When you go to the track, you want to push your car to its limits. And it is crucial to make sure that your car is prepared for the action and pressure you are about to put on it beforehand.
Here are 5 simple steps to get your car race-ready and record your best lap-times.
#1 Walkaround
The first step is to perform a quick walkaround to look for any issues.
- Check the coolant hoses and radiator for any spatters.
- Pull out the dipstick to check the quality and level of oil.
- Check the exhaust while the engine is running. If you notice black or blue smoke, that’s a red flag.
- Check the condition of your tires. The tread should be at least 90% for a race track.
- Look for any loose part on the car’s body. You don’t want a rattling door or a flapping fender on the race day.
- Press the clutch pedal. If it feels hard or spongy, consider getting the clutch plates changed.
- Ensure brake pads and rotors are in good shape. Stopping power trumps horsepower every single time.
#2 Pit Crew and Supplies
A car has thousands of components that will be working aggressively on the race day. A lot of things can go wrong, and they will if you aren’t careful. So, make sure you have a pit crew to fall back on when things need adjusting, fixing and repairs. Your crew should have at least one professional mechanic with expertise in roadside repairs. Also, if there are going to be multiple rounds, make sure to carry extra circle track car parts, such as a set of tires, brake pads, engine gaskets, clutch plates, coolant & hoses, brake fluids, etc. A good crew chief will know just exactly what you need to have on hand on race day.
#3 Get rid of the extra weight
Start with taking out the rear passenger seats, the music system, spare tire and door trims. If you have any tools in the trunk, get rid of those too. You won’t need them, they’ll be with your pit crew. If possible, replace your steel rims with lightweight alloys for weight reduction and crisp handling.
In a bid to get rid of some more weight, some drivers choose to remove the glass from all four windows. The choice is yours but there are arguments for and against doing this as the perk to keeping your windows is that you are able to keep them rolled up during a race protecting you from potential flying debris entering the cabin.
#4 Temperature Control
Your car runs a lot hotter on a race track than on the streets. With revs going up to 6 or 7 thousand RPMs, the engine will generate a lot of heat that must be dissipated to keep the gasket from blowing out. Because of this, temperature control becomes a major concern and not an area to take lightly.
One way to monitor oil and coolant temperatures is to install an aftermarket temperature gauge on the dash for instantaneous readings. Add fresh coolant before the race, clean the radiator core, replace old coolant hoses and make sure the cooling fan kicks in on time. Keeping a close eye on this area and regularly maintaining it is important to avoid overheating when you are trying to break your time records.
#5 Engine Oil
When it comes to endurance racing, you will need the right engine oil grade to get through multiple laps. The highly recommended grade for racing cars is 15W-50. This multi-viscosity oil is heavier than the regular oil and ensures sufficient lubrication when the pistons move fast and hot. However, it is advised to check with your mechanic or dealership before putting race oil in your car.
Whether you race for fun or for a living, there’s no reason to overlook safety aspects. The safer you are on track, the more fun the racing will be for yourself and other racers. To be as safe as possible, always invest in a fire-retardant helmet, gloves, body armor, boots and a wireless communication device to stay in touch with your pit crew when you’re out on the track.
