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

Updated on 11 Apr 2024