Track Day

[glemon]

Did my first track day at Mid America Motorplex south of Omaha, NE today in the Triumph TR250.

Car ran like a champ except the last lap of the last session where it started cutting out. Gas tank (rust residue) issue I thought I had solved. Looka like I need a new gas tank.

But back to the track, lots of FAST cars out there, Porsches, Corvettes, etc. We had a group from our British car club, including a v-8 B-GT, a 60s Lotus Elan, a nice LoCost with an alfa engine (best sounding car out there, old or modern).

Was great fun, but I think I would like either a roll bar an harness or a more modern car if I keep doing this.

The TR handled well, I think the front rear sway bar kit the TRF sells sets the car up pretty well, if I do more of this would also like to lower the car, I think I could have fried the stock brakes if I was pushing harder, but really well balanced, wish I had bumped the cam up a little, it is a pretty quick track with no real slow corners, went all around the track in third and fourth.

The track was closed last year because of the Missouri River flooding, which actually flooded the track area, no significant damage to the track but 3' 4" feet of water standing around for months not good for the facilities

 

[glemon]

In the spirit of "it ain't real unless you have a pic"

 

[aeronca65t]

Excellent!
Great photo!

Yes...get a roll bar and harness.
Or a dedicated, non-street, "track rat".

In the long run, a dedicated (non-street) car may be cheaper and simpler. Track events can be very hard on old cars. I am often having to go over my car and reweld areas in the unibody that have cracked or "moved".
For a while, I had a cheap (<$500) Ford Escort that was actually faster than my race-Spridget. But I ran out of room when I started building the second vintage racer, so I let it go.

 

[Simon TR4a]

Great shot of your car and you enjoying it as it was intended to be enjoyed.
I always used Repco semi-metallic pads for this type of event, and I removed the dust shields from the back of the brakes to help cooling.

 

[Lotuswins]

So much fun, car looks great too.

Please get a roll bar, and I'm very surprised they let you on track without one in an open car. I've never been to a track day where they didn't require all convertables to have a roll bar. With very good reason. We had a fatal accident at Button Willow a few years ago, an Austin Healey with two in with helmets only, during a lunch hour drive around....they weren't to go over 55.

PLEASE get one before the next track day...

 

[Dee]

Here is the deal of the day!
As a licenced SCCA race car driver, I am required to get NEW belts(harness) every couple of years. I have several lying around.
So, you get a roll bar in that car and I will meet you at MAM some Fast Friday and GIVE you a free set of my old belts.

I have given several sets to SOLO drivers over the years, better to go to on- track drivers!

 

[glemon]

I just checked back in, hadn't seen the last couple responses, Hey Dee, thanks for the offer, I don't know when I will get back, but will send you a note when I do, having done a little track time and also autocrossed I have to say I think I am more of an Auto-x guy than a racer.

I will have to look up Worms, NE, don't recall seeing that one on the map.

 

[trmarty]

Autox and track. Both a bunch of fun, autox wont burn quite as big of hole in youre back pocket though Nice TR by the way.

Marty
hack at both sports

 

[glemon]

Thanks Marty and since it looks like your first post welcome aboard!