Tips on carrying track gear back-and-forth with dogs...in a convertible?

[quirkynature]

Hi, everyone!

I'm looking to connect with some local (Boston-based) S550 owners and/or NE track regulars.

I moved recently from CA to MA and am looking to frequent MassTuning events, but have run into a logistical 'final boss' I could use some help with.

My car is a convertible with a 4-point roll bar. Because of the bar I'm finding it nigh impossible to fit all my track gear in the car.

Track gear includes -

• 4x 315/30/18 tires mounted on wheels
• Floor jack and 4x stands, 2x race ramps
• Cooler with drinks and snacks
• Tool bag (spare lug nuts, spacers, tire inflator and battery, impact and lug wrenches, helmet, etc.)
• 2 Chihuahuas in the passenger car seat (with their folding crate, foodies, blanket, and crate mat)
• (Optional) folding chair, 10 x 10 canopy with base weights and 'side wall'

I'm trying to avoid the "drive-on-the-track-tires" situation and was wondering if anyone was planning on also frequenting MassTuning events from near Boston?

If anyone has a truck/trailer and spare room for a set of wheels, I'm more than happy to cover gas/lunch for the day.

From everybody else - I'd greatly appreciate pointers on Tetrising everything in my car.

I'll be at Thompson Speedway spectating this weekend. If you see a guy roaming around with 2 Chis in a stroller - don't be shy, come say hi!

Thanks!
Sam

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[GTP]

I have my car pretty much Tetris-sized. But if I was in your situation I would look at the ~$500 Northern Tool aluminum trailer. Install a floor and wheel chocks/straps in front of the axle, and a big Pelican case, or equivalent, behind. And a hitch of course. You could even take a friend in addition to your dogs.

 

[m2016v6]

Leave half that shit at home.

 

[sk47]

Hello; Last late summer I was leaving Knoxville TN on East Emory drive. I saw a Mustang pulling a trailer. Turned out to be on the way to an area drag strip near Maynardville TN.
It was a small trailer set up to hold two drag slicks on a rack. Had a small crate like box which looked to have a couple of fuel containers. Probably held other stuff I could not see.
The Mustang and later a Dodge had such a trailer. I eventually figured it out due to the stickers and numbers painted on the glass. Also, i had to drive past the track on my way home.

 

[sk47]

Race Tire Trailer - Search Images
Hello; None of these images match what I saw exactly.

 

[EFI]

I do those quite often, and have a buddy with a truck and trailer that has some room also.

Where are you located? You should definitely try out the night shifts at Thompson, pretty wild the first time you drive at night under the lights.

TBH though, I stopped bringing alot of that crap to track days especially close ones and especially if I was only doing one day. Most people at these events are very friendly and lots of them have stocked trailers so if I ever need a tool I can borrow one easily. Obviously the dog stuff is different, but car related stuff can stay home unless it's specific to the Mustang itself.

 

[quirkynature]

I do those quite often, and have a buddy with a truck and trailer that has some room also.

Where are you located? You should definitely try out the night shifts at Thompson, pretty wild the first time you drive at night under the lights.

TBH though, I stopped bringing alot of that crap to track days especially close ones and especially if I was only doing one day. Most people at these events are very friendly and lots of them have stocked trailers so if I ever need a tool I can borrow one easily. Obviously the dog stuff is different, but car related stuff can stay home unless it's specific to the Mustang itself.

I'm short a buddy with extra cargo space - they stayed back in Cali. Woe is me.

I'm out in Dorchester. Not too far away from Boston.

I was at Thompson yesterday with MassTuning - very friendly people and got a great vibe, so I'll be joining once I have the logistics ironed out. Great cars, too!

I was curious about nightshift - will definitely try if I can!

All my track gear is generic, except maybe the lug nuts and spacers. I'll take your advice and cut down unnecessary stuff like the canopy and chair.

A couple people recommended trailers - I'm looking into it, but the cost of the trailer, hitch, wiring, labor, and maintenance (and storage) of the trailer is...off-putting.

Chances are I'll hire a pet sitter or look into boarding/daycare options, and not bring the pups to the track.

That'd let me remove the passenger seat and maaaaybe fit all 4 track wheels in the car...?

I appreciate everyone's input!

 

[EFI]

That'd let me remove the passenger seat and maaaaybe fit all 4 track wheels in the car...?

You should be able to, 1 in the trunk and 3 in the back seat. That leaves you some room in the trunk and front seat for gear.

 

[quirkynature]

You should be able to, 1 in the trunk and 3 in the back seat. That leaves you some room in the trunk and front seat for gear.

My backseat area is braced up with a Watson Racing roll bar (tracks won't allow my car in without one), so it'll hold maybe 1 wheel. The trunk may fit 1 in the spare wheel well, but getting it through the tiny convertible trunk will be interesting (convertibles' trunk opening is smaller than coupes').

Do I wish I'd gotten a coupe? Not one bit! Can't hear the gloriously sonorous engine with all that metal around you!

I'm expecting the 315 tires delivered next week, we'll find out who screwed I am fairly soon!

 

[wingnutt]

Maybe it’s just me…but I can’t fathom a bringing “dogs to the track” scenario. What does one do with said dogs when you blow out a driveshaft? Or pop a ring land? Maybe go into limp mode?

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