“To avoid forgetting things, I usually try and stick to a particular routine the night before an event – laying out everything that I need on the lounge floor, ready to be quickly packed into the car in the morning. Going to bed at a certain time, and knowing exactly what I need to do in the morning can also help stop me getting stressed or rushed.”
~ Dave
I thought that it would be useful to create a checklist of items that are essential for a Sprint or Hillclimb. If I’ve missed anything out, or you think there’s more to add, please let me know.
Compulsory Items
- Race license
- Club and championship cards (less critical, usually, but technically compulsory)
- Race numbers
- Race suit
- Helmet (must be suitable for competition use)
- Timing strut
- Yellow tag/tape on positive terminal of battery
- Sticker showing direction to turn off ignition
- Fire extinguisher (not compulsory, but recommended, for road cars)
- MOT certificate (road cars only)
- Tax disc (road cars only)
- Insurance document (road cars only)
Recommended Items
- Reasonably comprehensive toolkit
- Pressure gauge
- Tyre pump
- Racing gloves
- Racing shoes (I think these should be compulsory – you’d be amazed at the number of accidents caused by inappropriate footwear)
- Fireproof balaclava (especially if non-fireproof helmet)
- Fire extinguisher
Handy things to have
- A couple of mates to help with the car, etc
- A newspaper for those quiet moments
- Packed lunch as catering is sometimes limited
- Thermos with tea in it. Tea is important. It can also make you friends in the paddock. Especially with me. I always forget to bring tea.
- A pitbabe* to hang around, looking pretty and make your rivals envy you
- The Blue Book from the RACMSA – always handy for eligibility arguments
- A good attitude
- A couple of camping chairs to sit on when it’s nice and sunny
- Waterproof overshoes for your race shoes. I keep forgetting to buy a pair.
* Not a pitbull – they’re different and hairier.
Comments
well gdgd luvin the pics of catherine tate lol :P
lvin da syt it well wicked!!!
Dave
Where do you sprint? I have been doing Curborough for the last two years with my Caterham 7. I finished last in class this year, but I am giving over 100bhp away to the class leaders. 270bhp vs 150bhp in the same car means I am only competing against myself!
Steve
Hi Steve – most of my sprints are in the North West… with this year Aintree and Anglesey featuring very highly as I’ve not had the time or money to pursue a full season further afield.
I’ve been to Curborough a few times. It’s fun enough on a good day, and horrid on a rainy one! I always seem to forget I have to do a second lap and end up sliding past the apex for the second run in a cloud of tyre smoke!
Giving away a lot of power doesn’t help you win, but it’s surprising what you can do. I’ve seen people in remarkably standard cars winning, and people who’ve spent a bomb doing little better than average.
Do you go anywhere else?
Dave