818 Track Day parts and tools list.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

To the track day / racers.
I'm about to do my first track day. Has anybody put together a list of 818 parts and tools that I should take with me.
Thanks,
Bob

[Pearldrummer7]

Bob,

I'm a strong proponent of making it through the track day despite issues. Here's what I brought to my last one, just a brief list from memory:

Parts
Wheel spacers in case I rubbed
Extra fluids (gear oil, crankcase oil, coolant, brake fluid)
Extra fittings/hose clamps (for fuel, coolant, etc.)
Spark plugs/coil packs/spark wires (I brought my old ones...better than nothing in case there's an issue)
Extra shifter cable (since mine broke that time.....I'm sure your MR2 one is fine)



Tools
lots of zip ties/duct tape/rivets/riv nuts
Almost all of my hand tools (drill/impact, rivet/rivnut guns, wrenches, screw drivers, saws, etc.)
Jack
Jack stands
Extra battery pack (one of those little jumper kits that does tire inflation and battery....just in case the truck or car needs it)
Lots of nuts/bolts/screws
Some small pieces of sheet aluminum and sheet steel...never know when you'll have to custom fab something on the spot!
Voltmeter
Butt splice connectors/




Supplies
Gas
Food
LOTS of water
2x4's (never know what you might need some wood for)
Tent/chair
Extra clothes/shoes
Helmet
HANS


I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot.


As for a pre-flight check....
I start the car, look for leaks at any major points (fuel at every connection, coolant at visible connections, bottom of motor and trans), check with a crescent wrench that all suspension bolts are at least "tight" (I torque to spec in the days before the event), check all fluid levels (it goes through SO MUCH gas! Be observant about that!), make sure the hoses for boost are tight and all connected, then rev it up a bit once we're up to temp. Make sure there's no hesitation, bad noises, etc. Then my few lap or so I take it slow and a less-aggressive line and make sure everything is holding together nicely.


What track are you going to? Best of luck. The first track day was nerve racking but so worth it. You're going to have a blast.

[mikeb75]

It's obvious, but I'll throw this one out there for you: any documentation you received from the organizer!

Pearldrummer's list is pretty complete; I'd suggest paper-towels/rags and Windex. Your windscreen will get filthy.

Are you trailering the 818 (affects pack list maybe)?

My personal rule is to have all checks & changes to the car complete more than 1 day before the event. The day before the event no wrenching on the car!! (I have a funny story about that one). Also, make sure you get a good night's sleep and have eaten well before the event; it will be taxing.

Have a great time & keep us updated!

[Mitch Wright]

A couple of small items to add, Drain Pan, shop towels, couple can's Brake Clean, flash light, brake bleeder bottle and hose.
Track note pad to note chassis and car changes.

Have a blast

[Pearldrummer7]

It's obvious, but I'll throw this one out there for you: any documentation you received from the organizer!

Pearldrummer's list is pretty complete; I'd suggest paper-towels/rags and Windex. Your windscreen will get filthy.

Are you trailering the 818 (affects pack list maybe)?

My personal rule is to have all checks & changes to the car complete more than 1 day before the event. The day before the event no wrenching on the car!! (I have a funny story about that one). Also, make sure you get a good night's sleep and have eaten well before the event; it will be taxing.

Have a great time & keep us updated!


A couple of small items to add, Drain Pan, shop towels, couple can's Brake Clean, flash light, brake bleeder bottle and hose.
Track note pad to note chassis and car changes.

Have a blast

I agree with adding these to the list. Shop towels are huge! Can't believe I forgot. Also, you're going to be absolutely beat by the end of the day. The car is a lot to handle.

[SixStar]

Going off FFR and my own experiences:

Engine
Transmission
Axles

:p Kidding. Have fun. Be safe. Snap oversteer is a cruel mistress.

[Rasmus]

Tire Pressure Gauge
Tire/Brake Pyrometer - Invaluable in determining proper camber/caster and tire pressure. I swear by this tool.

Notepad and pens for writing down info from the Tire Pressure Gauge and Tire Pyrometers. Also for recording car handling impressions. And long term "to do" fixes when you get home.

Fuel. Buying it at the track is usually expensive.

Zipties. Both plastic and metal. Various lengths and widths of the plastic ones.

Gaffer Tape. It's not quite "racer" tape and it's not duct tape. It's amazing low residue, restickable, cloth based tape.
Metal Tape.

Extra fluids of everything.

