Track Day Preparation for GT86/BRZ Owners

Unlock the potential of your GT86/BRZ on the track. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a faster, safer, and more reliable track experience. Our guide covers essential upgrades and quick tips to help you get the most out of every lap. From high-performance brakes to precision-tuned suspension, explore what your car needs to perform at its best on track days.

Track Day Essentials Checklist

Preparing your GT86/BRZ for the track doesn’t always require new parts. With a few essential checks and adjustments, you can ensure your car is ready for the demands of track driving. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your track day, focusing on the basics that keep you safe and maximize performance.

Brakes: Before heading to the track, inspect your brake pads for wear and make sure they have enough life left for a day of heavy use. Bleed the brake fluid to ensure there are no air bubbles, as fresh, air-free fluid helps prevent brake fade. Check the rotors for any signs of cracking or warping, which can affect braking performance under stress.

Tires: Check your tires for any uneven wear or damage before hitting the track. Start with slightly lower pressures, as they’ll rise as the tires heat up. Check and adjust pressures after each session, aiming for a stable level that suits track conditions. At the end of the day, don’t forget to reinflate to safe road pressures for the drive home.

Fluids: Make sure all fluids are topped up, including oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Check your oil level in particular, as engines run hotter and harder on the track. If it’s close to needing a change, consider replacing it before the event. Ensure coolant levels are at the max to help manage engine temperatures throughout the day.

Bolts and Fasteners: Go over all major bolts, especially on suspension components, wheels, and the engine bay, to ensure everything is torqued to spec. Vibrations from track driving can loosen bolts over time, so it’s good practice to check everything is secure.

Safety Gear: Confirm that your helmet meets track safety standards and fits well. Clear out any loose items from the interior and boot to prevent them from moving around during sessions. It’s a simple step that helps reduce distractions and keeps you focused on driving.

Towing Eye: Install a towing eye on the front of your car to ensure an efficient recovery in case of an incident. This helps avoid being towed backward around the track. If possible, add a rear towing eye as well to provide flexibility for the marshals. Make sure both are securely tightened and easy to access.

Fuel: Start with a full tank to avoid running out during a session. Keep an eye on fuel levels between runs, especially if the track is far from refueling options. Tracking drains fuel quickly, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Quick Tips for Track Day Success

A successful track day isn’t just about speed—it’s about consistency, control, and keeping your car in top shape. These quick tips help you get the most out of each session, focusing on smart habits that keep you safe, improve your performance, and protect your car from unnecessary wear.

Warm Up Gradually: Start each session with a few laps at a moderate pace to warm up your brakes, tires, and engine. This helps everything reach optimal temperature, improving performance and reducing wear right from the start.

Adjust Tire Pressures: Track driving heats up tires quickly, causing pressures to rise. Check and adjust your tire pressures after each session to maintain grip and handling consistency. Bring a tire gauge and small compressor if possible.

Handbrake: Avoid using the handbrake after coming off the track, as hot brakes can cause pads to stick or warp. Instead, use wheel chocks to secure your car safely while it cools down. This helps protect your braking system and ensures it’s ready for the next session.

Stay Hydrated and Rested: Track days can be physically demanding. Keep yourself hydrated, take breaks, and avoid pushing too hard if you’re feeling tired. Staying sharp keeps you safe and helps you perform better.

Monitor Coolant and Oil Temperatures: Track driving puts extra strain on the engine, so keep an eye on your coolant and oil temperatures. If they start to climb, take a cool-down lap or two before pushing hard again.

Plan a Cool-Down Lap: Finish each session with a cool-down lap at a relaxed pace. This allows brakes, tires, and the engine to gradually reduce in temperature, helping avoid wear and heat-related issues.

Track-Focused Upgrades to Consider

Once you’ve mastered the basics of track day preparation, the right upgrades can take your GT86/BRZ to the next level. These beginner-friendly modifications boost performance, improve safety, and add reliability, helping you get more out of every lap.

1. Brake Pads and Fluid: One of the most impactful upgrades for track driving is switching to high-performance brake pads. These are designed to handle the heat and stress of repeated hard braking, giving you consistent stopping power. Pair them with a high-temp brake fluid to prevent fade and maintain pedal feel throughout the day.

2. Tires: Performance tires are essential for grip and handling. Semi-slicks or ultra-high-performance summer tires provide better traction in dry conditions, helping you corner faster and brake more effectively. This upgrade makes an immediate difference in how the car feels on the track.

3. Coilovers or Sport Shocks and Springs: Upgrading to coilovers or sport shocks and springs improves handling by reducing body roll and keeping the car more stable during turns. A good suspension setup increases confidence, letting you push the car harder while maintaining control.

4. Oil Cooler: An oil cooler helps keep engine temperatures in check during extended track sessions, especially for turbocharged engines. It’s a valuable addition for reliability, as it protects your engine from overheating and reduces wear on critical components.

5. Lightweight Wheels: Reducing unsprung weight with lighter wheels can make a noticeable difference in handling and acceleration. Lightweight wheels reduce the load on the suspension and improve responsiveness, helping the car feel more agile and planted.

These upgrades offer a balanced approach, making the car more track-capable without major modifications. Each one provides a boost in performance and reliability, ideal for drivers looking to get serious about track days.

GT86/BRZ-Specific Quirks for Track Days

The GT86 and BRZ are excellent track platforms, but they come with a few unique quirks. Knowing these can help you make the most of each session and avoid some common issues specific to these models.

1. Oil Temperature Management: The FA20 engine in the GT86/BRZ is known to run hot under track conditions, especially during extended sessions. High oil temperatures can lead to performance drops and engine stress. Installing an oil cooler is a common solution to keep temperatures in check and protect the engine. Without an oil cooler, plan on taking regular cool-down laps to avoid overheating.

