If you can't find anyone nearby to look at your car ahead of time (or, actually, even if you can), I've found the following to be of great help:
Print an extra copy of the rules in their entirety and, armed with a chisel-tipped Sharpie, go through every single line of the rules, slowly, while inspecting the car. If that line is finished (not almost finished, not sort-of finished, not "I'll remember to get back to that" finished, but absolutely finished and ready to race as-is), then completely mark out that line with the Sharpie. This is the best way I've found to catch overlooked items and to focus on what still needs to be done. Keep working on the car until no part of the rules remain showing. Some of the items can't really be crossed out until after you've reached the track and done your final prep (such as bringing a jack and jack stands to tech), but at least you'll know precisely what these points are and what you need in order to take care of them, because you haven't crossed them out yet.
It's not a guarantee but it does tend to limit the amount of last-minute corrections at the track due to procrastination, forgetfulness, or hasty reading.
1982 MG Metro 1300: IOE 2015 Pacific Northworst GP, Longest Distance 2010 Cd'L Box Wine Country Classic
1980 KV Mini 1: Worst of Show and Fright Pig Supremo 2009 Concours d'Lemons
1978 H Special: Second-Round Elimination 2010 Lemons Pinewood Derby at Sears Pointless
1967 SAAB 96: IOE 2012 Pacific Northworst GP, Organizer's Choice 2022 Hell on Wheels California Rally