Getting on Track

Ready to take the leap into the world of high performance driving? You've come to the right place. Here's our quick start guide to help you get on track.

1. Prepare Your Car

Your car needs to be safe and mechanically sound before you can drive it on the track. Make sure you check the following:

• Wheels & Tires
  Make sure the wheels are in good condition, with no major dents or damage. Check the tread on your tires and make sure that no cords are showing. Take off your hubcaps, as they can come off at speed.
• Suspension
  Grab your tires by the sides and try to move them left to right. Then try pushing and pulling them from the top and bottom. There should be no clunking noises in either direction.
• Brakes
  Check your brake pads and make sure there's plenty of life left. Check your rotors too for wear and cracks. Bleeding your brake system with fresh brake fluid is always a good idea.
• Engine
  Check the engine for any fluid leaks. The battery should be tied down securely (no bungee cords) and the terminals covered. Double check your fluid levels and top off your engine oil.
• Safety
  Your seatbelts need to be in good, working condition. Roll cages and racing harnesses are great to have, but not required. Convertible cars do need to have roll bars taller than the driver's head.
• Modifications and Classing
  If you plan to compete in time trial events, you should make a list of the modifications to your car. This will help the tech inspectors figure out what class you are in.

For more details on car preparation, car classing, and safety, refer to the
EMRA Rules and Regulations. If you have any questions about your car, don't be afraid to ask our Chief of Tech.

2. Check Your Equipment

Your helmet needs to have a Snell M2000, SA2000, M2005, SA2005, M2010, or SA2010 rating. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and closed toe shoes. A race suit is not required (for Time Trials), but if you have one, wear it!

3. Register for the Event

Check out EMRA's Schedule of Events and register for the event. Make sure you register early and bring a copy of your forms to the track.

If you have any questions about Registration, ask our Chief Registrar.

4. What to Bring

Bring a copy of your registration and the schedule for the day, and a transponder deposit if you want to rent one.

For the car, bring some glass cleaner, a quart of engine oil, a tire pressure gauge, and blue masking tape. Hand tools and a hydraulic jack are a good idea (and the lug nut key, if your car has locking lugs). If you have vinyl or magnetic car numbers, bring them too (numbers are also available at the track).

For you, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, drinks, folding chairs, and a change of clothes. Gloves are nice to have while driving on the track. Don't forget the camera!

5. Arrive at the Track

Once you're unpacked, head over to the registration desk and sign in. Make sure you get everything out of your car (floormats, change, etc) and bring your car and helmet to tech inspection. There is a driver's meeting in the morning where they will explain all of the rules and regulations of the paddock. At the driver's meeting, you will be paired up with your instructor and be given everything you need for the rest of the day.

Keep your schedule handy and listen for announcements. And if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! EMRA participants are all very friendly and will be happy to point you in the right directoin.

Questions?

We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Drop us a line at the Contact Us page.