TL;DR
A good track day starts the night before. Prep the car, pack safety gear and tools, and plan your day so you’re not rushed. Prep yourself too: sleep, hydration, and a calm first session. The best drivers focus on consistency, not hero laps.
Common mistakes that ruin track days
- Skipping a brake/fluid check because “it feels fine”
- Showing up late and rushing tech, torque, and pressures
- Going 100% on the first session (cold tires + cold brain)
- Not rechecking pressures/torque between sessions
- Trying to “test” mods without writing down baseline pressures and setup
0) Confirm the event rules (before you wrench)
Track days vary a lot. Before you spend money or show up, confirm:
- Helmet requirements (rating and any age limits)
- Tech inspection expectations (what they check, what fails)
- Noise limits (and how they’re enforced)
- Tow hooks / numbers / decals (if required)
- Fluid/maintenance rules (some events are strict on leaks and caps)
If you’re new, ask the organizer what first-timers typically miss. “I didn’t know” doesn’t help when you’re already in the paddock.
1) Vehicle prep checklist
- Fluids topped and leak-free (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
- Brake pads and rotors have life left
- Tires in good condition (and set a starting pressure plan)
- Wheel torque checked
- Battery secured
- No loose items in cabin/trunk
If you’re unsure about a component, fix it before track day. “Probably fine” becomes expensive fast.
Focus areas that end track days early
If you only check a few things, check these:
- Brakes: pad thickness, rotor condition, and brake fluid health (old fluid boils faster)
- Tires: tread and sidewall condition (track heat finds weak tires quickly)
- Cooling: hoses, clamps, coolant level, and any signs of overheating
For street cars, most “my car is fast” track problems are actually “my brakes/cooling aren’t ready.”
2) Safety gear checklist
Requirements vary by track/event. Verify ahead of time.
Common items:
- Helmet (if required)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long pants / long sleeves (sometimes required)
- Gloves (optional)
A simple safety checklist for drivers
- Hydration (bring more than you think)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- A plan to stop if you’re tired (fatigue causes mistakes)
Track days are fun, but they’re still high-consequence environments. Treat it like a sport.
3) Tools and spares checklist
Pack for the predictable issues:
- Torque wrench
- Tire pressure gauge + inflator
- Basic socket set
- Brake fluid
- Zip ties, tape, and gloves
If you’re trailering or running advanced setups, your list grows.
Nice-to-haves that save your day
- Jack + jack stands (or confirm paddock availability)
- Tire plug kit
- Extra engine oil
- A small flashlight/headlamp
- Paper towels/shop towels
You don’t need a full shop—just enough to handle minor issues without ending early.
4) Day-of logistics checklist
- Arrive early
- Bring water and food
- Know where tech inspection is
- Plan where you’ll park and unload
Most track day stress comes from being late and unprepared.
A calm day-of flow
- Arrive early and set up your space.
- Pass tech inspection (or fix issues calmly).
- Attend the driver’s meeting.
- Start your first session at 70–80% to warm up and learn the flow.
- Check pressures, torque, and fluids between sessions.
Your first two sessions are about learning the track and your car—not proving anything.
5) Performance tracking (optional, but be consistent)
If you’re tracking sessions:
- Keep mounting and setup consistent
- Wait for readiness signals (if using GPS-based telemetry)
- Don’t compare across wildly different conditions
If you’re using GPS-based timing, environment matters. Open sky and stable mounting do more for repeatability than chasing “perfect” numbers.
6) Between-session checks (quick pit routine)
Between sessions, do a 3–5 minute check:
- Tire pressures (track heat changes everything)
- Wheel torque
- Fluids (especially brake fluid and coolant overflow)
- Anything that feels “off” (vibration, pull, smell)
Small issues become big issues when you ignore them for “one more lap.”
7) Post-track notes (what to record)
After the day, write down:
- What changed (setup, pressures, brake feel)
- What worked
- What didn’t (fade, overheating, weird noises)
- What you’ll do next time
If you track a build in a digital garage, this is where your build log becomes valuable: you connect “what I changed” to “what happened on track.”
8) After the event (basic maintenance)
At minimum:
- Recheck tire condition
- Inspect brakes
- Look for leaks
- Wash off rubber pickup if needed
Track days accelerate wear. Plan for it so the next drive doesn’t surprise you.
Next steps (Drivurs)
- Feature page: RaceBox in Drivurs
- Use case: For Track Drivers
- Related feature: Digital Garage
Related guides
- Pillar: Performance tracking for cars (GPS timing + validation)
- Same cluster: How accurate is GPS for racing apps?
- Same cluster: How do you set up a RaceBox Mini S with Drivurs?
- Different cluster: How can you keep a car meet safe?