What Tools/Equipment Do You Bring to Track?

[ThunderMoose]

I wrote a bit about my first DE in another post. One thing I noticed is that there was a lot variation in what tools and equipment people brought to the event. Some of the guys in the red group brought winnebagos and fully set up covered trailers. Most of the guys in the yellow and blue group brought some basic tools, jacks, jackstands and spare tires. I didn't bring anything beside my helmet, some food/drinks, and some tape. Fortunately, I didn't need anything more than that.

What do you consider the essentials to bring to the track?

I remember seeing a similar post, but wasn't able to find it with my search terms.

[VictorH]

I've seen guys bring their own mechanics (as well as a whole shop in a semi), but mostly that's unnecessary (this particular guy blew his radiator hose at the track and had it fixed well before the next session).

I've whittled it down to a few bare essentials.
1) Tire pressure gauge (don't bring pump or air anymore since you can find it most everywhere)
2) Torque wrench (really this is a necessary safety issue to check your lugs)
3) House front door foot wiper for all those places with sandy paddocks (Road America is nice, it's all grass).
4) Roll of paper towels and window cleaner

Not essential but a map of the track is nice.

Things to think about:
1) Spare brake pads and tools to change out if you're getting low
2) Fluids including oil, radiator fluid and brake fluid, again depending on your car and circumstances
3) Small floor jack is nice, but still heavy and a nuisance if you really don't need it.
4) I've brought spare plugs when I had a race engine, spare belts and tools to check stuff that gets out of adjustment but again not needed for modern engines.

[STALKER]

Originally Posted by VictorH

I've seen guys bring their own mechanics (as well as a whole shop in a semi), but mostly that's unnecessary (this particular guy blew his radiator hose at the track and had it fixed well before the next session).

I've whittled it down to a few bare essentials.
1) Tire pressure gauge (don't bring pump or air anymore since you can find it most everywhere)
2) Torque wrench (really this is a necessary safety issue to check your lugs)
3) House front door foot wiper for all those places with sandy paddocks (Road America is nice, it's all grass).
4) Roll of paper towels and window cleaner

Not essential but a map of the track is nice.

Things to think about:
1) Spare brake pads and tools to change out if you're getting low
2) Fluids including oil, radiator fluid and brake fluid, again depending on your car and circumstances
3) Small floor jack is nice, but still heavy and a nuisance if you really don't need it.
4) I've brought spare plugs when I had a race engine, spare belts and tools to check stuff that gets out of adjustment but again not needed for modern engines.

May I add a few items.
1. Pair of mechanics gloves.
2. Few small towels in addition to the paper towels
3. I do bring a air pump.
4. I really like a star wrench, makes it easy to get wheels on and off.

[RayC]

The last time out, I brought:

a) Mechanic's gloves
b) A small jack
c) torque wrench
d) extra set of brake pads
e) tire pressure gauge
f) air pump
g) painter's tape
h) tar and bug remover
i) paper towels
j) shop towels and extra microfiber towels
k) 4 5-gallon tanks of premium gas
l) Extra brake fluid (leftover Castrol SRF)
m) Extra engine oil

I need to bring the gas because the track I go to doesn't have a gas station and none close by. Lame.

[bigjae1976]

It really depends on how much trackside support is available.

When I ran with The Driver's Edge, they had very good support. The shop had a lift, air, tire changer/balancer, parts, and tools. I would bring some tools, a spare tire, torque wrench, extra fluids and a container to throw all of my junk in.

A small air compressor for your tires might not be a bad idea...there might be a line for air.

But here in Korea, they have NOTHING. I even have to bring my own premium fuel...lame. Yup...no fuel at the track. Its like a playground that doesn't have a swingset.

[jml]

Track Packing List (From a sheet hanging in my garage)

Tools

1. Impact Wrench
2. 2 Charged Batteries
3. Torque Wrench for Wheels
4. Blue Socket
5. Metric and SAE Allen wrenches
6. + and – screwdrivers
7. ¼” and 3/8” Ratchet
8. Punch for brakes
9. Hammer
10. Needle Nose Pliers
11. Normal Pliers
12. Box Cutter

Supplies & Parts

1. Race Tires + 2 Spares
2. Spacers
3. Roof Rack & Key wrench x 2
4. Lock & Keys
5. Tie Downs
6. Spare front brake pads
7. SRF Brake fluid
8. Castrol TMS 10w60 Oil
9. Windex & Wax
10. Paper Towels
11. Towels
12. Thread Lock
13. Blue Masking Tape
14. BMW Screws for under tray
15. Duct tape
16. First Aid Kit
17. Zip Ties

Equipment

1. Nitrogen Tank
2. Shock pressure gauge
3. Tire pressure gauge
4. Pyrometer
5. Floor Jack
6. Battery Booster & Pump
7. Helmet, Gloves, Neck brace, Hans
8. In-car communication system + charger and extra headset
9. Harnesses
10. Track Computer & Camera
11. Photo Camera
12. USB Flash Card Reader + Flash cards
13. Phone Charger
14. iPOD and Booktape for trip

Paperwork
1. Inspection Form
2. Any other paperwork needed

Personal Items
1. Instructor Shirts
2. Hat
3. Warm Coat & Gloves
4. Umbrella
5. Sun Tan Lotion
6. Driving Shoes

[lucid]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

I didn't bring anything beside my helmet, some food/drinks, and some tape. Fortunately, I didn't need anything more than that.

Actually, you did need more than that; you should have a torque wrench. Maybe you borrowed one?

You don't want this happening to you:

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by lucid

Actually, you did need more than that; you should have a torque wrench. Maybe you borrowed one?

You don't want this happening to you:

I had just replaced the tires and had the torque re-checked during my tech inspection a couple of days before. Fortunately, the wheels stayed on.

Still, I agree that I would've felt much better with a torque wrench and a few more things.

To everyone that replied - thanks a lot for the recommendations.

[lucid]

Wheels can and do get loose as you drive on the track, so one should re-torque between sessions.

Also, I personally have a hard time trusting my well-being on someone else checking my wheel and suspension torque specs. I have seen and heard of suspension components not being torqued properly after an alignment for instance at well respected shops. That doesn't mean that others should have the same attitude, but can't hurt to double check everything. My 2 cents...

[aus]

Originally Posted by lucid

Actually, you did need more than that; you should have a torque wrench. Maybe you borrowed one?

You don't want this happening to you:

I don't think he needed to have the parking brake up!!
Agreed on the torque wrench. They can come loose after a couple sessions.

[bigjae1976]

You can bring nothing if you park next to this guy...its always best to come prepared though.

Originally Posted by jml

Track Packing List (From a sheet hanging in my garage)

15. Duct tape
17. Zip Ties

...and the 2 most important things to bring! I would maybe add some JB weld.