Track Day Prep: What You Need to Know

Where Stock (OE) Falls Short

• Brakes. Factory pads aren't designed for repeated hard stops, so expect fade after 2 to 3 hard sessions on stock pads. Factory DOT 3 fluid boils fast too, which means a soft pedal if you're pushing on, and if you want to go faster, you will be pushing on.
• Thermal derating. Sustained high power draw triggers power limiting as battery and motor temps climb, noticeably cutting acceleration late in a session. On a Performance model, expect to lose peak power within a couple of laps.
• Tyres. OE tyres are usually your daily road set. Factory rubber wears fast under track loads, and grip drops off once temperatures spike.
• Suspension geometry. Stock camber and alignment aren't tuned for sustained cornering loads, so you'll see uneven tyre wear and less predictable handling as a session goes on.

Which Models Can Track

• Model 3 Performance is the best-suited stock option, and earlier cars support Track Mode for better thermal management.
• Model Y Performance is capable, but a higher centre of gravity means more body roll and earlier tyre wear than the 3.
• Long Range and Standard Range models can track too, but expect earlier power limiting with no Track Mode to manage it, and the same stock suspension and brake limitations apply.

Upgrade Path

Members generally address the above in this order:

1. Brakes. DOT 3 fluid is not designed for repeated track abuse. Upgrade to DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 before any other brake upgrade. Track-compound pads, braided lines, and for serious track use, a big brake kit.
2. Suspension. Coilovers and sway bars to control body roll and keep the tyre contact patch consistent.
3. Cooling. Track-focused cooling upgrades to delay power derating on longer sessions. This is one area where we're working against the factory design, since the stock coolant system is built for efficiency over outright power.
4. Tyres and wheels. Track-day-suitable rubber and wider wheel setups for more contact patch. Ideally a separate set of wheels and tyres so you can run endurance or semi slicks in dry weather.

More Detail, You Ask?

We'll be publishing more detail on specific upgrades, including alignment considerations (camber and toe), strategies for managing charging on a track day, how many laps you can expect, and more. Check in with the Facebook group for some great tips!

Weekend Maintenance Days

Ahead of major track events, some of us run informal weekend Maintenance Days, a chance for members to get together, swap ideas, and help each other get ready. Low-key, low-cost, and a good way to meet other members face to face.

Pre-Track Checklist