Goodwood

Going to the CGI Motorsports HPDE on Mon @Gingerman in MI, my 1st, and was wondering what protective gear is advised other than a good Snell 2000 or 2005 helmut? What about a protective neck donut, a balaclava or nomex racing gloves? Can you think of anything else I should bring?

beerkat

IMO that for your first event helmet and maybe gloves are all you need. What you might want to do is bring a extra set of pads for the front brakes. Also change all the fluids in your car so they are fresh. I am not trying to down play the safety issue but for your first time you will not be running flat out. You will be learning your car and the line of the track.

Jason Staley

I took a helmet, gloves, and a racing jacket (had one from drag racing) because MVP required long sleeves and that way I was able to wear just a T-shirt most of the day. I didn't take my neck brace; thought about it, but I didn't figure it was really necessary.

Like beerkat said, I changed or topped off the fluids in my car. I did change the brake fluid to make sure I had good brakes all day and I took a back up set of pads just in case I needed them.

yakisoba

check the clothing regs for your track and wear that. I've seen places that only regulated shoes (no open toe) and nothing else. I've also seen places that required long sleeves, cotton only, etc.

Helmet is necessary; snell rated as specified by the event/track. Other than that, I'd not bring anything. It'll be extra gear you have to deal with as you learn to drive the car.

StArrow68

Water, some groups provide but helps to have some near the car and
not have to hike to get it. Staying hydrated is key. I've seen folks get
cramps and even become confused in the pits when not enough fluid.

Long sleeves, long pants and close toed shoes are usually required here.

I like the neck ring, but didn't have it until I had a year on track and got
harnesses. Just remember you are there to learn the line, learn technique
after those you will be fast, you won't have to try to go fast ...
Randy

Goodwood

Would bringing a storage bin with a lid on it be a good idea too? That way, everything inside our 3 cars could be put in it.

Last C5

That's an excellent idea, because if it rains then everything will be protected too. (Or are we Washingtonians the only people that think about that?) Here is an over simplified HPDE check list for you.

TRACK CHECK LIST

PERSONAL ITEMS ASSIGNED NUMBER
o Helmet
o Gloves
o Shoes
o Driving Suit
o Sunglasses
o Clothes Bag
o Cell Phone
o Small Ice Chest
o Thermos & Cup

TOOLS
o Tool Box
o Socket Set
o Torque Wrenches
o Brake Bleeder

TIRES
o Air Tank
o Tire Gauge
o Pyrometer

MAINTENANCE
o Belts
o Brake Pads
o Brake Fluid
o Rotors
o Oil
o Tape
o Towels
o Paper Towels
o Rubber Gloves

MISCELLANEOUS
o Cameras
o Radios
o Chair
o Drinking Water
o Extra Helmet
o Numbers Folder
o Tarp
o Trash Bags

yakisoba

Dude, that is a crazy list for a first time HPDE! Too much stuff!
First time out:
Water (for you)
energy snacks
Brake fluid
Oil
Power steering fluid
helmet
appropriate clothing (check track/event rules and weather)
chair, folding, comfy
torque wrench and extension, with socket for lugs
tire gauge (that you are sure of)
Brake pads (if you think yours are worn down)

Have fun!

Last C5

Dude, he'll be hooked by the end of the day and the rest will be history. He'll need this list by the end of the week.

bobmoore2

LastC5 is having fun, by messing with the newbie. I've been tracking for several years and I don't bring half that stuff to the track. Even if I wanted to, it won't fit into my Corvette trunk. Besides if the situation demands that you need an air tank, for example, ask around at the car trailers and one of them will gladly let you use the one they brought.

Yakisoba's list is much more realistic for a first-timer. And if you don't have some of the stuff on that list, it's not going to matter much.

However, I would add just one thing to Yakisoba's list. If you've got a small ice chest, bring it to keep your water and snacks cool. There's nothing like a cool drink right after a session in a hot car. One ice chest should be enough for your two sons and you.

Bob

Bill Dearborn

A neck collar is a nice thing to have if you get a lot of track time and are running on a fairly tight track. After running several events at Watkins Glen I didn't think anything of going to Pocono but after running about 3.5 hours during the day on that Roval I felt like my head was going to fall off. I had pain from one wrist to the other going up my arms and all through my neck. Made the drive home miserable. The next time I went I used a neck collar and didn't have the problem.

Bill

Goodwood

ok, we're here and brought the very basic stuff. Brought conti comfort kit (compressor), tire gauge, ps/clutch fluid, can of oil, towels, lawn chair, collapsable cooler, shorts to wear under sweats, camera of course, towels, helmet, neck brace, and gloves. I agree, for the 1st time in, novice class, the rest is overkill. Now, WHY did I wake up at 5 am when it don't start til 9?

Joe_G

Some lessons I learned when I started to do HPDE:

FLUSH YOUR BRAKE FLUID before you go. You MUST have fresh fluid. I went on old fluid once and almost hit a wall when the fluid boiled and my foot went to the floor.

If you've got ceramic pads put your stock Z51 pads back in. Ceramic pads are a NONO on the track, they will overheat and fade, or worse, chunks will crack out.

Don't try to be a hero - watch your mirrors closely and point fast guys by.

If you get a chance, get a ride with some experienced guys while your car is cooling. Most are more than happy to show you the ropes around the turns.

Goodwood

I'm flushed baby! (changed my brake fluid too!) ATE Super Blue, and I don't have ceramic pads. Good idea to go for ride with an experienced driver. Thanks! Hey Joe, guess I can't run with you anymore @Moroso with all that hp you just added!

Joe_G

Naa, I'm not even in your league! Robert and Doug were dynoing their 402's Friday also... I was sure low man on that totem pole with my wimpy cam only car.

You're just a set of drag radials away from showing me your taillights. I saw a set in Roger's shop mounted up on C6 wheels with your name on them.

Hope to see you up there this fall at Moroso. I understand we've got a private test day coming up in November, should be a little cooler. Hope to see you there.

WNeal

Now that's a fact.

Goodwood

GOD, I'm excited!!!

beerkat

Here is a link to NASA. At the bottom of the page is more informaion on doing your first HPDE. Enjoy!!!

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html