Top 4 Track Performance Tricks
Are you a car enthusiast who loves to race or participate in track events? Well, then you know that track performance is critical. We will share our four track performance tricks that you should keep in mind to ensure you have the best possible experience during events.
Remember it’s not just about having a powerful engine or great tires; there are several other factors that can affect your car’s performance on the track.
Increase track performance before and during events
We are diving right in and accepting that you already know the basics of alignment before you start adjusting for the track. If you do not know the basics, start here:
Track Performance Basics – Before you go, Square it, Caster it, Camber it & Toe it!
It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that one of the biggest changes you can make to your vehicle’s performance and the lap times you lay down are in your alignment adjustments. I say that it won’t surprise you because you are here searching for information. Increasing performance often doesn’t require any new parts at all.
The alignment of your wheels plays a major role in performance both on the street and on the track. Alignment is often overlooked and will give you a significant advantage, especially when on a budget. You can gain the upper hand in any performance competition, be it autocross, wheel-to-wheel, lapping, time attack, or any other competition.
The goal is to maximize each tire’s contact patch and improve the ability to take a corner. Key adjustments in your alignment setup will ensure as much tire on the asphalt as possible while improving the sensitivity to change direction.
Before You Head to the Track, Make Sure Your Vehicle is Squared for Best Track Performance
Almost everyone skips the process of stringing the car, but it will be worth your effort. You can make it much easier with a QuickTrick 5th Gen QuickString. Our newest release is perfect for any location to speed up diagnosing and correcting issues. Once you ensure your square, you can set caster, camber, and toe and be ready. You should not have to string the car again UNLESS you run off track, hit someone or something, or get hit (or add new suspension parts). If you have any off-track incidents or impact the vehicle, stringing to check thrust angle and alignment should be the first step you take off the track.
Changing Caster and Camber will Usually Change Toe Settings
The toe is the most adjusted angle at the track, but it should not be the first step. Always start with caster and camber. Having the know-how and tools to work on the track will maximize your performance and speed. All QuickTrick kits are equally accurate; you can customize your needs based on your goals. The most comprehensive is the 5th GEN found here. You can watch videos on 4th Gen and 5th Gen here:
Negative camber is a powerful tool in performance driving. It will cause more wear on the inner tread of the tire in normal driving, so re-adjust after track days if you are using a daily driver. The angle of the wheel controls the amount of tire tread in contact with the track.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to make sure that changing the camber angle allows your wheel and tire setup to clear your suspension components and frame.
A vehicle running a positive caster increases the amount of negative camber when the wheel is turned, which improves cornering ability. There are limits (usually between six and eight degrees of positive caster). You do not want to have so much that it causes a negative effect on the tire’s contact patch. A positive caster will allow you to dial in more limited levels of negative camber while increasing your handling capability. Adding positive caster results in a car’s steering returning to center, improved steering quality, and better high-speed stability.
The Toe Angle is Far More Sensitive than a Camber or Caster
Start with small adjustments and keep things as balanced as possible to find the right spot between aggressive turn-in and stable braking and acceleration.
Getting your adjustments dialed in with driver weight, fuel load, etc., is best.
We prefer using our QuickString, but you can set up four jack stands and follow an old-school string method. Here’s a demonstration:
The QuickString is the best way to reduce the chance of too much thrust angle, which leads to dog tracking.
Ask around or do some research to find out the track levels and degrees. People on forums are always willing to recommend a track setup. Just check their stats to make sure they are achieving their competitive goals and not running in the back on times and laps.
Racing suspension concerns thrust angle, caster, camber, toe, and tire pressure. These are the keys to improving performance.
Be Methodical in Getting the Most from your Alignment for Best Track Performance
Always write down your current setup. Make one change at a time, and write down the result. Optimizing is a long process until you get your rhythm down. Once you have it down, you will be more competitive and stand out of the crowd, no matter what you drive!
Good luck at the track. You can always contact us if you have questions. We will find it for you if we do not have the answer.
We take great pride in our success and that of our QuickTrick Family
You will always get one of us when you reach out through email, chat, or phone. We do not outsource customer service, and we manufacture in-house.
Mr & Mrs. QuickTrick
Gary & Tess
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