Track Day Checklist

[adouglas]

I'm sure somebody posted one of these, but I didn't find it, so I thought it might make for a handy thread title. Maybe even a sticky, @Alex.

With my first day approaching, I've compiled a list. Like all first-timers I'm probably overdoing it, but better to have and not need than need and not have.

Comments/additions welcome.

I've attached the Word version also, should anyone find this useful.

TRACK DAY CHECKLIST

KITCHEN
Cooler, Ice / freeze packs
Stove, fuel, lighter, matches, candle
Pots, mug, French press, utensils
Food for 2.5 days (no refrigeration; ground coffee for two days)
Pedialyte (lots)
Water (even more than lots)
Energy shots
Paper towels

BEDROOM AND OFFICE
Socks and underwear for three days
Base layers for two days
Street clothes for one day
Phone charger/cord/power pack/battery charger/batteries
Reading material
Hat/sunglasses

BATHROOM
Toiletries/meds for three days (extra pain killers, benadryl)
Wipes
Towel
Glasses cleaners
Nasal strips
Sunscreen

VERANDA
Tent, groundcloth
Sleeping bag and mat
Folding chair, table
EZ-up
Paracord
Extension cord

GARAGE
Maintenance manual
Paper
Sharpie
Caliper/tape measure
Bit kit and handle, multitool
Picks
Magnetic pickup/mirror
Tire gauge
Air bottle
Tire pump
Tape (duct and blue painter)
Loctite
Allen keys and screwdrivers
Sockets, ratchets and wrenches (general)
Sockets and wrenches (specific): Hub nut sockets, ½” drive adapter, Hub allen bit, breaker bars, 10mm, 12mm wrenches
Torque wrench
Safety wire and pliers
Vise grips
Parts tray
Stool
Stands, F/R, Fool block
Velcro straps
Zipties
Nitrile gloves
Plastic cleaner
Shop towels
Hand cleaner
5-gallon gas can (FULL, YOU MORON!!!)


PREPARING FOR BATTLE
Leathers, vest, boots, gloves
Helmet x2, spare shield, bag
Ear plugs
Spare (street) leathers, if room

GETTING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
Bar harness
Tiedowns, rope, straps etc.
Trailer in good order (pressures, registration)
Spare tire (WITH WRENCH THAT FITS)
Ramp
Chock (WITH VELCRO STRAP)
Locks

and oh, yeah….

THE BIKE, STUPID. KEY. AND SPARE KEY!!!


DAY PRIOR PREP
FILL THE FLIPPIN’ GAS TANK
Pod on car for bulky stuff
General cleaning
Remove mirrors
Tape lenses (Tony’s doesn’t require this, but what the heck)
Check fasteners and fluids
Disconnect lights
Check safeties
Check brake pads
Load the bike

[csmith12]

Nice, see my sig yo "track day prep". Feel free to edit it up, that is what a wiki is all about.

[Old Lemon]

dam that is quite a bit of stuff. ive only done one day events so all we had were some chairs, an easy up and a back pack of snacks drinks and a small tool kit

[alex.s]

i would say if you aren't competing in a race you wont need most of those tools because if you crash on a track day you are typically done for the weekend (either lack of spare parts, or more commonly the track org will simply not let you continue after a crash) unlike racing.

[alex.s]

sunscreen and pedealite and shade are probably the most important things outside of the bike and your gear

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Old Lemon

dam that is quite a bit of stuff. ive only done one day events so all we had were some chairs, an easy up and a back pack of snacks drinks and a small tool kit

Originally Posted by alex.s

i would say if you aren't competing in a race you wont need most of those tools because if you crash on a track day you are typically done for the weekend (either lack of spare parts, or more commonly the track org will simply not let you continue after a crash) unlike racing.

These 2 statements go together. ijs.... Although, the orgs that don't let you continue after a crash blow. What kinda way to be is that?!?!?!?!

[Worldtraveller]

Not for track days, but our racing org also requires a fire extinguisher in the pits. I find it's a relatively inexpensive peace of mind thing to have around on track days too.

[cbinker]

I dont see "have fun and Just ride" on the list.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by cbinker

I dont see "have fun and Just ride" on the list.

again... my sig

[csmith12]

I am working on the track day section of the wiki, I got a few posts almost ready to go up. I like some of Mr. Fist's additions. If he doesn't add them, I will.

[cbinker]

My track day check list consists of this:
7x16 enclosed trailer(powered, A/C and microwave)
Tool Box (all my tools)
Air Compressor
Generator
Bikes
"Suit" Case (my very large suit case with all riding gear.)
Tire changer
Wheel Balancer
Cooler(Walmart is down the road)
2x5 gallon Gas Cans
Wooden Stool
Front/Rear Stands
Front Wheel Chock

[adouglas]

Yeah, it's a lot, but it's also idiot-proof (provided the size of the idiot doesn't exceed the size of the list).

Most people would group a lot of these things together under "tools" "clothes" "gear" etc. without detailing anything. Eventually I'll get it down to a repeatable routine, but I always start this way.

