HPDE Tech Inspection Checklist for Your First Track Day

HPDE tech inspection is the last gate between you and your first track day. It isn't meant to catch you out. It's a quick check that your car won't drop fluid on the racing line, lose a wheel, or throw a loose battery or water bottle around the cabin. A well-maintained street car can usually pass without special parts if you prepare ahead of time.

The catch is that every organizer has its own form. This checklist is built from real 2026 tech sheets: NASA's HPDE/Time Trial Technical Inspection Form, SCCA Time Trials' national safety rules, and Track Night in America event sheets. Where they differ, we say so, and we name whose rule it is. Always use your event's current form.

What HPDE Tech Inspection Is

Tech inspection has two parts: you check the car, and an inspector checks your work. NASA's form tells drivers to "inspect each item on the car as listed" before arriving, and says "Making sure your car is track ready is your responsibility." You sign a line saying you've inspected the vehicle and "take full responsibility for its condition on the track." Then an inspector reviews the car and stamps the form. The Track Night in America (TNiA) sheets work the same way, with the entrant signing that they've inspected the car.

Some organizers allow annual inspections. SCCA Time Trials' national safety rules allow annual vehicle inspections and annual helmet stickers, but you still turn in a tech form at each event. Other events inspect every car every time. Check your registration email.

Brakes: Pads, Fluid and Pedal

Brakes get the most attention at tech, and every form we reviewed checks them.

• Pads. SCCA Time Trials says pads "should not be more than 50% worn at the start of an event and should not ever be more than 85% worn during competition." The TNiA Atlanta sheet asks for pads "less than half worn." Street pads can overheat on track, so many first-timers fit a track-capable pad. Our PowerStop Track Day vs Track Day SPEC comparison covers one popular option, and you can shop PowerStop.
• Fluid. NASA checks fluid level. SCCA TT says brake fluid "must be clean and full (DOT 4 recommended)", and TNiA's sheet asks for clear fluid and a full reservoir. Old fluid that's absorbed moisture boils sooner, which shows up as a soft pedal mid-session. Our brake fluid guide explains boiling points.
• Pedal, lines and lights. NASA checks pedal pressure, brake line condition and brake lights. SCCA TT requires at least one working brake light, no brake fluid leaks, and rotors "without cracks or discoloration."

Wheels and Tires

NASA's form checks tire condition, "all lug nuts present & tight," and "no hubcaps or beauty rings." SCCA Time Trials adds tires with adequate tread and speed rating, lug nuts "torqued to spec," and wheels with no cracks.

Before the event:

• Torque every lug nut to your car's factory spec. Bring the torque wrench, because many drivers re-check lugs during the day.
• Pull hubcaps and trim rings at home.
• Inspect tires for cords, bulges, cuts and badly worn shoulders.
• Check wheel bearings and steering. NASA and SCCA TT both look for play. With the wheel off the ground, grab it at the top and bottom and rock it.

Under the Hood

NASA, SCCA Time Trials and the TNiA sheets all single out the battery, so check it twice.

• Battery hold-down. NASA's form says "battery secured (no bungees)." SCCA Time Trials says: "Battery must be secured, and battery terminals covered. (Note: flexible battery hold-downs, such as bungee cords/straps, are not acceptable.)"
• Terminals. NASA, SCCA TT and the TNiA sheets all require battery terminals to be covered.
• Leaks and overflow. NASA checks for oil, fuel and water leaks, plus the radiator overflow and hoses. SCCA TT wants fluids at the correct level, caps tight, overflow containers present, and no leaks.
• Throttle. SCCA TT: "Throttle must have a quick, positive return." TNiA's sheet has the same line.

If your car runs hot on the street, fix it before the event. Our overheating guide explains why.

Cockpit: Empty Car, Seats, Belts and Helmet

Empty the car. NASA's form says: "No loose objects in car or trunk. Remove spare tire, jack, floor mats, dash mats, paper, etc." SCCA Time Trials says the interior and trunk must be emptied, including floor mats not secured by clips. Anything loose becomes a projectile under hard braking.

Seats and belts. NASA checks that seats are bolted tight and that you have seat belts or a harness. If you run a harness, NASA's form requires it be "threaded 3X" with safety clips or wire. SCCA Time Trials Level 1 calls for factory seats, securely mounted, and 3-point belts. TNiA's NJMP sheet bans 4-point harnesses and says aftermarket harnesses must be current (SFI within 2 years, FIA within 5). Our harness install guide covers mounting.

