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Track Day Essentials

17th March 2015

Novice Track Day Tips

Many racing enthusiasts still arrive at track and test days without all the essentials, so here at MSD we’ve put together a short list of must-haves to help you make sure you aren’t caught out on the day. Most of this can be bought on a budget from the usual retail stores or online, and it can all fit neatly into a box, making it easy to transport and store either at the track or at home.

Tools and spares

• Gaffa tape – holds most cars together, but useful for taping bodywork or the handbrake down.
• Towels, wipes and window cleaner – if the car in front sprays you with dirt, it goes without saying that you’re going to need to wipe it off.
• Funnel and jerry can – some track day organisers charge if you run out on track, so make sure you’re well prepared.
• Torque wrench/wheel brace – basic safety, make sure the wheels are tightened up correctly.
• Latex gloves – not crucial, but useful if you don’t want dirty hands all day.
• 2 x axel stands and jack – an important piece of kit if you have an excursion and need to check under the car.
• Foot pump and tyre pressure gauge – simple setup, but crucial to make sure temperature is working evenly.
• Spanner set and screwdrivers – if you do any last-minute checks or have an incident, you will be grateful you have these with you.
• Fluids, oil and brake fluid – most checks will be done at home, but you might need these on track if you run the oils low.

Car

• MOT suitable for track – make sure the car is safe and presentable.
• Fuel – as above, fill up and be aware of the gauge.
• Towing eye – just in case; you don’t want them pulling your car from the bumper.
• Car empty from spare wheel, rubbish – make sure you’re not hit by any debris in the car.

Driver

• Helmet – crucial and can be cheap; don’t be tempted to use a bike helmet.
• Gloves – help grip the steering wheel better.
• Racing boots – racing boots are specially designed to be thinner and grip the pedal better.
• Racing suit – not necessarily essential, but certainly recommended for open cockpit cars.