Originally published November 29, 2021. Last updated August 30, 2024.

“What to pack?” may be the eternal question. Whether you’re going on vacation, a business trip or your first-ever HPDE event, it’s hard to know what to bring and you’re bound to forget something you need.

But there’s one trick that works just as well for HPDE events as for any other trip you take: take time to sit down beforehand and make a list of everything you need.

An HPDE event packing list is great for making sure your HPDE experience is fun, safe and full of learning. Having a list to go by as you get ready at home and head to the track will also help calm your nerves so you can focus more on what you need to do.

HPDE isn’t as simple as getting in your car and going, just as football isn’t as easy as grabbing a ball and heading to the stadium. Like any sport, there are items you will need to bring for your comfort, safety and general logistics purposes.

Here are the items you’ll need for a successful day:

Must-Have Items to Pack

  • Full-length pants or coveralls
  • Close-toed, rubber-soled shoes
  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Snell-rated helmet
  • Driving gloves
  • Ear protection
  • Any other track and safety apparel requested by the event
  • Driver’s license
  • Proof of insurance (on and off the track)
  • Phone
  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Tire air pressure gauge
  • Standard scissor jack kit
  • Torque wrench with a socket for your wheel lug bolts/nuts
  • Spare bottles of coolant, engine oil and brake fluid

Recommended Items to Pack

  • Storage bins or a waterproof tarp
  • Duct tape
  • Basic hand tools
  • Paper and pens
  • Cellphone charger
  • Drinking water
  • Cooler
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • First aid kit
  • Sunglasses

Nice-to-Have Items to Pack

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bug spray
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and extra battery
  • Stopwatch
  • Clipboard
  • Garbage bags
  • Paper towels
  • Window cleaner
  • Hat
  • Umbrella
  • Rain suit or poncho
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Folding chair

How to Use Your Packing List

Now that you have your HPDE event packing list, check off the items you need to bring as they go in the car. That way, you can make sure everything you thought you wanted to bring actually makes its way to the track.

It’s a lot of fun preparing for your first HPDE event. But as you get ready, remember to make sure your car will be protected while it’s on the track. Most everyday auto insurance policies limit coverage for HPDE and track day events, so you may need additional coverage. Here’s how to check.

If your policy does have exclusions for your car on the track, don’t worry. We offer HPDE Insurance to protect your car from damage when you’re participating in HPDE, track day, or time trial events.