Rick CarltonSince some daily drivers become race cars, inspecting brake pads and changing road and track pads in the pits is becoming more common. Because there are so many newcomers to racing – whether it’s Autocross, Time Attack, or others – it’s important you know what to expect from track pads.
Track Pads Mean LOUD
Unlike consumer brake pads, track pads are not designed to be quiet. Track pads are oriented to the efficient management of friction and heat. When you get to the track, expect considerable noise when horsing your mount from corner to corner.
Notice That Vibration
Along with increased noise, you’ll notice additional rattling and vibration, too. Track pads move more in the caliper. This is because performance pads are designed to be thinner when cool, allowing for more efficient expansion when temped up under load. Intense braking (like what is done during lap sessions or across parking lots during point and squirt forays from cone set to cone set) will lead to higher in-pad/rotor temperatures.
Handle Track Pads With Care
Finally, to round out your pad expectations, let’s discuss handling for a minute. Some newbies assume that track pads are made of some kind of indestructible material able to be used with abandon. That’s not so.
When changing pads from track to road components and vice versa, a degree of care should be applied. If not, you’re asking for chunks of pad material to fall off at the worst moment. It could be like trying to control your speed at the apex of a corner or shuttling under braking through a cone cluster.
You get where we’re going here? Track pads are not your everyday brake pads. Shop wisely.
John Butler
