2010 Drag Racing Preparation Checklist
By: Mark Weymouth
• Remove winter-storage antifreeze and replace it with track-friendly water. This is an important safety issue for racers. Antifreeze is like hitting black ice when laid down on a track, and it takes a lot of time to clean the track afterwards.
• Change the oil and review the condition of the old oil and filter. It's a good idea to cut open the filter and look for metal in it, as a precaution.
• Check the trans and differential fluids and levels.
• Go over your tires, carefully looking for any unusual damage or wear; then inflate them to your base settings for the track.
• Put a wrench on the lug nuts, suspension components, or any other critical safety items such as U-joints to ensure they are properly tightened.
• Check the brake system for wear and function. Those without climate-controlled storage may have picked up moisture or pitting in valves and pistons. This will cause pressure or leakage issues, harming their power and consistency.
• Freshen or replace your fuel as it has bled off octane during its slumber. We do not want any burned-down motors to start off the season.
• Check the battery charge.
• Check for animal damage to wiring and nests in the air cleaner.
• Prime the oiling system in the motor to prevent added wear at startup.
• Start the car and monitor all the systems during warm up, looking for proper oil pressure, voltage, and temperature. Listen for any new or unusual sounds that may appear. This is not a bad time to double-check your gauges for accuracy. Also look for any leaks that may occur as the gaskets swell and reseat. Confirm proper function of the gas pedal. Having a fire extinguisher nearby at this stage is a good idea.
• Before track arrival and the tuning for that day's conditions, check your timing and base tune to confirm they are what you want.
• Review your safety harnesses/seatbelts, check your helmet, and your fire jacket-when applicable-to confirm they meet the latest standards and rules. Don't be sent home needlessly from the first track day.
• You're now ready for that first test run through the gears. While it's nearly impossible to not give it the raspberries at the first throttle tip in, this should be a metered gentle run, double-checking that all systems perform as required. Once all the functions are confirmed, it's on to the next fun-filled step!
• The last suggestion is to follow Scott Scheel's Car Show Preparation Checklist, so you will be more intimate with the condition of your car. You may find something you missed during your spring preparation. Plus we all love walking away from our freshly detailed Pontiacs when they demand an over-the-shoulder glance of appreciation.
• Now that your race car is clean and ready, get a proper amount of rubber at those quarters and have some fun. Good luck-and may every pass be a new e.t. record this season!