Vehicle Prep Guidelines

Brake Basics

• Make sure front and rear brake pads have at least 75% of the friction material remaining.
• Rotors are above minimum thickness and free of any cracks.
• Have brake fluid changed to new Dot 4 fluid with minimum (155C) wet boiling point.
• Never use DOT 5 silicon brake fluid, it goes spongy!

Brake Upgrades

• Upgrade friction material to a more track oriented compound, be advised that this may induce squealing noises during regular highway/city driving. This does not apply to vehicles with carbon/carbon brakes. Make sure that the proper bed in procedure has been followed prior to a track session.
• Change stock rubber brake hoses for DOT approved braided stainless hoses.
• Change brake fluid to 550/600/650 variety made by specialty manufacturers like Brembo, AP Racing & Stop Tech.
• If not factory equipped then add duct work to direct cool air towards brake rotors and calipers.
• Install a big brake kit or multi piece quality brake rotors if available.
• Have all work done by the most qualified professional available, preferably a technician with race mechanic experience. Many journeymen do not know the proper technique to bleed brakes for high performance driving.

Tires

• Be sure that tires have enough tread depth to last for the time you need on the track.
• Make sure there are no visible cracks or splits in the sidewall or tread area of the tire, same thing for the valve stems.
• Make sure no points of the cars body come in contact with the tires during extreme loading.
• Make sure tires do not have leaks and are properly inflated.
• A quality tire gauge and a small air compressor can be quite useful.
• Do not fill tires with anything that comes out of a can!

Suspension

• Make sure your car is properly aligned, for track use this means that camber settings should be negative numbers, usually between -0.5 and -2 degrees.
• Make sure there are no loose linkages, tie rods, bushings, bearings, track rods, and associated mounting points and fasteners.

Fuel

Always use a minimum of 94 octane on the track and make sure the gas cap is properly closed.

Vehicle General

• Make sure all fluid levels are at their proper fill levels and that all fluids are in good fresh operating condition.
• Make sure all hoses are in excellent condition and are properly affixed.
• Remove all floor mats and any other loose items from the cars interior and trunk and miscellaneous storage compartments.
• Remove any item that may be suction cup mounted to your windshield, these will come loose with high cornering forces. Some items may be approved on a case by case basis.
• Make sure that the vehicle does not have any fluid leaks prior to entering the pits or paddock.
• Do not allow a cell phone to be in your vehicle at any time during any track session, this includes on passengers. Do not smash your car for a phone call or text message.
• Always do a cool down lap before entering the pits and do not apply the parking brake after coming in off the track.

Helmet

Use a Snell 2015 or newer helmet for all track sessions.

Shoes

It is recommended that proper driving shoe be worn, or a shoe similar to a thin soled volleyball or puma type shoe with a high grip sole.

Driving Suits

Although not mandatory it is recommended to have at least a single layer driving suit. The same applies to gloves.

Drivers

Drivers should have adequate rest and be in a clear and focused frame of mind when entering the facility. Be sure to stay hydrated, water, sports drinks, or fruit juices are highly recommended. Do not consume alcohol within 12 hours of any track session. Always sign the waiver and insure all guests immediately sign the waiver upon entering the facility.

Drive smooth, safe, and enjoy your day at Area 27!