
What do you need for a track day? This is a question we often get asked, an upcoming track day builds the excitement and adrenaline levels that it can be easy to forget to take some important equipment on the day. Continue reading for our top 10 pics, and a few honourable mentions if you’re going on your first track day. We list the ‘must haves’ and if your looking to take your car to the next level, we have listed our favourite mods for advanced preparation.
This top ten list hopefully will make it much less likely that you’ll forget anything, feel free to print it out and stick it on the dash! If it’s your first track day, it will double as a useful guide.
For your first track day you’ll definitely need to think about the first 5 on our list. If you’re looking to get the most out of your day and want to take your car to the next level, consider our more advanced picks.
Why track days are great
Taking your car on a track for the first time is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore your vehicle’s full potential in a safe, controlled environment. It’s an opportunity to improve your driving skills, learn how your car handles at higher speeds, and experience the thrill of pushing your car to its limits without the risks associated with public roads. Track days are also a great way to meet others with similar interests and enjoy a day of high-performance driving.
Must Have Preparation
There are some things you can’t avoid when it comes to track days, mainly because they some of these are required for you to take part…
Helmet
A helmet is always required for track days – the minimum requirement should be ECE approved, but an FIA standard helmet will give much better protection. A full face is often specified if using an open car. It is often said “I am only doing a track day”, but it must be remembered you can be going as quick as a competition car but with less grip and often much less safety equipment. Remember your body will likely mend, but heads are much more difficult to fix! A few balaclava’s, fireproof or karting, to change between sessions can make putting on a hot sweaty helmet a bit more pleasant!

Gloves
Not a necessity but a good idea, a firm grip on the steering wheel combined with lots of wheel movement can take a toll on the hands. A set of driving gloves will make the experience a lot more pleasurable, fireproof gloves are the best choice if things go wrong, or karting or Sim Racing non fireproof gloves are quite acceptable if on a budget.
Tools
A good selection of tools if you are mechanically minded will often allow you to get back out on track after each session or any issues. A quality socket set in ½“ drive or 3/8” drive a selection of screwdrivers, hex key set, and pliers and of course a trusty hammer if all else fails!
Tyre Pressure Gauge
Tyre pressures will need adjusting for track use, a reliable accurate gauge is invaluable. A gauge with a bleed off valve is useful, tyres can be overinflated then adjusted down to the correct pressure via the gauge. Displays are analogue or digital, this is down to personal choice. Some tyre gauges come with useful extras such as logging features/downloads, stopwatches or a tyre temp sensor.
Tyre Inflation
Adjusting tyre pressure means it’s very useful to have your own independent means of adding air to your tyres. This can be done by a simple foot pump, hand held inflator kit or 12 volt compressor all compact solutions, ideal if you are driving the track car direct to the track. If you have a support vehicle to carry a mains electric compressor with appropriate inflator equipment this makes the job easier (as well as allowing the use of other air tools).
Honourable mentions
If it’s your first track day, there are a lot of things going on and to think about so it’s best to know and understand everything beforehand:
- Drivers licence – You need one to go on track, a National B race licence will suffice if under 18 years of age, but check with the circuit your going to beforehand if unsure.
- Track day insurance – Not required but a good idea, your regular insurance won’t cover the use of your car on track (unless your lucky). The circuit won’t pay out if you hit a barrier or another car, so best to get some track day insurance beforehand to be on the safe side! Everyone on the circuit will be feeling the same as you, so the likelihood of something happening is slim.
- Noise restrictions – All UK track days have a noise limit, if you know you can hear your own car from miles away because you’ve straight piped it then you will need to reduce this before getting to the track. If your car is too loud you won’t be allowed out. Check circuit regulations before going.
Advanced Preparation
If you’re looking to take your track day to the next level, consider the below…
Brake Pads
Road use pads are not going to cut it out on the track and even dedicated track pads may wear much quicker than expected especially on older/under braked cars. A spare set of track day pads will allow continued track time and if the car is driven to the track, will mean you can get home! A choice of compounds might be useful if the track or car is an unknown. Suitable track pads can be purchased either by brake caliper brand and model or by car if brakes are a factory fit.

Jack & Safety Equipment
The ability to change wheels and brake pads (and sometimes remove unwanted scenery!) safely and quickly means more track time. A good trolley jack combined with axle stands is normally the default choice. Ramps can also be useful for some tasks, with some ramps also helpful to get the car off the trailer
Fuel & fuelling equipment
fuel is sometimes known as “motion lotion” a rather good name if you run out, the motion will cease! A car driven hard on track will use a lot more fuel than road use, so it is advisable to have a means of refuelling the car. Fuel containers can be metal or plastic, which can be used with a fuel funnel. Alternatively if using a metal jerry can the fuel can be pressurised to flow quicker with a fuel transfer pump which also saves lifting the can. Some plastic containers can be used with a rotary pump. If the car needs specialised race fuel it’s worth buying before travelling in case there is no supply locally. This fuel is typically supplied in metal drums, these can be fitted with pumps for easy filling. A handheld fire extinguisher is a good idea especially when refuelling cars still hot from the track.
Brake fluid
Ideally, the brake fluid should be refilled with high quality high temperature fluid before getting to the track, especially if the car has stood between events. A high temp fluid will attract water much more readily so it’s worth replacing, boiling fluid causing a poor pedal is often a reason for finishing a session early. It’s worth taking a top up just in case any brake bleeding is required. A brake bleeder kit makes the job much easier and quicker.

Tyres
Tyre wear will be much higher than for road use, so spare tyres are always a good idea, also you may wish to drive to the track on road tyres and then swap at the circuit. It can pay to have tyres for different conditions especially if the weather is uncertain.
A set of tyres for mostly dry use and another set with lots of drainage channels will be a good idea. Treaded track day tyres are the better choice for most cars and drivers as their wide temperature range means they will always be predictable. Slicks will give ultimate grip but may be hard to keep at the correct tyre temperature.
We have picked the best track day tyres for you, to take the pain out of decision making.
Suspension
An honourable mention if you’re really serious about your track days, upgrading your car’s suspension is one of the best things you can do to make a big difference out on the track. Think about it—lowering springs or adjustable coilovers can cut down on body roll, so your car stays flatter and more stable when you’re taking on those tight corners at higher speeds. It means you’ll get sharper handling and way more control, making the whole experience a lot more fun.
Then there’s stiffening up the suspension with better anti-roll bars or performance bushings. This is key because it keeps your tires glued to the road, giving you better grip, especially when you’re pushing hard through turns or accelerating out of them. That extra stability not only makes you feel more confident but also keeps things safer, so you’re less likely to lose control when you’re really going for it.
These kinds of upgrades are perfect if you’re looking to get the most out of your car on the track. Fine-tuning your suspension setup can help you nail faster lap times, stay consistent, and just have a blast out there. Whether you’re aiming to shave seconds off your laps or just want a more responsive, engaging drive, tweaking your suspension can really transform your road car into something that feels right at home on the track.
There are plenty of other ways you can modify your car for a track day from a big brake kit conversion, a performance exhaust or even stripping the car!
Are you looking to get even more from a track day? Lots of people make their own track cars, where you make further enhancements to boost your speed and performance on track.
In summary, a top ten list is always going to be a bit personal, and we could have easily made it a top 30. We hope you find the list useful, and please remember we are always happy to give advice and recommendations by phone or e-mail.
Click this link to take you to our useful circuit guide
Enjoyed this? Read more of our latest news:
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