Pads and fluid. Nothing else for your first track day. If you like it and want to go back more than once a year next upgrade would be front camber bolts to help save your tires from wearing the outside shoulder down first.
After that wheels, tires, big brake kit, and maybe coilovers.
Those first couple recommendations will cost you a total of less than $400. The second answer will cost you between $3000 and $7000 depending on how thrifty you want to be.
Welcome to motorsports - where each incremental improvement costs exponentially more than the last one.
Ask the people at Autocross to give you better tips than us here. Better to develop in-person friendship and community.
u/CommercialCollar8476 I wished I tell my young self to build your car in regards to whatever class you want to race in via SCCA or NASA. Doing too many mods only to get pushed into unlimited mod class with not so unlimited budget is pretty depressing experience, lol. Could have save me a lot of time and money firs time around.
Ballpark prices based on my experience:
Entry Fee - $250-$350 (can be significantly higher though)
Track Insurance - $250 for the weekend
Helmet - $200 with G Force Code (can rent helmets though)
Brake Pads - $500 for front and rear carbotech brake pads.
Brake Fluid - $60 for a three 500ml packs of Motul RBF 600
Brake Bleeder Tool - Wanted a better way to bleed brakes. Got the Motive Power Bleeder. It’s awesome, super easy to use. $60
Tire Wear - Making up a number here. Let’s say you get 30 20 minute sessions out of ~$1000 PS4 tires. That’s probably $130 dollars worth of tire wear per day.
Gas - Let’s say $100. One tank of gas for traveling to and from. The other for the track.
Not counting sleeping arrangements and food, your first track day will likely cost around $1,500. However, reoccurring costs after the first track day are likely closer to half that because you obviously won’t be buying all of this stuff each event. Track insurance is optional, but personally I like having it.
No it is not. Your brake fluid will boil on your 3rd lap even at 8/10ths. I am speaking directly from experience.
You can get by with OEM on some cars with DOT 4, but this car uses DOT3 from the factory and does not have a lot of fluid capacity to begin with.
Yes, but it was dangerous - you loose breaking efficacy when you most need it, at the end of a long straight. You literally do not have enough braking power to get into ABS. Probably 1/2 of the total caliper pressure you normally have.
It’s not a car will be fine thing - it’s a safety thing. Don’t be the idiot that goes over the berm at the end of turn 1 because you decided to save $40 on brake fluid.
Do you want to know what I did? I almost went off the track and the end of the straight. Then I immediately went to the closest Autozone, bought dot 4, and bled it at the track while the track staff called me an idiot for using OEM fluid on a car that comes with DOT 3.
That fluid held up fine, but I changed it out to RBf660 for extra insurance.
Literally nobody who has actually tracked their GR with stock fluid has said that it’s fine.
These are not Caymans or 4Cs or Performance Pack mustangs that come with adequate fluid from the factory.
It is wild that someone who very obviously has never been on a track is trying to give advice on what you need. You don’t learn anything from your brake fluid boiling other than how big of an idiot you were being by not changing it.
There arent any indicators that its hot enough to boil *before it boils.*
You can have a solid pedal in the turn before the straight, have your brakes cool on the straight, and then boil 50% into the braking zone, which is what happened to me.
I didnt ignore brake fade in other turns only to have it pop up in the straights.
Why are you so *set* on saying OEM brake fluid is OK when its *painfully* obvious you have zero experience tracking your car. I *personally* brought OEM brake fluid and it wasn't fine.
Your other option is to let your brakes cool off for 10 mins after every 2 laps. Thats just a huge waste of time that you are paying a lot of cash for.
I'm going to stop indulging you because you're a fucking idiot.
The first thing *any* instructor asks you is if you have OEM brake fluid. If not, they will ask you how old it is. This is because its a *safety item, like a helmet.*
You would know this, if you've ever had one in your car.
Front / rear brake pads: $450
Brake fluid: $50
Misc tools / accessories to do the work: $100-$150
I’ll copy what I put on a different post though:
If you think you’ll be pushing the car’s limits constantly, I highly recommend fluids and pads. I had never done this before myself, it was all easy to do (minus the dealer stripping 4/5 lugs on one wheel). Once I got comfortable, I really pushed hard, and I could smell the upgraded pads getting hot. So idk how well the stock ones would have done. Keep in mind I was pushing so hard I was passing GR Corollas.
If you don’t think you’ll be pushing that hard, then stock is completely fine. Most others that ran the track day weren’t pushing too hard and were all fine with stock.
Edit: I also recommend buying some extra motor oil and adding .5 L overfill to be safe. Change oil after the track day.
I have my first TD coming up in a month as well and I'm just getting a helmet. Nothing else. I don't plan on going absolutely hog wild so I don't expect to trash tires or pads. I thought I would just go nuts when I initially bought the car but my thoughts on the event have mellowed greatly lol. For various reasons but one is definitely how I can't afford to replace the tires and pads after one event (....I can afford it, getting my wife to understand what a track day entails will take some time ha). I'll probably be seeing a track day maybe once a year at max, any more isn't in the cards atm (maybe a couple autoX's however). Once I'm like 55 I think I'll be able to fulfill those dreams as a track rat lol...
have fun out there! I have the exact same spec!
what track btw?
