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!
• If you start the weekend behind youre always
  playing catch-up

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What does it mean?

• Youre organized
• The car is ready before the weekend starts
  Well, we finally got the car on the trailer
  about 2AM How? By starting early, not late.
• 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
  whats going to happen applies to driving as
  much as it does to working on the car.
• You cant anticipate everything and things do
  break Being organized helps get the car fixed
  quicker.
• Anticipate, dont 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). Dont overlook minor things just
  because theyre minor.
• Data write things down
• Tires pressures (hot and cold) with ambient
  temps. What tire pressure do I run when its 60
  degrees? What about when its 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?
• Keep it all in one location/source like a
  notebook stored in a toolbox. It provides one
  quick and easy reference to all of your notes.

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 youll lose your nuts!!!
• If Loctite doesnt make sense, use safety-wire
  (eg CV bolts)

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Car Prep (contd)

• What do you do to the rest of the car?
• Nut/bolt check
• All suspension parts and any other critical bolts
  (engine mounts can loosen, drivetrain bolts can
  start to back out, check anything that will ruin
  your weekend if it comes loose)
• Fluids topped off/bled, engine started before
  loading on trailer
• If youre going to the track, the car should be
  ready to hit the track!
• Suspension settings checked (alignment etc.)
• Engine/Drivetrain specifics checked
• (valve lash/timing/belt or chain tension/any
  specifics to that vehicle)
• Battery charged
• The If it aint broke dont fix it mentality
  does not work
• If in doubt FIX IT!

8
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!
  Its not worth it. Pro-built racecars use
  Mil-Spec switches not as pretty, but durable.
• Keep it neat and out of the way. You dont want
  to be fighting wiring when wrenching or getting
  in/out of the car.
• Mount it so that it can not be chafed by any
  moving parts. Avoid mounting to any moving parts
  if at all possible.

9
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 youre going to do that. I wanna go
  faster doesnt cut it!
• Pick one or two (non consecutive) corners per
  session to focus on. Have an idea what you want
  to try before getting there. Be methodical with
  what's going to change (wheres my brake marker
  at, turn in point, apex, etc)
• Prep your crew too tell them clearly what you
  expect them to do, and when you want it done.
  This way, all you have to do is drive. Itll be
  less stressful for you, and more enjoyable for
  them.

10
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 and keep it neat (none of the wheres that
  13mm socket gone?) space is limited, use it
  wisely.

11
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.

12
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.

13
Drivers School Prep

• Supplies
• Gas, air, food, beverages air is usually
  available at the track gas usually only for race
  weekends, so BYO. Concessions stand is also
  usually open, but when in doubt
• Driver
• Get a good nights sleep (car on trailer and tow
  vehicle packed!)
• Hydrate starting the night before!
• Good breakfast in the morning you cant think
  on an empty stomach, and you wont learn or drive
  well either.

14
Putting it all together

• Develop good habits
• Anticipate, dont react
• Maintain your equipment
• HAVE FUN!!!