Preparing to go on track at the event, and staging on grid before your session

Before going on track

Be sure to check your brakes, tires, oil and lug nut/bolt torque prior to each on-track session. Check tire pressure. Tire pressures always increase as the tire warms up – do not inflate them to the maximum pressure, but run them at the pressure listed by the car manufacturer as a starting point. You will need more pressure than the lowest recommended setting initially but you must remember to check pressure again when the tires are hot to avoid any problems.

Check your fluid levels (oil and coolant especially) before a session. Warm up the engine before your first track session. If your vehicle runs excessively hot, come in off the track before serious damage occurs or worse, before you leave slippery fluids on the track surface for your fellow students to slide and spin on.

Keep rear windows and sunroof closed when on track, as these can dramatically affect the handling of the car.

If you have modified your car, please note that more power and speed means you must adjust your braking distances accordingly. Adding in 50-100 more horsepower and keeping your stock brakes can be a problem. Please make sure you tell your instructor if you have modified your car, and pay attention to the possibility of brake fade.

Staging on Grid

Proceed to grid at least ten minutes before your session is scheduled to start. Line up as directed by the orange-shirted grid marshals. Grid marshals will check for your wristband, car tech sticker, and helmet before you will be allowed on track.
Get your helmet, belts, seat and mirrors so you are ready when the grid marshal signals you to start. This also gives your instructor time to get to your car and get belted in. If you are late to grid or late getting on track, you will not be able to make up the time later.

When the track opens for your session, go out into the pit lane single file on the grid marshal’s signal.