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// Track Day Preparation
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Every car goes through a "tech line" before
being allowed to go onto the track. Many items are checked
but of particular interest to us will be:
- Battery hold down - make sure it is tight
- Floor mats removed
- All loose objects removed from car - cockpit &
trunk. (This means anything that isn't bolted down.)
Bring a box that you can throw everything in when
you empty the car. If not, your radar detector, tapes,
etc. will be scattered, run over, etc.
- If you have a nose mask (bra) for the car, put it
on. You won't believe what flies through the air when
you're on the track.
- Put on metal valve caps. The plastic ones can fly
off or take them off al together.
- Use tape weights inside the rims, not clip on weights
which can fly off.
- Remove wheel covers. They can also come off.
- Rain-X your windshield if it looks like rain.
- Use Z or better rated tires and make sure they are
in good condition! This is the most common cause of
failure during extended high speed runs, and when
a tire goes, control is lost. Typically it is recommended
that you put 300-400 miles on the tires before taking
them to the track (assuming you're not using shaved
tires). Also, a new tire with full depth tread blocks
WILL feel more squirmy than worn or shaved tires.
Things to Bring:
For You:
- Clothing-Cotton is best. Cotton long-sleeved shirt
or jacket is better than any synthetic (fire).
- Shorts, T-shirts etc. for non-driving sessions
- Wear comfortable sneaker-type flat soled non-slip
shoes and socks. NO SANDALS. NO HIGH HEELS. NO BOOTS.
- Bring a ground cloth or some garbage bags to put
things on/in. The paddock may not be fully paved,
which can mean mud if it rains
- Rain gear - rainsuits, umbrellas, boots, change
of clothes. If it is raining and you get wet changing
pads, etc. then dry clothes and shoes are REALLY nice.
A big tarp is handy too.
- Gloves
- Sunscreen lotion, a hat, sunglasses, bug spray
- A fire suit, five point harness, and helmet can
ease your mind. Some or all of these items are required
at some events
- Pens and pad for notes
- Camera and film
- Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
- Maps
- Coveralls
- Overnight kit
- Membership cards, Check books, credit cards, cash,
license
- Cooler
- Earplugs
- Snacks
- Folding chair
For The Car:
- Duct tape
- Air pressure gauge and air compressor.
- If possible, an air tank. There may only be air
hose and there is often a line
- Torque wrench
- Jack
- Extra brake pads (front and rear) and tools for
changing brake pads.
- Window cleaner and paper towels
- Shock adjustment tools (if you have adjustable shocks)
- Full fuel can. Gas may be available at the track,
but often only for part of the day. It may also be
racing fuel and cost several times more then regular
gas. It is not unusual to go through a full tank of
gas during the day
- Brake fluid
- Engine Oil
- Brake bleeding gear
- Service manual
- Tires
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