Getting Your Car Ready

I've Got Sunshine.....

NASS-T Cobra

WOW!

Now that you've signed up for a track day with MVP Track Time, you need to prepare your car. The first course of action is to review the "Tech Inspection" form to gain a clear understanding of what our inspectors will be reviewing to make sure you car is fit for the track.

The technical inspection for a track day are common sense reviews to assure us, the other drivers and yourself your car is in proper working condition. In the event you are unsure of your steed's condition, any good repair facility can help you determine if any work is necessary before a track event.

Wheels and Tires:

There are only four small patches of rubber in actual contact with the track surface. Doesn't it make good

sense to have the best possible rubber on the road? Your tires should be in good condition with no cords

or belts showing. The treads, assuming you use street tires, should not be down to the wear indicators.

Track tires or slicks too should be in good shape. If you've had a flat repaired with a plug or patch, I'd

suggest yo consider replacing the tire as these can fail under the loading and heat of a tack day. Wheel

covers, beauty rings and center caps should be removed so we have no flying guillotines flying about the

track should they decide to part company with a wheel.

Suspension & Steering:

The steering should turn easily with no binding as you turn from lock to lock. There should be no

excessive play in the shock or strut mounts, trailing arms, roll bars or other suspension pieces. Grab

each wheel with the car elevated to make sure the wheels don't move from to side indicating a loose

wheel bearing. If you have loose suspension pick up points, worn suspension bushings or bad bearings,

you car will not handle and drive properly.

Engine:

There should be no leaks from the engine (or any other part of the car for that matter) allowing liquids to

fall onto the track surface, endangering yourself and fellow drivers. Please make sure you car is not

leaking. Make sure your battery is properly secured with a strap or harness and make sure the battery

posts are covered. Not only will this prevent a battery from arching should it roll over and touch a metal

surface, but a flying battery can be deadly. Keep in mind how much a battery weighs.

Brakes and Fluid:

Most non-car people ask "How fast does your (FILL IN CAR NAME) go?" My concern is

often how fast can it stop. Your brake system should be in good working order with no

leaks. Brake lines are often made of rubber and rubber degrades over time. Make sure your

lines have no cracks. A good set of DOT approved braided steel brake lines go a long way to pedal feel.

Fluid should be new throughout the brake system. I've seen clean brake fluid in the reservoir

only to help owners bleed the old fluid from the lines. A brake fluid flush is inexpensive and

can save your life. Brake pads need to be at least 50%. Like the tires, these are the only

things truly stopping your car. Track specification pads are not necessary but recommended.

Talk to others with similar cars and track experience to determine what may work for your

car. Brake lights need to be properly functioning as well.

Safety Equipment:

How much is your head worth? A good helmet is an absolute must whether you intend to do

just one track day or many. The minimum helmet requirements are an SA2015 helmet. An

SA rated helmet is Nomex lined to keep you head from catching on fire if the car should go

up in flames. Yes, an SA helmet is more expensive then an "M" helmet but it offers the added

fire protection. Do not show up with an older SA (pre-2015) or M helmet expecting to

drive. You will not be allowed on track with a helmet not meeting these minimums.

A fire resistant racing suit is not necessary but recommended. You must have long pants and

long sleeve cotton clothing on while on track. This offers a modicum of protection in the

event of a car fire. Like an SA2015 or newer helmet, the investment in a racing suit is initially

a little high, but amortized over several years and track events becomes trivial. Closed toe

shoes are necessary as well. Those with a rubber sole are a good choice to keep one's feet

from slipping off pedals. Of course good racing shoes are acceptable as well.

Ideally your car would be equipped with racing harnesses but they are not required. We

do require your factory seat belts function properly. A seat belt lock, like CG-Lock, to hold

your seat belt snug is an inexpensive way to secure your driving position.

The Devil Is In The Details:

When it comes to safety at a track event, the more the merrier. Make sure all loose objects

like floor mats, jacks, garage door openers, CDs, cassette tapes, etc. are removed from your

car. A gym bag makes a nice additon to hold all this while you are on track.

Thoroughly clean your windows as the sun can be blinding and I'd prefer you not run into any

other drivers including your's truly. Clean windows allow you to see your turn in points better

as well.

Check tire pressures before, during and after a track day. Most cars will need higher

tire pressures then when driving on the street. Check you owners manual for any references

to pressures and speak with other owners of similar cars with track experience. You can

tweak there tire pressures throughout the event.

After you come off the track from a session, let your car idle for a few minutes, possibly

with the hood up, allowing the car to cool. Do not use your parking brake as the heat

from the pads/rotors may warp your brake rotors.

Official Safety Provider of MVP Track Time

G-LOC: Official Brake Pad of MVP Track Time

5% Discount for MVP Track Time Drivers

Official Helmet Painter

Custom Fiberglass Molding