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Track Days
Testing To The Limit
At their UK headquarters they apply rigorous production parameters and scrupulous quality control systems, but what really matters is how their products perform when pushed to the absolute limits. They have highly sophisticated research and development, design and testing facilities but the real testing time starts when the flag drops and the lights change. All the graphs, charts, digital displays and analytical results in the world count for nothing if a component fails to last the distance.
Track Days and AP Racing Brakes
If you have a high performance vehicle you naturally want to explore its full potential. Track days are the only responsible way to do this and they are growing in popularity however a few things should be borne in mind before treating yourself to a day on the circuit…
A race car is generally lighter than a road car, its brakes will be better cooled and a professional driver will spend less time on the brakes. A typical track day could be as much as 80 to 90 laps of Donnington Short Circuit whereas a British Touring Car will do less than that over the whole weekend and have the advantage of being inspected after each run. The road driver thrashes his car all day and than still expects to drive it home!
As you can see, the brakes on a road car get far worse treatment on a track day than racing brakes do on a full race car!
Bedding-in Brakes Properly:
Brakes – even AP Racing® brakes – need to be bedded –in properly if they are going to give proper service with this sort of treatment. Bedding-in the disc or stress relieving the iron after it has been fitted to the mounting bell is of paramount importance if premature warping is to be avoided, yet it is a simple process. For the first 10 miles brake lightly from 50/60 mph down to 30 mph. Do not attempt any high speed stops down to zero at this point, as only the faces will heat up. For the next 100 miles brake as you would in traffic avoiding full stops from 70 mph plus. By now the area around the bolts should be light blue temper color. If so good heat soak has been achieved. For the next 100 miles gradually increase the braking effort. After this full braking power can be used. Now you’re ready for the track!
On Track Days…
Take at least one warming up lap gradually increasing the braking effort at each corner. Do not drag the brakes under power by left foot braking. Use at least one cooling down lap at the end of the session keeping off the brakes. Don’t leave your foot on the brakes when parked in the paddock after a session – you’ll create a hot spot that may result in vibration under braking. Finally remember that brakes are consumable items, check them after each run and remember to carry a spare set of pads to drive home on!
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