9 Things a Novice Should Bring to an Autocross

It's your first event and you're excited, nervous, and probably not stopping to think of the things you should bring with you. Here's a handy list of every thing a novice should bring but most forget:

Sunscreen

Even if it's cloudy and cool you'll be out on the lot long enough to burn. No one needs to look like a lobster at the end of the day. No matter what brand or SPF you choose, remember to reapply often, once just isn't going to do it.

Water

Bring lot's of it. It'll be hot and you'll be cooking in the sun so you'll be drinking a ton of it. At least four bottles per person. Energy drinks and sodas do not count, and only make things worse.

Snacks

Most locations do not have access to food so bring it with you. Sandwiches, snack bars, chips, etc that can keep you going for the day. Remember that the event lasts most of the day.

Umbrella

Not a requirement but bringing shade with you when working the course is a good thing. Any umbrella will do, but this is my personal favorite! It may look a little silly, but it really does the trick.

Folding / Camp Chair

You'll have some down time between heats, and you will want to have a comfortable place to rest while you watch others take their runs, or just to chat with friends. Trust me, sitting on the curb near a fire ant mound is not a fun experience!! Any chair will do, but I would recommend a chair like this one with the netting on the back, because you can feel the breeze and stay that much cooler.

Appropriate Shoes

Shoes are more important than most racers think. Something comfortable for walking, light enough to be easy on the legs, and small enough to make working the car's pedals easy. Things like sandals, hiking boots, cowboy boots, and Doc Martins are not exactly made for racing. Simple sneakers are a great and cheap choice.

Motor Oil

Cars use oil. Old or new, powerful or efficient, large or small they all drink oil. Check it the night before the event, at the event, and always have at least one quart with you just in case. Keep in mind the car will be experiencing high g-forces in the turns, so even being a little low on oil can become a big problem.

Tire Gauge

Your tire pressures are very important and have a large effect on the handling of your car. Not only that but the pressures go up significantly after each run so you'll need to bring them back down to the right pressure. When it comes to tire gauges the more accurate the better. I would not recommend the pencil style tire gauge, but instead one with a dial. I use a Longacre, and have had it for over ten years. It is a solid purchase for racing, or general car maintenance.

Painters Tape

If you don't have magnetic numbers for your car, and since you're a novice you most likely won't, you'll need a roll of painters tape to make numbers and class on the sides of your car. And please, for the sanity of the course workers, get tape that contrasts with your car's color! White tape on a silver car or blue tape on a black car make it very difficult to see who you are as you fly by hitting cones!!

Disclosure:
The Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, Amazon tosses a few coins my way. Those earnings won't build a race car, but it does help keep me and the car fed. Thank you for your support!