Track days and road racing

Greetings,

New to the forum, because new to me 87 turbo coupe.

This doesn't look like a popular folder, but I thought I would drop a post and offer my assistance to anyone looking to do a track day or get into road racing.  

I am a 20 year instructor, driver coach and road racer.  I love to get people into my addiction, so am happy to help if you're interested.  

This isn't a business post, no charge for anything, just a helpful resource.

Good to know.
My family used to do drag racing with our cars.
our nearest track has since closed, dad is getting older and we have since changed his car for more street-able driving and fuel economy. My brother lost the drag racing itch a while ago.
I was about to get back into it and bought another TC to have fun with. Our local track permanently closed about a month after getting the car running.

So now my focus is on road course type racing. My local track is New Jersey Motorsports Park.
I have looked into their track days and see they have novice classes to get started. I was going to look into that. Do you have any pointers for novice drivers?

We were invited to the track for a car show 13 years ago and I was able to have a 2-lap "cruise" around Thunderbolt track with a pace car.
it was fun, but I realized how slow and odd handling the car is.

I haven't been to NJMP yet, but it's on my list.

If this is your first time on track, there are only a few important things you should tend to on the car. You don't need super sticky tires or a big brake kit, though later it might be something you would look into if it becomes a more regular thing. I did my first track day on the best tires you could buy at Pep Boys for $25....

Good tires with plenty of tread. Even all seasons will work your first track day. Good brakes are really important. They don't have to be race brakes, but a good name brand and fairly new. You will also need to flush the brake fluid with some brand new fresh stuff, all the way to the caliper. Brakes are the most common failure point, you're going to be working them hard.

Read the rules for the group you're going to be signing up with, and get the helmet rules. NJ I believe requires full face helmets, and they have to meet specific requirements. Go to a place that sells them and try them on. Helmets fit people differently and you don't want to be uncomfortable. Don't cheap out either. $10 helmet for a $10 head they say.

That should get you and the car set for the first event.