Paddock Life Made Easy - Tips, Tricks and Products!

Discussion in 'STT General Discussion' started by Whitney Arnold, Jan 26, 2016.

  1. DirtNap

    DirtNap Used but not used up

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    If you don't want pop the $$ for the folding aluminum tire cart try what I did. I found a nice folding aluminum hand truck for $30, with a bungy cord I can drag one set of wheels with a set of tires balanced on top to the tire guy.

    I asked for the hang dry for Xmass but got the UK knock off. it's good enough for me, I always let my suits hang in the trailer with vents open on the ride home.

    If you don't like the undersuit one piece, go with underarmour or the like long sleeve shirt and pants. Much easier for the gear to get on/off.

    color coded or labels totes for all gear & spare parts is always in my trailer. No need for expensive air compressors a bike pump is all you need.

    You will have a much better day if you stay hydrated and be real about your energy/focus. If you have multiple mistakes in a lap, come in and take a break.
     
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  2. Whitney Arnold

    Whitney Arnold Run it wide. The grass is a safe place.

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    Picked this up over the weekend:
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Whitney Arnold

    Whitney Arnold Run it wide. The grass is a safe place.

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    This might help some?
     
  4. TLR67

    TLR67 Cheers!
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    Whits Pimpin...... You need a Moonshine Racing Wrap..... A bunch of empty Jars laid on a checkered flag....
     
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  5. tnskydivr

    tnskydivr Shut up and Jump!
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  6. tnskydivr

    tnskydivr Shut up and Jump!
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    Y
    You are about to have a lot of new friends....that is awesome!
     
  7. HERBIE-HANCOCK

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    Hello all. I am plan on attending my first track day at Little Tally at the end of the month. What I didn't realize it that the nascar race is that weekend so what few hotels are available, are crazy expensive. I wasnt planning on camping but if I can talk myself into fighting the traffic associated with the race, it looks like I will. This thread really helped a lot for my prep but my only question is, are there showers there or will I just have to take a whores bath? Any way I'm looking forward to doing my first track day. Someone tell me the drive won't be too bad with all the nascar traffic. I'm just wondering how much extra time it will cost me not only on Friday afternoon but Sunday as well.
     
  8. Dave608

    Dave608 Let's Ride!
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    Yes, there are showers in the Silo out by the front straight (may still be ones behind the concession stand but not sure, the silo ones are the ones I would go for). As to traffic, not sure how bad it will be.
     
  9. Knolly

    Knolly What's an apex?

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    Meanwhile I'm over here thinking "man I want a toy hauler but I feel like I'd be annoyed with a trailer longer than 12 feet."

    Looks awesome!!! Congratulations.
     
  10. Scarpino

    Scarpino It's Smiles per Gallon......

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    Showers are still behind the concession. Bring flip flops or some kind of shower shoe....you'll thank me later.
    I haven't used the silo yet, but heard its pretty nice.

    As far as traffic is concerned.....cant answer that very well. I'm coming from the Atlanta area and will be leaving around mid-afternoon during Friday rush hour. But I'm so far west of Atlanta, the traffic really doesn't effect me. I always like to get the as early as I possibly can for a few reasons. (1) beat traffic (2) allows me to pick a good spot on the Paddock (3) allows me to do any last minute bike prep without rushing the day of (4) allows me to set-up the paddock without rushing and worrying about any bike prep and making it to tech on time.

    Another Paddock hack that I don't think anyone has mentioned was fuel. Here in Atlanta, fuel is a bit more expensive. I will do some research on fuel prices in the area of the track or in route to the track to see if I can save some money. I know that Munford, Alabama has some pretty decent fuel cost compared to my area, so I will fill up my jugs in Alabama and only put enough fuel in the truck to get me close to the track.....then I can fill up about 35- 55 cents cheaper than where I am. That roughly saves me between 8-15 dollars a trip. Do multiple trips a year, and the money you saved will most likely pay for 1 complete trip. Just food for thought.

    As people have mentioned before, bring a cooler. But I tend to go a step further. No I don't bring the fridge......but I do bring a small George Forman. I pack some pre-pattied burgers and some hot dogs......I am the type of person that can not live on sandwiches all weekend.
    Funny watching peoples face when they walk by on Saturday afternoon's lunch break smelling the burgers....
    I also will pick up to-go packets of catch-up, mayo, mustard etc. while I'm out and about weeks before the trip. No need to carry all those bottles from the fridge. Just put them in a gallon sized zip lock bag in your car and as the month goes by....keep adding. I know its like I'm cheating or something.....hahahaha
    I also will bring banana's (fights against cramping), pickle juice (hydration), high simple-sugar snacks (keep my energy level's up), and of course waters & poweraids....

    Last time I was at Little Tally (last year), the consession stand wasn't open at all. So brng something for fuel in the morning. a grumbling stomach is a huge distraction on the track. You don't want to be thinking about how hungry you are tipping into T1... you want to be thinking about your Exit of T1.

    I am also a pretty big coffee drinker. So...I'm the guy you see using his Kurig in the morning chilling in the chair watching everyone hustle and bustle. Because I got there early, set-up early, went through the bike early, and now can relax with a cup of Joe while everyone else is running around.

    I know everyone cant make it early....but if you can, it is certainly worth its weight in gold.

    Always sucks to get to the track at 6 a.m. the morning of, just to find there is a line of trailers and trucks already waiting for the gates to open. Then as you are waiting, you look at the paddock and it looks nearly full. Now your kicking yourself for not coming the night prior.
     
    #90 Scarpino, Apr 21, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2016
  11. TLR67

    TLR67 Cheers!
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    Bring extra Bungy Cords and grip tape and place in appropriate areas so Girls wont fall of your bike during the peak of the Party after hours....
     
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