Hawk HP+ sufficient for novice HPDE at Watkins Glen?

Xaeryan · 03-04-2011, 02:43 PM

As the title says, I have some Hawk HP+ break pads with near full-pad left from autocrossing; wondering if these will be good (combined with fresh Super Blue) for speeds encountered first time out with NASA in HPDE1 at Watkins Glen? This car is heavy and powerful, but I'm not sure exactly how hard we will be pushing, depending on my learning curve. It's a two day event, BTW.

Anyone have any relevant experience here?

I've been autocrossing for many years, but the only track experience I have is in other cars - SRT Driving Experience, Exotic Racing (458 Italia is OMGWTFBBQ).

BrokenVert · 03-04-2011, 02:57 PM

The only place I can see the pads becomming an issue is in the bus stop. Ive heard of stock guys hitting 120-130 before that and the busstop is a slow corner.

Focusedintntions · 03-04-2011, 03:39 PM

I just ran a HPDE event at VIR (back straight i was hitting 140mph going into a 60 mph corner) on stock pads and fluid and it held up fine. Towards the end of my 25 minute session the pedal would start getting spungy (fluid boiling up) but wasn't too bad. Your hawk hp pads should do just fine. Especially if you're running in the novice group.

pixelblue · 03-04-2011, 03:49 PM

They'll do the job fine. Make sure to bleed them first. My first hpde event I was on my stock pads and they did ok. Hawks are an upgrade so you're better off

spk74 · 03-04-2011, 04:05 PM

If you notice sponginess, just back off for a lap or two. The bus stop, as mentioned, and maybe turn 1 (downhill) were my heaviest braking zones. Remember to go straight if your brakes fail at the bus stop...that's why the bus stop exists

Just be smooth and enjoy! Go to the gorge (I didn't but wish I had), and drive the original road course in your time off.

Groundpilot · 03-04-2011, 04:50 PM

WGI is very hard on brakes and everything else. If its a two day event i would suggest to take extra pair of front pads just in case.

Xaeryan · 03-04-2011, 10:27 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the suggestions; saves me from having to buy expensive pads until I really need them (i.e. have more experience).

I'll be bringing the stock pads just in case I burn up the HPs quick, I can swap them the first night since it sounds like stock pads will at least be sufficient.

I'm also considering the titanium backing plates to help keep fluid temps down.

BrokenVert · 03-05-2011, 12:03 AM

Forgot to ask. When are you hitting up the glen?

Xaeryan · 03-05-2011, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Forgot to ask. When are you hitting up the glen?

May 2/3 with NASA NE assuming all goes as planned.

BrokenVert · 03-05-2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaeryan

May 2/3 with NASA NE assuming all goes as planned.

Damn. Finals week is right after that weekend.

toni8284 · 03-06-2011, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaeryan

May 2/3 with NASA NE assuming all goes as planned.

Looks like I am going to see you there.

It will be my first/second track day.

dicker · 03-06-2011, 01:31 PM

I think you will be fine, if you're a novice the stock pads would be fine as well too.

Xaeryan · 03-06-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toni8284

Looks like I am going to see you there.

It will be my first/second track day.

Pretty much for me too. See you there!

03-04-2011, 02:43 PM	#1
Xaeryan Lieutenant 38 Rep 566 Posts Drives: Sideways mostly Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hazleton, PA iTrader: (4)	Hawk HP+ sufficient for novice HPDE at Watkins Glen? As the title says, I have some Hawk HP+ break pads with near full-pad left from autocrossing; wondering if these will be good (combined with fresh Super Blue) for speeds encountered first time out with NASA in HPDE1 at Watkins Glen? This car is heavy and powerful, but I'm not sure exactly how hard we will be pushing, depending on my learning curve. It's a two day event, BTW. Anyone have any relevant experience here? I've been autocrossing for many years, but the only track experience I have is in other cars - SRT Driving Experience, Exotic Racing (458 Italia is OMGWTFBBQ). __________________ 2014 SCCA Solo - Modifications by Class listing Last edited by Xaeryan; 03-04-2011 at 02:57 PM..
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03-04-2011, 02:57 PM	#2
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	The only place I can see the pads becomming an issue is in the bus stop. Ive heard of stock guys hitting 120-130 before that and the busstop is a slow corner. __________________
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03-04-2011, 03:39 PM	#3
Focusedintntions Colonel 105 Rep 2,696 Posts Drives: 2011 135i M-Sport :D Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA iTrader: (1)	I just ran a HPDE event at VIR (back straight i was hitting 140mph going into a 60 mph corner) on stock pads and fluid and it held up fine. Towards the end of my 25 minute session the pedal would start getting spungy (fluid boiling up) but wasn't too bad. Your hawk hp pads should do just fine. Especially if you're running in the novice group. __________________ Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death… – Hunter Thompson
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03-04-2011, 03:49 PM	#4
pixelblue Colonel 140 Rep 2,234 Posts Drives: the silver bullet Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northern virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i [8.90]	They'll do the job fine. Make sure to bleed them first. My first hpde event I was on my stock pads and they did ok. Hawks are an upgrade so you're better off __________________ "I would quote everything pixelblue said, but you've already read it. Take it from someone who's put the 1 through its paces"
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03-04-2011, 04:05 PM	#5
spk74 Private First Class 15 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335d Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	If you notice sponginess, just back off for a lap or two. The bus stop, as mentioned, and maybe turn 1 (downhill) were my heaviest braking zones. Remember to go straight if your brakes fail at the bus stop...that's why the bus stop exists Just be smooth and enjoy! Go to the gorge (I didn't but wish I had), and drive the original road course in your time off. __________________ 11 335D 07 R1200R 08 135i [SOLD] 98 M3/4 [SOLD]
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03-04-2011, 04:50 PM	#6
Groundpilot Banned 476 Rep 1,711 Posts Drives: 135I DCT , e92 M3 DCT, Audi A6 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: long island,ny iTrader: (0)	WGI is very hard on brakes and everything else. If its a two day event i would suggest to take extra pair of front pads just in case.
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03-04-2011, 10:27 PM	#7
Xaeryan Lieutenant 38 Rep 566 Posts Drives: Sideways mostly Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hazleton, PA iTrader: (4)	Thanks guys, appreciate the suggestions; saves me from having to buy expensive pads until I really need them (i.e. have more experience). I'll be bringing the stock pads just in case I burn up the HPs quick, I can swap them the first night since it sounds like stock pads will at least be sufficient. I'm also considering the titanium backing plates to help keep fluid temps down. __________________ 2014 SCCA Solo - Modifications by Class listing
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03-05-2011, 12:03 AM	#8
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	Forgot to ask. When are you hitting up the glen? __________________
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03-06-2011, 01:31 PM	#12
dicker Captain 69 Rep 847 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (8)	I think you will be fine, if you're a novice the stock pads would be fine as well too.
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