'TRACKDAY', Snetterton 300 (Norfolk) - ***Thursday 2nd May*** £199

[Cscameron]

Wouldn't touch the brembos. I destroyed a set in about the same amount of time as qwakers. I am hard on brakes but even mintex lasted longer

Depending on budget EBC Yellowstuff seem to be the go to for alot of people

[Atompunk78]

Ahh right - I think I'm looking for some sporty pads to keep on the car permanently rather than just for the day, thanks though!

[Atompunk78]

How're the red/yellow stuff pads? If I'm only going to the track 2-4 times a year, is red or yellow better? Do I want full sport pads or just upgraded street ones do you reckon?

Also while I'm at it, I'm thinking of getting PS4 tyres further along, does that sound like a smart idea?

[Atompunk78]

red stuff is road only yellow stuff are the best compromise, or mintex 1144's, if you can find them.

[casey]

Maybe not the Brembo's then ....................

A few trackday guys on here use yellow stuff and seem to be very happy with them.

[Atompunk78]

Nice, I’ll probably give yellow stuff a go, maybe not in time for the 2nd though, thanks for the help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[casey]

One issue with Yellow Stuff though is the recommended EBC bedding-in process, which is lengthy and tiresome, and not good unless you fit and bed the pads in BEFORE the trackday:

EBC Yellowstuff Bed-in Procedure
Fast Street use Pre Bed Fade 1 – drive 50 to 100 miles on Public road/highway normal driving to allow the pads to mate up to the disc and establish full contact followed by 8 stops from 80 mph to 30 mph at 300-yard intervals and then coasting allowing the brakes to cool.

Yellowstuff, although track-capable, is no longer recommended for track use on most cars due to its long bed in the process. BlueStuff is now our recommended entry-level race pad for all vehicles, which as a track hybrid is still great on the street and even better on track. But if you are to use Yellowstuff on the track, follow the below Fade procedures;

FADE 2 – After the basic street pre-bed above is performed on the road or at the track if installed there …..Perform 10 medium pressure snubs at the track from 80-20mph leaving 300 meters between each snub (approx 0.4g decel)
Allow pads to cool for 15 minutes minimum after coasting to the pits allowing brakes to cool a little.

FADE 3 – Perform 6 high-pressure snubs from 90-20mph with a maximum acceleration between consecutive snubs. (approx 0.8g decel, or 80% of an emergency stop)

Allow the brakes to fully cool for a minimum of 1 hour before the race session.

We advise using disc heat paint to ensure green fade is avoided, continue reading below for more details

Real-world experienced driver – faster street bedding routine.
We call this real world as it explains in a realistic and safe way how to accelerate this bed in the process. First, make sure you achieve the pad seating – we’re now going to bed the pads in with what we can describe as using “engine torque”.

On a safe straight road with no cars close behind or in front at approx. 40-50 mph apply the brake to 30% or so pressure whilst continuing to press the accelerator to main vehicle speed for as long as safe to do so, you will need approximately a clear quarter mile to do this so make sure you have that. This will drag the brakes, get them hot and take them past the 400-500C level required for bed in and you may even smell brake odour. You may feel the pedal go a little spongy, if it gets too soft abort the process and start again later. What is too soft? Too soft means that you feel that the brakes are not responding well.

Release the brake and coast for a mile, slowly, unless you have to make a stop.

If you have to abort the process part way through, repeat it as soon as safe to do so.

Coasting after the bed in to allow discs to cool as you should not park the vehicle with HOT brakes. So be sure you have a road where it is safe enough to do this procedure with no imminent bends or stops in front of you so you can roll for a while and allow discs to cool, but if you need the brakes USE THEM

Allow the brake to fully cool ( if possible overnight) and repeat the exact same process again.

Your pads should feel entirely different to before the process, they should feel sharp and much more responsive. This process is called eliminating “Green fade” by burning off those surface volatiles.

You will see blue marks on the discs after you stop, these will go away in a few miles.

[casey]

I note EuroCarParts stock Pagid pads (£67.19). I've used these MANY times on my REAR axle (I have them on at the moment) and they have been excellent. Can't comment on more stressful front axle use though.

Good and cheap enough for a spare set, just in case needed on the day?

