FLUIDS
CHECKLIST COMMENTS
_ No fluid leaks _ Oil leaks put oil on the track, which lessens traction. If small leaks become large leaks from the strain of track driving, the loss of
traction can become dangerous.
_ Low oil levels in various vehicle components can lead to accelerated wear, damage or catastrophic failure. Coolant leaks can lead
to loss of traction and engine overheating.
_ Engine oil & filter are well within their service life
_ Oil in good condition enables the engine to better handle the extra strain of track driving.
_ Brake fluid is fresh and of high quality (DOT4 equivalent or better)
_ The boiling temperature of brake fluid commonly decreases with age, and combined with the extra high heat generated by braking
on the track, this can lead to brake fade. Brake fluid should preferably be changed just before any track day.
_ Check fluid levels:
_ engine oil
_ power steering
_ clutch
_ brakes
_ gearbox
_ differential
_ coolant
_ battery
_ windscreen washer bottle

FUEL
_ Fuel filter is within its service life _ Fuel starvation at high revs can occur if the filter is partly clogged. You won't notice this during everyday driving.
_ Fresh petrol is obtained on the day _ As petrol ages, it looses some of its volatile components, and hence its power.
_ No leaks or smell of petrol _ It is obviously dangerous to have petrol or petrol vapour around.
_ Spare fuel _ Consider a container of spare fuel if it is possible that the car will run low on a track day.

ENGINE
_ In good condition _ Obvious.
_ In tune _ Especially not running lean at high revs.
_ Hoses in good condition and securely fastened.
_ The extra strain of track driving is the ideal time for any weakness to lead to failure.
_ Belts in good condition and properly tensioned. _ Obvious.
_ No oil leaks _ Obvious.
_ Air filter in good condition _ Promotes optimum performance.
_ Plugs in good condition _ Promotes optimum performance.
_ Battery well secured _ And don't forget to check that its breather is in place and correctly located.
_ Engine and transmission mounts _ These take a lot of strain on track days and are prone to fail as a vehicle ages.
_ Exhaust system in good condition _ No leaks or rattles, and well secured. Performance is particularly decreased if internal parts are faulty.
_ Throttle returns readily when accelerator pedal is let up
A sticking throttle is not a good thing to have on the track! A supplemental throttle return spring is a good idea, and a requirement
for some events.

COOLING SYSTEM
_ No leaks _ Cooling efficiency needs to at an optimum level.
_ Temperature gauge is operative _ Rising temperature is commonly the first sign that something is not right with the engine. DON'T ignore it.
_ Hoses in good condition and well fastened
_ The extra strain of track driving is the ideal time for any weakness to lead to failure.
_ Radiator in good condition _ Same as above.

TIRES
_ Check wheel studs/nuts _ Very important to check. A surprising number of people have found loose wheel nuts.
_ Suitable tires with sufficient tread for the day (or extra tires)
_ Don't forget that sufficient tread should be left for the safe and legal drive home from the track.

BRAKES
_ Brake hoses
_ Check for leaks, rub marks, and other signs of deterioration, such as bulges under pressure (check with engine running and foot on (the brake pedal).
_ Perhaps consider braided lines.
_ Performance-type pads _ Pads must be suitable for the higher operating temperatures of track driving, otherwise brake fade can occur.
_ Brake lights working brightly _ So others on the track clearly know when brakes are applied.
_ Ducting to cool front brakes (if not already fitted) _ Worth considering

APPAREL
_ Driving suit or long sleeve shirt/long pants
_ Fire retardant material or natural fibre cloth.
_ Driving shoes _ Enclosed shoes or proper driving shoes.
_ Gloves _ The right gloves enhance steering wheel grip (especially when sweating), and they keep hands protected in case of fire


GENERAL
_ Appropriate tools _ Up to the individual.
_ Spares as appropriate _ Up to the individual.
_ Tire pressure gauge _ Tire pressures are important for safety, and critical for performance.
_ Tire pump _ To adjust tire pressures.
_ Electrical multi meter _ To help track down electrical problems.
_ 12v electrical wire/cutter/ends/etc _ For running repairs.
_ Duct tape/race tape _ For running repairs.
_ Electricians ties - various sizes _ For running repairs.
_ Stopwatch with lap timer _ An important tool for improving lap times.
_ Engine oil _ For top up if necessary.
_ Self-sealing tape _ For running repairs.
_ Epoxy putty _ For running repairs.