stuff i do for hdpe's.
thorough tech of your car before heading to the track
bring spares-alt belt, brake pads, etc.
tools-that you commonly use in your car
torque wrench-torque before each day begins
snacks & drinks-leave the caffinated products at home-a sports drink or water work fine. minimize alcohol the evening before-it dulls the brains ability to efficiently process the stuff you need to drive safely
end a session early if you are fatigued [i've done this before-better safe than sorry]. even had an instructor ask why, told him i didn't want to get 'behind' the car and was tired
ride with another instructor, ask an instructor to ride with you [if solo/advanced] to gain a different perspective on varying apexes, braking & entry points, etc. always the student!
i have a list of items i pack for each event [simply created a word document], that way i hopefully don't forget anything
develop and maintain a good scan [pilot stuff from my military days]. scan between gauges, mirrors, far in front & behind your car and closer to your car. this will help you to avoid potential problems and give greater reaction to others-also will help you be safer on the street
earlier someone said-'leave the ego home'. this is very important, you are there to learn and improve your skills-NOT to race [yes, i've been guilty of this-so this finger is pointed as well].
patience, if there is too much traffic-pull into the pits for a minute to let the 'train' go by. you're only going to become less patient and more prone to an incident if you don't.
practice 'off-line' turns. the perfect apex doesn't always present itself and learning an alternate way around the corner will come in handy some day [advice from a great instructor i had]
when lapping, i always keep in mind that i want to drive my little z home in the relative same condition i arrived there in [helps me to reign myself in when needed]
even if you think you know [whatever it is they're going over] the content of the drivers meeting-pay attention as if your life depends on it-IT DOES [i gaffed this once and learned the hard way...]
hope this helps!
re-read this sticky before you head to the track each time. we all forget and this is a great thread to help.