Preparing Your Car for the Track
Inside/Outside the Car
- Seat belts: Must be present and functional for both driver and passenger
- Car body: Remove anything loose on the car’s body
- Car interior: Remove absolutely every loose item in the car, including the floor, dash, under seats, and in the trunk. If it’s not bolted down, take it out.
- Trunk: Empty of nonessential items
- Fuel tank: Full
Brakes
- Brake pedal: Firm when pumped a couple of times
- Brake lines: In good condition (not cracked or ballooned)
- Brake pads: Enough pad left for the upcoming day, at least 50%
- Brake lights: Working
Tires
- Tires: Check that tires are in good condition with even wear, adequate tread depth. No delaminating chunks, flat spots, cords, or “plug repairs.”
Plug repairs done by major tire service centers that involve repair from the inside of the tire after disassembly are acceptable. - Tire pressure: Set the cold tire pressures before you drive the car.
Generally, you’ll want to set them at least 1-3 PSI above your normal street pressures. - Wheel Lug nuts: Verify they are tight
- Wheel bearings: In good condition with no mechanical wobble in the wheels
- Wheel pop-out caps or inserts: Take them off
- Spare tire, jack, and tools: Fastened down
Under the Hood
- Fluid levels full: Coolant, engine, and transmission
- Fluid caps: On tight
- Leaks: Inspect for all fluid leaks. No fluid leaks allowed.
- Battery tie-down: Tight
- Throttle return springs: If present, in good condition
Miscellaneous
- Soft top cars must have a roll over hoop or DOT approved factory installed “pop up” device.
- Cars being jacked up in the paddock area must be supported by a jack stand.