2. Rear Differential Behavior: The stock Torsen limited-slip differential can feel twitchy, especially when exiting corners or in low-grip conditions. This effect is more noticeable with the factory LSD, as it tends to react sharply to sudden throttle inputs. For better rear stability, consider smooth throttle modulation, and, for frequent track use, some drivers opt for an aftermarket LSD for more predictable handling.

3. “Pedal Dance” for Disabling Stability Control: The GT86/BRZ has a “pedal dance” sequence that allows you to fully disable stability and traction control, giving you complete control of the car on track. This procedure involves pressing specific pedal and button combinations (often brake and traction control buttons in a set sequence). Full disengagement of stability control gives you a purer driving experience, but it also means there’s no electronic safety net, so use it with caution.

4. Gear Ratios and Power Band: With its naturally aspirated engine, the GT86/BRZ has a relatively narrow power band, requiring high revs to stay in peak performance. Taller gear ratios can mean frequent downshifting to maintain power, so it’s helpful to practice smooth rev-matching for corner entries. Consider adjusting your shift points for quicker lap times.

5. Brake Fade: The stock brakes can be prone to fade on track, especially with OEM pads and fluid. This can reduce braking power during extended sessions. Regularly bleeding the brakes and switching to higher-performance pads can help manage fade without a full brake upgrade.

6. Rear-End Stability at High Speeds: The GT86/BRZ’s lightweight build and aerodynamic design can lead to some instability at high speeds, especially under heavy braking. Adding a rear spoiler or wing helps stabilize the rear, adding downforce to keep the car planted. Alternatively, adjusting the rear suspension to reduce stiffness can also improve stability during fast straights or hard braking.

7. Fuel Starvation on Low Fuel Levels: The fuel pickup in the GT86/BRZ can lead to fuel starvation in high-G corners, especially when fuel levels are low. To avoid this, keep your fuel tank above half-full during track sessions, especially on tracks with long, sweeping turns.

These quirks are manageable with a bit of preparation and awareness. Understanding them helps you make the most of each track session, letting you enjoy the GT86/BRZ’s unique handling while staying safe and maximizing performance.

Best UK Tracks for the GT86/BRZ

With its balanced handling and rear-wheel-drive layout, the GT86/BRZ is perfect for exploring UK tracks. Here are some of the best circuits, starting with beginner-friendly options to help you build confidence and progressing to more challenging tracks where you can fully test the platform. We’ve also included a few European options for those looking to take their track experience abroad.

1. Bedford Autodrome: Bedford Autodrome is an excellent choice for beginners. With wide runoff areas and a forgiving layout, this track provides a safe environment to explore your car’s limits. The track’s design emphasizes corners and handling rather than high-speed straights, making it ideal for the GT86/BRZ’s balanced chassis and nimble handling. It’s a great place to get comfortable with track driving without the intimidation of tighter circuits.

2. Blyton Park: Another beginner-friendly track, Blyton Park offers a mix of technical sections and faster corners, helping drivers build confidence. The relatively simple layout is perfect for mastering car control, and the GT86/BRZ’s agility shines here. With plenty of space for safe recovery, Blyton is a great place to work on throttle control and steering inputs.

3. Snetterton Circuit: Snetterton provides a step up in complexity with more technical sections and longer straights. The track has different layouts to choose from (300, 200, and 100), with the 300 layout being ideal for exploring the GT86/BRZ’s potential in both handling and speed. The circuit’s varied corners and straights make it an ideal training ground for track day enthusiasts looking to improve lap times.

4. Brands Hatch Indy Circuit: Brands Hatch Indy is compact and challenging, offering a mix of tight corners, elevation changes, and faster sections. This track rewards smooth driving, and its layout pushes you to refine your lines and braking points. The GT86/BRZ’s balanced nature fits well with Brands’ tight, flowing design. This track can be more challenging than Bedford or Blyton but provides a rewarding experience for intermediate drivers.

5. Donington Park: Donington is a classic UK track with a combination of fast, flowing corners and challenging technical sections. The GT86/BRZ’s handling and balance excel here, especially through Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin. The track offers higher speeds than the beginner circuits, making it suitable for more experienced drivers looking to push their skills. Donington’s layout highlights the car’s cornering ability and keeps drivers engaged.

6. Oulton Park: For those with more experience, Oulton Park is a technical and scenic circuit with elevation changes, off-camber corners, and challenging braking zones. The GT86/BRZ’s lightweight design and agility make it well-suited to Oulton’s demanding layout. However, the narrow sections and limited runoff make this a track for those who feel confident with their car control and track awareness.

7. European Track Adventures: For GT86/BRZ owners looking to go further afield, Europe offers several iconic tracks that cater to the platform’s strengths. Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is a legendary circuit with long straights and challenging corners like Eau Rouge, providing a mix of speed and technicality. Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, known as the “Green Hell,” is a bucket-list track for enthusiasts, offering an intense 20.8 km of twists, elevation changes, and high-speed sections—perfect for experienced drivers with confidence in their car. These European circuits provide an unforgettable experience, giving you the chance to test your GT86/BRZ on the world stage.

These tracks offer a range of experiences tailored to the GT86/BRZ’s handling and performance, letting you progress from beginner to advanced circuits. With each session, you’ll find new ways to enjoy the car and challenge your skills.

Take Your Track Build to the Next Level with ARG Performance

Ready to take your GT86/BRZ track experience to the next level? From essential prep tips to advanced upgrades, ARG Performance is here to help you get the most out of every lap. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your build further, we offer expert advice and quality parts tailored for track performance. Get in touch with ARG Performance today, and let us help you make your GT86/BRZ track-ready with the upgrades you need to dominate the circuit.