Glenn Butcher
5th April 2006, 12:16 PM
Hi all,
Thought I would put this together as a handy reference, targeted mainly at Circuit Racing:
1. When was the last time your car was serviced? Engine Oil/Filter, Gearbox Oil, Diff. Oil, Spark Plugs, Brakes, Fluids, Belts, Fuel Filter, etc.? Some of the items below won't need to be done if it was serviced recently. But go through the list as best you can anyways.
2. Use common sense, if you know of problems with your car - get them sorted in advance. Going around a circuit is very tough on a car - on all parts of the car! It all probably goes without saying, but have any of those small problems corrected that have been bugging you like oil leaks etc.. If you think something isn't right like strange noises from the engine, missing in top revs, slight hesitations etc. - then forget it, something is bound to go wrong.
3. Oil Oil Oil! Check the Level before going on track between 3/4 and Full should be fine. Do not overfill it, check it between sessions!, you MUST take spare oil - you will be surprised at how much you can go through on the day. I went through almost 3 litres with a standard FD over around 3 x 20 min sessions some years back (and it only had around 5000miles on it). Don't mix your oils - ensure you have spare, which is the same as what is in the engine currently.
4. Fuel - fill up with good fuel as close as you can to the track you are going on, the track day people normally let you know where the nearest fuel supply is - but be prepared before-hand by filling up.
5. Coolant! Check the Level before going on track etc.
6. Brake Fluid - ensure you check the level, and if possible put some decent, or at least new fluid in the system and make sure it is bled properly etc.
7. Clutch Fluid - check level.
8. Power steering fluid - check level.
9. Check for any obvious fluid leaks under the car or in the engine bay.
10. How are your brake pads and disc. rotors? if you know they are worn, look at having them replaced before going on track.
11. Do a spanner check if you can - check obvious nuts and bolts in and around the engine bay, under car if possible (suspension components etc.).
12. Check wheel nuts are tight.
13. Check Tyre pressures - go slightly above recommended pressure and make sure pressures are even on all 4 wheels (unless you know specific settings). Purchase and take a small tyre pressure gauge if you can - purchase from Tesco's! :) Do you have any leaking tyres?? slow leaks?? you may have a nail in a tyre - do a visual check and get it fixed/tyre replaced.
14. Take all the bits you DON'T need out of car before turning up on the day. Like CD's, rubbish, and crap etc. – leave it at home
15. On the day, you will need to put your bits and pieces somewhere (like Jack, Spare Tyre etc. - box them up if you can in the car prior to the event, so it is just a matter of putting the box in the pits somewhere).
16. I’ll add more when I think of them...
As for other things (non-car):
1. Take your Drivers Licence/Racing Licence!
2. Helmet if you have one
3. Race Suit, Gloves, Boots, Underwear, etc.. Minimum is usually arms and legs covered with clothing.
4. Also check what is required from the company hosting the event, or the governing body.
5. Take a pen with you, to complete forms
6. Take cash if required.
Handy list to check: http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=1585&msvcode=mrctrackeve#
General Notes:
1. Listen to the instructors/people running the event - do what you are told
2. Take it easy initially before getting into it - most people come un-stuck within the first few laps (I know I have in the past, before getting into it).
Thought I would put this together as a handy reference, targeted mainly at Circuit Racing:
1. When was the last time your car was serviced? Engine Oil/Filter, Gearbox Oil, Diff. Oil, Spark Plugs, Brakes, Fluids, Belts, Fuel Filter, etc.? Some of the items below won't need to be done if it was serviced recently. But go through the list as best you can anyways.
2. Use common sense, if you know of problems with your car - get them sorted in advance. Going around a circuit is very tough on a car - on all parts of the car! It all probably goes without saying, but have any of those small problems corrected that have been bugging you like oil leaks etc.. If you think something isn't right like strange noises from the engine, missing in top revs, slight hesitations etc. - then forget it, something is bound to go wrong.
3. Oil Oil Oil! Check the Level before going on track between 3/4 and Full should be fine. Do not overfill it, check it between sessions!, you MUST take spare oil - you will be surprised at how much you can go through on the day. I went through almost 3 litres with a standard FD over around 3 x 20 min sessions some years back (and it only had around 5000miles on it). Don't mix your oils - ensure you have spare, which is the same as what is in the engine currently.
4. Fuel - fill up with good fuel as close as you can to the track you are going on, the track day people normally let you know where the nearest fuel supply is - but be prepared before-hand by filling up.
5. Coolant! Check the Level before going on track etc.
6. Brake Fluid - ensure you check the level, and if possible put some decent, or at least new fluid in the system and make sure it is bled properly etc.
7. Clutch Fluid - check level.
8. Power steering fluid - check level.
9. Check for any obvious fluid leaks under the car or in the engine bay.
10. How are your brake pads and disc. rotors? if you know they are worn, look at having them replaced before going on track.
11. Do a spanner check if you can - check obvious nuts and bolts in and around the engine bay, under car if possible (suspension components etc.).
12. Check wheel nuts are tight.
13. Check Tyre pressures - go slightly above recommended pressure and make sure pressures are even on all 4 wheels (unless you know specific settings). Purchase and take a small tyre pressure gauge if you can - purchase from Tesco's! :) Do you have any leaking tyres?? slow leaks?? you may have a nail in a tyre - do a visual check and get it fixed/tyre replaced.
14. Take all the bits you DON'T need out of car before turning up on the day. Like CD's, rubbish, and crap etc. – leave it at home
15. On the day, you will need to put your bits and pieces somewhere (like Jack, Spare Tyre etc. - box them up if you can in the car prior to the event, so it is just a matter of putting the box in the pits somewhere).
16. I’ll add more when I think of them...
As for other things (non-car):
1. Take your Drivers Licence/Racing Licence!
2. Helmet if you have one
3. Race Suit, Gloves, Boots, Underwear, etc.. Minimum is usually arms and legs covered with clothing.
4. Also check what is required from the company hosting the event, or the governing body.
5. Take a pen with you, to complete forms
6. Take cash if required.
Handy list to check: http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=1585&msvcode=mrctrackeve#
General Notes:
1. Listen to the instructors/people running the event - do what you are told
2. Take it easy initially before getting into it - most people come un-stuck within the first few laps (I know I have in the past, before getting into it).