PDA

View Full Version : what to bring to the track:


zxtwou2
04-23-2008, 03:18 AM
Although I'm still a novice myself...the event i went to recently gave me enough insight to know what i should or shouldn't bring to the events I am certain to attend next season. Here are a few suggestions:

-Your drivers license, SCCA or club membership card (to get a discount on entry fees), copy of the current SCCA Solo II Rule Book

-Pad and pencil (to draw course map and write down advice)

-Helmet...but if you do not have one, there are usually loaner ones when you get there.

-Driving shoes...make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. you will be walking around or standing most of the day. you also don't want large, heavy boots, as it makes those transitions from gas to brakes a bit more clumsy.

-Numbers and class markings (magnets or decals)...i plan on getting magnetic numbers for next season. at my first race, i used blue painter's tape. you'll need to put your number and class designation on both sides of your car to make it easy to read for the people on work assignment recording things.

-Tire pressure gauge..probably one of the most important things you can have. you will not be able to do much to your car once you are at the track, but you can always change your tire pressure. it is also one of the few things you can do to your car that can really make or break your day.

-Portable Jack and Torque Wrench...these only come in handy if you are putting different wheels on your car for the track

-Tools in case you need to repair something...i brought tape, a screwdriver, some basic wrenches, and zip ties.

-Portable air tank or compressor...an inexpensive 12vdc plug in compressor will do fine to make small adjustments to your pressure.

-Chalk or white shoe polish to mark your tires..putting chalk or polish lines on your tires will tell you at the end of a run if you are on your sidewalls at all. if you are...you need more tire pressure.

-Windex and paper towels...if you decide to put your numbers on your car with shoe polish, you'll want to take it off before traveling home. you can also shine up that windscreen before you run, to ensure the drive up didn't leave behind any juicy distractions. you want to make sure that's a cone you are dodging, not a dead junebug.

-Sunglasses...it gets bright out there in that sea of cones on your work assignment...better make yourself comfortable.

-Sunscreen...that sun gets harsh. since autoX season hits it's peak in the summer months, you'll want to keep from getting burned. there aren't any indoor facilities there, unless you bring your own tent.

-Extra clothes, hat, rain gear, umbrella...these events also will go on rain or shine, so be prepared to get soaked. if it rains and you are on work assignment, chasing cones and such, you WILL get wet.

-Garbage bags (to cover things if it rains)

-Folding chair..especially for your wife/gf if they are with you. they usually don't have as much fun running about talking cars with other racers.

-Thermos of water or other non alcoholic beverage...keep hydrated, they hate to use the ambulance they have on standby (if there's even one there)

-Cooler with lunch and/or snacks...they don't stop the racing for lunch, and some places are out a ways from ammenities. i suggest taking plenty of food in case the day goes on late as well.

Manbearpig
04-23-2008, 08:38 PM
Stickied.

trekkor
06-23-2008, 06:16 PM
Budget driving shoes- wrestling shoes.

They are *exactly* the same as karting shoes for about 1/3 the price.
Narrow, light with thin, stiff soles.
You can really feel the pedals and heel/toe work is less clunky.

I've had mine for four years now. Nike's. Good wear through nearly 60 trackdays and 40-50 a/x's.



KT

zxtwou2
06-23-2008, 06:20 PM
do you wear those while working, too? i brought some ergo-mates last time (kind of a cushiony strap on thing to the bottom of your shoes) to keep my feet from aching at the end of the day...but it was harder to run while shagging cones with them.

trekkor
06-23-2008, 08:00 PM
No way!

They hurt to stand on concrete/asphalt.

I go back to regular shoes.


KT

jdrzx2
06-23-2008, 08:37 PM
I found that spit works really well at getting shoe polish off your car. Worked better than glass cleaner for me, or maybe it's a sign I have a dirty mouth....

tre2000zx2
06-23-2008, 09:04 PM
I found that spit works really well at getting shoe polish off your car. Worked better than glass cleaner for me, or maybe it's a sign I have a dirty mouth....
CLEAN IT UP!!

http://bp2.blogger.com/_q4mp957ib_g/R0PAY2wGWyI/AAAAAAAAAA8/LcxircczXa0/s320/neworbitgum.jpg

jdrzx2
06-23-2008, 10:25 PM
^^
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote it.