Prepared by Steve Brand

"Time spent in preparation is seldom wasted"

1. Team awareness- Ensure that all team members read the ISR rules and are aware that the improper conduct of any member could lead to their driver being disqualified. Ignorance of  the rules is no excuse. If you have a question..... ask it! When in doubt about a rule on race day - ask an official before the fact. For example you could ask for a fuel check before racing gets under way. This could save you from a costly DQ.

2. Get organized- Your team should be organized- well before race day. Hold regular meetings to go over key information and to conduct your wrenching sessions. Remember - situations develop with little or no notice on race day. A well-organized team can turn negatives into positives and increase your chance of success. Get your ring binder organized with all important team info.

3. Travel tips
-Book hotel rooms well in advance. Guarantee the room for late arrival.
-Ask hotel to fax a map to guide you in easily on late Friday night arrivals.
-Make sure hotel has adequate parking for big rigs.
-Write up a rooming list and distribute to all.
-Make sure all items insured including trailer contents.
-Prepare and inventory of all parts, tools and equipment - especially for cross border travel.
-For cross border travel make sure you have health coverage and passports for all.
-Photocopy all key personal paperwork including passports, ID, Health Insurance, entries etc.
-Make sure all vehicles and trailers have ownership and insurance paperwork.
-Make sure all team members are legally OK for cross border travel.

4. Race day routine
-Practice all track side repair scenarios with hand tools.....outside in the elements.
-Be prepared to work well away from a warm trailer as they are often a long way from staging
-You should have a mini-tool box well forward in the pits. Use our handy checklist.
-Consider having an umbrella over driver in staging if snowing or misty or rainy.
-Keep track of upcoming heats. Don’t miss a heat race. Have a spotter up at staging.
-Consider outfitting your team members with walkie talkies for instant communication.
-Always pay attention to the number of laps per race so you can pace accordingly.
-Watch for changing lines and the hot lines as used by the fast guys in other classes.
-The flag man should always confirm number of laps before start - if not ask.
-Mechanic or team manager should always watch out for total laps and transfer spots.
-Know exactly how many drivers in your heat transfer to the next round. 
-If top 3 transfer to the next round and you’re in 4th
- focus on passing the guy in 3rd and don’t burn yourself out trying to get the 1st place driver.
-Consider having mechanic or manager using a pit board to give driver track side info.
-Have a camera handy or get a photographer to pop in on you from time to time.

5. Post race routine
-Every weekend keep track of your results and those of your closest competitors.
-Race promoters have been known to make mistakes. Keep your own records.
-Fax/email race report to sponsors even if results are not the best - Put on a positive spin.
-Get your replacement parts ordered first thing Monday to avoid back orders.
-Make sure you are on the Factory race tip sheet distribution list. Most have auto-fax tips.

Good luck from everyone at Tekrider!