So I did my 3rd track day down at NJMP a couple weekends ago, had a fantastic time (as expected), but came away with a couple questions.

The biggest problem I had was that my brakes were shot by the end. I got oem rotors and pads last summer, but they're gone after just 2 track days. I got Brembo rotors ready to install, but am not sure what to do for pads. Any recommendations for something that'll hold up for street use and track days a couple times a year?

Second issue was the understeer. I have Hotchkis but even with em I had some annoying understeer. I definitely kept my weight shifted correctly, even tried some trail braking, to no avail. What would help this? Lowering it? Some suspension kit? I'm on 18's already so I don't want to go too extreme, but I'd like to do something.

One thing when reading here in the forums I noticed is everyone complained about oil and tranny overheating...I've never had any limp mode at a track day, and I push it pretty damn hard. My dad's 335xi goes into limp mode after 10-15 minutes each session but I pull through without a problem. Are the 2nd gen g35x's immune to this issue, or is it something I'll have to look out for in the future?

 

For brake fade I would recommend different brake fluid if you haven not already. I use Motul RBF 600 or higher and definitely different pads as well. I use a Carbotech XP10 and XP8 setup and it works well on my G37x coupe.

I'm still trying to combat understeer as well with Hotchkis and lowered on Eibach springs. So I'm curious to hear some answers on this as well!

 

I ran ebc yellow stuff on my oem rotors and motul for the track. Let me tell you, my brakes were fantastic as I never once experienced fade and they were strong as hell. However, my oem rotors got trashed so now I have stoptech rotors and for my next venture we'll see how it goes.

 

Sorry I have nothing to offer in terms of brakes (although I love my Stoptech rotors and Hawk pads) but how do you do your track days? I've wanted to do one down there. Do you do it through a club?

 

Thanks! Pretty sure I'm on oem brake fluid so I'll definitely give that a shot. And I'll check out the Carbotechs when I get the chance.
On their website they have a page for trackdays (NJMP Track Days | New Jersey Motorsports Park)! You start out with progressive paced laps to get a feel for the track, the lines, and getting into track days, and then after a couple track days you can move up to whatever your comfortable with. I did the expert level paced laps this time- its great because you can pretty much go as fast as you can but you still have something to chase and learn braking points and lines. Plus theres passing at this level. Heres a quick clip of my day-

 

Dude that's so cool. Thanks for the info. I'm getting down there very soon.

 

I've heard that rear sway upgrades help to minimize the understeer for the AWD and FSB will add to the understeer (or add back if you upgraded the rear sway).

 

As for brake fade: Better brake fluid (with full flush/bleed before an event) . this should deal with spongy pedal. For soft pedal- better brake pads. Stoptech could work for a couple of days per year if you are not too aggressive (and it's a great daily driver). Carbotech or other race pads could work as well. I've found EBC Bluestuff (better than Yellow) not good enough for our fat cars if you are aggressive on the brakes.

As for understeer : did you check your tire pressure? did you adjust it after every session? too low or too high can product understeer.

 

I got the set of sway bars from Hotchkis, so yea it was both. The front one one a couple mm larger, but the rear one was significantly larger, and made the handling much much more neutral. Don't think i'll be going back anytime soon, mostly because I don't think I kept 'em.

That is one thing I totally forgot to do at this one while they were cold, however after getting there I checked and evened them out. But since they were already warm, I didn't bother checking after each session because I didn't have a benchmark for what they should be.

 

Hawk pads are awesome and I prefer. Only, do not use them in the wet or your wheels will be crusted over with the pad debris and it will never come off. Bed brakes in before use. I use brakes less and less the better I got, see books below. Most cars have enough brakes but when they weigh 3800+#'s hmmmm.
Definitely a complete flush change to Ate (i run) or Motul. Motul is good but you can get Ate in blue and "clear" so you can swap back and forth and see then it is 100% changed.
Tire pressures have a lot to do with under/oversteer. Are your Hotchkis adjustable? experiment and reply back if you find out which setting works best.

Pick up the first 2 by Ross Bentley at least, I recommend them highly:
Speed Secrets Ser.: Speed Secrets : Professional Race Driving
Speed Secrets II: More Professional Race Driving Techniques
Inner Speed Secrets: Mental Strategies to Maximize Your Racing Performance
Ultimate Speed Secrets: The Complete Guide to High-Performance and Race Driving - New?

You can probably get them on a tablet/phone now a days. I read them when they first came out. I made notes mine which is not possible on an ele reader. I have given mine out to someone a long time ago.

 

recommend hawk blues.. these are perfect for track days..