Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
Before going on track, your car must pass an inspection performed by an offcial, a shop or, in some cases, you. The specifcs will be explained when you register, but no matter the exact drill, there are some basics to inspect. You don't need the latest track tires, but yours should be safe and free of defects. The factory-recom- mended pres- sures are a fne starting point. Make sure you can get comfortable in the car while wear- ing a helmet . Brake fuid should be clean, fresh and recently bled. Ideally it's of a high- temp variety. Check the security of your front seats . Are all of the bolts tight? Get all of the loose junk –yes, all of it–out of the car. This includes cell phones, change, burger wrappers and anything else not securely mounted to the car. Track time puts way more stress on the brakes than autocross, so we'd recommend running circuit- friendly pads . All-out race pads are probably a bit much–and can be very dusty–but most companies offer a street-friendly compound that's suited to the temperatures reached on track. We're fans of braided-steel brake lines . They provide a solid feel and also fend off rocks and debris. Wheels can experience some push- ing forces. Do they have any cracks or defects? Are there any miss- ing lug nuts? Check the fuids . Oil fresh? Coolant topped off? You're not low on differ- ential fuid, are you? Anything leaking ? And we'll assume you have a secure battery tie-down . The throttle return spring works, right? If your car is older, how close is the timing belt to its expiration date? What about the clutch ? If anything is clunk- ing, fx it now. Notice that we haven't recom- mended or suggested any speed parts . rupert berrington photo Grassroots Motorsports 58