Prepping for the Perfect Track Day

The anticipation and preparation connection

Regardless of your experience level, the buildup to a track day event is filled with excitement. The anticipation of pushing your car and yourself to the limit is unavoidable. At the same time, it can be easy to overlook important details that can make or break your success. A thorough track day checklist helps ensure you don’t miss anything crucial. Read on to discover everything you need to know in this track day gear guide.

Building your systematic approach for success

Being ready for a track day outing requires planning that goes beyond the casual thought process. You need to be methodical about everything from safety equipment to performance adjustments. Equally vital is documenting your behind-the-wheel experience; these memories can become lessons for future events and enable you to share the adventure with fellow enthusiasts. So, take steps to integrate recording equipment needs into the organization process. 

Performance and Safety Essentials

Paperwork: getting the essentials taken care of

Most track day events can’t start without proper documentation. You’ll want to have the following on hand:

• Driver’s license

• Track day license or proof of prior instruction (if required)

• Car insurance details (in case of on-site incidents)

• Completed waiver and inspection forms

• Entrance ticket or payment funds

• Medical information/emergency contact info (especially if driving solo)
  
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Protect yourself first: personal safety equipment

Always choose function over form when it comes to performance driving and safety. At minimum, bring:

• A properly fitted helmet compliant with current safety standards (Snell SA2020 or FIA 8859-2015 for most U.S. tracks)

• Properly fitted driving gloves 

• Depending on the track requirements, a fire-resistant suit or a long-sleeved shirt and pants made of natural fibers

• Thin-soled driving shoes

Vehicle readiness tools: measure twice, drive hard

Being ready for the fast-changing dynamics of a track day requires having the right tools on hand.

• Tire pressure gauge

• Tire inflator

• Tire pressure logbook or app

• Tire repair supplies

• Torque wrench (for proper wheel tightening)

• Basic toolset including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches specific to your vehicle

• Duct tape and zip ties (quick-fix resources)

• Tire chalk (to check wear patterns between sessions)

• Extra fuses and bulbs

• Replacement serpentine belt

• Spare set of wheels/tires (as needed)

• Jack and jack stands (if not available in the paddock)

• Vehicle torque specifications

Fluids and consumables: keep your car performing optimally

In addition to performing a pre-race fluid check, have extra supplies on hand to deal with any shortfalls:

• Engine oil (bring an extra quart for top-offs)

• Brake fluid (high-temperature DOT 4 or better for track use—confirm vehicle compatibility)

• Coolant/water mixture 

• Fuel (arrive with a full tank, know the location of a nearby station)

Tech and Gadget Essentials

Capture the action: video equipment preparation

On your “what to bring to a track day” list should be everything to capture the action and support communications. This equipment should include:

• Action camera with wide-angle lens capability

• Secondary action camera and supplemental audio recording devices (as needed)

• Multiple batteries

• Extra high-capacity memory cards

• Lens cleaning supplies

• Waterproof housing or protection for sensitive electronics (plastic bags or bins for other equipment)

• Bluetooth intercom system or helmet radio (for in-car communication or remote coaching)

Secure mounting: the overlooked essential

Perhaps the most frequently overlooked item on a track day filming gear checklist is a reliable mounting system for your action camera and other devices. Consumer-grade suction mounts can fail at the track due to extreme G-forces, increased vibrations, and heat accumulation on the windshields. A mirror-based mounting system like SUPERMMOUNTS provides a reliable mechanical attachment, ensuring optimal positioning and stable footage. 

• Professional-level device mounting system

• Compatible device adaptors

Data collection: analyze and improve

Take advantage of technology to track your performance with:

• OBD-II diagnostic tool and an accompanying performance app

• Dedicated lap timer (with GPS capability)

• Smartphone with real-time data viewing

• Tire temperature monitor

Comfort and Convenience

Nutrition and hydration: fuel for the driver

It’s easy to focus on the car while losing sight of the driver. The ideal motorsport event packing list should include nutrition and hydration essentials to help you cope with the physical stress often accompanying the hours of track day activities. Be ready with: 

• Cooler with water and electrolyte drinks

• Energy bars and other easy-to-eat, nutritious foods  

• An insulated water bottle in the paddock for between-session breaks

Paddock comforts: managing downtime effectively

A track day doesn’t mean you're behind the wheel 100% of the time. Stay productive and comfortable with: 

• A folding chair

• A pop-up canopy or sunshade

• Paper notebook (for capturing session insights and instructor feedback)

• Portable battery pack (for device charging)

• Rain gear (jacket or poncho)

Maintenance supplies: keeping equipment in top condition

Track settings are notorious for dusty conditions. Stay on top of any dirt accumulation with: 

• Microfiber towels (for visor cleaning)

• Glass cleaner and paper towels (for the windshield)

• Hand cleaner

• Sunscreen

Post-race: staying comfortable after the action

Depending on the activity, you may be covered in perspiration or dirt (or both), which doesn’t help with post-race comfort. Get back to normal with:

• Change of clothes

• Comfortable footwear

• Small first aid kit (to deal with blisters, irritated skin, etc.)

Checklist: Quick Run-Through Before You Go

With the details covered, it’s time to look at the big picture before heading to the track. Here are three “big bucket” checklists to help the day go smoothly. You may want to print these out so there’s nothing to forget or overlook. 

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