NSRA Autocross 2026 Your First Day at the Track
By Kevin Webb NSRA Autocross Director autocross@nsra-usa.com
W ith the 2026 NSRA Autocross season rapidly approaching, it’s important we review a few basic steps to make sure you have a great racing experience. Vehicle Prep: Even though you may have already cruised your vehicle for years on streets and highways, a few extra steps will avoid any surprises at the autocross track. Tire Pressure: Changing tire pressure at the track is an easy way to change the handling, how- ever always set a base pressure so you know where you started. A tire pressure gauge and pump are great tools to quickly make an adjust- ment, then return to your original setting for the trip home. Fluids: Making sure all the fluids are at the proper levels can help you see if anything changes after a few runs. This is a good time to do an extra check on the brake fluid; any discoloration should be addressed with a fluid change. Lug Nut Torque: A check of the lug nuts is always a good idea before track day; you might find you missed something after an upgrade in this area. Check trim rings and center caps for proper attachment, they can come loose under hard turns. Junk in the Trunk: Before you go to the track, take everything out of the trunk and check the spare. Make sure the jack and tools are properly secured, a jack or handle sliding across the trunk can make a nasty dent in the quarter panel. This is a good time to consider a small tote to hold other items, it makes it easier to unload at the track (if you had the fire extinguisher in the trunk, it’s the perfect time to move it to the interior). Small Cooler: It gets hot at the track, and a cooler with waters or your favorite beverage is a good idea for those “cool down” periods. No alco- hol please. Attire: Great weather always has a risk of sun- burn, and having some sunscreen available is for your protection. A hat helps, and some of the new sun protection shirts really work. Tools: If you are using a trailer, then you proba- bly have that set of tools ready to go. If you are driving to the event, a small set of basic tools
helps. Also, some zip ties in different sizes can secure that one thing you find a little loose. Grab a single wire coat hanger, this can be used to hold an exhaust system in place if a clamp or rubber support breaks. Infrared Thermometer: These are handy, inex- pensive tools that can help gauge brake perform- ance after a few runs. You may find the brake tem- perature a lot higher than you expect, especially if you find the brakes seem to fade. This can also help diagnose any engine cooling issues. Shoe Polish: You’ll sometimes see drivers mark a spot on the edge of the tire with white shoe pol- ish. This can help them see how far the tire is rolling on turns and can help set tire pressure for better handling. Lawn Chair: My #1 goal with the NSRA Autocross program is to get you out of your lawn chair, but having one for your “cool down” time is a great idea. Pop-up Tent: If you can fit one in the vehicle or trailer, they can be a great asset at the track. It gives you some shade, and it also provides a nice parking spot when you are not racing. Don’t for- get to bring either weights to hold it down, or zip ties to secure it to the fence. Helmets: All autocross events now require hel- mets on the track; this is not an option. Helmets must carry a valid Snell (SA2015, SA2020, SA2025), FIA, or SFI rating, with Snell 2010 hel- mets expiring on December 31, 2026. A helmet is required for all passengers as well. Interior: Anything that can move will when you are out traversing the course, so floor mats should be removed. This is a perfect time to con- sider mounting the fire extinguisher behind the driver’s seat. We look forward to seeing you at our NSRA Autocross events, and although in time, you’ll learn most of these simple preparation tips; by fol- lowing them you’ll soon be wheeling around the NSRA Autocross courses with ease and both you and your car will be safer out there on the street. If have any questions, comments, or suggestions please e-mail me at autocross@nsra-usa.com. See you at the track!
16 APRIL 2026
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