Things to bring to DE

[Christien]

I too have loaded my car with tools, spare parts, etc. etc. etc. and I've never used any of them. It's my 4th season of track driving and I bring less than ever now. Last time I went I brought a helmet, video camera/charger/tapes, zip ties (for mounting the camera) and sunglasses. Nothing more. I've never changed brake fluid or pads at the track, or had to jack the car for any reason, and if I do, there are always many people there with tons of tools, jacks, etc, pretty much all of whom are more than happy to lend you tools.

I'd say focus more on bringing the essentials (docs, helmet, maybe a fresh t-shirt for the end of the day) and enjoying your day. I don't know if PCA allows video cameras - I don't think our local chapter does, but if they're permitted, I strongly suggest taping some of your laps. For me, it's been a great help, not only to watch myself, but also to post online and have others critique.

I posted a short writeup on a very simple camera mount for a 996 that would work in any car with an upturned sunvisor clip - you'll understand as soon as you try it out:
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=429088
Video taken with this mount: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BTlNR2cit4

[Palum6o]

Don, Thanks again for your list. Noel, I saw you included ant-acid on yours and that reminded me to bring some pepcid complete - I actually needed it after lunch. I'm packing my own food next time. It was a perfect weekend, I had a great instructor and got a chance to drive in both the dry and the wet because it rained the later half of day 1 and most of day 2. I think the most important thing I learned was making sure to keep the line all the way through each turn and maintaining consistency. Its amazing how well this car does and how balanced it feels when you time the braking and turn in just right. Here are some pics:

[Grady Clay]

A few years ago I wrote a ‘White Paper’ on “How To Go To Events.” It has little to do with the car and all to do with preparation, travel, registration, tech, paddock, The Event, packing up and getting home ready for the next event.

It started life as a description and specifications for a trailer for Pelican rs911t. It grew into much more. It was too large to post on Pelican so I emailed it to everyone who requested it. I have the original in some jumbled (no filenames) recovery folder – basically inaccessible. Perhaps someone has a copy and I can rehab it.

Best,
Grady

[jester911]

Bring a camera and take pics of all the action.

[Noel]

Congrates on your first weekend. I'm glad you didn't have to suffer from heartburn after eating track food. It isn't the best food, as you know.

[Palum6o]

That is probably the one criticism I have of Pocono, the track wasn't really accessible to watch between runs unless you were assigned to work in the staging area. Besides, pictures don't really do justice for the action on the track anyway. I wanted to capture the "things they carried" for this awesome thread.

[unclebilly]

Water!

[Dixie]

Most important?

An open mind

[gerrygug]

Here is why you should bring antacid to the track:
http://www.mobileworkswest.com/VIDEO-LAGUNA-Turn11.htm
Double click the video for full screen effect.

[WPOZZZ]

Eat light and check your ego at the gate. I bring some ginger candy or fresh ginger for nausea. It really helps after sitting in the pax seat.

[MT930]

Some great Tips

I'm going to this weekend also, I've been waiting since the last one in Sept.
Most fun you can have with your pants on!

Relax and have fun

[Shoepop]

Ask around and latch on to the best instructor you can find. They will have a different style, temperament and abilities. Don't hesitate to try different instructors. I have attended many DE's where folks go out solo, flog around all weekend and come away having learned absolutely nothing. Have fun

[teenerted1]

i just did my first DE last week. all i needed was more water for me, it was a hot day and i quit the last session early cause i knew i was getting sloppy out there and i didnt need to make any more mistakes. instructor thought that was one of the smartest moves i made all day.

1/2qt of oil for the car was all that was required to keep everything happy in the engine bay.

[JMatta]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Eat light and check your ego at the gate. I bring some ginger candy or fresh ginger for nausea. It really helps after sitting in the pax seat.

Yes, I know that feeling. Everytime I instruct at Autobahn (21 turns) my stomach goes south; especially if you have a student that does everything in their power to nausiate you. BFR can be like that, too. I like Road America where I can get a breather in between corners when riding passenger.

[repp]

BEER....

[barney911rs]

For beginners, Ron and Bryan included the best things. An open mind, good attitude, and willingness to learn.

[euro911sc]

I recommend a big Rubbermaid that fits in the passenger seat (belt it in if you can) This will keep all your stuff high and dry in case of inclement weather. When I had moving seatbacks it was a big chest that sat on the rear seats... now, with the bars adn fixed buckets, its a smaller 35 gal one. I'll pass on the air tank and go with a foot pump. Compact and easy to operate

Most important, as others have stated, are comfort items.

Best regards,

Michael

[trentwat]

Good advice...Thank you! Doing my first DE at the end of the month. I've got a buddy who has done Club Race events. He says I need to replace my OEM Alloy lugnuts with Steel versions (I also found a reference to this in the PCA Club Race Regs). Is this the case for DEs? What is the reason for them? They're not too expensive. But, why spend the money, if they aren't required?

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I don't think any region requires them for DEs, and they certainly aren't necessary for the kind of driving you'll be doing in a DE. Racing is different. I use them, but it's just an affectation.

[pitargue]

Tape. Duct and painters tape.