As a result of my missing some obvious "should have checked them before getting here" items on my last weekend at the track, I am working on putting together a punch list of everything I should look at before, during and after a track event. This is not a list of things that I should bring to the track, but rather what inspections and maintenance steps shoudl be done to the car before, during and after the even.

I have put a quick draft of my efforts on my website and would appreciate any feedback that you can give. If anyone already has their own such list, I would love to see a copy.

http://www.ee.duke.edu/~wrankin/rx7/...-checklist.pdf

This list was basically derived from similar lists sent out by MazdaDrivers as well as the Tarheel Sportscar Club here in NC. I figured that I would start with their examples, but tailor it for a track-only car (my FC) and also provide a finer breakdown of the inspection process.

I also have the Excel source available.

Comments welcome.

Thanx,

-bill

 

good idea. thanks.

 

If you have a tow vehicle its maintenance needs to be kept up to date as well, especially cooling, brakes and tire pressure. If you have a tow vehicle you have a trailer. I'm apalled by the mechanical condition of some of the trailers I see. I'd be scared of it merely sitting in my driveway much less hauling my car down the interstate. Some may not think so but trailers are vehicles too and will require maintenance on occasion!

If you pull a trailer always verify that the drawbar is properly pinned in place as well as the trailer being locked onto the ball. I hear stories every few months of a hitch coming off or a trailer popping off the ball. Always check.

 

I'll echo the tow vehicle/trailer maintenance sentiment. Make sure you grease your bearings and your tires are not dry rotted on the trailer. Make sure you have a trailer spare and everything is inflated there as well. Check your trailer lights too!

Some of the things I have on my list that are not on yours:

To add to your car list, I have:
tech sticker! (i always forget this one)
rain-x windsheild (wipers suck if the windshileld has oil on em)
spark plugs not worn
spark plug wires secure
valve stem caps (for race sessions or any session you don't want to check hot pressures after)
check oil catch can
timing
verify OMP operation
scale
fire bottle
radio
camera
data
mirrors
clean inside/outside
shift **** tight
adjust pedals

if you have an old 7:
distributor cap&rotor
fuel level in floats
fuel pressure
idler arm play

Don't forget driver gear (driving all the way to the track and forgetting this sucks):
helmet - clean visor
hans
balaclava
gloves
suit
shoes
socks
ear plugs

water should be on every checklist you have, probably the most important track accessory and the one everyone always forgets.

edit, I didn't realize you had two pages, makes my list a little shorter

 

Thanks folks on the feedback.

The FC is trailered, so a good call on the trailer prep being part of the process. The tow vehicle is my pseudo-daily driver so it gets appropriate attention as a matter of course.

Rain-X is a definite must on the list!

Finally: how does one go about testing the OMP?

Thanks for the help,

-bill

 

I have a 1st gen so it's easy, just look in the carb and see if oil is coming out the OMP tubes. On later cars if you see oil in the lines you should be good.

If you premix It doesn't matter as much, but I like to be on the safe side

Were you at the NASA race at Rockingham a few weeks ago in the red FC?

 

Thanks. I'll add "omp lines: visual inspection" to the list. I also run premix as insurance.

Nope, although I had some friends there in a couple FD's. That same weekend I was up at VIR with MazdaDrivers. It was the first time I had driven the FC since I bought it back in April and I wanted a track that I was at least a little familiar with (I've tracked my FD there half a dozen times). I'm planning on running the Rock at least once in the near future.

Thanks,

-bill

 

Bill,

You should have stopped by and said hello. I was there at VIR with my black ITS car. Did you buy that car from Paul O.?

 

Car check list:

Check the universal joints before the event.
Between track sessions, check tire tread for cuts or unusual wear.
Check under the hood to make sure no tools left there (that has happened with my crew years ago; now it is on the check list and it doesn't happen anymore)


for your packing list remember to bring your helmet and other driver safety gear

cooler, plenty of water, snacks, awning or other shade, folding chairs, rain gear

 

Hey Pauly,

Yeah, I saw your car there. I meant to stop by, but the weekend just seemed to get so full so fast (you suddenly look up and realize that it's Sunday afternoon and you're done!).

Yes, I was running in Paul's old car. It was nice to be able to talk with Paul throughout the weekend as I got used to driving it. Definitely a different ride than my stock FD.

-bill