I'm a working musician, so I'm used to having to pack 100 pieces of gear at 3 am when you're exhausted and KNOW FOR SURE that you haven't left anything behind. Repeatability and checklists are essential. At this point I don't need the checklist, but I DEFINITELY need to pack everything the same way, every time. If I look in a box and something isn't there, it's more than likely to be gone for good... so everything stops until it's accounted for.

I've had too many "I thought YOU brought it..." moments. Nothing sucks more than having to make a mad dash to get some piece of gear, 15 minutes before showtime.

[csmith12]

Bonus info: PUT YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING!!!!!

[adouglas]

I don't think "Pencil Neck McDoofus" will fit on my name tag.

[Trailerboy531]

Then get some colored or patterened tape and wrap it around everything (or just put a strip) and tell everybody that (insert print/color here) duct tape things below to Pencil Neck McDoofus

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by adouglas

I
Load the bike

Dear Rew, I can still remember the good old days (at least I tell people I can).

All you need is:

Helmet,
bike,
leathers,
and bring your big boy balls.

Also, a bandaid, in case you get your balls busted.

Everything else is a luxury! You need that other stuff but you won't be thinking about it at all.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Although, the orgs that don't let you continue after a crash blow. What kinda way to be is that?!?!?!?!

One of our local orgs used to allow a bike to get reteched and go back out after a crash, but they had the data that showed how many times that same rider crashed again after going back out, and it was alarming. They changed their policy to a 1-crash rule... Sucks to crash in the first session and lose the day. Sucks worse to go out in the second session and crash harder.

[CC Cowboy]

There is no need to ever crash at a trackday. It's not a race!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

You need that other stuff but you won't be thinking about it at all.

Yeah, that's the idea. It's there if I need it... or if someone else does.

The only tools I'll actually need are those required to take the wheels off. I'm buying tires at the track.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

There is no need to ever crash at a trackday. It's not a race!

You have great confidence in my abilities.

That's one of us.

[SLOWn60]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Nice, see my sig yo "track day prep". Feel free to edit it up, that is what a wiki is all about.

Yo Chris: do you have a new link to your track day prep list? The link in your sig is to the wiki which now is wonky! (It was a 2014 post)

[csmith12]

Sorry Bill, but I could make a new one as a blog post. It was pretty short anyway and after 100's of track days I have learned a thing or two.

I will see what I can do about doing one up tonight after dinner.

[SLOWn60]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Sorry Bill, but I could make a new one as a blog post. It was pretty short anyway and after 100's of track days I have learned a thing or two.

I will see what I can do about doing one up tonight after dinner.

No worries Chris: Captain Obvious has a pretty comprehensive list at the start of this thread and I have another one from our local yocal! I thought you might have a new stickie hidden from my search skills!

[Abu_Mishary]

Gosh... how many days are your track day???

Here in Malaysia it is just one day, approximately around 4 to 6 hours.

It looks like you guys are having more than one day for each track day.

I really need to move to the United States.....................................................

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by Abu_Mishary

Gosh... how many days are your track day???

Here in Malaysia it is just one day, approximately around 4 to 6 hours.

It looks like you guys are having more than one day for each track day.

I really need to move to the United States.....................................................

2-5 days a weekend

[Abu_Mishary]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

2-5 days a weekend

Know how to apply working visa there?

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by Abu_Mishary

Know how to apply working visa there?

At least you guys have sepang

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Abu_Mishary

Gosh... how many days are your track day??

There are plenty of single day/late afternoon events at my local track. but the "typical" event is Sat. 8am-5pm and Sun. 8am-5pm.

[adouglas]

Update, since I started this thread in the first place.

The basic challenge we have is staying on top of myriad details... the good news is that if you forget stuff, chances are somebody's got it. But I hate being "that guy" who's always unprepared and asking for help.

With experience comes knowledge of what you need and what you don't. I've got an updated list on my other laptop and I'll upload it, maybe with some pics. I got pretty close with the first one, though. Some stuff has proven unnecessary (not surprising). One or two items that weren't on the initial list have been added.

I've also added track maps, schedules and emergency info to the doc. Prior to each track day I just print it all out. That extra info gets taped to my table/workbench.

The tool kit (which dominates the list) has gotten nice and streamlined, and it's separate from my shop tools. A stool/box plus a regular toolbox that stack neatly and have everything I might need, soup to nuts. The test of this was our group trip to Mid-O. We used my toolkit and the Duc riders just brought the special stuff they needed. Worked great... we were never at a loss. Truly useful.

The nice thing about a "go box" for tools is simplicity. All I have to do is run through the list and check that nothing has wandered off... about five minutes... and I chuck the boxes in the car.

Packing overall has gotten more efficient, so there are fewer random items/boxes to think about. Most stuff lives in its boxes when not at the track, so packing is more "check the box contents and put it in the car" than it had been.

