Going to the Track, Things to Look For??
 

taking an fd that i recently purchased out to the track in two weeks. It seems to be in really good shape, and I am doing a brake job with upgraded rotors, pads & lines right now. What other things should I look for/adjust/tighten before heading to the track. Oil Lines, hoses, etc.

I also plan to add some air to the tires as well, and probably change the oil.

I hope to drive the 1-1/2 there and do three of four 20 min sessions and drive home without any issues.

Thanks in advance.

Jason

Don't brake in the middle of a turn.

brakes are #1. you wanna look at everything else too. focus is being able to drive the car, not drive to the track and work on it.

hoses? belts? fresh engine oil? trans? coolant? doesnt have to be new, just good

have a look at the suspension, anything loose? worn out? tires? again you dont need anything fancy, fix anything broken and drive!

if you have time an alignment might be nice. tire pressure should be in the 26-27psi range cold, higher and the car feels weird.

i like to go thru and clean all the junk (books papers etc etc) out of the car, and make sure the windows are clean too.

tools; tire pressure gauge, enough stuff to change a tire. i'd also bring a qt of oil, and some water (might just end up being for you),rubber gloves, some rags, 10,12,14,17,19mm wrenches and a screw driver. no need to go nuts, i know a guy who fits that into a little fanny pack looking thing. milk crate or a bucket work too (if you're NODE you can use the bucket to puke in later)

that should be about it, if its a school you wont be going that fast, and its better to learn how to drive than try to set a lap record anyways.

have fun!

Brakes, fluids, etc. are all critical. Make sure your battery is secure.

If there is any chance of rain, take it all in a big rubbermaid container with the snap-top handles and a big towel. The tracks I've been to, if it rains and you're not prepared you will come back a mess. Bring sunscreen and basic tools.

Dave

If this is your first event you won't need too much, you're not going to be running very hard. Still, anything that's wrong with a car will tend to reveal itself at the track. Make sure to flush your brake fluid, if you've got OEM fluid with 100k miles on it you can boil it pretty easily.


This is from reted's site:

Required:
# Helmet
# Other safety - gloves, fire jacket / suit, shoes
# Registration docs - sticker(s), receipt(s), signed documents / waivers
# Rags
# Hand cleaner - if you work on your own car
# Glass cleaner - Simple Green, Castrol Super Clean, Oil Eater
# Portable chair(s)
# Duct tape
# Tire pressure gauge
# Notebook + pen, pencil



Tools:
# 1/4" ratchet
# 3/8" ratchet
# 1/2" ratchet
# Miscellaneous extensions
# Spark plug socket
# Miscellaneous sockets
# Miscellaneous combination wrenches
# Vice Grips
# Adjustable wrenches
# Pliers
# Miscellaenous screwdrivers
# Jack
# Jack Stands
# Track mat or cardboard
# Torque wrench
# Air tank
# Air tools



Extra parts:
# Belts
# Radiator hoses
# Clamps
# Spark plugs
# Coolant
# Water - to mix with coolant
# Engine oil
# Brake fluid
# Silicone RTV



Consumables:
# Bottled water
# Refreshments - soda, juice, Gatorade
# Food
# Sunglasses - if during the day
# Sun screen - if during the day
# Paper towels / napkins
# Utensils - forks, spoons, chopsticks
# Mat, goza
# Tarp, tent, big umbrella
# Extra clothes
# Extra socks - if wearing shoes

Great lists, there are lots of other prep lists online too.