Jhboyd98

I’m new to racing and will be participating in an HPDE event with my new to me fully sorted 987.2 Cayman race car at Sebring, FL end of this month. I’m looking for some guidance on essential tools to bring to the track. I will be trailering the car and providing my own track support. Thank you.

MattUF

I drive my street car to/from the track, so your list may vary some from mine, but going off the top of my head I generally bring:

• Chair (might bring a creeper if you have room in your trailer)
• Fan (if there will be power)
• Torque wrench
• Any specialized tools needed to adjust things like suspension (my coilovers need a small allen wrench to adjust rebound)
• Jack stand(s)
• Wheel chock
• Jack
• Some sort of windshield cleaner (Invisible Glass, etc)
• Extra bottle of brake fluid
• Extra quart of oil
• Portable air compressor

I'm sure others will chime in with more comprehensive lists. That's what I can fit in my 987 and, knock on wood, I haven't ever been left wanting.

cstyles

First and foremost, a fully loaded brand new 2021 F-350 Limited Dually with max payload package pulling a 40' aluminum Intech custom trailer with living quarters. Anything less for PCA DE weekends is uncivilized.

As a fellow Cayman track day enthusiast turned PCA club racer, try to keep it simple. Assuming your car is tech'd before the event and everything is good to go in terms of brake rotors and pads, etc...

• Food & drink
• Torque wrench
• Spare fluids; oil, brake fluid, coolant or distilled water,
• Rain gear
• Floor jack & stands
• Basic tools for small stuff - socket set, wrench set, etc...

I suppose ask yourself, what are you willing / capable of fixing yourself in the paddock if something breaks? Whatever the answer to that question is, bring tools accordingly. If you're new to the track, and the car is truly sorted and well prepped by a competent shop before the weekend, just arrive, drive and enjoy without worrying too much. Have fun!

Jhboyd98

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. @cstyles your truck and trailer combo sound sweet. Do you have pictures of your trailer interior setup you’re willing to share? I’m currently setting up my 24 footer.

cstyles

It sure is a sweet truck and trailer combo! So sweet I hope one day to be rocking the paddock just like that LOL! My combo is a 2019 1500 Longhorn with air suspension pulling an ATC 24'. Still a nice box, fully finished inside with cabinets, TV, tire rack, etc... At PCA DE weekends, everyone has a brand new GT3RS so the only real way for the ballers to flex is with their tow vehicle, uber-trailer and solid gold AP watches!

dgrobs

Cigars and Bourbon.....

You're welcome.

Kitc2246

A trailer should make this easy. I'm sure you have a good tire gauge with a bleed button. I drive to and back so all of this fits into a 2013 Boxster S. Canopy with tent pegs on the passenger seat. Two tarps, one for the ground and one to cover items. Spare pads and fluids. If any doubt that the pads will not last the weekend replace before. I have a small camping chair that 1/2 reclines. Ice was a problem last year with COVID so use freeze packs that I have the hotel refreeze. Paid more attention to water, lunch and snacks with COVID. I have two nylon balaclavas. In the summer change at noon and wash at night. A good hat and sunscreen. Shorts for the summer when they allow or zip off pant legs. Torque wrench with tool box. I don't carry jack stands or a jack since there are always plenty to borrow in the paddock. Extra shoes. I try not to walk around in my driving shoes. Depending on the weather a good warm coat and/or raingear. Since this is a prepped race car sure you don't have wheel locks. I have seen first time DEers show up with wheel locks which makes torqueing a PITA. Forgetting the wheel lug lock could be a real problem.

Quadcammer

quite frankly, you kinda need it all.

Not sure what your budget looks like, but gearwrench sells a nifty mechanics tool set. You'll need to get a full set of allen and torx sockets, including e torx. Torque wrenches, caliper spreader, hammer and punch for caliper pin, diagnostic tool of some sort, screwdrivers, dykes, pliers, etc.

I have two rolling boxes stuffed with everything I could think of that I throw in the back of my SUV, and I still find something I'm missing. good to have friends at the track to borrow junk from.

certz

Battery powered impact and pop-up tent - nice for getting out of the sun or rain. Lots of water or sports drink and snacks - I like having apples, bananas and peanut butter for a quick eat that does not sit on my stomach. As said above, not knowing your budget or support skills there are lots to either bring or not.

Veloce Raptor

I can't believe you slackers haven't mentioned what are perhaps the most important two words for a track weekend:

martini shaker

Bill Lehman

Stirred, Not shaken. James Bond

dgrobs

I believe Bourbon was indeed mentioned above.....

Glenn R

Also consider the driver. Track maps (multiple copies) and something to write with, so you can jot down notes after each session. Data logger and or video, also to aid in post session evaluation of your drive.

gbuff

The credit card that your wife knows nothing about.

Kitc2246

A track app helps you analyze where you are smooth or inconsistent. I use the free version of RaceChrono Suspect there are multiple YouTube videos of your track and probably one that teaches the lines and apexes.