With my cars:

Verify glow starter function
Pull the starter cord a couple times to verify the engine still turns properly
Transmitter on
Receiver on
Verify throttle and steering function
Verify failsafe function
Fuel and prime it
Verify radio and failsafe again.
Verify antenna is up(I still run AM on my cars!!! [X(])
Trim in about 10% throttle, a fast idle just a schmidge above the clutch engagement point for my NTC3
Attach ignitor
Start engine
Remove ignitor, attach shell, trim idle back, have fun.


When I start the plane:

Verify ignitor function
Transmitter on
Receiver on
Verify each surface moves properly
Wiggle all channels at once, max deflection, high rates.
Verify each surface moves properly on high and low rates
Add fuel
Move throttle to WOT, plug carb with thumb, flip prop to prime engine
Reset throttle to about 15%, attach ignitor, flip it till it starts
Lower throttle to 0%, with throttle trim at it's highest. Engine should be idling smoothly. Remove ignitor.
Verify the motor runs right, then it's time to fly.

Shutdown procedure for the car:

Ahead of schedule shutdown:

Bring it into the pits
Remove shell
Let it idle for about 20 seconds or so
Remove pressure line from tank, then remove the fuel line from the tank. Hold the line up above the chassis.
Trim in some brakes, then wait for it to burn up what's in the line and shut off
Turn everything off, reattach the lines, and bring it in.
Once inside, drain tank back into fuel bottle, pop it on my lego car stand, and that's that.

On schedule shutdown:

Bring it into the pits
Remove shell
Trim in some brake
Let it run itself dry at idle, this normally takes less than 30 seconds since I watch the tank level like a hawk
Turn everything off, head inside, pop it on it's stand, and that's that.

Shutdown procedure for the plane:

Land, obviously.
Restrain aircraft, raise throttle to 10% or so
Throttle trim to minimum
Close throttle rapidly to kill the engine.
Empty the tank
Raise throttle back up to 10%
Restart it, let it burn what's left in the lines
Pack it up and head home.

As for a log book, I only feel the need to log whatever negative happens, and even then only until it has been corrected.