[Cscameron]

TBF with it being your first time on track you're likely to be a bit gentler on the car than most. I'd grab a standard set of Mintex pads (£35 on ebay) as a just in case set then upgrade to yellowstuffs at a later date

I chew through pads and they lasted me the longest on stock brakes (brembo/pagids/mazda didn't do quite so well but that's just me). A fair few people seem to run them without issue

As for tyres the PS4s are really well rated by anyone that has had them so are a great option. I, however, get on really well with my ditch finders, so will leave tyre opinions to sensible people

[Atompunk78]

Thanks for the whole usage explanation! It sounds a bit annoying but I don’t mind that too much, I definitely want street-focused pads that work on track rather than vice versa, so yellow seems like a good option.

I’m glad to know the ps4 is a good option, I don’t want something too soft and ridiculous so they seemed like a good choice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nightfire10]

I've run yellowstuff for quite a few years I don't strictly follow the bed in instructions lol

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

[Keke]

I can't remember doing any "bedding in" process with mine, but they work very well.

I suggest keeping it simple for now, and upgrade when you plan another track day in the future

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[Conan]

brembo from ecp are garbage. i literally smoked a set to the point of ridiculous brake fade and smoking pads after 4 laps of castle combe.

i even managed to overheat them on the road....

Brake pads only overheat if you use the brakes

[Conan]

Nice, I’ll probably give yellow stuff a go, maybe not in time for the 2nd though, thanks for the help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The most important thing is to enjoy the day
Don’t go mad chasing a fast lap and learn the circuit and car, you can’t force a car to behave beyond its parameters .
Track driving is something you learn ( as we all did )
Casey is the smoothest driver I know so your in good hands
I recommend people go out with Casey and Ian Mothersole who have opposite styles but are good examples
The RX-8 doesn’t need heavy braking because it handles
1 warm up lap for you and the car, 1 cool down lap for you and the car
Yellow stuff and 1144 are good on road and track
Have fun
Regards
Pete

[Keke]

If I can scrape some money together soon,I hope to join you Malcolm

Be really great if you can make it Kevin - I'll bring the refreshments kit for the garage

Sadly I won't be able to make Thursday .
Hope another one pops up soon

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[casey]

Sorry to hear you can't make this one Kevin. Next Snett trackday at Snett for me is in September, although I might fit another one in before then.

Just the two of us then.

[Keke]

I had a real dilemma,my son needs a new mattress.
I had to think about this much more than I should ,does that make me a bad father

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[casey]

Yes.

But I fully understand your dilemma

[Keke]

The weather looks perfect for tomorrow!
Gutted I'm not going

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[casey]

Still showing places available, not even "low stock", so it's looking like a quiet(ish) day on track.

I can't believe how the weather forecast for tomorrow has improved so much over the last few days!

Doesn't get any better than that; sunny, but not too hot! No need to take wet weather tyres either - 595RS-R's semis are already on

I've just completed the online signing on and safety briefing. Will be loading the car shortly. Looking forward to it

[BigPete]

Have a good day tomorrow fingers crossed not to many red flags. Enjoy

[Atompunk78]

Any last advice for my first track day?

[casey]

Main thing is to enjoy the day!

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, but don't stay out on track longer than about 15 minutes a session. Do a cool down lap before you come in and let the car, and you, cool down for at least 15 minutes before going out again.

You'll be amazed at how mentally tiring it will be as the day progresses. The level of concentration required is very high when on track. Be careful, and mindful of this, later in the day.

But above all, enjoy - you will hopefully have a big smile on your face at the end and want to repeat the experience. It can be addictive!

[qwakers]

dont apply the handbrake or sit still with your foot on the brake in the pits. park up put in gear and turn off.

unless you like warped disks

[casey]

This is a very long shot! Henry has been refused track access today due to him officially not having a FULL licence.

He has been refused a refund, as only 54 cars booked in.

Just thought simeone might like to consider a half day this afternoon. Henry and Javelin have given the OK, just need simple online form to complete - I have what is needed for this. You might like to offer some contribution, but he's lost the lot at the moment, so that's up to you.

Weather is gorgeous, only 54 cars...

I have PMd Keke and offered him first refusal.

PM me if interested and I'll check when not out on circuit.