How to Choose the Right Brake Pads for Track Days
You’ve upgraded your suspension and dialed in your tire pressures. But if you’re still running stock brake pads on track day, you’re leaving performance and safety on the table.
Why Stock Brake Pads Fail on Track
Stock brake pads work at temperatures up to 300°C. Push them beyond that and you get brake fade, glazing, excessive wear, and rotor damage.
Temperature Range
The single most important spec. Street: 50-300°C. Street/track: 100-500°C. Track: 200-700°C. Full race: 350-800°C.
Friction Coefficient
For most track drivers, a mu of 0.40-0.50 is ideal. Pros go up to 0.55-0.65.
Front vs. Rear
Most cars do 60-80% of braking on front. Common: track compound front, street/track rear.
Quick Decision Guide
- Beginner HPDE: Street/track all around
- Regular track days: Track front, street/track rear
- Competitive/endurance: Full race front, track rear
At Barbaro CAC Racing, our compounds are developed on real racetracks including CTCC Championship events.