Track Day Packing List

[LiM3y]

I am surprised no-one has mentioned beer, bong and a catering pack of Twinkies?

You need something to do between sessions...

If you have an M5, you have room for a tent and three midget strippers that your new track buddies will thank you for!

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

I am surprised no-one has mentioned beer, bong and a catering pack of Twinkies?

You need something to do between sessions...

If you have an M5, you have room for a tent and three midget strippers that your new track buddies will thank you for!

Alas, I have an M3, so the midget strippers will need to get their own ride.

[paradocs98]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

I am surprised no-one has mentioned beer, bong and a catering pack of Twinkies?

You need something to do between sessions...

If you have an M5, you have room for a tent and three midget strippers that your new track buddies will thank you for!

LiM3y: He doesn't post often, but when he does, it's usually worth having waited for.

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Less is more

Torque wrench
6" 1/2" drive extension
17mm deep well impact socket
Wheels/tires
Impact gun
Jack
Helmet
Pressure gauge
Pyrometer
Cell phone
Credit card
Cooler
Chair
Sunblock/Poncho
Beer money

What are you going to do at the track with all those wrenches?

+1. 1st HPDE, less is certainly more. I don't even think you need a separate set of track tires yet. Maybe add a tarp so you have somewhere to put your stuff and cover it if gets too hot or starts to rain.

[bigjae1976]

For sockets and wrenches...this will cover most fixable issues at the track...

8mm
10mm
13mm
16mm
17mm

T15/25/50 sockets
5-7mm hex
E12 socket

I forget what size wrench you need for the brake bleeder valves...11mm?

Then bring a large prybar to show everyone that you mean business...36" minimum

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

For sockets and wrenches...this will cover most fixable issues at the track...

8mm
10mm
13mm
16mm
17mm

T15/25/50 sockets
5-7mm hex
E12 socket

I forget what size wrench you need for the brake bleeder valves...11mm?

Then bring a large prybar to show everyone that you mean business...36" minimum

Thanks. That seems like a good list.

36" is nothing. I need to put the seats down to transport my pry bar

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dmw16

Thanks. That seems like a good list.

36" is nothing. I need to put the seats down to transport my pry bar

No need to bring that 12mm for example...I've found all of those non-BMW sockets account for a lot of weight.

[WarrantyTracker]

That's a lot of stuff. But I can't blame you.

[swartzentruber]

I think my first timers list would look like (mostly stolen from Richbot's list):
Helmet
Torque wrench
6" 1/2" drive extension
17mm deep well impact socket
Breaker bar
Windex and Paper Towels
Extra brake pads
Pressure gauge
Chair
Sunblock/Poncho
Beer money/Credit card/Cell phone
Large plastic bags for putting stuff in if it rains

Optional but recommended:
Jack

If you really have doubts you'll keep the sport up, you can go with a smaller list, but if you are pretty sure it will be a hobby, I think that's a minimum list to start with.

The jack is optional, and you can assume you'll just borrow one if you need one (and I've lent mine out quite a few times), but you'll almost certainly need one at some point, and it's good not to be scrounging around for one. Last year at Ofest, I thought of leaving mine home, since I was driving the M3 on street tires (my R was in the shop). I was later really glad I brought my jack, since I got a vibration, and needed to inspect the tires (turned out to be bad tire clag).

[Stronghammer]

Originally Posted by The HACK

First ever track event? Just bring a car, an open mind, and leave the ego at home.

And plenty of water. You don't need ANY of that junk in the list except helmet.

I didn't even have a helmet my first day, just borrowed one. I am sure i sounded like an idiot but everyone was quite helpful.

[bigjae1976]

If you have a circle of buddies (haha) then you can divide and conquer so long as they are reliable. I bring a full compliment of tools so no one else has to. Now we have more tools and not a bunch of people with the same stuff. They bring the cooler, chairs, food, water, and other crap.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If you have a circle of buddies (haha) then you can divide and conquer so long as they are reliable. I bring a full compliment of tools so no one else has to. Now we have more tools and not a bunch of people with the same stuff. They bring the cooler, chairs, food, water, and other crap.

i need this my list is getting too long. and my car is smaller.

[M3 Esq]

For your first day, all you will need are the following:
-helmet;
-forms (CCA usually requires a pre-tech form and a medical waiver);
-pen and pad for notes (you may want to jot down things your instructor is telling you);
-chair (you will get tired and want to relax);
-tarp (you will want something to put your stuff on); and
-cooler full of plenty of drinks and snacks (track day is a lot of work!)

The only other thing I would recommend is glass cleaner and a towel for cleaning your windshield. I remember needing very little on my first day but my windshield got very dirty and I remember thinking I definitly needed to add this to my list.

Lastly, go out there and have fun. Remember, it's not a race. You are just there to have a good time!

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

For sockets and wrenches...this will cover most fixable issues at the track...

8mm
10mm
13mm
16mm
17mm

T15/25/50 sockets
5-7mm hex
E12 socket

I forget what size wrench you need for the brake bleeder valves...11mm?

Then bring a large prybar to show everyone that you mean business...36" minimum

On my E92 the bleeder valves are 11mm front and 9mm rear.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

For sockets and wrenches...this will cover most fixable issues at the track...

8mm
10mm
13mm
16mm
17mm

T15/25/50 sockets
5-7mm hex
E12 socket

I forget what size wrench you need for the brake bleeder valves...11mm?

Then bring a large prybar to show everyone that you mean business...36" minimum

Pussy - I use pry-bar nunchucks and drill in the garage area. Here is some recent footage from a BMWCCA driving education event...

[dmw16]

Thanks everyone.

I do plan to make this a long term hobby.

For now I'm going to pack the basics. A few sockets, torque wrench, etc. Plus chair, water, tarp, etc.

[IN54NITY]

Richbot nailed it (+3 midget strippers if you own an M5).

Don't forget to take care of the loose nut behind the wheel. I buy/take 2 gallons of water (yes 2!) + gatorade + snacks.

Also: Be nice to your instructor, if you have one, and bring anti-perspirant/deodorant and not just wear it. That way you won't have to tip as much.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

Pussy - I use pry-bar nunchucks and drill in the garage area. Here is some recent footage from a BMWCCA driving education event...

My pry bar is bigger than your nunchucks. Size is the key here in case you need to stretch something. Duh.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

My pry bar is bigger than your nunchucks. Size is the key here in case you need to stretch something. Duh.

Sounds like we are back to the midget strippers again...

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by aleckzandr

Also: Be nice to your instructor, if you have one, and bring anti-perspirant/deodorant and not just wear it. That way you won't have to tip as much.

Do people tip their instructors?

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by dmw16

Do people tip their instructors?

Depends on how old the instructor is. If they are older, I just jam it right in, whereas with the younger ones I am a bit more gentle.

[I have left cash in their car before to cover a round of drinks in the past]

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

Sounds like we are back to the midget strippers again...

This thread is going nowhere...

Originally Posted by dmw16

Do people tip their instructors?

I usually do. Here's my tip..."close your eyes and hold on! Bwuahahaha!"

Seriously, no. You should not tip your instructor.