I did my track day with stock pads, stock fluid, etc. The good people at NASA were kind enough to loan me a helmet (I arranged for it months ahead of time). I passed on the insurance because I didn't intend to attempt any track records.
I just drove my car to the track **early** in the morning with a full tank of gas and enjoyed the experience.
ps4 will hold up fine for a beginner
you can do brake pads, fluid, and helmet (or rent one if available). you could skip the track insurance tbh, but it also depends what event organizer you're running with. some groups have more boneheads than others. keep your distance from other cars, follow the passing rules, and constantly check your mirrors and you'll be fine
This was my experience
[https://www.gr86.org/threads/first-track-day-complete.7255/?post\_id=114888&nested\_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-114888](https://www.gr86.org/threads/first-track-day-complete.7255/?post_id=114888&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-114888)
Pads and fluid are absolutely necessary. You can get by with some Hawk DTC pads or Carbotechs but I had a bad experience with Carbotechs my first track day at Road Atlanta. If you plan on tracking a lot I would recommend investing in a set of CSG pads. They cost about double but last 3-4x longer. Reach out to their sales team and see what pad compound they recommend for you.
PS4 will hold up fine, if it’s a hot day they’ll probably get a bit greasy but that’s where you’ll learn the most. Jumping to a grippy “super 200” to start out isn’t the best idea as they can hide mistakes.
I always get track insurance. Lockton charges ~$260 for a weekend. It’s worth it. I have a buddy with a 1st gen BRZ that had a small off at Road Atlanta. He filed a claim and they just wrote him a check for the $13k it cost to fix the car no questions asked.
All in your first track day will cost you a little over $1k with about half of that being your helmet and brakes. Divide those costs over your future track days and that cost looks a little less disgusting.
Pads and fluid. Nothing else for your first track day. If you like it and want to go back more than once a year next upgrade would be front camber bolts to help save your tires from wearing the outside shoulder down first. After that wheels, tires, big brake kit, and maybe coilovers. Those first couple recommendations will cost you a total of less than $400. The second answer will cost you between $3000 and $7000 depending on how thrifty you want to be. Welcome to motorsports - where each incremental improvement costs exponentially more than the last one.
Yeah there’s a strong autocross scene around me so I’ll give it this beating then be slightly less punishing lol.
Ask the people at Autocross to give you better tips than us here. Better to develop in-person friendship and community. u/CommercialCollar8476 I wished I tell my young self to build your car in regards to whatever class you want to race in via SCCA or NASA. Doing too many mods only to get pushed into unlimited mod class with not so unlimited budget is pretty depressing experience, lol. Could have save me a lot of time and money firs time around.
This is great advice. Thank you.
Ballpark prices based on my experience: Entry Fee - $250-$350 (can be significantly higher though) Track Insurance - $250 for the weekend Helmet - $200 with G Force Code (can rent helmets though) Brake Pads - $500 for front and rear carbotech brake pads. Brake Fluid - $60 for a three 500ml packs of Motul RBF 600 Brake Bleeder Tool - Wanted a better way to bleed brakes. Got the Motive Power Bleeder. It’s awesome, super easy to use. $60 Tire Wear - Making up a number here. Let’s say you get 30 20 minute sessions out of ~$1000 PS4 tires. That’s probably $130 dollars worth of tire wear per day. Gas - Let’s say $100. One tank of gas for traveling to and from. The other for the track. Not counting sleeping arrangements and food, your first track day will likely cost around $1,500. However, reoccurring costs after the first track day are likely closer to half that because you obviously won’t be buying all of this stuff each event. Track insurance is optional, but personally I like having it.
Thank you for this breakdown!
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What about insurance
Brake fluid is not optional on these cars.
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No it is not. Your brake fluid will boil on your 3rd lap even at 8/10ths. I am speaking directly from experience. You can get by with OEM on some cars with DOT 4, but this car uses DOT3 from the factory and does not have a lot of fluid capacity to begin with.
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Yes, but it was dangerous - you loose breaking efficacy when you most need it, at the end of a long straight. You literally do not have enough braking power to get into ABS. Probably 1/2 of the total caliper pressure you normally have. It’s not a car will be fine thing - it’s a safety thing. Don’t be the idiot that goes over the berm at the end of turn 1 because you decided to save $40 on brake fluid. Do you want to know what I did? I almost went off the track and the end of the straight. Then I immediately went to the closest Autozone, bought dot 4, and bled it at the track while the track staff called me an idiot for using OEM fluid on a car that comes with DOT 3. That fluid held up fine, but I changed it out to RBf660 for extra insurance. Literally nobody who has actually tracked their GR with stock fluid has said that it’s fine. These are not Caymans or 4Cs or Performance Pack mustangs that come with adequate fluid from the factory. It is wild that someone who very obviously has never been on a track is trying to give advice on what you need. You don’t learn anything from your brake fluid boiling other than how big of an idiot you were being by not changing it.
