How to prepare your paddock awning for the final race weekends of the season

As the racing season draws to a close, every team wants to finish strong. The final race weekends can be among the busiest of the year, with unpredictable weather, packed schedules, and high expectations. While most of the focus goes into the cars and crew, your structures — like your GH Jumbo Windouts and Tech Tents — also deserve some attention. It plays a huge part in how efficiently you work and how professional your setup looks to everyone around you.

At The Awning Company, we design and manufacture bespoke motorsport awnings built here in the UK for teams who rely on performance and presentation. To help you make the most of your final race weekends, here are a few practical ways to prepare your awning before heading to the circuit.

Give it a full check and clean

After a season of use, every awning deserves a proper once-over. Set aside some time to inspect it from top to bottom. Look for small rips, worn seams or stretched fabric that might need repair. Examine poles, joints and fasteners to make sure they are still strong and straight.

Once you are confident everything is in good condition, give it a thorough clean. Use warm water and a mild detergent, then let every panel dry completely before storing it. Avoid packing anything damp, as even a small amount of moisture can lead to mould or bad odours later. This quick maintenance routine will help your awning last longer and look smarter when it is set up in the paddock.

Do a quick check before storing

Once the final race weekend is over and the awning has been cleaned, it is worth giving it one last check before packing it away for winter. Make sure all zips, Velcro and straps are in good condition and that every section of the frame is accounted for. It’s much easier to replace a missing pole or strap now than months later when the next season begins.

If you see any damage or wear on your awning, don’t hesitate to contact us for help or replacement parts. We make all our awnings in-house, so we can provide matching pieces to keep your setup in great shape for the new season.

Stay organised with your equipment

Good organisation makes setup faster and less stressful. Group similar items together and label storage bags or boxes so you can easily find what you need. Keep roof and wall panels separate from poles, connectors and accessories. Many of our motorsport customers use modular awnings with interchangeable panels and accessories. So, keeping everything clearly labelled helps you build exactly the configuration you need for each event.

Be ready for end of season weather

The last few races often bring unpredictable conditions. One weekend might be dry and bright while the next could be wet and windy. Make sure your awning is prepared for both. Check that your tie-down points and ballast weights are secure and ensure your roof pitch allows rainwater to drain freely.

If your awning has sidewalls, take a moment to line them up properly and check they close neatly. It’s amazing how much warmer it feels when the draughts are kept out. A bit of flooring or a few mats underfoot can make life easier too, it keeps things cleaner and just makes the space feel better to work in.

Lighting is worth a thought as well. Once the evenings start to draw in, a couple of decent LED lights make a huge difference. They brighten things up for any last-minute jobs and give the paddock a nice, professional feel after dark.

Prioritise safety and storage

Once the last race of the season is done, it’s tempting to pack everything away quickly and forget about it until next year. But taking a bit of care with how and where you store your awning makes a real difference to its lifespan.

The main thing is to keep it somewhere clean, dry and out of direct sunlight. A damp or unventilated space can cause the fabric to develop mould or odours, and constant exposure to UV light can fade or weaken the material over time. If you have the room, store panels flat or loosely folded rather than tightly packed. That helps prevent creases from setting in the fabric.

Keep the poles and framework together so you don’t have to hunt for parts next season. Many teams find it easiest to bundle frame sections by size and label them clearly. If you’re storing them in a garage or unit, lift them slightly off the floor to protect them from moisture or accidental knocks.

Before you finish, take a quick look through everything and note down any parts that might need replacing or upgrading. A few minutes spent now saves a lot of time when the new season comes around and you’re ready to get set up again.

Your awning works hard all year, so giving it a bit of care at the end of the season really pays off. When it’s stored properly and looked after, it’ll keep doing its job season after season, keeping the team comfortable, organised and looking sharp in the paddock.

If you’re thinking about upgrades or want to get your setup ready for next year, we’re always happy to help. Every awning we build here at The Awning Company is made to order in our Bolton factory, designed to be strong, practical and easy to use. Whether you need a few replacement parts or a completely new build, get in touch on 01204 544 900 or get a quote today, and we’ll help you plan what’s next!