lights from stone chips. Being on track at high speed will inevitably lead to stone chips and the latest films help to prevent this. Kits are available for every model of Porsche so please contact us for prices.
- Porsche Suspension – Ensuring the handling of your car is where it needs to be is obviously important. Suspension components wear and deteriorate over time. Parr are able to replace standard components, or offer a range of upgrades from dampers, anti roll bars, spring sets and even upgraded electronic control units for PASM suspension. If you are looking to overhaul your suspension, or just wish to enhance talk to Parr on the options available for your model.
If you are new to track days and fancy having a go, or a seasoned track day campaigner then please contact Parr to see how we can assist you with your 2019 plans.