GHIT 0188: Racing 101 Part 8: Tools for a Track Day

Published: March 24, 2021, 7:30 a.m.

Our podcast is trying to encourage people to try high performance driving and racing, so Vicki wanted to start a special series she calls \u201cSo You Wanna Racecar\u201d.\xa0 In this episode, we go into the dark recesses of Bill\u2019s mind and enter the world of Lists.\xa0 We have lists for what tools to bring if it is an HPDE or an endurance race, what parts to bring, what to pack for the paddock, etc, etc.\xa0 All will be available on our website at www.GarageHeroesInTraining.com and we update them at least once a season as we learn.\xa0 On this episode, we start with a shorter list of things we bring to an HPDE.\xa0 The list is shorter because the event is much less taxing on the vehicle and our HPDE cars tend to be newer or running better than our race cars (but we are working on that diligently) so they tend to require less work to keep running or to repair.\xa0 We hope this gives you a good foundation to develop your own set of lists for tools, etc since every car has specific needs and issues, each team will have a different list after time to fit their own needs.\xa0\xa0

Please let us know if we missed anything that you may want discussed in a future episode of our Racing 101 Series.\xa0

The outline for the series is:

Part 1:\xa0 Building Your First Race Car (and options to not)

Part 2:\xa0 Safety and Safety Related Equipment Needed

Part 3:\xa0 Best Entry Points To Start Performance Driving

Part 4:\xa0 Buying and Selling Cars (With Special Guest Lara Vernon)

Part 5:\xa0 Going To and From The Event/Track \u2013 What To Expect

Part 6:\xa0 Paddock and Pit \u2013 Best Practices

Part 7:\xa0 Perspective of a New Driver (With Guest Adam Owens)

Part 8:\xa0 Tools, Spares, Supplies Needed for a Race Weekend

Part 9:\xa0 Common Issues All Drivers Will/May Experience in When On Track For the First Time

Part 10:\xa0 Miscellaneous Topics (& Things We Forget to Mention Earlier)

On this episode of Dominating with Dawson we cover what a Point By is, how to use it on a track, and how to respond to one if you are in the car being pointed by.\xa0 It is a very useful tool on track for controlling passing and controlling traffic on the track.\xa0 When used well, the event is more enjoyable for all.\xa0 When used poorly, or not at all, it can often lead to tension and stress by all the drivers affected.\xa0 We even have our first ever episode of GHIT Jeopardy.\xa0 Vicki is somewhat less than pleased, but it is rapidly taking over the racing world.

You can subscribe to our podcast on the podcast provider of your choice, including the Apple podcast app, Google music, Amazon, and YouTube etc.\xa0

Also, if you could give our podcast a (5-star?) rating or even better, a podcast review, we would greatly appreciate it and it would help us to grow the passion and sport of high performance driving.

For instance, leaving an Apple Podcast rating is very easy.\xa0 If you go to your podcast library, under shows and click on the podcast you can leave a (5?) star rating and enter your review.\xa0

A link to the episode is: https://tinyurl.com/Racing101Part8

We hope you enjoy this episode!

PS\xa0 Please don\u2019t forget that if you are looking to add an Apex Pro to your driving telemetry system, don\u2019t forget to use our discount code for all Apex Pro systems you will receive a free Windshield Suction Cup Mount for the system, a savings of $40.\xa0 Just enter the code \u201cghitlikesapex!\u201d when you order.\xa0 We have two systems for our team and Bill is looking to add a third for this season, pending CFO approval from Vicki.\xa0 They are a great system and truly invaluable in safely increasing your speed on track and/or autocross etc.

Best regards,

Vicki, Jennifer, Alan, and Bill

Hosts of the Garage Heroes In Training Podcast and Garage Heroes In Training racing team drivers

Highlights from this episode include:

1) We go into the recent track visit Jennifer had.\xa0 Unfortunately, it was not racing related.

2)\xa0 Vicki starts to discuss our new themes but won't share any details until they are unveiled.

3)\xa0 Vicki and Alan have been working hard on the El Jeffe race truck for our upcoming race at PittRace and so far, things look like we are on schedule.\xa0 We still have a bit of mechanical and fabrication to do, as well as a full re-theme.\xa0 Fingers crossed.

4)\xa0 Bill goes into the way that we break down tools by the event.\xa0 We have different tools and part needs depending on what car or cars we are bringing and the type of event.\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0

5)\xa0 Some valuable advice on how we budget our tools and think about what type we keep in the garage and what we take with us to the track.\xa0 We are not as random as we appear.\xa0 lol.

6)\xa0 The basics are a socket set, a wrench set, and a set of screwdrivers.\xa0 Things tend to grow quickly from there, but don't forget, you can usually borrow tools if you are new at the track from your new friends that you will meet at the track.

7)\xa0 One key decision is the ecosystem of your battery powered tools.\xa0 Try to make sure to try to stay within a single family and minimize the battery cost.\xa0 So review what tools you think you will need and like and make sure as many as possible of them are available.

8)\xa0 Vicki also goes into her favorite Little Tykes Chair.

9)\xa0 Bill also covers the ways that we have found to organize a drawer the best.

Additional Information and Links:

Detailed Car Repair and Maintenance Manuals (usually ~$25-30):\xa0 www.emanualonline.com\xa0