Here are just a few things off the top of my head I think it's valuable for people new to HPDEs to know. Please chime in and let's make a more comprehensive document!
Track newbies; please let us know what you learned when you do finally burst your track cherry and we'll make that available to others also.
Just soes ya`all know I have been running HPDEs with NASA Midwest since 2006 and other smaller clubs in the upper midwest since 2003.
- Make sure you get plenty to drink, especially if it's a hot day. If you get dehydrated it will impact your ability to focus and gaps in attentiveness are what lead to most track incidents.
- Be very aware of how you're feeling. Track driving is a lot more tiring than most people realize and towards the end of the day when you're getting a little punchy and feeling comfortable on the track is when bad things happen.
- Tech your car out yourself before the event. Put it up on stands and inspect the brakes, suspension, tires etc. Do this a few days before the event and don't try to do anything major to the car the day before the event.
- Your first lap on the track take it easy and do some reconnaissance. Find all the corner workers and give them a thumbs up. Make a habit of looking for them every lap and you'll stay out of trouble with race control. KNOW WHAT THE FLAGS MEAN!!
I'll add more as I think of it.