[SlowWhite]

Basically they'll check: Via Inspection, and then fallowed by test drive (they drive you're car to make sure everythings sounds, then you drive with an instructor in Shot Gun, to make sure you're not going to just go out there and get in an accident. After that you're on your own.

They check:
Steering
wheels
Lugs
Brakes
Battery
Pedal Pressure
Leaks (coolant/Oil, etc)
Shifter (I went once with a bad trany and the instructor had some comments but still let me run)

anyrate they are usually pretty good about letting people run. But the more modified your car the more they want to make sure you'll be safe as well as everyone else running on the coarse with you.