What to Bring to an HPDE
An HPDE is a full track day — typically 8–10 hours at a real road course, with 20–30 minute sessions on track. The preparation requirements are meaningfully higher than autocross. Your car is going to be pushed harder, for longer, at higher speeds. A brake pad that survives an autocross won't necessarily survive a full HPDE day. Plan accordingly.
Gear by Run Group
What you're required to bring depends on your run group. Requirements escalate as you advance. Check with your specific organizer — NASA, GridLife, and regional clubs can vary.
| Item | HPDE 1–2 | HPDE 3 | HPDE 4 / TT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet (SA-rated) | Required | Required | Required |
| Driving Gloves | Recommended | Often required | Required |
| Driving Shoes | Recommended | Often required | Required |
| Driving Suit | Not required | Not required | Required at some orgs |
| HANS Device | Not required | Not required | Required with harness |
| Fire Extinguisher | Paddock recommended | Paddock recommended | In-car sometimes required |
NASA, GridLife, and regional clubs update their rules annually. The table above is a general guide — always confirm requirements with the event organizer before you show up.
Car Prep — Do This Before You Leave Home
Tech inspection at an HPDE is more thorough than at autocross. Inspectors are checking things that matter at 100+ mph. Don't show up hoping to fix something in the paddock.
- Brake pads — minimum 50% life remaining. If you're on stock pads, seriously consider upgrading. Stock pads fade on track. See the Brake Pad Guide.
- Brake fluid — fresh fluid within the last season. DOT 4 minimum; DOT 5.1 or Motul RBF600 preferred. Old fluid absorbs moisture and boils. See the Brake Fluid Guide.
- Tires — no cords showing, even wear, correct pressure. Blistered or cracked tires will fail tech.
- Lug nuts — torqued to spec. Inspectors often check these by hand.
- Battery — secured with factory hold-down or aftermarket bracket. Must not move when grabbed.
- No fluid leaks — oil, coolant, or brake fluid drips will get you sent home.
- Loose items removed — floor mats, loose tools, change, water bottles. Everything out of the cabin.
- Wheel bearings and suspension — no play or clunking. Inspectors sometimes rock the wheel at 12 and 6 to check.
- Throttle returns freely — press and release, no sticking.
- Horn works — required at most events.
Tools and Spares
You're at a track, not a parking lot. If something breaks, a paddock vendor may not be nearby. Bring what you'd need to address the most likely failure modes for your car.
- Tire pressure gauge — check cold pressure before every session
- Torque wrench — re-torque lugs after the first session
- Floor jack and jack stands — essential if rotating tires or doing brake work in the paddock
- Brake pad set — if you're running performance pads that might not last the day, bring a spare set
- Brake fluid — for a top-up between sessions if needed
- Tire inflator or compressor — tires lose pressure between sessions in the heat
- Basic socket set and wrenches
- Zip ties, electrical tape, duct tape
- Coolant jug — some cars run hot; bring a jug in case
- Oil quart — some engines consume oil under hard use
- Shop towels or microfiber rags
After each session, let your brakes and engine cool before working on them. Most orgs require you to keep the car running at idle for a few minutes after coming off track. Don't reach for the brake caliper immediately — they can be hot enough to burn through gloves.
Paddock Setup
You'll be at the track all day — often 7am to 5pm or later. Come set up to be comfortable and organized in your paddock spot.
- Pop-up canopy (10x10) — shade is essential, especially at summer events. This is the single biggest comfort upgrade for track days.
- Camp chairs — you'll be in the paddock for hours between sessions
- Folding table — for tools, food, timing equipment
- Cooler with ice — water, electrolyte drinks, food. Vending machines and track vendors are expensive and may not be available
- Water — at least 3–4 liters per person — driving on track is more physical than it looks. Dehydration is a real concern, especially in a suit
- Sunscreen
- Extension cord — for charging cameras, phone, timing devices
- Power bank — backup charging in the paddock
Data and Video
HPDE is about improvement. Video and data make improvement dramatically faster — you can see exactly where you're losing time and what your instructor is pointing out.
- Action camera with mount — GoPro or similar. Suction cup dash mount or roll bar mount. Review footage between sessions.
- Formatted, charged SD cards — bring more than one. 4K video fills cards fast.
- Timing app — Harry's LapTimer (iOS/Android) or AiM Solo if you have one. Lap times give you objective progress tracking.
- Notebook — write down lap times, observations, and instructor notes after each session while they're fresh
Leave at Home
- Passengers who aren't instructors — most HPDE run groups don't allow passengers unless they're licensed instructors. Check rules.
- Alcohol — zero tolerance at every sanctioned HPDE event
- Street tires you're not confident in — if the tire is sketchy on the street, it's dangerous on track. Don't bring a car you're not confident in.
- Anything loose in the car — this cannot be overstated. A loose water bottle under the brake pedal at 80mph is a genuine emergency.