Track Daze - Track Day Check List

What to do before a Track Day

> Clean your windows, especially your windscreen.

So there you are, belting along at 160kmh and suddenly the sun is right in front of you turning your windscreen into a large opaque and fuzzy version of the outside world. This is not what you want to see, so a few minutes spent cleaning your windscreen and while you're at it, the other windows as well, will make everything clear.

> Check your fluid levels.

Having enough fuel for the entire event is one thing, but what about your oil level? How's your brake fluid level? Got enough coolant? How's your power steering fluid?

Ensuring you've got enough of all of these and the other vital fluids of your car means you're less likely to have a problem with your car on the day.

> Is everything secure?

Always make sure that nothing is going to fall off or move around whilst you're pedalling fast around a track. Ensure that your battery is secure, and things like pod filters, exhausts, piping, and body panels are firmly locked in place.

The last thing you want is to have to pick up pieces of your car because something has shaken loose and fallen off.

You also don't want to be distracted by your phone, wallet or things like a water bottle moving around the cabin that will almost certainly break your concentration, and could cause a dangerous situation. A water bottle under your brake pedal is not what you want when you need your brakes the most!

> How's your tyre pressure?

If you're running semi slick track tyres, then you probably already have your tyre pressures sorted. It never hurts to check all the tyres though to ensure that you've got similar pressure all round.

If you're using regular or even high performance street tyres it's a good idea to run a bit of extra pressure in them, to increase sidewall rigidity which maximises grip.

> Make sure you've got everything you need.

Have you got your helmet? Are you wearing suitable clothing? Got your relevant licence(s) or paperwork? Have you packed any tools or spares you might need? Got all of your camera gear?

A quick check to ensure you have everything you need before you leave for the track will ensure your day runs much more smoothly and with far less stress. Make a list if need be. Lists are good.

> Do you know how to get there?

Do you know how to get to the track? If you've never been to your destination before, it always pays to look the location up online or on a map before setting off. An in car GPS can often tell you how to get most of the way there, but sometimes the maps may not be correct or up to date. Where you're going may not be listed, there may be roads missing, or the track may not even be marked.

> Leave with time to spare.

You're a considerate person. You don't want to keep people waiting for you to show up to the event. You've allocated enough time to get to the track on time or better yet a bit early. Having plenty of time will enable you to ensure everything with yourself and your car is as it should be. You don't want to be rushing around, and be potentially forgetting something important, so you're organised early and leaving plenty of time to be on time.

Well done you.