Tools to bring to the track
What tools should you bring to the track? Well, that depends on how much space you have. If you’re doing a track day, you want to plan to bring tools to sort small issues and make small adjustments at the track. While it’s good practice to bring tools you know how to use, the reality is: there will be people who can help you if you don’t feel comfortable.
But remember: it’s prudent to have a local mechanic to do a once-over. Some HPDEs actually require you to have it stamped by that mechanic to ensure you did it. That said, NEVER plan on doing maintenance at the track - the car must be ready before you leave.
The following is a long list, but you likely have everything scattered in your garage.
You have one small tool box at the track
- Jack and Jackstands
- Mechanix Gloves
- Flashlight(s) and extra batteries
- Tire pressure gauge
- Torque wrench and impact socket for your wheel lug nuts/bolts (regular sockets are NOT impact sockets, buy a good impact socket that matches your wheel lug size)
- If you’re changing tires, a breaker bar or electric (18v minimum) impact gun and spare (charged!) battery
- Set of ⅜” drive sockets and ratchet (metric, US, or ideally both - if you have a non american car, don’t bring US, if you have an america car…bring both)
- Extensions for the ratchet
- Set of wrenches - (metric, US, or ideally both - if you have a non american car, don’t bring US, if you have an america car…bring both)
- Screwdrivers - small flathead, large flathead, small phillips, large phillips
- Pliers & Needle nose pliers
- Racer’s tape
- Electrical tape
- Windex and paper towels
- Zip ties
You have one medium tool box at the track
To the above list, consider adding:
- Disposable nitrile gloves
- Small air compressor or tank of compressed air
- ½” drive impact socket sets and ratchet and extensions
- ¼” drive socket sets and ratched and extensions
- Hex keys or hex sockets (Allen keys)
- Pry bar
- Hammer(s)
- Additional screwdrivers (smaller/larger, longer/shorter)
- Vise grips
- More sizes of pliers (bigger, smaller)
- Code reader if you have an OBD-II car
- Multimeter
- Wire stripper
- Various electrical connectors, spare wire
- Wire terminal crimper
- Jumper cables
- Funnel
- Bin or trays to put nuts, bolts, tools on/in
You have a race hauler
(You don’t need this advice, go ask Roger Penske)
