what do i need for first trip to the track?

[out there]

i went to the local track on sat, and found out a few things. i need a helmet, nothing in the car that can fly around if i crash, and my car has to pass the inspection. is there anything else that i will need? what do i have to worry about not passing the inspection? if i want to be in the lowest class (14 and slower), do i need a cat? or do they care? i was also told that it would be helpful to pick up an nhra rulebook. any advice?
how about racing fuel? 110 leaded is available for $4/gal, but should i just do a few runs with 92 octane to see if i need the expensive stuff yet?
any other input that you guys can offer besides "have a back-up car to drive home just in case...) would be appreciated.
i'm planning to go in two weeks if i meet all the requirements. then i'll learn just how bad or good i am at launching and driving in general

 

[pneumo]

One thing that caught me by suprise was that you have to wear long pants, no shorts. The helmet rule is different for some tracks, most only require a helmet if you're faster than 14 seconds. Make sure you car doesn't have any leaks that drip, no duct tape holding important stuff together, basically it has to be a safe street legal car. I'm not sure of any specific rules for you track.

 

[out there]

well, i'll have a couple of friends with in my daily car, since i always keep a change of clothes in there, i'm not worried about the pants thing. just thought i'd see if there was anything else that all tracks require (such as nothing loose that could fly around, i'm assuming all have that rule)

 

[kingearl]

two things that took me by suprise (not allowing me to race) were the battery had to have a hold down bracket. Mine was busted off, so I fixed it. And you need to have the chutch in to start the car. I have a car starter so it was disconnected to start the car. Those were my problems.

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by out there
is there anything else that i will need? then i'll learn just how bad or good i am at launching and driving in general

Hmm... cellphone to call for a tow and a ride home?

 

[out there]

a few friends are coming with, they want to see how fast my car is too my other car (which is what they're driving) can seat 5 comfortably, no worries