[John McMahon]

Kputz,

In addition to checking the venue, sactioning org, additional points to consider are:

- condition of the track ( is it green?)
- weather (see above)
- size of run groups
- run group guidelines (review issues at driver meeting...i.e. specifics regarding point bys for diff. conditions, arm restraints, etc)

- condition of car, full inspection before each event (bleed brakes, tires, safety wires, torque wheels, etc)

and most important....

- your personal condition (allergies? colds? sleeplessness? hangover (joke)

All these should come into play before you even get behind the wheel.

At the end of the first driving day, Lauren Fix (Driving Ambitions) used to tell all drivers, "You've drven the track all day today. You know what you did right and what you did wrong. Before going to sleep tonight, lie in bed and imagine driving two perfect laps, hitting all your marks, braking correctly, etc. Then go out tomorrow and drive those laps".

...another important point....

- leave the ego at home. This can be dangerous stuff, if you drive beyond your means, you WILL get in trouble. Use your head and don't worry about being passed by a "lesser car".