How to Prepare for Your Driving Experience

Pre-Event Preparation

Come join Gary Curtis and his team of expert performance driving instructors at the DCTC track in Rosemount, MN for an unforgettable day of high-speed action and adrenaline. You will be driving your own vehicle for the event, but don't worry if you do not have a sports car or high performance race car. Our highly trained instructors will be explaining how to improve your driving skills, at the same time testing your vehicle's capabilities, and instructing you on how to become a more competent driver on the track and on the street.

You will be assigned to one of three run classes so you will be on track with drivers that have similar capabilities. As your skills improve, you will be able to move up into the other classes.

Check out our schedule below and come join us for some pure fun at the track.

For safety reasons, convertibles are not allowed on the track unless they have a qualified ROP (roll-over protection) system or steel roll cage installed. We reserve the right to inspect any ROP system or roll cage prior to allowing the vehicle on the track.

UPDATE: We will continue our partnership with Impulse-Performance in 2024 and am EXCITED to add Apex The Plains to our group for some of our events this year at DCTC.

Self Prep

Important note: There are limited indoor facilities directly adjacent to the track and paddock area. Ensure you bring appropriate seasonal clothing for this outdoor event.

Helmet - Mandatory for anyone on track and in vehicle. If you do not own a helmet, we have helmets available for use at no charge.
Comfortable Clothing/Rain Gear/Jacket
Flat Soled Shoes for better pedal feel
Tire Gauge
Automotive Supplies (Garage Space not Available at DCTC)
Water/ Snacks
Sunscreen

Vehicle Prep

Important note: If you do not feel comfortable or have experience checking the items yourself, take your car to a reputable auto shop to have a qualified mechanic inspect your car before coming to the track. We highly recommend Impulse-Performance, our PDS partner. www.impulse-performance.com

Tires

Your car does everything – acceleration, braking, and cornering- through the tires. Because of this, your tires must be in good condition. Your tires should not have any cord showing, and because the events will run in almost any weather (rain or dry), they should have good tread on them.
Brakes

Your car should have adequate brake pads, good-condition rotors, and fresh brake fluid. Different tracks and driving styles will create different demands on the brakes so you may realize later that you can get a few events on a set of brake pads, but for your first time, they should not be worn down more than 50%. It is recommended that you stop by your preferred shop and have them do an inspection.
Fluids

Your car will run at higher speeds generating more heat and stress, so you want to make sure that your oil, power steering fluid, coolant, and other fluids are all fresh and topped off.
Suspension

You will want to ensure that your suspension is in good working order. Ball joints should not be worn out, and shocks and struts should not be leaking or "blown out." Nothing should be loose or clunking.

A great test is to pull and push on each wheel and see if anything moves or if you hear any clunks or bangs.

Engine

You do not need to add racing parts or be concerned with horsepower, but you do want your engine in good condition with no fluid leaks. If you have gotten regular maintenance concerning tune-ups and replacing any needed seals and gaskets, your engine should be ready to go. While you're looking under the hood (or maybe in the trunk, depending on your car) you want to ensure that your battery is secure and cannot slide or flop about. Factory hold down is best – flexible or brittle items like bungee cords or zip ties are unacceptable.
Convertibles

For safety reasons, convertibles are not allowed on the track unless they have a qualified ROP (roll-over protection) system or steel roll cage installed. We reserve the right to inspect any ROP system or roll cage prior to allowing the vehicle on the track.
General Items

You should make sure your car is cleaned out – loose items under your seat or sliding around in the trunk can be distracting and dangerous. Your driver's side floor mat should come out. It is a great idea to bring a plastic bin or two to put your loose items in while your car is on the track.