The short answer: as much as you can.
To start with, a list of supplies / tools:
- 5 gallons of water
- 3-4 gallons of gas in a jerry can
- a case of cheap motor oil
- complete set of wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers
- a big sledge hammer (6-8 lbs)
- a long prying device (6'+)
- electrical wire and tape
- an axe or cold chisel for emergency body repairs
- fire extinguisher, if not already required by the rules
- good quality bumper jack, such as a "Jack-All"
- cutting torches, if you got 'em
- and, last but not least, no toolbox is complete without a couple rolls of duct tape
A tip for the thrifty: don't bother bringing expensive transmission fluid-- motor oil works just fine in any kind of tranny. In fact, I know people who use it in their road car's automatic transmission.
A comprehensive list of spare parts is essential, but not always possible. I have listed the desirable parts in order of their importance:
- at least two spare tires
- spare fan belts
- spare battery
- spare radiator
- spare starter
From here on, anything is a bonus. Some people go whole hog and bring spare carburetors, distributors, fuel pumps, steering pumps, etc. One guy I know blew a transmission in the first heat, and had a replacement installed within 45 minutes!
Other:
- a cooler full of pop, juice, water, sandwiches and snacks
- folding lawn chairs
- helmets are usually mandatory, but steel toe boots and long sleeved shirts are also a good idea
- a portable AM/FM cassette player
- I've always wanted to try out the in-helmet communicators snowmobilers and motorcyclists use. Many times my friends have told me after the race, "Man, you should've done such 'n such," but it's hard to tell when you're out there. With the communicators, my buddies could spot for me from the stands.
Previous: Preparing the Body
