Sprint and Hillclimb Checklist

“To avoid forgetting things, I usually try and stick to a particular routine the night before an event - laying out everything that I need on the lounge floor, ready to be quickly packed into the car in the morning. Going to bed at a certain time, and knowing exactly what I need to do in the morning can also help stop me getting stressed or rushed.”
~ Dave

I thought that it would be useful to create a checklist of items that are essential for a Sprint or Hillclimb.  If I’ve missed anything out, or you think there’s more to add, please let me know.

Compulsory Items

• Race license
• Club and championship cards (less critical, usually, but technically compulsory)
• Race numbers
• Race suit
• Helmet (must be suitable for competition use)
• Timing strut
• Yellow tag/tape on positive terminal of battery
• Sticker showing direction to turn off ignition
• Fire extinguisher (not compulsory, but recommended, for road cars)
• MOT certificate (road cars only)
• Tax disc (road cars only)
• Insurance document (road cars only)

Recommended Items

• Reasonably comprehensive toolkit
• Pressure gauge
• Tyre pump
• Racing gloves
• Racing shoes (I think these should be compulsory - you’d be amazed at the number of accidents caused by inappropriate footwear)
• Fireproof balaclava (especially if non-fireproof helmet)
• Fire extinguisher

Handy things to have

• A couple of mates to help with the car, etc
• A newspaper for those quiet moments
• Packed lunch as catering is sometimes limited
• Thermos with tea in it.  Tea is important.  It can also make you friends in the paddock.  Especially with me.  I always forget to bring tea.
• A pitbabe* to hang around, looking pretty and make your rivals envy you
• The Blue Book from the RACMSA - always handy for eligibility arguments
• A good attitude
• A couple of camping chairs to sit on when it’s nice and sunny
• Waterproof overshoes for your race shoes.  I keep forgetting to buy a pair.

* Not a pitbull - they’re different and hairier.

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