Shop towels.
Shop rags.

Helmet. Shoes.

Sunscreen. Hat. Gatorade. Water. Inflammation reducer pills taken before or at the drivers meeting (I like Naproxen Sodium),

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Thanks Everyone.
I will consolidate everyone suggestion into one list.
The event is a Putman park near Mechie3 house. http://putnampark.com/
It is this weekend, but they have to find another instructor before I can get in.
Bob

[Sgt.Gator]

Bob, I use the below linked spreadsheet. I print the Load List and leave it taped to my garage wall and it's the last thing I go over before I drive out of the driveway. I also tape the Sessions list up in my trailer and go over it before every track session. I've made some custom changes to both the load list and my sessions list. Particularly Important under safety that I make sure these four things get done before every session. When my wife comes to the track she walks around the car after I'm strapped in and checks 1-3 before I back out of the paddock space.:
1) Check hood pins.
2) Check rear hatch/trunk is locked down.
3) Check Front splitter braces are connected and tight.

And of course, Check Wheels are Torqued.

All three of 1-3 have happened to me at a race, 1 & 3 ended badly!

Here's the spreadsheet link: http://www.carlosparacio.com/use-this-simple-checklist-before-you-hit-the-track/

[Mitch Wright]

Your running with Bill Neal-10/10ths, he runs a good program. If I was in town this weekend I would shoot up and meet you guys.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Your running with Bill Neal-10/10ths, he runs a good program. If I was in town this weekend I would shoot up and meet you guys.

Hi Mitch,
I just met Bill. His office is only a couple of miles from my house.
Looks like I'm not going, he was going to call me if he could find another instructor to ride with Michael an me.

As soon as I get my VIN plate (stuck in snail mail) I will find an excuse to cruise down to NCM.
Do you have any track days coming up that might work for us?
Bob

[Evan78]

Creeper, blanket, cardboard, etc to lay on if you have to crawl under the car when the asphalt is 100+.

[AZPete]

Some wire, terminals, stripper/crimper and a test lamp.

[Mitch Wright]

Bob we are winding down for the season, Tennessee region is hosting a Autocross on our East Track Saturday and Sunday. We will be scheduling some Trackcross events through out the winter. Keep an eye on our website www.motorsportspark.org

[C.Plavan]

I never really needed to bring anything....... Cant break much in 20min :)

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I never really needed to bring anything....... Cant break much in 20min :)
You need a backup car.
I don't bring much to my local autocross. sun screen, rain gear, small tools box, torque wrench and extra lug nuts.

In the last year:
300+ autocross runs (20 events)
4 rubbing tires (skipped rest of event)
1 transmission shifter boot (happened near end of event)
1 half shaft (happened near end of event)
3 loose radiator hose clamps (fixed at event)
2 sets of tires (consumables)
2 sets of springs ( fixed rubbing tires)
50+ gallons of gas (93)
50 ibuprofen (try riding a old wooden roller coaster 30 times in on day)
150 times got my a** kicked by my son.
300 big smiles.

[Santiago]

Sorry to hear you won't be going. I instruct with NASA-Midwest (HPDE-1 Group Leader) and we have run Putnam Park in the past - really fun track, lots of little subtleties. We started doing NCM this year and it's a riot - think "super-sized autocross" (very busy). Hopefully you make it out soon...if not, there's always April!

Best,
-j

[longislandwrx]

a 10x10 popup canopy is also a great thing to have.

[Pearldrummer7]

a 10x10 popup canopy is also a great thing to have.

That's what I meant by "tent". I spent $70 on a Lowes one and a little less on a Harbor Freight one. The HF one got two days out of it and has since been retired. Definitely worth spending a little on something like that if you don't have one.

[Santiago]

Ditto on the tent - many tracks are woefully barren of shade (much less air conditioning) and the sun can be a beast even on cold days. I had a folding chair with a little canopy cover before I had room for a full size tent.

I have to say, for your first event unless you're hell-bent on overcoming any obstacle that comes your way, just chill (this is supposed to be a fun hobby, not "Work-pt2"). Show up with the basics for your car and yourself. I've acquired most of the stuff folks have talked about here, but (a) it was a gradual process over the years and (b) I have an enclosed trailer to keep it all. Track culture is very friendly and helpful, so if something comes up that you didn't anticipate, there's a good chance someone will be able to jump in and help out with labor, loaned tools, and even parts.

Best,
-j