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Track day advice (Mondello)

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  • 12-04-2019 8:46am
    #1
    Parapara2017
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭


    I'm thinking about tracking my car at Mondello, I've never done it before so I'm looking for some beginner advice.

    The car is my daily driver and has stock everything, it's very recently been serviced (within the month) has two new tyres on the front (FWD) and about 3mm and 5mm on the rear. Brake pads etc are stock. Car has just over 7k km. Car is a Civic type R.

    I'm planning on getting an instructor there and only doing half a day (as I don't want to completely wear through my parts)

    What do I need to know / do? Can a helmet be rented or will I need to buy one and how does track day insurance work?

    Anything else I should know / do / prepare?


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    #2
    swarlb
    Registered Users Posts: 1,244 ✭✭✭swarlb


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    I'm thinking about tracking my car at Mondello, I've never done it before so I'm looking for some beginner advice.

    The car is my daily driver and has stock everything, it's very recently been serviced (within the month) has two new tyres on the front (FWD) and about 3mm and 5mm on the rear. Brake pads etc are stock. Car has just over 7k km. Car is a Civic type R.

    I'm planning on getting an instructor there and only doing half a day (as I don't want to completely wear through my parts)

    What do I need to know / do? Can a helmet be rented or will I need to buy one and how does track day insurance work?

    Anything else I should know / do / prepare?

    Best thing to do is ring Mondello and ask them, they should have all the answers as regards instruction, helmets and insurance.


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    #3
    Tacitus Kilgore
    Registered Users Posts: 2,128 ✭✭✭Tacitus Kilgore


    Talk to the lads in trackdays.ie, they run really good days in mondello with lunches etc. included and sometimes a little bit of free tuition!


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    #4
    Tacitus Kilgore
    Registered Users Posts: 2,128 ✭✭✭Tacitus Kilgore


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    I'm thinking about tracking my car at Mondello, I've never done it before so I'm looking for some beginner advice.

    The car is my daily driver and has stock everything, it's very recently been serviced (within the month) has two new tyres on the front (FWD) and about 3mm and 5mm on the rear. Brake pads etc are stock. Car has just over 7k km. Car is a Civic type R.

    I'm planning on getting an instructor there and only doing half a day (as I don't want to completely wear through my parts)

    What do I need to know / do? Can a helmet be rented or will I need to buy one and how does track day insurance work?

    Anything else I should know / do / prepare?


    Helmets can be rented
    There is no track day insurance available in ireland and your road insurance is not valid on the racetrack, some UK companies might offer it if you can find it....


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    #5
    V8 Interceptor
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,332 ✭✭✭V8 Interceptor


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    I'm thinking about tracking my car at Mondello.

    You should probably get the tracking done before you go there.


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    #6
    conor2469
    Registered Users Posts: 521 ✭✭✭conor2469


    If you want a cheap helmet then go on adverts, can buy secondhand helmets very cheap, alternatively you can get helmets in Halfords for 40 euro.

    Regarding the car, empty it out so there is no loose stuff to roll around, top up the fluids, do a checkover to make sure everything is tight, tracking as mentioned previous. I'm sure more experienced people will have better advice.


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    #7
    Allinall
    Registered Users Posts: 6,533 ✭✭✭Allinall


    conor2469 wrote: »
    If you want a cheap helmet then go on adverts, can buy secondhand helmets very cheap, alternatively you can get helmets in Halfords for 40 euro.

    .

    I would advise against a second hand helmet. It it had had a severe impact, it’s integrity could be compromised,, and it may not protect you as designed.

    Similar for motorbike helmets.

    If a helmet is involved in any significant impact, best practice is to dispose of it and replace with new.


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    #8
    Irishcrx
    Registered Users Posts: 2,861 ✭✭✭Irishcrx


    Buy a new helmet don't compromise on safety , it's a bad start and they aren't that expensive.

    Some tips...

    Type R is going to be decent from standard on the track , so don't worry about upgrades or anything just do a track day and see how you like it and then you can think about what the car would need to make the experience better later.

    Take it slow on your first time out , learn the track and corners and feel into the car how she handles them then as you gain confidence gradually build up your pace. Likewise , don't engage is racing other cars focus on driving your track at your pace.

    Move out of the way when safe of faster cars.

    Take a break every couple of laps to allow your engine and brakes to cool , the car is put under a lot of pressure going around a track and stock brakes are going to get very hot , less effective and if you don't give them a rest they make smoke...they're are limits on how many laps you can get depending on car and driving style.

    Allow expense for a new set of tyres and possibly brake pads.

