A Checklist for Autocrossers

How to Prepare and What to Bring

Autocrosser Checklist
  • Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for all entrants. Be sure to have it in your possession when you register.
  • Magnetic numbers or tape for creating numbers
  • Shop manual for your car and documentation for any odd modifications
  • Helmet: If you don't own a helmet, loaners are generally available. Helmets must meet local club safety standards- typically Snell or ANSI Z90.1b approval. Generally, DOT approval alone is not sufficient.
  • Tool box for your car
  • Race tires on separate wheels
  • Jack (good floor jack - not the junky spare wheel tire jacks)
  • Shoe polish for marking tires or numbering in case you have no magnetics
  • Torque wrench for changing tires
  • Air tank
  • Tire gauge
  • Racing fuel
  • Brake fluid
  • Motor oil
  • Spray bottle (put water in it; great for cooling off)
  • Stopwatch
  • Pen, pencil & paper
  • It is helpful to draw the course map and later jot down notes while you are walking the course. Reviewing these notes while waiting in the grid area may improve your focus and concentration. A spiral notebook that fits in the glovebox and will hold a pen is convenient for this purpose.
  • Calculator
  • Heavy duty gloves for changing tires or wearing in bad weather
  • All-weather gear: Rain Coat, Rain pants, Boots, Umbrella, Hat (sun/cold)
  • Rain will not stop an event unless it is interfering with the timing system. Lightning, however, will suspend or halt an event. Be prepared to be outdoors in the event of rain. Protect not only your self, but also the belongings unpacked from your car. Large plastic garbage bags are convenient and easily packed. They may also double as a crude raincoats after the appropriate holes are made.
  • Sweater (as the weather dictates)
  • Shorts (as the weather dictates)
  • Sweatshirt (as the weather dictates)
  • Driving gloves (optional)
  • Tarp large enough to put your belongings under in the event of rain
  • Water (at least 2 quarts of good drinking water)
  • Food (bringing your own is better than buying it, cheaper too!)
  • Cooler for drinks (non-alcoholic until after the event, please!), water and lunch
  • Towels
  • Rain-x for your windshield
  • Sunglasses (get a good pair)
  • Sunblock
  • Folding chair or equivalent (takes the load off your feet)
  • Mastercard or Visa (for emergency use only)
  • Driving shoes that fit your car's pedals
  • Camera (film, video or both)
  • Eyeglasses (back up for contact lens users)
  • Contact lens saline solution
  • Ignition key on it's own key chain so keys don't rattle during your course runs
  • Duct tape
  • Trash bag (to keep the site cleaner than when you arrived)
  • Watch
  • Checkbook or cash for the $30 entry fee (unless pre-registered/pre-paid) plus incidentals.

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