Following is advise from Roger Davis (Club Cranky) on running track events. I agree with most of it and did not think he would mind if I copied it here
"If you are just getting started in running Open Track with your Cobra here are some things you should know,have and do.
1. go over car and tighten every nut and bolt.
2.replace your brake fluid with high temp brake fluid. If you have
synthetic fluid , flush it out completely. Don't argue about this. We are right.
synthetic is for street/show cars.
3.You must have at the minimum a rollbar that is at least 2" over the top of your head with helmet on. A full width rollbar is preferred if you want any in car istruction. The learning curve is much longer if you do lead follow type instructions.
4.Install new brake pads if more than 1/2 worn out.Adjust brakes for full pedal.
5.Repack front wheel bearings.
6.Install two throttle return springs.
7.Install radiator overflow catch can.
8.Retorque all lug nuts. If you have pin drives, safety wire the spinner.
9.Make sure radiator hoses are in good condition
10.Repair any
oil leaks, nobody wants to spin out in your
oil.
11.Make sure battery is secure (no bungies) and terminals are covered.
12.Make sure brake lights are working.
13.Make sure you have at least a four point harness(5 is preffered) in good condition.
14. Have a good full face helmet at least a SA 95 .
15. Have arm restraints in any Open top car.
16.Have cotton long sleeve shirt and full leg pants(no shorts). A fireproof driving suit is preffered.
17.Make sure your gas cap seals in case of rollover. Some of the Cobra fliptops do not seal properly. A temp fix is a tennis ball under the cap on top of filler pipe. Safety wire cap.
18. Most important rule for first time Cobra Drivers.Leave Cobra superiority attitude at home. You will quickley learn that all that HP you have under the hood is no substitute for driving experience. You will be passed by more experienced drivers in cars with 1/4 the HP you have. Once you get some track experience you can go back and pass those guys but for the first time out you just want to get the feel for the track and you want to learn your car.
Forget everything you have ever read on the internet about the Cobras being the fastest car in the world and don't get too upset when the Miata of VW goes blowing by you into the corners.
I have seen way too many guys with Cobras and other high powered cars who were going to break the track record the first time out only to set the record for fastest to ride back on the rolloff.
Club Cranky members, Joe Rodomista (McFIA) and Don Durner(McFEz)in Cobras will be passing just about everybody on the track but remember these guys have many years experience and at one time they too were beginners.
So get those cars ready and sign up for the next event and get started on having more fun in your car than you can imagine.
You have to know this flag stuff. There will be a test .......
Flags are used to communicate to the drivers. Flags may be used to warn drivers of changing conditions, a problem ahead, a faster car behind or the end of a session. It is imperative that all drivers commit the meanings of all flags to memory. A simple rule of thumb is that a waved flag indicates a more serious problem than a stationary one. Two waved flags indicate an increased level of seriousness. TC has seen three at an HSR event.
GREEN FLAG - The track is open and clear for use. This flag will be displayed for one lap after the caution flag has been shown.
YELLOW FLAG - The YELLOW flag, also known as the CAUTION flag, will be displayed for the first lap of the first open lapping session for each run group. No passing is allowed whenever the YELLOW flag is displayed. If the flag is waved it indicates that there is a serious problem just ahead, possibly a car or other obstruction on track. Slow down, and proceed with caution! Don't wear a yellow shirt and jump around near a corner worker station like Dave Crace did.
RED FLAG - This flag means something major has happened, and the track is being shut down. When red is displayed, the first thing you should do is look in your mirrors. Then apply your brakes smoothly and firmly until you come to a stop. Stay in your car where you are and you will be advised by someone (a corner worker or TracQuest official) when you may proceed. Remember, stay in your car!!! We do not want to see a red flag.
BLACK FLAG
Black Open - This flag means there is a problem with your driving and/or car. Slow down and come into the pits and stop in the hot pits at Start/Finish to talk to the Pre-grid controller. If you are not sure if the black flag is meant for you, it is still prudent to come in and check with the Pre-grid controller. If a black flag is shown at all corners slow down and come into the pits.
Black, Furled - If this Black Flag is pointed at you, it's a WARNING that you broke a rule or drove unsafely. Don't do it again! Stay out on track and behave yourself !
BLACK FLAG / ORANGE BALL - This flag, sometimes called the MEATBALL flag, means that the turn workers have noticed a problem with your car. Proceed around to the pit exit, exit the track and talk to the Pre-grid controller at Start/Finish about your mechanical problem. TC had beer cans blowing out of the windows and got meatballed once. Clean your car out before you go on the track. Do not spill fluids on the track. Use catch cans.
BLUE FLAG - This flag, commonly called the PASSING flag, means that you are being overtaken by cars that are faster than you in the corners, even if you may be much faster on the straights. When you see this flag, look in your mirrors. Signal and allow faster cars behind you to pass at the next passing zone. And remember: if a car is right behind you, he/she is probably faster than you - Scotty didn't just beam him in there!
WHITE FLAG - This flag indicates that there is an ambulance or slow moving vehicle on the track, which could be moving in the same direction or the opposite direction. Please be on the lookout for it. You may pass the vehicle carefully when you come upon it. If the flag is waved, this vehicle is just ahead; slow down.
YELLOW FLAG with RED STRIPES - Referred to as the
OIL flag or DEBRIS flag, this flag indicates oil or debris on the track, or slippery conditions. The flag will be waved at the location of the problem for one or two laps. Caution throughout the session is recommended. Just because the flag isn't being waved throughout the rest of your session doesn't mean the problem has gone away.
CHECKERED FLAG - This flag means the driving session is over. Slow down and allow your car to cool down. Exit the track at the end of the lap. This flag will be displayed at Start/Finish only. Passing after the checkered flag is not recommended, unless you need to keep your tires hot in order to use a pyrometer. DO NOT BLOW THE CHECKERED FLAG!! Aside from being black flagged, you will know that 20-25 other cars are sitting there at Pre-grid, waiting for their session to begin, watching you go around the track BY YOURSELF!
Hope to see you at an event soon.
Roger Davis aka Cranky