Helmet. This rule varies most between organizers:

• NASA HPDE/TT form 2026.1: "Snell SA2010+ or M2010+."
• SCCA Time Trials, Level 1: the latest or two preceding Snell standards (SA and M), plus listed SFI and FIA standards.
• Track Night in America rules: helmets "meeting the most current or the two most recent applicable Snell, FIA, or SFI standards." The TNiA Atlanta 2026 sheet says "Snell SA2020, SA2025, or FIA," and the NJMP sheet says "SA2020 or SA2025."

NASA regions and individual events can be stricter than the national form, so check your region's supplemental rules and your event page too.

If you're buying a helmet, an SA2020 or SA2025 meets every rule listed above. Our helmet guide explains the ratings.

What to Bring on Your First Track Day

Beyond the car and a helmet that meets your event's rule:

• Your organizer's tech form, filled out and signed. NASA asks you to complete the top portion before seeing the inspector.
• Numbers, if required. NASA's form says to put numbers on both sides of the car, at least 10 inches tall, in a contrasting color. Painter's tape works.
• Clothing. SCCA TT Level 1 requires "Shoes covering the entire foot." TNiA's rules say close-toed shoes and a helmet are required, and note that some tracks require long sleeves and pants. NASA's HPDE form says "A Nomex suit is highly recommended." Our SFI ratings guide explains gear ratings.
• Tools: torque wrench and socket, tire pressure gauge, a bottle of your brake fluid (sealed), a funnel, rags and zip ties.
• Camera mount: SCCA TT requires cameras be securely mounted, and TNiA requires solid mounts, with a secondary tether for suction mounts.
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and a chair.

If your car is low, Race Ramps make paddock checks easier.

After the Event

A track day uses up consumables faster than months of street driving. Before you drive the car hard on the street again:

• Measure pad thickness and inspect the rotors for cracks.
• Consider flushing brake fluid, especially if the pedal went soft.
• Re-torque lug nuts and check tires for wear and damage.
• Look under the car for fresh leaks.
• Write down what you'll fix before the next event.

Then plan upgrades in the right order. Our street car to track car guide lays it out.

Common Questions

What do they check at HPDE tech inspection?

It depends on the organizer, but the 2026 NASA HPDE/TT form and SCCA Time Trials rules cover similar ground: brake pads, fluid, pedal and lights; tire condition, lug nuts and hubcaps; wheel bearings and steering play; leaks, radiator overflow, and a battery that's secured (no bungees) with covered terminals; an empty interior; seats and belts; and an approved helmet. Your event's form is the final word.

Do I need new brake pads for my first track day?

Not necessarily, but they need enough material. SCCA Time Trials says pads shouldn't be more than 50% worn at the start of an event, and TNiA's Atlanta sheet asks for pads less than half worn. Street pads can overheat on track, so many drivers fit a track-capable pad before their first event. Bed them in beforehand and bring the old set home.

Can I use a lithium battery at a track day?

Check your organizer's rules. NASA's 2026 HPDE/TT form requires a covered battery if it's inside the cockpit, and says "lithium ion must be outside of cockpit." Wherever it's mounted, the battery must be secured without bungees, with terminals covered, per NASA and SCCA Time Trials. Other organizers may treat lithium batteries differently, so ask before you go. Our lithium vs lead-acid guide covers the tradeoffs.

What helmet do I need for HPDE?

It depends on the event. NASA's 2026 HPDE/TT form accepts "Snell SA2010+ or M2010+." SCCA Time Trials accepts the latest or two preceding Snell standards plus listed SFI and FIA standards. The TNiA Atlanta and NJMP 2026 sheets require SA2020 or SA2025 (Atlanta also accepts FIA). An SA2020 or SA2025 helmet meets all of those. Always check the label against your event's current rule.

What should I wear to a track day?

Follow your organizer. SCCA Time Trials Level 1 requires shoes covering the entire foot. TNiA requires close-toed shoes and says some tracks require long sleeves and pants. NASA's HPDE form says a Nomex suit is highly recommended. Cotton long sleeves and pants, thin-soled closed shoes and driving gloves are a sensible start. For fire-rated gear, see our SFI ratings guide.

Does autocross tech inspection differ?

It can. Autocross organizers set their own tech rules, and we haven't summarized SCCA Solo or other autocross rulebooks here, so use your event's tech form and check its current rules. Preparing the basics in this checklist (a secure battery, torqued lug nuts, an empty car and an approved helmet) is good practice either way. If you move up to HPDE, expect the checks in this guide.