10 endurance race essentials you shouldn't leave home without

1. Deep-Well Impact Sockets

Photography Credit: J.G. Pasterjak

We constantly see teams trying to mount and dismount wheels using a standard socket. At first, yes, a regular, short socket might work, but eventually you’re going to start stripping the lug nuts. And after several torquings, that regular socket is going to crack. Invest in a heavy-duty, deep-well impact socket set for the weekend. Oh, and grab some extra lug nuts, too, because you’re going to lose some along the way. 

2. Shelves

There’s only so much space in the pits, so having a place to store all of your stuff is crucial. We use a shelving unit that features a locking door and wheels. This allows you to pre-inventory your pit items into the shelving, then simply roll it out of the trailer and to the pits. If you don’t have the space in your trailer for this type of shelf, then may we suggest a collapsible, origami-type shelving unit. 

3. Spare Radiator

Photography Credit: Chris Tropea

It’s expensive to invest in big-ticket spares, but an extra radiator is a must. This is the one item that is more than likely to get damaged, even in a minor altercation–and finding a spare at the track is never easy. Our suggestion is to install a brand-new radiator (with new hoses) and then keep the used setup as a spare.

4. Bear Bond Vinyl

Every team carries duct tape to the track, but this old standby doesn’t always work for major repairs. Invest in several sheets of Bear Bond vinyl, the same material you’ve seen NASCAR teams use. It’s perfect for securing broken latches, filling major holes in bodywork, and dealing with triage repairs. 

5. Spare Hood Pins

Photography Credit: J.G. Pasterjak

You’re guaranteed to lose many, many hood pins over time, so it’s amazing how often teams show up to the track without extras. Having spare pins will save you lost time in the pits.

6. Extra Pit Radio

Photography Credit: Chris Tropea

Having an extra radio in the pits can be a very expensive investment for a team, but nothing spells doom for your race weekend like losing communication. You don’t have to invest in a spare headset; just get one additional radio and make sure it’s tuned to your frequency. Before the green flag flies, ensure that it’s charged up, too. 

7. Pit Cart

Photography Credit: Chris Tropea

Get a small cart, but big enough to hold at least four 5-gallon jugs. This will be the perfect size to also tote around tires, tools and the like. The kind with collapsible sides for easy storage seems to work best. Not only will having a cart save everyone’s backs, but your team won’t waste time making multiple trips, especially to the gas pumps.

8. Brake Bleeder

Most endurance weekends are dual events, and after day one–even if your brake pads or rotors don’t need to be changed–you’re going to have to bleed your brakes. Purchase a proper brake bleeder bottle and hose. You don’t want to be the team bleeding brakes at midnight with an empty Coke bottle and surgical tubing from a CVS pharmacy. (Also, before you leave for the track, make sure your caliper bleeder valves aren’t frozen shut.)

9. Pit Board

Take the time before a race to make a simple pit board. This will help your driver find your pit stall, and if radio communication fails, it will become your sole way to reach the driver from the pits. 

Go slightly big with your sign surface; a 2x2-foot piece of cardboard will work. Spray paint it in a very distinctive, bright color, and perhaps add a big logo that will catch your driver’s eye. Finally, attach the sign to a wooden broomstick with two–not just one–wire ties.

10. Cash

Yes, cash, because you never know when you’re going to need it–maybe to buy something from a vendor, from a fellow competitor or from the local salvage yard. Cash always works no matter what emergency you get into.