Gearing up for your first track day
I still remember rolling up to the false grid before my first session, hands a little too tight on the wheel, wondering if my daily-driver tires were actually going to hold up. They didn't, not for long, but that day hooked me for life. Testing the limits of your car and your own driving is what we live for as motorsport enthusiasts, and a High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE) or Autocross (AutoX) event is the safest place to chase that feeling, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts instead of traffic. Here's what you need to know to make your first track day a success.
Finding Local Events
Your options will depend on where you live, but a good place to start is MotorsportReg.com, which lists events across the country: Autocross, HPDE, Time Attack, and full race weekends. Sportbike riders can search there too.
Some organizers require you to create an account with them before you can see pricing and details. Expect most events to run one or two days and cost between $250 and $600.
If you're new to road courses, look for HPDE events that include 1-on-1 instruction and classroom sessions between track time. That instruction is essential. For autocross, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) runs a Starting Line course for beginners in select regions. The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has offered instructional autocross sessions as well, worth checking directly with your local region.
Learn more:
· NASA
· SCCA
Preparing for an Event
Safety comes first, always. Your event organizer will typically send you a Tech Inspection sheet that a certified mechanic needs to sign off on before the event (if you're a mechanic yourself, you may be able to self-certify). They'll usually also send a packing list, which is worth following closely.
A day at the track is nothing like your commute. Your tires, brakes, suspension, steering rack, engine, and transmission will all work harder than they ever do on the street, whether you're running AutoX or HPDE. Make sure your car is in top condition before you show up. Our Tech Inspection Guide walks through each component and what to check.
What to Wear and Pack
The advice below applies to HPDE and AutoX alike. It doesn't cover competition racing, which comes with its own additional requirements.
Safety gear and clothing
You'll need a helmet rated Snell 2010 or later (confirm the exact requirement with your organizer). Most organizers are flexible on attire, but a few things are non-negotiable: closed-toe shoes always, and windows down during your sessions unless told otherwise, which means you're exposed to the elements. My go-to is jeans, a T-shirt, and Puma Speedcat OG sneakers, which help me feel connected to the car. Gloves and a helmet sock are optional but nice to have.
Weather, food, and comfort
Keep an eye on the forecast as your event approaches. It'll shape what you wear and what you pack for fuel. On hot days, you'll burn through energy fast: I bring a water bottle, a coffee, a banana, and a granola bar. Some organizers have food on-site or nearby, but don't count on it. On cold days, hydration still matters, so pack something warm to drink along with your water.
Between sessions, a 10x10 pop-up tent and folding chairs make a real difference. Add a portable heater for cold days. If the venue is spread out, consider bringing a scooter or bike to get around the paddock.
Tools to Bring
Pack these at minimum:
· Torque wrench (check your lug nuts before and after every session; don't be the one who loses a wheel mid-track)
· Jack and jack stands (rarely needed, but good insurance if you need to inspect the suspension or brakes)
· Chock block (this will replace your e-brake in the paddock between sessions)
· Tire pressure gauge (track temperatures spike fast under braking and hard cornering, so check and adjust often to keep your grip consistent session to session)
· Air compressor
What About Tech?
Bring your phone charger. That much is obvious. Lap timers and cameras are a different question.
If you're a beginner, skip the lap timer. It'll pull your focus away from the feedback that actually matters this early on, like your instructor's notes and your own car control. A camera is lower-risk since you can just hit record and forget about it. And don't worry about personal bests in your novice sessions: you're more likely to be stuck behind someone on their first outing than setting a fast lap anyway.
Final Lap
Your first track day will stick with you for years, so make sure it's for the right reasons: the moment everything clicked, not the moment you realized you forgot something. Prep your car, pack smart, and go chase that feeling. See you out there.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with or paid by any of the brands mentioned in this article.