HPDE necessities

[KIngpinMachine]

- I carried an extra o-ring for the brake master cylinder reservoir. Boogered one up while adding fluid/bleeding brakes at the track. Was probably rushing and got careless but if you stretch that thing out it leaks like a damn sieve and ends your weekend.
- Have seen Honda throttle cables break multiple times at the track. I do think people not having a tiny bit of slack in the cable is a factor though. Never carried a spare myself.
-If you have an older Honda definitely replace the gas tank straps. Countless numbers of those have broken on these 20+ year old cars on track.

[aklackner]

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-If you have an older Honda definitely replace the gas tank straps. Countless numbers of those have broken on these 20+ year old cars on track.

Gas tank stories were on my mind so new straps and hardware went on as well as a some extra coverage



I’ll add a throttle cable to my kit. The jrsc kit for the ITR complicates the throttle cable since the throttle body sits lower than oem.


If I have major brake failure I’d probably just cry until the tow truck showed up

[coolhandluke]

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-If you have an older Honda definitely replace the gas tank straps. Countless numbers of those have broken on these 20+ year old cars on track.

Gas tank stories were on my mind so new straps and hardware went on as well as a some extra coverage...

Great call out! These straps are ~$70 for a pair and could both save a track day & avoid a $500 new gas tank. I also recommend replacing these for anyone tracking a golden era Honda.

[aklackner]

Got the Simpson unit today. Clearly quality.


Any thoughts on a FR coverall?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008598IDO/re ... UTF8&psc=1

Seems like it could provide some protection and double duty if you need to do some wrenching but still easy to shuck between sessions on a hot day?

[Outrun]

An icebox or cooler filled with water or Gatorade will keep you hydrated. At a Streets of Willow track day in July 2000 the temperature peaked at just over 100. After every session I downed a 32oz Gatorade. I went through 14 32oz Gatorades and as well as bottled water. I also made the mistake of drinking a Hawaiian Punch and a can of soda which I do not recommend in such hot weather.

Extra clothes help too, especially when you change into a fresh set before driving home. For me it's a bit more relaxing compared to driving home in a smelly tshirt with dried sweat and salt. Buttonwillow has showers.

[coolhandluke]

...Any thoughts on a FR coverall?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008598IDO/re ... UTF8&psc=1

Seems like it could provide some protection and double duty if you need to do some wrenching but still easy to shuck between sessions on a hot day?

I fear the comfort of this type of setup in a bucket seat but that may not apply in your case. I like the idea of a dual-duty solution though.

[EL*Chuy]

Maybe a small set of wheel chocks to use after a run. That way you don't have to use your e-brake on hot rotors

[aklackner]

Maybe a small set of wheel chocks to use after a run. That way you don't have to use your e-brake on hot rotors

Another good one, I feel like I had seen this advice some where as I started looking at hpde but had long forgotten.

[aklackner]

I fear the comfort of this type of setup in a bucket seat but that may not apply in your case. I like the idea of a dual-duty solution though.

I ordered a pair to check them out I’ll share any thoughts on comfort with the JDM Recaros fwiw.

I also ordered the 2020 Stilo ST5 today (same as the 2015 but with changes to testing it seems). I added the mic kit but this brought up the question of how to make sure I’m able to interface with the coach/instructor. Is it safe to assume everyone is more or less standard on IMSA connectors so I’d be good as long as I have that adapter or how do others navigate these intercom connections? Surprised that there seems to be no real standard given a bit of a need to interface with others.

[noahf]

Let me know when you plan on going to the track for the first time. I’ve been trying to go for years and it would be nice to go with another “newb” for the first time.