    Don't forget to check for , bring and attach your cars towing eye

    If you plan on recording anything inside the car such as a GoPro the standard suction cups are banned you'll need a steady rail attached to the headrest.

    Make sure you have enough fuel or bring some in a container

    Bring a standard tool kit , sockets , wrench's , screwdrivers , coolant and oil

    Have FUN!


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    #9
    conor2469
    Registered Users Posts: 521 ✭✭✭conor2469


    Allinall wrote: »
    I would advise against a second hand helmet. It it had had a severe impact, it’s integrity could be compromised,, and it may not protect you as designed.

    Similar for motorbike helmets.

    If a helmet is involved in any significant impact, best practice is to dispose of it and replace with new.

    You do have a point about the unknown history of secondhand items, especially for use on a bike, with cars you have a lot more protection. I suppose the natural reaction to trying something new is to go out and purchase everything brand new, only to try it once, not like it and be stuck with new gear you are never going to use again. That is why I suggested for the first time to buy secondhand (Assuming it doesn't look like it slid 50 metres down a road), a cheap new item (Halfords) or maybe even borrow from a friend (Assuming same size).

    Some good info here:

    https://trackdays.ie/car-track-day-helmets/


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    #10
    Parapara2017
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭Parapara2017


    Don't have a spare wheel / tyre, will I need tools? What for?

    Likewise will I need extra oil / coolant?

    Is there no fuel available at Mondello?

    I've heard applying the hand break to hot brakes can result in pads welding to the brakes. How would you avoid this with an electronic one?

    Im fairly sure the stock type r is ready for the track at least with how I'd track it and just a half day session. Planning on getting different type of tyre eventually so don't mind excessive wear, to a point 😂


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    #11
    Paddy@CIRL
    Registered Users Posts: 1,899 ✭✭✭Paddy@CIRL


    Definitely speak to the guys at Trackdays.ie, they're a good bunch who will help you in any way they can. It might be best to jump into the passenger seat with someone to familiarise yourself with the track, and get an instructor in with you for your first few laps.

    You'll only need tools if something breaks. Bring a tyre pressure gauge to keep an eye them throughout the day, and likewise keep an eye on your oil level and coolant levels. Track driving is tough on a car, but hugely enjoyable and incredibly addictive.

    There's an Applegreen station about 5KMs or less from Mondello which you can access at lunch, but if you arrive with a full tank, it should be enough for a half-day.

    Something that everyone will tell you is that it's not a race. If someone is quicker than you, regardless of their car, move over and let them past. There will be drivers out in low powered cars which will leave you for dust, and you'll probably find yourself catching much more powerful cars which aren't being driven properly. It's just the nature of track days. :)

    EDIT: RE: Helmet, check out Murray Motorsport. You'll get yourself a brand new Sparco helmet for ~ €100 - https://www.murraymotorsport.com/sparco-club-x-1-helmet-spa003319-c


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    #12
    projectgtr
    Registered Users Posts: 2,461 ✭✭✭projectgtr


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    I'm thinking about tracking my car at Mondello, I've never done it before so I'm looking for some beginner advice.

    The car is my daily driver and has stock everything, it's very recently been serviced (within the month) has two new tyres on the front (FWD) and about 3mm and 5mm on the rear. Brake pads etc are stock. Car has just over 7k km. Car is a Civic type R.

    I'm planning on getting an instructor there and only doing half a day (as I don't want to completely wear through my parts)

    What do I need to know / do? Can a helmet be rented or will I need to buy one and how does track day insurance work?

    Anything else I should know / do / prepare?

    IrishCRX has covered most of it very well tbh,the big one is go build up slowly and have fun. One or two things i would add i would definitely get the tyre pressures right (after you get some heat into them) it makes a huge difference. Personally id always do a warm up lap after letting the car cool back down to get everything up to temperature the first corner is no fun on cold tyres. If i could recommend one upgrade i wish i had done on my first time out to you it would be to change your brake fluid to something with a higher boiling point. The instructors there are great if you can i would record your track time its great to look back on to see where you went wrong and how you have improved, if you can record the instructor too it will be great to listen back to also. Also dont be afraid to go out for some passenger laps with other drivers.

    What Type R do you drive? is it an EK9 ?


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    #13
    Dartz
    Registered Users Posts: 4,367 ✭✭✭Dartz


    Done a couple. Was dog slow each time. Was a good time mind

    Puitting your car on track is fine. You won't kill it unless you're really unsympathtic and ignore everything trying to tell you to take it easy. It's hard enough on it so that if there're any weaknesses it will find them - make sure you've coolant, oil and wheel chocks to keep the handbrake of seizing on hot brakes. I used a Halfords set.

