You’re getting ready to attend your first endurance race, and you think you have everything you need to run the event. The reality is that you probably have everything you need to run the event–as long as it goes perfectly.
But what did you forget that will solve an emergency or just make the weekend smoother? Here …
1. Deep-Well Impact Sockets
Photography Credit: J.G. Pasterjak
We constantly see teams trying to mount and dismount wheels using a standard socket. At first, yes, a regular, short socket might work, but eventually you’re going to start stripping the lug nuts. And after several torquings, that regular socket is going to crack. Invest in a heavy-duty, deep-well impact socket set for the weekend. Oh, and grab some extra lug nuts, too, because you’re going to lose some along the way.
2. Shelves
There’s only so much space in the pits, so having a place to store all of your stuff is crucial. We use a shelving unit that features a locking door and wheels. This allows you to pre-inventory your pit items into the shelving, then simply roll it out of the trailer and to the pits. If you don’t have the space in your trailer for this type of shelf, then may we suggest a collapsible, origami-type shelving unit.
3. Spare Radiator
Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
It’s expensive to invest in big-ticket spares, but an extra radiator is a must. This is the one item that is more than likely to get damaged, even in a minor altercation–and finding a spare at the track is never easy. Our suggestion is to install a brand-new radiator (with new hoses) and then keep the used setup as a spare.
4. Bear Bond Vinyl
Every team carries duct tape to the track, but this old standby doesn’t always work for major repairs. Invest in several sheets of Bear Bond vinyl, the same material you’ve seen NASCAR teams use. It’s perfect for securing broken latches, filling major holes in bodywork, and dealing with triage repairs.
5. Spare Hood Pins
Photography Credit: J.G. Pasterjak
You’re guaranteed to lose many, many hood pins over time, so it’s amazing how often teams show up to the track without extras. Having spare pins will save you lost time in the pits.
6. Extra Pit Radio
Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
Having an extra radio in the pits can be a very expensive investment for a team, but nothing spells doom for your race weekend like losing communication. You don’t have to invest in a spare headset; just get one additional radio and make sure it’s tuned to your frequency. Before the green flag flies, ensure that it’s charged up, too.
7. Pit Cart
Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
Get a small cart, but big enough to hold at least four 5-gallon jugs. This will be the perfect size to also tote around tires, tools and the like. The kind with collapsible sides for easy storage seems to work best. Not only will having a cart save everyone’s backs, but your team won’t waste time making multiple trips, especially to the gas pumps.
8. Brake Bleeder
Most endurance weekends are dual events, and after day one–even if your brake pads or rotors don’t need to be changed–you’re going to have to bleed your brakes. Purchase a proper brake bleeder bottle and hose. You don’t want to be the team bleeding brakes at midnight with an empty Coke bottle and surgical tubing from a CVS pharmacy. (Also, before you leave for the track, make sure your caliper bleeder valves aren’t frozen shut.)
9. Pit Board
Take the time before a race to make a simple pit board. This will help your driver find your pit stall, and if radio communication fails, it will become your sole way to reach the driver from the pits.
Go slightly big with your sign surface; a 2×2-foot piece of cardboard will work. Spray paint it in a very distinctive, bright color, and perhaps add a big logo that will catch your driver’s eye. Finally, attach the sign to a wooden broomstick with two–not just one–wire ties.
10. Cash
Yes, cash, because you never know when you’re going to need it–maybe to buy something from a vendor, from a fellow competitor or from the local salvage yard. Cash always works no matter what emergency you get into.
