On-track prep checklist

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION/STEERING 

• Visually check for damage (cracks, twists and kinks) to all components
• Check bushings and rod-end bearings for wear
• Check dampers for leakage and signs of wear
• Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise
• Check wheel bearing nuts for signs of movement
• Check tightness of suspension hardware
  • pivot bolts
  • rod-end bearings and lock nuts
  • uprights
  • steering rack mounts
  • dampers
• Check condition of floor

BRAKE SYSTEM

• Visually check for leaks on calipers - pipes and master cylinders
• Check hydraulic fluid level
• Check brake lines for kinks and chafing 
• Check brake pads for wear and general condition, replace if necessary
• Bleed hydraulic system
• Check operation of brake bias-bar
• Check pedal travel
• Check tightness of calipers and master cylinder
• Check wheel nuts

DRIVETRAIN

• Check drive flange studs and nuts (torque to 20 ft/lbs)
• Check condition of drive chain and replace if necessary
• Change sprocket gearing if required
• Check tension and alignment of chain and sprocket
• Check security of engine sprocket/nut/tab washer
• Check differential bearings
• Check security of driveshaft and boots
• Check condition of gear linkage rod-end bearings
• Lubricate chain

ENGINE

• Check tightness of engine mountings
• Check for sump damage
• Check tightness of oil sump plug
• Check valve clearances if necessary

OIL SYSTEM

• Visually check for oil leaks
• Change oil and filter if necessary
• Check oil level - very important - be sure that chassis is level.
• Check oil pressure
• Check radiator and duct for damage
• Check security of breather pipe
• Check oil pipes for damage and tightness

COOLING SYSTEM

• Visually check for leaks and chafing of pipes
• Check radiator and duct for damage
• Check system for air and bleed as necessary
• Check security of pipes, bleed screws and fittings
• Check coolant level
• Check condition and fit of radiator cap

FUEL SYSTEM

• Visually check for leaks
• Check fuel level
• Check full-throttle position and cable freedom
• Check security of carburetors and air box
• Check balance of carburetors and adjust as necessary
• Check operation of fuel pump
• Check fuel filter and change as necessary
• Check air filter - clean and oil if required.
• Check breather pipe

EXHAUST SYSTEM

• Check for leakage
• Check manifold nuts for tightness
• Check condition of retaining springs, rubber mountings and brackets

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Check condition and security of battery
• Check operation of dashboard, including all warning lights
• Check loom and battery cables for security and chaffing
• Check security and condition of connectors and terminals
• Check operation of rain light
• Check condition of master switch
• Check condition of plug leads
• Check operation of lap timer
• Check operation of all lights
• Check brake light switch (if pedal type)
• Check wheel-speed sensor on dash and data logger
• Check lap timer operation and battery
• Check tightness of ignition pick-ups and rotor

DATA LOGGER

• Fasten lap timer/logger to function on the correct side of the car
• Check HT leads and coils
• Check settings of ECU

INTERIOR

• Check security of seat and restraint harness
• Check condition of quick-release steering wheel if fitted
• Check condition and security of fire extinguisher and contents level (service date)
• Check security of head rest
• Check security of pedal stops, lock nuts and adjusters
• Check throttle cable route and free play
• Fire extinguisher pin should be pulled prior to racing    

WHEELS/TIRES

• Clean and check for damage
• Check tire condition and replace if necessary
• Tighten wheels to the correct torque settings, and adjust tire pressures
• Tape balance weights to wheels for security

BODYWORK

• Check bodywork for damage and replace parts as necessary
• Check condition of clips, adjust and replace as necessary
• Check front and rear mounting frames for damage
• Check security of side pods
• Check security of mirrors, windscreen, splitters, gurney flap, and wing
• Check and clean rear undertray

SET UP

• Add drivers weight
• Set tire pressures 
• Remove bolts from anti-roll bar
• Slacken dampers
• Check ride height 
• Check & set camber - front & rear
• Check & set toe angles - front & rear
• Check & set corner weights 
• Reset dampers
• Check minimum ride height
• Remove weight