Face it, if you are not looking for potential problems then you will not find them; they will find you! A Pre-Race checklist will help eliminate any mechanical problems that can take you out of a race.
During the race day, check under the body regular. Your car might be handling great on the track, but that's no excuse for overlooking those minor issues that can become bigger!
Example:
A bent heim joint may not be felt right away while on the track, but it will eventually affect another component like tire wear.In order to check the items listed below, a clean chassis is a must. Take the time to properly clean the chassis and all moving parts before, during and after a race. Air compressors are one good tool to have at the track. If you do not have one, asked a fellow racer if you can borrow his. Don't forget to return the favor somehow in the future. Use the checklist below to help you start off to a good day of racing. Also, add anything you come across that is not on the list.
Thanks to Johnson Motor Sports for the list!
RACE CAR CHECKLIST
DATE:
P
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THE FRONT SUSPENSION
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Clean and check the steering rack for binding
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Clean and lube and inspect steering heims for binding
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Check servo savers, they should be firm not weak
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Check servos for proper adjustment and alignment (also check with radio)
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Check A arms for binding
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Check A arm lock collars
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Check spindles for binding
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Check spindle heims for binding and lubricate
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Clean and lube spindle bearings
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Check shocks for leaks and proper amount of oil
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Check ride height
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Make sure sway bar is neutral after all ride height adjustments are made
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THE REAR SUSPENSION
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Check all heims for binding clean and lube
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Check dog bone for binding and proper adjustment
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Clean excess rubber off gears and belt
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Check shock for leaks and proper amount of oil
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Check trailing arm bearings for excessive end play
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Check wheel hubs for signs of slippage
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Check rear toe adjustment
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Check front trailing arm heims for binding
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THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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Check engine bolts for tightness
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Check carburetor bolts
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Check carburetor gaskets and restrictor plate for cracks
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Check throttle and brake linkages for proper adjustments (also check with radio)
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Check fuel lines and fittings for leaks, cuts, kinks, excess ware
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Check ele. wiring for kinks, cuts, tie straps too tight, excessive rubbing, no wire should be tightly wrapped or strapped this will damage the wire.
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Make sure ele connections are of good quality, clean and not oxidized
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Check batteries for leakage and proper charge
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Inspect and clean the spark plug
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Clean the air filter
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GENERAL
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Check tire caps for loose edges and excessive ware.
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Keep your chassis and body clean, in good repair and properly mounted. A body loosely mounted or mounted too high will adversely affect handling.
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*Checklist provide by Allen Johnson Motorsports*
DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST (Word Doc)
