First Timer?
Track Day Preparation
You're about to have the most fun ever exploring your car's capabilities — without worrying about a speeding ticket. Here's how to make the most of it.
Before You Arrive
Get Prepared
This is High-Performance Drivers Education (HPDE), not racing. It's a day to enjoy, not compete. We're a group of like-minded folks exploring our cars' capabilities safely. Respect each other — we all made sacrifices to be here.
🔧 Car Preparation
- Check brake pads (replace with minimal racing pads), rotors, and bleed brakes
- Change oil and change brake fluid to a minimum racing-grade fluid
- Check radiator fluids and washer fluids
- Complete the tech form before the event
- Install tow hook if your car has one
- Torque all lug nuts to factory specs when wheels are cool
- Remove all loose items from car and trunk, including EZ Pass
- Ensure exhaust meets the individual track's decibel guidelines
- All cars must have working taillights and turn signals
👤 What to Bring
- Arrive with a full tank of gas and a great attitude
- Snell SA2020 or newer car helmet (SA2015 is expired; no motorcycle helmets)
- Closed-toed shoes required
- Long pants and tee shirts are acceptable
- Fire suit required in all race-prepped cars
- Completed tech form — bring it and your helmet to registration
- Stay hydrated — bring water (we supply snacks and water too)
- Get a good night's sleep and eat a solid breakfast
🔢 Car Numbers
- Attach a car number of your choice, 8 inches or larger, on each side
- Numbers available at registration for a nominal fee
- Painter's tape is fine — magnetic numbers are not recommended as they can blow off at speed
🛡️ Track Insurance
- You are solely responsible for any track or car damage — your normal car insurance will not cover it
- Purchase track insurance through On Track Insurance, Lockton, Open Track, or any track event insurer
- Purchase before the event — once competition begins, you cannot buy insurance
📱 Devices & Cameras
- No handheld devices permitted in cars
- All timing devices must be tethered — no suction cup devices allowed
- Outside GoPros or cameras must be tethered — no suction cups
📋 On Event Day
- Event coordination and schedules are emailed one week before
- Arrive early — nothing is worse than rushing and getting stressed
- Follow signs to registration, get tech and helmet stickers, sign waivers
- Attend all required meetings and downloads
- Novice with coach: classroom sessions are mandatory
- 5 mph speed limit in paddock areas
- Rental helmets available at registration — $30 per day
⛽ Fuel & Supplies
- 100/110 octane fuel generally available trackside
- 93 octane available off-track nearby
- We provide snacks and water at every event
🚩 Know Your Flags
- Review all flags and their meanings before the event
- Check our HPDE Flag Guide for a full breakdown
- Flag knowledge is essential for safe on-track communication
Ready?
Prep Complete? Let's Go.
Register for your next event and start your track day adventure.