• Access to the track for dropping trailers is usually available the night before the event. Typically between 4 6PM. On event days, the track is open at 7 AM.
• On the morning of the event, Registration is available at the track between 7-8 AM. Depending upon the event, Registration is sometimes available the evening before. Check with the Registrar or Event Master.
• Drivers Meeting – MANDATORY- at 8 AM and lasts approximately 30 minutes. Plan your car prep accordingly.
• First run group is on the track at 9 AM or as early as local ordinance allows.
  Run groups are on the track 20-25 minutes per session. Seems short? It is tiring and you’ll get lots of track time.
• A one hour lunch break starts at noon. The most dangerous thing of the weekend is eating track food; it will kill you if eaten daily.
• Saturday afternoon at BIR we will take 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours to conduct Timed Runs for those interested (Time Trials). Lets you know how quickly or slowly you are moving around the track.
• Saturday afternoons at BIR we finish the day with a social hour of munchies and beverages and swap stories.

What is a run group?

• A group of 25 –30 drivers who share the track for 20-25 minutes. Sharing means NO racing. At Nord Stern, drivers are grouped by ability and similar speed around the track. We have 3-5 run groups depending on the number of drivers and the length of the track. Passing is limited and governed by a set of procedures.

Who are the people near the turns with the colorful flags?

• They are “Corner Workers” and they help keep things safe. You must look at them as you approach each “corner station" to look for flags.

What do the different flags mean?

• Green - the course is clear.
• Red - track closed. Stop in a safe place (off line, within sight of a corner worker). Await instructions from corner workers or event officials.
• Black - an infraction or a problem with your car. Pull onto pit lane and report to the starter or to the base of the tower.
• White - a slow moving vehicle is on the track, usually it is an emergency vehicle such as a tow truck. You can pass the vehicle with extreme caution.
• Yellow - caution, reduce speed and prepare to stop. No passing.
• Red and Yellow striped - debris is on the course. It is usually oil or gravel on the track.
• Blue with Yellow diagonal stripe - faster cars are approaching. Check your mirrors and be prepared to let the car behind you pass at the next passing zone.
• Checker - Session is finished. Pull into pit lane as directed. At BIR, this flag is typically displayed at turn 6.

Does my insurance cover my car?

• I do not know. Some companies do, others do not. If you are concerned about not having coverage then read your policy and talk with your agent or insurance company.

What should I bring?

• This is an outdoors event, rain, shine or snow so dress accordingly – the weather has been known to change.
• Driver’s clothes: long sleeve cotton shirt, closed-toe shoes and pants are required- no shorts while on track – no oil based clothing.
• Helmet - Snell rating 2000 or FIA approved helmet is required.
• Rain Gear (just in case Mother Nature doesn't cooperate).
• Suntan lotion (just in case Mother Nature over-cooperates).
• Warm clothes/Cool clothes - Hey, this is Minnesota!
• Hat, sun visor, sunglasses (the sun can be awfully bright).
• Wheel lock keys - if you have such.
• Tire pressure gauge get a good one (first timers can borrow).
• Rags and paper towels - you will need them.
• Brake pads especially if those on your car are not fresh – you’re better off having fresh pads & fluid.
  Ground cloth preferably waterproof to cover your belongings.
• Trash bags large size for storage and rain gear substitute.
• Oil - bring your type. Should have 10w-40, 15w-50 or 20w-50 in the car. You don't want to mix fluids.
  Lug wrench or preferably a torque wrench – if you have one.
• Duct tape - the all-purpose tool.
• Shop manual if you have one.
  Hand cleaner.
• Sponge and Ivory liquid - fact: clean cars go faster.
  Window cleaner - fact: if you can see where you are going, you can go faster.
• Toolbox and tools open-ended metric wrenches, 3/8 metric sockets and drive, screwdrivers, pliers, fuses, and knife are basic necessities.
• Camera and film