Required: Brake Fluid Flush
Track driving, due to repeated aggressive high-speed braking, creates additional heat that gets soaked into various components of your braking system. Brakes convert forward momentum into heat by squeezing the rotor with the caliper, heating both components, brake pads, and brake fluid. Excessive heat can boil the fluid, creating air bubbles that make the brake pedal feel mushy and less responsive, potentially leading to complete brake failure at high speeds if the fluid keeps boiling. By replacing our stock fluid with fluids that have higher boiling points, we can prevent/delay our brake fluid from boiling. Luckily, flushing brake fluid is rather easy to do yourself and quick/cheap to do at a mechanics shop.

The typical recommendation for the E9X M3 platform: Castrol SRF (608*F dry boiling point) or Motul RBF-600/RBF-660 (594*F / 617*F).

You will likely see both dry and wet boiling points referenced in your research. Dry boiling point is when the fluid is fresh and has not soaked any moisture, while wet is the opposite (old, or previously boiled). For your first track day, focus on dry boiling point and cost.

My pick: Motul RBF-600, but all are good starter fluids (and can work up to advanced groups). Choose yours based on pricing, availability, or ability to use FCP Euro lifetime guarantee.

Required: Appropriate Brake Pads
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Required: Helmet
Depending on your club or HPDE organization, you will be required to bring or rent a helmet that complies with their Snell certification minimum. The club will clearly dictate their requirement and will check your helmet during inspection before being allowed on the track. The auto racing helmet industry typically uses the Snell rating system. SA2020 (and SA2025 starting October 2025) are the current latest safety designations. The SA prefix (which stands for Special Application) is used in karting and track auto racing, versus designations like M2020 which is for motorcycles. Typically, clubs will accept designations up to 10 years old (SA2020 is to be accepted until 2030). Popular helmet brands are Bell ($$), Stilo ($$$), Arai ($$$), G Force ($), and Simpson ($). It is recommended to go to a store and try them on, as the fitment and comfort will vary widely depending on headshape and brand. If you are purchasing online, popular marketplaces are www.summitracing.com and www.fastracer.com.

My pick:

Optional (Encouraged): Track Insurance

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