Track-readiness checklist (esp. for beginners)

[slicer]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Thanks. I'll have to give him a call. Is he mobile?

He can be but he prefers to work at his shop. He has also picked up and delivered my car to/from my house.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Thanks for all the replies, everyone.

Some of the stuff that I mentioned (stainless lines, brake fluid, studs) I already have on the car. (I did the studs mostly because I've been working on the car a lot and it is so much easier to take the wheels off and put them on with studs; any safety/convenience for track purposes was a bonus.)

Mostly, I was worried about the safety accessories (helmet, tow hook, etc.) and whether they were required, and if so, how likely I'd be able to rent. I'm glad to hear that I can pretty much go without.

Probably the only thing I'll do between now and then is clear bra since, as was said above, it is useful for daily driving as well. What are the areas I should target? Obviously the front bumper and headlights. I was also going to do the rocker panels. I'd like to do the whole hood as I get a LOT of rock chips on my hood on this car, but might be too much $$$.

I only did my headlamps, front bumper, and mirror covers. Covering the entire hood was too expensive, and I never liked the very obvious seam I saw on cars that only had partial hood coverage. Of course now I've got a few paint issues on my hood, but nothing you see unless you're right up close looking for imperfections. Never even thought to do the fenders because they're only partially exposed, which again would bring up the cost of full coverage vs aesthetics of partial coverage dilemma.

But have a great time at your first track event and enjoy your upcoming addiction! Just be sure to torque your wheels at LEAST every other session immediately BEFORE you go out for your session (NEVER right after a session while they're still hot), and check your tire pressure immediately AFTER you come back into the paddock from the track. Aim for 38-39 PSI all around when you take measurements at that time.

Since you're a beginner I'd set your tire pressure to 33 cold in the morning before you even drive over to the track; that should put you in the ballpark for hitting 38-39 hot, though of course it depends on ambient conditions, the track layout, your style, etc. But if your first session is only at partial speed (as many novice first sessions are), don't adjust your pressure based on that run.

[leo95se]

this is too complicated.. you need studs and stainless lines for the track?

if you need to ask the question, show up with nothing more than you would for a road trip a few hundred miles away. odds are, thats some water and a cell phone charger.

[klammer]

Originally Posted by leo95se

this is too complicated.. you need studs and stainless lines for the track?

if you need to ask the question, show up with nothing more than you would for a road trip a few hundred miles away. odds are, thats some water and a cell phone charger.

Agreed. I still only show up with a torque wrench and tire pressure gauge...

[MSteve5036]

Originally Posted by leo95se

this is too complicated.. you need studs and stainless lines for the track?

if you need to ask the question, show up with nothing more than you would for a road trip a few hundred miles away. odds are, thats some water and a cell phone charger.

Yep this is pretty much it. I have only gone twice and was also worried about what was needed. I did upgrade my fluid before I went and I am very glad that I did. Rented a helmet

One thing on here that I haven't seen mentioned...probably because it should be common sense to people. FILL YOUR FUEL TANK BEFORE YOU GO

The last PDE I went to two guys had to stop early cause they came to the track without a full tank One was in a GTR...cant remember the other. Since we are in M3's, we are all smart enough to know this, right?