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There arent any indicators that its hot enough to boil *before it boils.* You can have a solid pedal in the turn before the straight, have your brakes cool on the straight, and then boil 50% into the braking zone, which is what happened to me. I didnt ignore brake fade in other turns only to have it pop up in the straights. Why are you so *set* on saying OEM brake fluid is OK when its *painfully* obvious you have zero experience tracking your car. I *personally* brought OEM brake fluid and it wasn't fine. Your other option is to let your brakes cool off for 10 mins after every 2 laps. Thats just a huge waste of time that you are paying a lot of cash for.
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I'm going to stop indulging you because you're a fucking idiot. The first thing *any* instructor asks you is if you have OEM brake fluid. If not, they will ask you how old it is. This is because its a *safety item, like a helmet.* You would know this, if you've ever had one in your car.
Just don't wear a seatbelt. It's way more comfortable. Because "I don't get into car accidents."
Brake fade can be catastrophic for someone who's a faster learner.
I did the free track day with no mods. Make sure your oil level is good. At 16,000 miles my PS4 needed replacing.
Awesome thank you
Front / rear brake pads: $450 Brake fluid: $50 Misc tools / accessories to do the work: $100-$150 I’ll copy what I put on a different post though: If you think you’ll be pushing the car’s limits constantly, I highly recommend fluids and pads. I had never done this before myself, it was all easy to do (minus the dealer stripping 4/5 lugs on one wheel). Once I got comfortable, I really pushed hard, and I could smell the upgraded pads getting hot. So idk how well the stock ones would have done. Keep in mind I was pushing so hard I was passing GR Corollas. If you don’t think you’ll be pushing that hard, then stock is completely fine. Most others that ran the track day weren’t pushing too hard and were all fine with stock. Edit: I also recommend buying some extra motor oil and adding .5 L overfill to be safe. Change oil after the track day.
I have my first TD coming up in a month as well and I'm just getting a helmet. Nothing else. I don't plan on going absolutely hog wild so I don't expect to trash tires or pads. I thought I would just go nuts when I initially bought the car but my thoughts on the event have mellowed greatly lol. For various reasons but one is definitely how I can't afford to replace the tires and pads after one event (....I can afford it, getting my wife to understand what a track day entails will take some time ha). I'll probably be seeing a track day maybe once a year at max, any more isn't in the cards atm (maybe a couple autoX's however). Once I'm like 55 I think I'll be able to fulfill those dreams as a track rat lol... have fun out there! I have the exact same spec! what track btw?
Track rat, yes haha
Yeah telling the SO about it is a whole different ball game 😂 I’ll be trying to go to Sebring! I’m in FL and that’s by far my favorite track
Awesome!
I did my track day with stock pads, stock fluid, etc. The good people at NASA were kind enough to loan me a helmet (I arranged for it months ahead of time). I passed on the insurance because I didn't intend to attempt any track records. I just drove my car to the track **early** in the morning with a full tank of gas and enjoyed the experience.
ps4 will hold up fine for a beginner you can do brake pads, fluid, and helmet (or rent one if available). you could skip the track insurance tbh, but it also depends what event organizer you're running with. some groups have more boneheads than others. keep your distance from other cars, follow the passing rules, and constantly check your mirrors and you'll be fine
Yo that blue looks awesome
It was one of my last choices but I got a good deal on it and so thankful I did! So much personality based on different lighting
Yeah I didnt know it was so metallic!! Looks awesome man, enjoy :))
This was my experience [https://www.gr86.org/threads/first-track-day-complete.7255/?post\_id=114888&nested\_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-114888](https://www.gr86.org/threads/first-track-day-complete.7255/?post_id=114888&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-114888)
Pads and fluid are absolutely necessary. You can get by with some Hawk DTC pads or Carbotechs but I had a bad experience with Carbotechs my first track day at Road Atlanta. If you plan on tracking a lot I would recommend investing in a set of CSG pads. They cost about double but last 3-4x longer. Reach out to their sales team and see what pad compound they recommend for you. PS4 will hold up fine, if it’s a hot day they’ll probably get a bit greasy but that’s where you’ll learn the most. Jumping to a grippy “super 200” to start out isn’t the best idea as they can hide mistakes. I always get track insurance. Lockton charges ~$260 for a weekend. It’s worth it. I have a buddy with a 1st gen BRZ that had a small off at Road Atlanta. He filed a claim and they just wrote him a check for the $13k it cost to fix the car no questions asked. All in your first track day will cost you a little over $1k with about half of that being your helmet and brakes. Divide those costs over your future track days and that cost looks a little less disgusting.
watch out on the high speed right turns for the oil starvation.