PREPARING YOUR CAR

Tools you are going to need

 First Level

  • Air pressure gauge, Accu-gage makes nice inexpensive ones, Longacre has really nice ones for a bit more.  

  • Wrench that fits your wheel nuts, 

  • Flashlight

  • Paper or shop towels

  • Latex or similar gloves are great to have and can be bought at Harbor Freight and auto parts stores

  • Shop gloves are even better.

Second Level

  • Torque Wrench, you don't need a HUGE one, but you need one! Buy one based on what wheel torque is on your car. Harbor Freight actually has good ones!

  • I'm assuming you have basic socket set, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. If not, try Sears, Lowes, Home Depot. You will use them a lot, so don't get a really cheap set. For tools you don't use as much, Harbor Freight is your friend. 

  • Small air tank to take to track. Check out Jegs. They have some really nice small aluminum tanks. 

  • Floor jack, Harbor Freight, again. Watch for sales with them!

Inspecting Your Car

The first items to focus on should be safety items instead of performance enhancements. They can come later.

Here’s a checklist of things that you absolutely want to inspect before considering putting your car on track. In addition, most cars have certain areas that need a little extra attention. As you move further into the track day sport, start visiting some of the forums related to your type of car. You’ll find discussions there about strong points and weak points and areas that need attention.

Before you start the inspection process, it is a good idea to check with the track day organizer and see what is on their Tech Inspection sheet, which can vary from group to group. Also, check to see if they will have inspection available at the track. If it has to be done beforehand, see if you can self-inspect, or do you have to have it done by a shop.

First Level Inspection (do this EVERY time before a track day)

  • Oil level  ( Be careful and never overfill!! )

  • Coolant level

  • ​Radiator overflow in place

  • Battery strapped down tight

  • Battery terminals covered

  • Throttle return spring OK

  • NO fluid leaks of any types

  • Tighten gas cap

  • All dipsticks in place

  • Brake fluid level

  • Brake pedal pressure firm

  • Visual brake line inspection

  • Rotors in good condition

  • Brake pad condition. In general, you should have at least  50% or 1/8" of visible pad

  • No ABS light on

  • Brake pad pins and clips installed

  • Tire wear  (You don’t want to start a day already on the wear bars. Also, remember you have to get home!

  • Tire pressures  (if you have stock tires, check the door jamb, if you have aftermarket tires, check the forums)

  • Check wheel nuts for tightness, preferably with a torque wrench

  • All wheel nuts in good condition

  • Remove any center wheel caps

  • Check valve stems

  • Valve caps on all tires

  • Brake and tail lights for proper function

  • No loose objects rolling around in the interior or the trunk

  • Seat belts need to be in good condition with no frayed areas or wear showing. 

  • You MAY be required to have a tow point for both front and rear. Check with the track day organizer. 

  • Confirm is a fire extinguisher is required, some do, some don't

  • Naturally, you might want to apply TrakkTape to protect your car during the weekend. Do it before you go to the track. TrakkTape.com.

Level Two Inspection (do this before your first track day, if possible, and then monitor to see how often you need to repeat)

  • Inspect all suspension link nuts and bolts for tightness, preferably with a torque wrench

  • Wheel bearings for any looseness or play

  • Steering arm connections for tightness