Preperations for the March 28th track day (long)

[fastbmw]

I might not make it cause I'm poor but this is what I would recommend for car set-up from my previous track experiences.

Before the track event (preferrably the week before, just in case anything needs to be bought and replaced)

Check all suspension mounting points (look for loose bolts, cracked mounts, signs of damage)
Check steering components (tie rods and ball joints for wear or play)
Check all coolant hoses and fuel lines (your car will get hot and the cooling system in your car will need to be 100%, if it's been over 4 years since you've replaced all your coolant hoses, then do it before the track event.)
Check tires and brake pad depth and rotors. (I recommend at least 50% pad material depth, depending on your brake pad composition they can literally evaporate on the track. Better yet, slap on a set of track orientated pads and make sure they are properly broken in.)
Change your oil and filter (synthetic is recommended)
Check brake fluid (or better yet, replace with ATE super blue or equivalent performance brake fluid, motomaster brake fluid won't cut it.)
Check belt tension on alternator and power steering (remove the ac belt if you are so inclined, it will give you one or two more horsepower)
Make sure your general maintence is up to date.
Make sure you don't have any fluid leaks, if you're dripping something they might kick you off the track and you don't get a refund!!!!! If you have a fluid leak, get it fixed! (last time out a neon dumped a bunch of coolant at the apex of the corner I was coming too, I nearly spun it into the wall at 90kph! Ask Iceman, he was in the passenger seat.... regardless the neon was black flagged for the rest of the day)


Day before the event

Check all fluids and cursory glance to make sure all suspension parts are where they are supposed to be.
Bring extra oil, tire pressure gauge, rags and paper towels, and lots of drinking water (or gatorade) (don't forget a spare tire and jack)
Bring tire pressures up to 40psi front and rear
Remove anything that is loose in the car, including trunk and glovebox! (you don't need your cd's or your basketball flying around)
Get lots of sleep

During the event

After each lapping session, pop the hood to let the engine cool.
DO NOT SET YOUR PARKING BRAKE!!! Leave the car in gear, it won't roll away. If you're interested in seeing a brake pad fire, then go ahead and set that parking brake. It's fun!
Check your oil level every other lapping session and top up as neccesary. You'll find you might need a whole litre by the end of the day.
Look over the engine compartment after each session to look for anything that's out of the ordinary.
Have fun.

[VtwinVince]

Thanks Alex, those sound like good tips.

[fastbmw]

oh yeah, don't forget to fill up with premium fuel. I go through about 4/5 of a tank of gas each day.

[Chris]

Along with getting lots of sleep, pace yourself throughout the day, relax, eat healthy foods and drink lots of fluids. It's amazing how easily you can get run down by the last session of the day. As an example I lose about 5-6 lbs from my waking weight to my evening weight on a race day.

Most of all, just enjoy it and have fun.

[e30_m3]

do you know where to get ate super blue locally?

[fastbmw]

I buy it from the states, but I might be willing to part with one can if someone really wants.

[e30_m3]

yeah i called around and nobody that i called has it, but if i buy a case i can get them for $24 a liter after tax but i need to get 12 and i doubt i will ever use that much.

[kowalski]

ill buy one off you actualy maybe 2 not sure yet tho