Getting Serious About Track Day Gear
Track days occupy an interesting space — they're not racing, so you don't need a full race suit and HANS device, but they're not road driving either. Getting the right gear protects you, improves your experience, and in some cases makes you faster. Here's what matters, from must-haves to worthwhile investments.
Safety Gear: Non-Negotiables
Helmet
Most track day organizers require a helmet meeting a minimum standard — commonly Snell SA2020, FIA 8859-2015, or equivalent. An open-face helmet is accepted at many events; a full-face provides better protection. Whatever you choose, ensure it fits snugly, doesn't move when you shake your head, and meets the event's stated standard.
What to look for: A current certification sticker, a proper fit, and adequate ventilation. Helmets do expire — most are rated for five years from manufacture.
Driving Gloves
Racing gloves improve grip on the wheel, reduce fatigue over a long session, and provide some fire protection in a serious incident. Nomex gloves are the standard for any serious track use. They don't need to be expensive — a mid-range pair from a reputable brand like OMP, Sparco, or Alpinestars will serve most track day drivers well.
Driving Shoes
Thick-soled trainers dull pedal feel. Racing shoes have thin, flexible soles that let you feel brake pressure and throttle position accurately. This sounds like a luxury until you experience the difference — then it becomes essential.
Monitoring & Data Gear
Data Logger / Lap Timer
Understanding where you're gaining and losing time is transformative. Options range from free smartphone apps (Harry's LapTimer, TrackAddict) to dedicated units like the AiM Solo 2 or Racelogic VBOX Sport. A GPS-based system will record speed traces, lap times, and sector splits that you can review after each session.
Tyre Pressure Gauge
Tyre pressures change significantly as tyres heat up on track. Starting with the correct cold pressures — usually lower than road settings — and understanding how they rise during use is fundamental to getting maximum grip. A quality digital gauge is a small investment with a disproportionate impact.
Pyrometer
A tyre temperature pyrometer (laser or probe type) measures surface temperatures across the tyre tread after a session. Uneven temperatures across the inner, middle, and outer tread reveal whether your tyre pressures and alignment are optimal. This is next-level, but if you're serious about track driving, it's invaluable data.
Practical Essentials
Torque Wrench
If you're changing wheels at the track or running track-specific wheels, a torque wrench is non-negotiable. Undertightened wheel bolts are a serious safety hazard. Overtightened ones damage hubs. Know your torque spec and hit it every time.
Brake Fluid
Standard DOT 4 brake fluid has a lower boiling point than high-performance alternatives. Under repeated heavy braking on track, standard fluid can vapour-lock, causing a soft or absent brake pedal. Swap to a high-dry-boiling-point fluid (ATE Type 200, Castrol SRF, Motul RBF700 are popular choices) and bleed the system before track days.
Torque Wrench + Basic Tool Kit
Flat tyre, loose number plate, a wheel spacer that needs attention — small things go wrong at tracks. A basic kit covering sockets, spanners, zip ties, and tape takes up minimal space and has saved many a track day.
Gear Priority List
- Approved helmet
- Driving gloves and shoes
- High-temp brake fluid (pre-event)
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Lap timer / data logger
- Basic tool kit
- Pyrometer (advanced)
Start with the safety essentials and build your kit over time. You don't need everything on day one, but a helmet, gloves, and fresh brake fluid should be in place before you even think about turning a lap.