With the first autocross of the season for the team coming up this weekend, here is the types of things we do to get ready.

            Fiesta:

• 1) Check all lug nuts to make sure they are in spec. They will be checked after each run due to the high amounts of stress they will encounter on track. We have never had one fail or come loose, but double checking is always good
• 2) Clean all the window’s to keep glare from distracting the driver.
• 3) Decide to run on either a full tank or empty tank. A full tank is heavy, but helps move the cg back in the car. An empty tank is light, but produces a more nose heavy car. Half tank is the worst since the motion of the fuel around corners could cause the car to oversteer due to its inertia.
• 4) Add magnetic number plates to the doors for driver and class identification.
• 5) Check tire temps with a pyrometer after each run to see if a tire pressure adjustment needs to be made.

Mustang:

• 1) Items 1-5 for the Fiesta are same for the Mustang except;
• 2) Once at the track, the street tires are replaced with Hoosier R6 race tires.
• 3) Pressures are adjusted cold based on data from last season.
• 4) Sponsor magnet decals are added
• 5) All fluids are checked to ensure they are at the proper level
• 6) The car goes to tech inspection to make sure nothing is unsafe.
• 7) Safety harnesses are checked for frays or tears.