Preparing Your Mustang for a Day at the Race Track

From high revs to the throaty growl of a Coyote engine, pushing your car to its limits on the track just hits different from everyday driving. 

Preparation for a day at the race track is key – whether you’re driving a souped-up Fox Body or the modern Mach 1 Mustang. Track days aren't just about fun; they're about precision, performance, and protecting your investment.

Before you take your pony to the track, taking the time to inspect critical components and perform some routine maintenance will ensure you can tackle sharp turns and high speeds safely. In this article, we’ll go over five essential areas that relate to prepping your Mustang for race day: suspension, tires, brakes, fluids, and spark blogs and bolts.

We’ll look at which Mustang parts need the most attention before and after high-performance drives and give you a checklist that includes track-day equipment every driver should have.

First, let’s look at two common questions:

• Can a Mustang be a track car? Ford has made a handful of Mustangs built specifically for racing, including the aggressive 2024 Dark Horse. Beyond that, Coyote engine modifications and other upgrades can make just about any Mustang track-capable. 
• How long should you let your Mustang warm up? This comes down to personal preference but with a modern engine, the warm-up time is relatively short (around 30 seconds). Some owners say they let their Mustang idle for several minutes before driving – especially in a cold climate – but conscientious driving after you crank it up will bring the car to temp far faster.

How Do I Prepare My Car For a Track Day?

Pre-race inspection and maintenance will set you up for an exhilarating run in the safest manner possible. Here are the five recommended areas to always include:

1. Suspension Components

Every turn counts and your Mustang’s suspension is the workhorse of handling and cornering performance. On the track, if you have a suspension flaw, you’ll feel it quickly. 

You may even want to splurge for aftermarket suspension upgrades like coilovers or sway bars that will give you stiffer handling and control. These Mustang parts can be just as important as interior cages and bars when it comes to your safety.

Here's how to ensure everything is secure in a pre-race inspection:

• Check for wear: Inspect suspension bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links for any signs of wear or cracking. If parts look worn out, consider replacing them before heading to the track.
• Tighten all bolts: High-speed driving can cause bolts to loosen over time. Inspect the control arms, sway bars, and mounting points for any loose bolts, and tighten everything to manufacturer specifications. Pay particular attention to the strut mounts and control arms, which take a lot of stress during track sessions.

2. Tires and Wheels

If you’re serious about improving your track performance, switching to track-ready tires (such as DOT-approved competition tires) will provide better grip, improved cornering, and more stability at high speeds. Keep in mind, track tires generally wear faster than street tires so put this on your list of change-outs before and after competition.

Before loading your Mustang on the trailer or driving it to the track, here’s what to check:

• Inspect for wear: Look for tread wear, cracks, or bulges on tires, and check your Mustang wheel condition. Check the tread depth to ensure it’s within a safe range for high-speed driving.
• Proper inflation: The track demands different tire pressures than your daily driving. Consult your tire manufacturer or a performance specialist for recommended track-day tire pressures. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can compromise grip and reduce handling precision. 

3. Brake Pads and Lines

While your focus is on speed, you’ll have to come to a stop sometime! Plus, brake performance can be the difference between a great lap or a lackluster finish. On the track, you’re punishing your brakes – so take the time before a race to check on this area:

• Inspect brake pads: Make sure there’s enough material left to handle the high-speed braking demands of the track. Performance brake pads designed for higher temperatures are a smart investment if you're regularly tracking your Mustang.
• Check brake fluid: Braking generates significant heat, which can lead to brake fade if your fluid isn’t up to the task. Consider upgrading to a high-temperature brake fluid to avoid overheating. Always check the brake fluid level before heading to the track and top off if necessary.
• Inspect brake lines: Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks. A track day will expose any weak spots, so it’s critical to address any potential issues before they become dangerous.

4. Fluids

For the most part, fluid checks and changes should follow the same regimen as your daily driver although you may want to inspect levels and condition more often on a Mustang you’re racing. Here’s what to look for:

• Engine oil: Keep an eye on your oil level to make sure your engine isn’t burning oil. A high-performance oil designed for track conditions is engineered to withstand the higher temperatures generated during track driving.
• Transmission fluid: Transmission fluid is just as important as engine oil, especially when it comes to preventing overheating. For automatic transmissions, check the fluid while the car is running and warm. For manuals, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to check the fluid level.
• Coolant: Check the coolant level and make sure there are no leaks in the system. High-performance driving can increase engine temperatures, so this is an important check. You might also want to consider using a performance-grade coolant designed for higher heat conditions.

5. Bolts and Spark Plugs

These two components don’t correlate but we’re listing them together as each prep item will take a short amount of time and it’s good to remember both. Here’s what to know:

• Inspect spark plugs: You require your engine to operate at peak efficiency, and spark plugs are crucial to proper combustion. Pull the spark plugs and inspect for wear or damage. High-performance plugs may offer better heat resistance and durability.
• Tighten bolts: High-speed driving can loosen bolts, especially in critical areas like the suspension, engine mounts, and wheels. Make sure to torque the lug nuts to the proper spec and inspect all key areas for loose or worn-out bolts. A secure chassis will ensure better handling and fewer surprises on the track.

Safety Gear and Pre-Race Checklist

Before you hit the track, run through a final pre-race checklist. Make sure you have all the essential tools, spare parts, and emergency supplies packed and ready to go. At a minimum, this should include:

Helmet

Gloves

Fire extinguisher

Safety harnesses

Driving shoes

Roll bar padding

Safety glasses

Neck collar

Ear protection

Start Your Engines at Wade’s Motorsports

While proper race gear and Mustang upgrades will come from aftermarket manufacturers, you should prioritize buying OEM parts for a wide array of components relative to repairs and replacement. Using high-quality, tested OEM Mustang parts ensures peak performance and fitment. At Wade’s Motorsports, we carry a large inventory of Mustang parts and OEM parts for F-150s and Camaros. 

Want to keep your pony running at its best? Check our online inventory or call or email us today! We’ll be glad to help you find what you’re looking for and answer any questions.