Tips and track tweaks 6 12 20 prep for your first open track day

[ChargerMan426]

#532287

Just to add on to the valve steam comment. TPMS doesn’t automatically mean you have a metal valve stems. Ford comes to mind as using a sensor attached to the wheel barrel vs on the valve steam. Found that out the hard way when I had a set of tires to dismount and mount and didn’t know the TPMS was inside the wheel (didn’t know the car just came with the wheels and tires). Once busted TPMS mounting band later I knew to just assume all wheels have them lol.

Also IF you do have rubber valve stems leave plastic caps on them. The metal caps will deform the stems at speed. Might not be a huge deal for a car but we had a Harley get a flat after the valve stem hit some stationary part of the bike and broke the valve stem.

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

#532291

ChargerMan426 said:
Just to add on to the valve steam comment. TPMS doesn’t automatically mean you have a metal valve stems. Ford comes to mind as using a sensor attached to the wheel barrel vs on the valve steam. Found that out the hard way when I had a set of tires to dismount and mount and didn’t know the TPMS was inside the wheel (didn’t know the car just came with the wheels and tires). Once busted TPMS mounting band later I knew to just assume all wheels have them lol.

Also IF you do have rubber valve stems leave plastic caps on them. The metal caps will deform the stems at speed. Might not be a huge deal for a car but we had a Harley get a flat after the valve stem hit some stationary part of the bike and broke the valve stem.

Good call ChargerMan we forgot about that the rim shell TPMS sensors. Maybe we switch it to ” always make sure you have proper metal valve stems”

[Shannon Whitehead]

#35764

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06/05/20
Prepping for your first amateur open track day

THE 7Ps
Proper Previous Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
Remember, motorsports is extremely dangerous and fatalities/serious injuries do happen. Anything you can do to increase your safety is a good thing.
1. Always prep your car at least a week in advance. This way, if you find something that needs repair, you have the time to order the parts and get the repair done.
2. Setup
If you have the ability, it’s always good to check your setup before a track day.
3. Fluids, coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, dif and trans
Prepping for a track day is a great time to do a regular fluid change.
4. Car specific prep
If your type of car has a known problem area, now is the time to check it and get it fixed.
5. Nut and bolt
Nut and bolting a car is one of the most important aspects of track prep. Check your wheel nuts, control arms bolts, steering etc., etc.
6. Vacuum interior
Nothing worse at 150 mph than dust and debris in your eyes. Even if your car interior looks clean, take a vacuum to it.
7. Helmet and Hans device
Spend the extra money and get a quality helmet and a Hans device or similar.
8. Harnesses
We never track any car without proper racing harnesses. Racing harnesses are worth the extra effort and money.
9. Roll cage
Some form of roll over protection is always good idea. The more you track your car, the more you should invest in proper high-quality safety equipment. Motorsports is a dangerous pursuit at any level and again, fatalities/serious injuries do happen.
10. Tires age
All tires have a manufacture date. Usually 4 digits somewhere on the tire telling you month and year of mfg. Don’t use old tires for a track day. 800, 1000, 2000 whatever the cost is for a new set of tires, it’s worth it.
11. Brakes pads, rotors
Check your brakes. If you have 50% life left on your brake pads, change them. If your rotors are scored, lined, excessive stress cracks or have a large lip on the edge of the rotor, change them.
12. Inspect ball joints, brake lines
Check all suspension for excessive play. If you have a broken or leaking ball joint boot, fix it. If your rubber brake lines are cracked or worn, change them. Upgrading to stainless steel brake lines is always a good idea.
13. Tools to bring
Basic tools; rags, quality psi gauge with bleed off, lug nut tool, multi-tool (Leatherman), helmet wipes, glass cleaner. Advanced tools to have at track; Tire Pyro with memory, tire psi gauge with memory and bleed off, mini low-profile floor jack, cordless impact gun with extra battery, brake bleed kit.
14. Engine belts
Inspect your belts, serpentine, v-belt, Gilmer or HTD.
Whatever you have, if your belts are cracked or worn, replace them.
15. Clear bra
If you want to keep your car looking great, a clear bra is a great way to do that. The front of your car will get “shotgunned”.

16. Driving shoes
If you have size 9 feet or smaller, driving shoes might not be necessary. If you have feet larger than a size 9, then driving shoes are a great idea. There is nothing worse than hitting the throttle and brake at the same time when you only wanted the brake.
17. Mark tires for spin on rim
This is one of the simplest and easy visual data tools. Use a yellow or white tire crayon to mark on your tire where your valve stem is. Make sure the mark is .500”-1.0” wide and goes up the side wall of tire as much as you can. After your session, check how much the mark has moved from its original position. Some movement is ok.
18.Tire valves metal caps with silicone seals
Rubber valves stems are never a good idea to run at the track. If you have rubber valve stems, switch them to metal valve stems. If you have TPMS on your car then you should be good. Always run metal valve stem caps whether you have TPMS or not and make sure they have red silicone seals inside of the cap. Metal valve stem caps help in case you have a leaking Schrader valve. The silicone seal caps work at much higher temperatures and provide better sealing in the event of a leaking Schrader valve.

19. Cooler with water and snacks
Always bring something to drink and something to eat. Driving on the track takes a lot of energy you will need some type of food to keep your energy level up and help you stay focused. Even on the coldest day at the track you will sweat, and dehydration can cause all types of problems. Those problems will be compounded on track, so always stay hydrated.

20. Wheel chalk
Coming off the track back to pits or paddock use a wheel chalk to hold car. Your rotors will be extremely hot and stationary contact with brake pads can cause heat soak, and brake pad material transfer. Easy way to stop these problems is use a wheel chalk. Stop your car engine off put the E-brake on get out chalk your wheel, E-brake off car in gear. Or if you have someone with you at track have them chalk your wheels when you come into pits or paddock.

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