When you’re heading to the track—whether it’s for coaching or racing—there’s more to pack than just adrenaline and a passion for speed. After logging over 100 professional race starts, I’ve learned the hard way that preparation is just as critical as performance. What you bring to the track can make the difference between a smooth day of driving and a frustrating one sidelined by something as simple as forgotten gloves or a glitchy data logger.
Here’s a look inside my gear bag—the things I never leave home without—and why each one earns its place.
1. Helmet and Neck Restraint System
Let’s start with the obvious. No helmet, no track time. That’s non-negotiable at any High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) event. I also always bring my neck restraint system. These two items aren’t just for compliance—they’re for survival. Even if you’re just doing a lapping day, protecting your head and neck in the event of a crash should be your top priority. (Curious about my gear choices? I go into more detail in the short video linked above.)
2. Gloves
While gloves may not be required at every event, I wouldn’t drive without them. On hot, humid days, your palms will sweat—and slippery hands on a steering wheel is not only uncomfortable, it’s distracting. Good driving gloves give you grip, feel, and confidence when things start to heat up.
3. Driving Shoes
Pedal feedback matters. A lot. Wearing running shoes or sneakers can dampen the communication between your foot and the car. I always opt for proper driving shoes—thin-soled, grippy, and made for feel. They help me read the car better, especially during threshold braking or throttle modulation in high-speed corners.
4. Racing Suit and Nomex Underlayers
This might surprise some folks, especially when I wear my full race suit in a street car. But speed is speed, and I regularly coach in cars capable of exceeding 150 mph. At those velocities, an accident can be devastating—and the risk of fire is real. Sure, your buddies might give you a hard time for “playing race car driver,” but fire-resistant gear could save your life. I’m not willing to roll the dice.
5. Comfortable Shoes for Off-Track Time
Race weekends can be long and mentally draining. Add in poor sleep, and your performance starts to suffer. I’ve learned to bring a pair of running shoes, hiking boots, or even a bike to get some light exercise before bed. It helps burn off the nervous energy that builds during a race weekend and helps me fall asleep faster. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a performance enhancer.
6. Hydration Tablets
Hydration affects focus, stamina, and reaction time. I carry Nuun hydration tablets to drop into my water bottle and maintain electrolyte balance throughout the day. Especially during summer events, dehydration creeps up on you faster than you think.
7. Data System and Laptop
Even if the car I’m coaching in already has a data logger, I bring my own. Electronics can and do fail, usually at the worst possible time. Having a backup data system means I don’t lose valuable session feedback, which is essential for improving lap times and diagnosing driver errors. Plus, a laptop gives me the chance to review, analyze, and strategize between sessions.
8. Printed Track Maps
Yes, I still use paper. Printed track maps allow me to take quick notes before or after each session and are great tools for coaching. When you’re talking to a driver—or reviewing your own laps—being able to point to turn 6 or the braking zone into turn 2 makes everything more efficient. It’s even more helpful when you’re working at a new track and haven’t memorized all the turn numbers.
9. Sunscreen
Many tracks offer little to no shade, and sunburn is the last thing you want to be dealing with while trying to focus on braking points. I always pack SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day. Stay sharp, stay safe, and stay out of the dermatologist’s office.
10. Label Maker or Erasable Marker
One of my favorite hacks. Before each session, I print out small labels or write notes with a marker and stick them to the dashboard or steering wheel. Reminders like “Try 3rd in T5,” “Brake earlier at T2,” or even a motivational “Eyes up!” keep me locked in on what I want to work on. It’s amazing how much these small visual cues can sharpen your focus and prevent you from falling into autopilot behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts
Track days are demanding—mentally, physically, and mechanically. Bringing the right gear isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, preparedness, and maximizing every minute on track. Whether you’re racing for a podium or chasing your personal best, the way you prepare sets the tone for your performance.
So, what’s in your gear bag? What’s your must-have item at every event? Drop a comment and let’s swap ideas—we’re all here to go faster, safer, and smarter.
