David Coveney

Sprint and Hillclimb Checklist

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

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.

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

Posted: 16 October, 2006 at 7:34 PM

maddie says:

well gdgd luvin the pics of catherine tate lol :P

Reply

Posted: 17 October, 2006 at 7:12 PM

natilie says:

lvin da syt it well wicked!!!

Reply

Posted: 2 November, 2006 at 10:46 PM

Steve Marsh says:

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

Reply

Posted: 4 November, 2006 at 3:35 PM

Dave says:

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

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