    And bring the towing eye. The Teleporter is not a fantastic invention from Star Trek - it'll wreck your car if it lifts it. While a towing eye lets them get you out of where you've stuck it (If the threads don't strip from the lug)

    Only had the the one frightening moment - the gravel stopped it when I didn't. The only damaged was spending an our and a half getting gravel out from under the tyre beads and brake disks. It still likes to **** a grain of Mondello two years later.
    catching much more powerful cars which aren't being driven properly. It's just the nature of track days

    It's a bit different when you have to drive the car home mind. Everyone else has these shell trailer and you're like - yeah, I'm slow - but it's going to work on Monday and I sort of need it. Maybe tracking your only car is a bad idea....

    I stopped doing it when I realised I can't afford the chance of breaking things.


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    #14
    Parapara2017
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭Parapara2017


    projectgtr wrote: »
    What Type R do you drive? is it an EK9 ?

    FK8 / 2018

    Thanks for all the info so far everyone. As it's my first time doing it and it's my daily driver I don't think I'll do it tooooo often so not too sure about buying new gear, but would be a waste of a machine not to do it atleast once probably every now and again


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    #15
    mickdw
    Registered Users Posts: 23,260 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    I do a few trackdays.
    The way I see it, if your car is too good to damage, you will be slow.
    I wouldnt take that car out.
    If some chap in a 500 quid fiesta swipes the side out of your car, can you afford to just laugh and go home?
    Don't get me wrong, your car should be perfectly safe. Most drivers are sensible and give plenty of space but occasionally there are some nutters and you have no comeback.
    Trackdays.ie will hire you a mini for half day for sensible enough money.
    Mondello appear to have done a job on the trackday guys - mondello themselves have taken over all the good dates this year bar one. Trackdays.ie guys run a better day tbh. Some food, photographer, sensible numbers on track, tyre guy on site sometimes etc.


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    #16
    mickdw
    Registered Users Posts: 23,260 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Re helmet. Trackdays.ie hire them but days run by mondello done have helmets available.


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    #17
    rabbitinlights
    Registered Users Posts: 4,002 ✭✭✭rabbitinlights


    Some very good advice given already - get as many passenger laps in other cars before you go out. This will give you a much better understanding of breaking points and track position.

    I'll never forget the lad driving a Porsche Cayman who lamped it into a wall on his 4th lap - he couldn't handle being overtaken by old civics and tried to chase them down.......


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    #18
    MJH17
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭MJH17


    The general principle regarding helmets is that you should only use a €40 helmet if you have a €40 head etc.


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    #19
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,538 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    MJH17 wrote: »
    The general principle regarding helmets is that you should only use a €40 helmet if you have a €40 head etc.

    Luckily you have a 20 grand roof on the car, the helmets are for show on a track day, and mondello rent out cheap open face sparco's


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    #20
    Dartz
    Registered Users Posts: 4,367 ✭✭✭Dartz


    Abby Skinny Visa wrote: »
    Luckily you have a 20 grand roof on the car, the helmets are for show on a track day, and mondello rent out cheap open face sparco's


    I'd really disagree.



    There're a lot of hard parts in the car for that head to hit.



    The idea that helmets are for show is ludicrous.


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    #21
    mickdw
    Registered Users Posts: 23,260 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Dartz wrote: »
    Abby Skinny Visa wrote: »
    Luckily you have a 20 grand roof on the car, the helmets are for show on a track day, and mondello rent out cheap open face sparco's


    I'd really disagree.



    There're a lot of hard parts in the car for that head to hit.



    The idea that helmets are for show is ludicrous.
    Well if you are and in a standard car, the helmet is very wise as you can move around a lot if you come off the track.
    If you have a race seat and harness, you will move a lot less.


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    #22
    conor2469
    Registered Users Posts: 521 ✭✭✭conor2469


    MJH17 wrote: »
    The general principle regarding helmets is that you should only use a €40 helmet if you have a €40 head etc.

    The cost of a helmet isn't necessarily relative to how effective it is, if this site is to be believed - https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

    There are cheaper helmets that outperform more expensive helmets.


