Tracking in near freezing temperatures

[the_scotsman]

I’ve been trying for a while to track my GTS, but there always seems to be a conflict (all Family stuff).

Well, I’m all signed up for a one day event this weekend. Finally get to see if the water injection is fully operational, at least that was the plan. Car is setup with the basic track settings.

However, the weather is not playing ball. The 70 mile journey to the track (driving the GTS, not trailering) will be in temps slightly below freezing and there is a chance of a snow flurry (no accumulation)! This is supposed to clear out quickly with the remainder of the day to be dry.

Forecasted high temp for the day is only 46F which means it’s borderline for the WI to be operational, depends if track time aligns with the high. Low temp is to be 27F, hopefully later that night, but timeline is TBD.

I only have Cup 2s available. Many different opinions on what temp is too cold to run these.

Anyone run/track their GTS in such low temps?

Thoughts?

[schnell325]

I wouldn’t dare make that trip in those temps on pscup2s. That’s downright dangerous. No matter how cautious/slow you are on the trip there, you’ll be nervous as shit for the whole drive. And you’ll be a road hazard for those vehicles that are equipped with non-track tires (everyone else)

Not trying to kill your hope for a track day, but wait until you can safely get to and from the track please.

[SYT_Shadow]

the first and last track days of each season have lows around 32F and highs around 45F. Water injection doesn't work at times due to the temps, but eventually tires heat up.

A couple days ago I got into my mini at 32F and started driving with the TPMS menu up. Within 10 minutes the tires were up to 65F, which is a good operating temperature.

Drive carefully, once the tires warm up a bit you'll be fine

[Gomeler]

I've driven another car('04 STi) on the track with Toyo RRs with temps around freezing. It was not a lot of fun. Constantly fighting for grip, but not in the fun way that hunting for drier lines in the wet can be(I enjoy driving in the rain for context).

Cannot comment on driving on the street in that configuration, I towed out, and my GTS gets winterized in October. I suppose if you've never driven on freezing temperatures it could be a fun experience to do once. I won't do it again. Luckily Colorado frequently sees 40F-50F afternoons in winter and the cars grip up well enough then.

[D_SheerDrivingPleasure]

You'll be fine. At Lime Rock last November there were ice patches in the paddock when I arrived (on similar 200 TW tires).

It turned into a great event once the sun came up.

[the_scotsman]

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I plan to delay my departure and arrive at the track late - already have the ok to miss the drivers meeting. Might still encounter a few flurries but it's forecast not to stick. temp will be around 32F.

The morning runs are forecast to be about 33F, afternoon runs around 44F. Hopefully I get to prove the WI is working :-).

I had set the goal, that if I had not tracked the GTS before the end of this year, it was to be sold. Looks like the goal might actually be met! Might now have to find some cash to extend the warranty a few more years!

[GuyLedouche]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I plan to delay my departure and arrive at the track late - already have the ok to miss the drivers meeting. Might still encounter a few flurries but it's forecast not to stick. temp will be around 32F.

The morning runs are forecast to be about 33F, afternoon runs around 44F. Hopefully I get to prove the WI is working :-).

I had set the goal, that if I had not tracked the GTS before the end of this year, it was to be sold. Looks like the goal might actually be met! Might now have to find some cash to extend the warranty a few more years!

I did a track day recently on NT01s and the first session was 29 degrees. Mainly warmed the tires on that session but the rest of the day was great.

[schnell325]

Good luck

[oppoops]

Should be fine - was just at Lime Rock this past weekend w/ my mostly stock 1M (wheels & 6 track-days old cup2 & pads & fluid), temps were around high 20s to mid 30s.

Just be mindful of the longer warmup time. Drove in MDM for the first 2 sessions to get a feel of the surface then took off everything for the next 4, ended up being 1sec off from my fastest lap during the summer.

[the_scotsman]

On the day of the track event, the rain/sleet/snow was a no show, at least on my routes to/from the track, so roads were dry. It was still around freezing that morning, but the drive to the track was uneventful.

First few laps of each of the 4 sessions were taken with great care. This was my first time tracking the GTS, Cold PSC2s, and first time running the this track CW. After a few laps I was able to push the car. I did keep the traction control on for all sessions and I did feel it cutting power, but since I was not trying to break any records, no problem.

The car took curbs really well!

Despite the temperature getting to around 46F, I used zero water. :-(

Only on the drive home did I actually see some extended periods of sunshine, too little, too late.

Despite the cold, I had a blast!

Thanks again for all the input!

[schnell325]

Glad your drive to and from worked out