[nickjpass]

I'm at the point that I have a mental checklist if I do forget anything I punch myself

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

I'm at the point that I have a mental checklist if I do forget anything I punch myself

lol

I just keep loading stuff until nothing else will fit in my trailer. jk

[adouglas]

As promised, updated list. The download version has the extra info noted above.

It looks like a lot but that's only because it's complete. I've used and/or loaned out pretty much everything here at one time or another, which tells me I've got it just about right.

Over time, more and more items have been grouped in boxes to simplify packing... for example, I now have a cheap ammo box that contains all things electronic. A single tote houses a bunch of stuff that had been loose. All tools are in two boxes, one of which doubles as a stool. Etc.

I've also added lists of what's in each box/bag, so there are two views: One by function, and one that lets me quickly check that each box has what it should. Great for that last-minute reality check.

TRACK DAY CHECKLIST
KITCHEN

Stove with fuel, matches
3 gallon jugs H2O

TOTE BOX

Pots, mug, Fr press/coffee, trash bags, oatmeal, nuts/dry fruit

COOLER

Freeze packs/ice - Food/snacks, Pedialyte, cooling towel

BEDROOM AND BATHROOM

Socks/underwear, Base layers, Street clothes, Balaclavas, Hat/sunglasses, Sandals
Dirty clothes bags
Wipes, Towel, Washcloth

TOILETRY BAG

Toiletries/meds (extra pain killers, benadryl), Sunscreen, Earplugs Contacts, including spare pair, solution, Glasses case and cleaners, Reading glasses, shower bottle cap

OFFICE

AMMO BOX 1 (electronics, goes in tote box):

Phone charger/1 lightning, 1 micro, 3 mini cords/ wall wart /power pack/
Cameras and mounts, SD readers, earbuds

AMMO BOX 2 (misc. housekeeping, goes in tote box):

Batteries of all kinds, lights, utensils, multitool, paracord, lighter

VERANDA

Tent, groundcloth, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillows
Chair, table, kitchen clock
Foam mats
EZ-up
 
GARAGE

Stands, F/R
Shop towels
Air bottle/hose
2.5 and 5-gallon gas cans (FULL, YOU MORON!!!)

IN TOTE BOX

Maintenance and owner’s manuals, paper

STOOL/BOX

Upper tray
Sharpies
Bit kit and handle, screwdrivers (JIS x2, universal and small straight)
Magnetic pickup, mirror
8/10/12/13mm box wrenches, Ratchet, 3/8 extension
Needle nose pliers, nippers, safety wire pliers

Lower compartment
Tire gauge
Socket strip: 3,4,5,6,8mm Allen bits, 8,10,12,14,17,19mm, 9/16 sockets
Allen keys
Tee handle
Safety wire
Vise grips
Picks
Velcro straps
Zipties, Nitrile gloves

REG. TOOLBOX

Hub sockets x2, Hub allen bit, 9/16 for trailer bolts, 13/16 for lug nuts, ½ drive adapter,
Torque wrenches and elect gauge, 2 breaker bars, mallet
Batteries for torque gauge
Chemicals: Plexus, 409, Hand cleaner, grease, RTV, Loctite, Anti-sieze
Tape (duct and blue painter)
Zip ties
Hardware cases w/ Safety washers

PREPARING FOR BATTLE

GEAR BAG

Leathers, armor, boots, gloves
Helmet in bag, spare shield, rain gear

CLOTHES DUFFEL DOUBLE CHECK

Balaclava x2
Earplugs

TOTE BOX DOUBLE CHECK

Clock
Oatmeal/Nuts/Dried Fruit
French press/coffee
Shop manual/notebook
Ammo boxes (electronics in one, misc. loose housekeeping in the other)

GETTING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

Tiedowns, straps, chock, ramp
Trailer in good order (pressures, registration, spare)
Ramp, EZ-up and spare go on trailer

and oh, yeah….
THE BIKE, STUPID. AND THE KEY!

DAY PRIOR PREP

FILL THE FLIPPIN’ GAS TANK
Rain tires as needed
Check safeties, fasteners, fluids, brake pads
Check brake pads
Day of: Gas station: Extra fuel, ice
 

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by csmith12

lol

I just keep loading stuff until nothing else will fit in my trailer. jk

I pack it the same way everytime, if there's something missing it's easy to spot.

[JohnnyBravo]

^boyscout

[nickjpass]

added a new item to the list, Bai beverages. I love them in all the coconut variations or watermelon.

[JohnnyBravo]

I like coconut water, an that aloe juice

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

I like coconut water, an that aloe juice

coconut water makes me gag and vomit. most terrible stuff i've ever tried.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

coconut water makes me gag and vomit. most terrible stuff i've ever tried.

Well that's a bit much info... Thanks for sharing

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

coconut water makes me gag and vomit. most terrible stuff i've ever tried.

If we ever ride together remind me to sneak some into your water bottle.

You know, just for the lolz....

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by adouglas

If we ever ride together remind me to sneak some into your water bottle.

You know, just for the lolz....

You'll be in for a show