Brakes. Full fluid flush with DOT 4 fluid. Pads with at least 50% life left. If this is your first couple events and you are running street tires, just about any pad will do. As you get faster and add more aggressive tires, you will need better pads.
Tires. All matching brand/model and less than 4 years old. Do not skimp at all on your brakes and tires. They are the only thing keeping you from the wall.
Belts. If they are more than a couple of years old, spend the $25 and get new ones. It sucks to lose out on an event because you blew a belt.
Cooling system. Make sure it is completely up to par. It will be working harder than you have ever used it so if something is going to go, it will go at the track.
Seat belts. Seems like a no brained but I took my Coupe off the track because my passenger belt is sticky and doesn't retract like it should. I need to get a new one.
Helmet. Get a good one. Most clubs require a Snell 2010 rating at a minimum but will shortly require a 2015 rating. It's your brain. Take care of it. While talking about your brain, you need to keep yourself reliable during the event. Stay well hydrated with water or Gatorade like products. Avoid caffeine and carbonated products. If you are not peeing clear, you are not hydrated enough. Limit your alcohol consumption at night. I used to drink a few at night. My driving and concentration definitely suffered the next day. Now I have one, maybe two beers early and switch to water or Pepsi after that. I feel much better in the morning. Also get a good night sleep. Helps more than you know. You will be more tired than you think.
Notice I didn't mention anything about an intake or exhaust. "Upgrades" are not at all necessary for reliability. Skip them. If it's time for a new air or fuel filter, change them.
This is is by no means an exhaustive list but what came off the top of my head at 2:30 am.
1999 M Coupe Boston Green, Beige, H&R/Bilsteins, Underdrive Pulleys, Euro 6 speed, UUC SSK and Randy Forbes in the back
2002 2.5 Z3 roadster Oxford Green, auto, all stock
2013 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dually 385 HP, 850 ft lbs torque at 1600 rpm, all stock and staying that way
2004 Mini Cooper Chili Red, daily driver, modified almost daily
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