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    #23
    b318isp
    Registered Users Posts: 1,625 ✭✭✭b318isp


    A few tips:

    - As above, start slow and don't try and keep up with someone else. Drive within yourself as confidence builds.
    - Focus on the braking, turn in and apex cones/advice - it's given for a very good reason
    - Brake as hard as you can, but for the shortest time. You need to give the brakes as much time to cool.
    - Avoid gear changing while turning into a corner, you risk unsettling the rear and spinning
    - In Mondello, staying in 3rd gear (instead of dropping to 2nd) can keep the car more stable in mid speed corners. What you lose in acceleration, you gain by not over braking and having the car settled.
    - The lines of the last corner are a bit unnatural. A late turn in may suit your car. Turning in too early can push you out past the lefthand kerb.
    - I don't think any corner needs you to move your hands on the steering wheel, so 10-2 or 9-3 grip can be maintained
    - Keep your eyes up, look where you want to be in a few seconds time. This is especially important if the car gets out of shape. Your hands will follow your eyes, trust yourself on this!
    - Let muppets go, you are better off wasting 30 seconds to give yourself some free space

    In general, when approaching a corner:

    - Brake as hard and as short as you can (you'll judge this better with a few laps)
    - Change straight to the required gear towards the end of braking (using heel & toe if you are used to it)
    - Release the brakes and let the car settle for a moment
    - Turn in, eyes on the apex, feeling the grip available and using the throttle to balance
    - Introduce the power gradually after the apex as steering lock comes off

    Enjoy!


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    #24
    Parapara2017
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭Parapara2017


    Thanks for all the advice and tips, just booked a half day slot for Mondello on the 22nd!


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    #25
    arleitiss
    Registered Users Posts: 3,515 ✭✭✭arleitiss


    Don't bring to track (any track) anything that you aren't prepared to lose/damage.

    Bringing your daily sounds like one of them.


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    #26
    cpoh1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,604 ✭✭✭cpoh1


    Giving your road car time to recover every few laps is key - your tyres, brake fluid, pads and engine oil will be scorching after a few laps and need a rest. Even small things like stopping your car in gear and leaving the hand brake off when letting the car cool - ive seen fellas melt their rear pads onto the discs at the back because of the handbrake.

    If you get into it I would be recommending track pads and better fluid along with a change in tyres and swap them over for the track days, makes a huge difference.

    Budget for an oil change at a minimum after the track day and possibly pads and tyres too depending on how hard you go.


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    #27
    Parapara2017
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭Parapara2017


    So asked earlier dont think I got a response the car has an electronic hand break how do I ensure this stays off as it usually comes on automatically?

    Also how will I know if the oil / break fluid needs to be changed?


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    #28
    cpoh1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,604 ✭✭✭cpoh1


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    So asked earlier dont think I got a response the car has an electronic hand break how do I ensure this stays off as it usually comes on automatically?

    Also how will I know if the oil / break fluid needs to be changed?

    I would change the oil after every track day. I have an oil temp gauge and it was reaching temps of 120 degrees on track days on my typeR as opposed to 90 on the road. Oil starts to break down at temps like that so definitely a good idea to replace after.

    Upgrade your brake fluid to something like motul rbf600 which can take the higher temps and itll be fine after trackdays.


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    #29
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,538 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    1. Check tyre pressures, set them a little lower than normal as the heat will increase the pressure over a few laps.

    2. Do a warm up and cool down lap.

    3. Do no engage your handbreak when you come in.

    4. Fill up in the petrol station just before Mondello, you can go through a lot of fuel without noticing.

    5. Make sure your mirrors are well adjusted so you see traffic coming from from behind on the left.

    6. Make sure your whell bolts are all torqued up.

    7. Bring food.

    8. Have some oil in the boot just in case.

    9. If it rains, slow right right down, a racetrack get way more slippery than the road in the wet.

    10. Download GT legends its a old game that has mondello on it, its good to learn the track.

    11. Leave the traction control on until the point where you really feel its robbing your acceleration out of corners.

    12. Have a towel in the cabin to dry your hands, its sweaty work.

    13. Dont speed on the way home, cops everywhere.


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    #30
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,872 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Parapara2017 wrote: »
    So asked earlier dont think I got a response the car has an electronic hand break how do I ensure this stays off as it usually comes on automatically?

    Check the owners manual if it can be turned off. Otherwise pop the fuse out, if it doesn't default to safe mode and engage, and remembered to replace when you finish.


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    #31
    jay48
    Registered Users Posts: 194 ✭✭jay48


    As was already mentioned, do your few sighting Laps behind the pace car, come in and go to one of the instructors and jump in the mazda beside him for a few Laps. Southside/Dunlop is a blind entry, if you haven't braked before you see the gravel trap chances are you'll end up in it. The instructor will show you where to brake. And was said, put your towing eye in and if you have one of those straps that a lot of lads use as a towing eye , bolt it in, don't use cable ties!


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