Racecar Preparation

1. Racecar Preparation “Good luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” – Roger Penske

2. Racecar Prep Prepare (v) – to put in proper condition or readiness. • Planning! • Why do we prepare? • Reduce problems, confusion, & stress • Improve results • Increase fun! A little effort up front prevents a lot of pain and suffering later!

3. What does it mean? • You’re organized • The car is ready before the weekend starts • The driver has a test plan before the car heads out on track – test session or race. • How are you going to improve your driving this time out? • Planning for the next session starts as soon as the car comes off the track. • Planning for the next race weekend starts as soon as the last race of this weekend is over. • Common sense, applied methodically. • Have expectations, instead of questions. Know what’s going to happen – applies to driving as much as it does to working on the car. Anticipate, don’t react. Maintain instead of repair. Write it down!!!

4. How Do We Get Organized? • Checklists and Procedures • Racecar prep • Driver prep • Equipment prep • Trailer, tow vehicle prep Develop a routine

5. Checklists & Procedures • Checklists • Use for packing, pre-session/on-grid, post-race, and between races (upgrades/repairs). • Helps make sure the wheels stay attached and the hood stays down EVERY session! • Procedures • To-do lists before next race. Vehicle condition, problems to be fixed (handling, engine condition, temps, radio batteries, loose stuff inside the cockpit, etc). Don’t overlook minor things just because they’re minor. • Data – write things down • Tires – pressures (hot and cold) with ambient temps. What tire pressure do I run when it’s 60 degrees? What about when it’s 95? Mark heat cycles to keep track of tire age/usage. • What else on your car should you keep track of? Tire temps? Suspension settings? Carb adjustment? Wing angles?

6. Car Prep Points – Simplify!!! • Paint pen markings on key bolts/nuts • No need for getting out tools to check for loose bolts. • Routing plumbing and wiring • Avoid stainless braided hoses touching anything – support (Adel clamps) or cover. Take time to think out hose routing when adding plumbing. • Avoid wiring or rubber/plastic hoses rubbing on metal edges. As with braided hose – use supports/restraints. Zipties are cheaper than parked/broken cars. • Vibration is the enemy! • Loctite/Safety wire usage • Use Loctite or you’ll lose your nuts!!! • If Loctite doesn’t make sense, use safety-wire (eg: CV bolts)

7. Vehicle Wiring • Support wires near connectors, with adequate free length – no tugging on connectors • Be mindful of ignition wire interference • Seal against moisture – use heat-shrink tubing, electrical tape is inadequate. Would it work submerged? • If using crimp (no-solder) connectors, be sure to crimp with adequate force – use the pull-test. Use self-sealing crimp connectors whenever possible (with built-in heat-shrink tubing). • Use new wire whenever possible – insulation can crack or degrade (oil exposure etc), and copper can corrode underneath poor insulation (also wicking up under open ends) to cause difficult-to-isolate electrical problems • Take care in selecting quality switches, bulbs, etc too! That $2 switch could cost a $300 race! It’s not worth it. Pro-built racecars use Mil-Spec switches – not as pretty, but durable.

8. Driver Prep • Have a plan every time you hit the track. Decide which corners to focus on, or what driving techniques need improvement, and spell out in advance how you’re going to do that. “I wanna go faster” doesn’t cut it! • Prep your crew too – tell them clearly what you expect them to do, and when you want it done. It’ll be less stressful for you, and more enjoyable for them.

9. Equipment Prep • Organize tools, spares and other gear for race weekends – loading 4 packed crates and a toolbox is much quicker and easier. • Label it! Label toolbox drawers, gear crates, etc. Make it easy for your crewmembers. • Store gear in a convenient place when at the track – space is limited, use it wisely.

10. Tow Vehicle Prep • Tow vehicle - Same basic prep as your racecar – tire pressures, fluids, etc. • Includes trailer too – check tire pressures, lights, brakes, etc., every time you hook it up.

11. Misc gear tips • Other small items can make your weekend comfortable: • Canopy, chairs – and a table. Sunscreen, umbrellas… • Jackstands with pads – but also bring a pad for the jack, and ground pads for you to lay on too.

12. Putting it all together • Develop good habits • Anticipate, don’t react • Maintain your equipment HAVE FUN!!!