Nothing like a day at the track to really get a sense of how great these XKRs can perform!

These cars are built to run, and you'll never get that full experience unless you're on a race track.

Just took my '12 XKR-S out to the Circuit of the America's (COTA) here in Austin, TX, USA. This is the home of the U.S. Grand Prix, and one of the most demanding tracks on the F1 circuit. To get a sense of a single lap around COTA in an XKR-S, check out this video:

You Tube

That's a 3 minute lap... slow. F1 drivers are less than 2 min a lap - unbelievable.

Highly recommend participating in a track day. Should you decide to go, some tips:

• A professional clear bra will help protect your front facia - Since my car doesn't have one (yet), I did the "last minute" version by using clear contact paper and blue masking tape. Looks cheesy, but I didn't get a scratch from all the rubber bits and road debris.
• Sport setting +Dynamic mode works great! I doubt you'll use/need the paddle shifters. Stiffens the suspension noticeably.
• Lower your tire pressures. I started at 39 front / 36 rear psi and they quickly heated up ~7 psi.
• Have fun!!!

Met several great fellow car enthusiasts, saw many spectacular cars and gained a new appreciation and respect for the XKR-S !!

 

It's been far too long since I've been to the track, probably 3 years, I just never find the time anymore. I have made myself a promise to go soon for a couple of reasons. First, I miss doing it with friends and secondly, I get my newly restored Pantera back on Father's Day Weekend complete with double the horsepower and torque figures, and I want to try and test its new limits safely and in a controlled environment. Thanks for sharing your video.

 

I enjoyed the day I took my XK to the track very much.


Unfortunately, I am too afraid of breaking something to do it again. It is my daily driver and while it has low mileage and everything seems to be brand new, it is in reality a 10-yr old car. With kids in private school and college, I just cannot afford a big repair bill. So the Jag will not be seeing the track again anytime soon.

 

How do you find out about these track days? I only hear of them after the fact.

 

You can get on an e-mail list at your local track. Or check their website. Or call.

 

Also, you may wish to contact NASA. Joining is not expensive and I believe they offer insurance for when you drive on the track, which your regular insurance probably won't cover.



This is from our local track website:


(NOLA Motorsports Park)

 

JackJohn: Here in TX, checkout http://www.edgeaddicts.com . They host track day events at various tracks around TX. For insurance, google 'HPDE Insurance' and you will find several providers. You pay based on $ coverage / day. Not cheap, but then again, I can't image any damage would be either !!

 

Thanks for the information 110Reef and TXGladiator, I'll look into both of them.