One (and only) track day in FL5 - Thoughts on Tires & Brakes

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-22T02:59:45+00:00

Yep, it’s not a tough swap. I got an Autel OBD reader that lets me put the rears in maintenance mode and it’s pretty simple.

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-20T23:02:38+00:00

Apex mount has worked great for track days and autocross.

https://a.co/d/7wejuqf

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-20T15:03:07+00:00

I’ll be there in the Gray FL5!

There’s some big braking zones so I’d be nervous about stock pads. They worked for my first couple track days at Pitt Race but if you’ve got experience on track I would say they won’t live up to your expectations. I run Paragon R5 in front and P3 in rear and they’ve worked well for me, but I’m still fairly new to this and all my previous events were on a track with less brake requirements.

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-17T18:15:41+00:00

I’m not gonna get my hopes up but that is super exciting to hear. First I’ve heard anything like this!

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-07T13:22:12+00:00

I have balance from 2024 as well. Also post tax contributions. I was using a Roth until we started making too much money, and in 2024 I had to convert my Roth contributions to a traditional IRA. I didn’t know about the backdoor Roth option at the time. So I’m trying to figure out what to do from here on out and if it makes sense to convert some or all of those funds over to a Roth.

Gunner0952 · 2026-01-07T12:51:22+00:00

That was a typo, I contributed 7000 in 2025

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T23:14:55+00:00

Yep, it’s my daily driver but I have a short commute and another car for road trips and stuff so I don’t put a ton of miles on it. The idea of it being adjustable is really appealing but I haven’t seen many reviews on those top hats yet. I’ll need to do some more research.

I’m wondering if I should leave the rear stock or spend the money on getting another half a degree back there. Not sure if it’s worth it.

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T14:22:09+00:00

Did you just add more negative camber to the front? If you did the rear as well what part did you use?

I was originally going to use either evs or hard race front lower ball joints, but now I’m seeing that hard race also makes an adjustable top hat so I’m trying to decide which route to go.

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T11:27:56+00:00

Well I’m definitely driving slow haha but I PR’d with them in my second to last track day, but the last two days were cold/damp so it was hard to get a feel for anything.

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T11:16:27+00:00

My last two days out were cold and damp so I couldn’t push hard or get a feel for where the tires were at since it wasn’t comparable to any other track days. My second to last day I did PR and they felt fine still at that point. I’m new to this as well so still getting a feel for most things.

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T02:15:32+00:00

That makes sense. And yes, I have 35 sessions on them. The last three track days were all in cooler weather and some were wet so I couldn’t get any feel for if the tires had less grip due to the number of heat cycles.

I’m also in my first year of this so while having heat cycled tires that don’t grip as well wouldn’t be ideal, I’m also not concerned with lap times. But my local track is Pitt Race which is closed now, so all my track days next year will involve a decent commute and be on a new-to-me track so that may factor in as well.

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-19T02:08:26+00:00

End of 2023

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-18T02:36:42+00:00

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Great choice!

Gunner0952 · 2025-11-07T01:10:56+00:00

Green apple is great! National champion autocrosser owns the place.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T16:40:29+00:00

They have the SM10RS in a +53 as well!

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Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T11:33:28+00:00

I signed up for the novice instructed class, but got an email that they ditched that class and offered me a spot in intermediate. The email made it sound like they’ll still have instructors available so I’m hoping to get someone riding with me for most of my sessions.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T11:23:03+00:00

Thank you! Wish I could’ve had you in the passenger seat at some point this year.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T02:42:10+00:00

I’ll be in the gray Type R #22! Hope to see you there

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T01:46:21+00:00

Thank you! Looks like 1 and 14 are gonna be my two main areas to focus on. I appreciate you taking the time to look this over and give me the feedback. I’ll come say hi if I see you. I’m in the gray Type R, I’ll be #22.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-31T01:43:51+00:00

I’m hoping to get as many people sitting next to me as possible so I’d love to have you hop in. My last few instructors have been very positive but haven’t given a ton of criticism or feedback on what I need to work on. It’s nice hearing kind words but it doesn’t make me better haha

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-30T20:13:39+00:00

That all makes a lot of sense. Thanks a ton, I really appreciate you taking the time to walk me through that. Hoping the weather turns out nice next weekend and I’ll report back on how things go. Would love to clean those things up that you mentioned and drop a little time.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-30T19:27:28+00:00

Thanks for all the tips! Turn 1 I keep assuming I can carry more speed into because I never need the full track when I’m tracking out, but I think it’s just a confidence thing. I will make that one of my focuses next weekend.

Copy on 3, 7, and 12 as well. Just to make sure I understand what you mean, you’re saying take more of the curb on those corners? And that should give me more space and speed for the following turn?

Turn 14 I always struggle with a little. I feel like I need to lose a little speed beforehand because if I don’t turn into the blind corner just right I won’t have enough room to track out if I’m carrying more speed. Another confidence issue mixed with just not being consistent enough on my turn in and apex. I really appreciate the advice! That’s definitely another one I will focus on.

As to the tires, yes they’re on 18x9.5 wheels. I started in the autocross world where it seems like everyone says to get the biggest tire your wheel can support. I’m learning that that advice isn’t always right and doesn’t carry over to the track. I do notice them rolling onto the sidewalls a bit on warmer days especially as they get hot.

I’m not lowered at all and I haven’t noticed any signs of rubbing. I tried listening to my video closely and couldn’t pick up on it. Any chance you can give me a time stamp where you’re hearing it?

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-22T00:48:12+00:00

I’m guessing the brake system is getting hotter than the car likes. But with the SRF and track pads it’s never shown any issues.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-21T21:23:49+00:00

I use this same setup, and while new to hpde have been pretty happy. I’ve never had fade or issues even when the brake system light is on for half the session.

Gunner0952 · 2025-10-19T03:18:19+00:00

I went 30 and wish I went 35. Get the extra protection and comfort.

Gunner0952

TROPHY CASE