A method of leveling a machine on a support surface includes supporting the machine on the support surface, the machine including multiple load-bearing supports, and inserting a stack of support plates underneath a load-bearing support of the multiple load-bearing supports, the stack of support plates having an area and a strength that are sufficient to support the machine. The stack of support plates includes a first plate that includes multiple projections that extend outward from a bottom surface of the first plate and a second plate that includes multiple recesses that extend inward from a top surface of the second plate, the multiple recesses being sized to receive the multiple projections, respectively, and multiple grooves disposed along respective edges of the top surface. When the first plate is stacked adjacent the second plate, the first and second plates bear against each other to support a load of the machine.

An apparatus facilitating packing of a racecar parachute using a pilot chute launcher, the apparatus comprised of a slotted metal plate, a pair of notched tabs, and a pair of extensions selected to removably couple with the notched tabs and the plate. In use, the notched tabs, notched sides facing away from one another, are positioned and affixed to opposing sides of a parachute bag bottom plate. The parachute and pilot chute launcher are packed into the parachute bag. The extensions are inserted into opposing slots on the plate, and by engaging the extensions with the notched tabs, the pilot chute launcher is compressed. A top and a bottom flap of the parachute bag is secured over the plate in a usual fashion. The extensions and the plate are sequentially removed, and the parachute is continued to be packed in the usual fashion.