Tech Information

Brakes

Brakes will be tested for pedal height and fade when the car is stationary. Brake fluid level will be checked. Fluid should be fresh (less than 6 months old). Pads must be in good shape and be free of worn spots, warped backing plates, or cracking in the friction material. Brake lights will be checked and must be working properly on all cars.  

Driver Safety

Loose objects in the passenger compartment and trunk must be removed or secured. No hand-held cameras will be allowed. Sun roofs and T-tops must be closed. All convertibles must run with the tops down. Window nets or arm restraints are recommended. Arms must be kept in the passenger compartment and cannot be rested on the window frame. Windows must be open at all times while the car is on course.  

Roll Bars

Roll bars must be made of materials sufficiently strong to support the weight of the car in a rollover. Decorative “dress bars” made of thin wall exhaust tubing or conduit do not provide adequate rollover protection.  

Seat Belts and Harnesses

Seat belts are required for the driver and any passengers. “A” group requires minimum 4 point harnesses, for both driver and passengers, except on cars with factory-equipped airbags. All belts must be in good shape with no signs of fraying or wear, and must be firmly mounted with a solid metallic connection to the rollbar or chassis. Obviously sun-damaged, old webbing will not be allowed. Webbing must be relatively fresh. Any stretch marks will render harnesses unsafe.  

Clothing

Full coverage single-layer fire-retardant driving suits and gloves (Nomex or equivalent) are required for drivers and passengers in the “A” group. Driver’s suits must be presented with the car at the Tech Inspection. Full coverage 100% cotton shirts and pants are required for “B” and “C” groups. No tank tops or shorts are allowed for either drivers or passengers. Full coverage footwear is required for all drivers and passengers in all run groups.  

Helmets

Helmets must meet one of the following Snell ratings: SA95, M95, SA2000, M2000, SA2005, or M2005. “A” group requires SA2000 (this is a change from previous years). Helmets showing external damage, chin strap fray, ing or wear, or missing the Snell sticker in the lining will not be allowed. Inspection stickers will be issued for all helmets at the drivers meeting.  

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher (2.5lb minimum) must be firmly mounted to solid metallic structure in a metal bracket, and be within easy reach of the driver for all Group A cars. Both dry chemical and Halon types are acceptable. Integral fire systems may be substituted.

Engine Compartment

No car will be permitted on course with fluid leaks. This check will be made with the engine running. Radiators and oil recovery systems must have a catch tank to retain overflow. Fuel lines will be checked for proper mounting and excessive play. Factory PCV systems and coolant recovery systems are considered adequate substitutes for catch tanks for these systems. Two throttle return springs are required.  

Battery

The battery must be securely mounted, and must have the positive terminal covered, either with a factory boot or with tape. The original factory bracket is acceptable. Cars with batteries in the interior must use a marine-style battery box or its equivalent with a closeable lid, and a metal-to-metal mounting bracket.  

Steering and Front Suspension

The steering and front suspension must not have excessive looseness in any of the wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rods, or control arm bushings. These will be checked with the front end supported on a jack.  

Tires

Tread and sidewalls will be checked for wear past safe limits, cuts, bruises, and deterioration. Street tires much have an H or better speed rating and a minimum of 3/32" tread. Shaved race tires must have discernible tread.  

Wheels

All wheels must be on tight and have no visible cracks or structural damage. Wire wheels must have no missing or loose spokes. Lug nuts and studs must be in good condition and have a minimum of 3/8" thread engagement. Locking lug nuts are prohibited. Owners may be requested to remove a lug nut from each wheel to check the thread engagement and studs. All removable wheel trim (trim rings, hubcaps) must be removed.  

Mirrors

Cars must be equipped with functional and properly adjusted center and driver’s side rear view mirrors.  

Numbers

Each car shall have an assigned number. This number must be displayed on the car at all times while on the track. It must be displayed on both sides at a minimum, and an additional location on the hood is recommended. The digits must be at least 10" high with a 1" wide stroke, and be in a strongly contrasting color to the color of the car. Shoe polish on the windows will not be permitted.  

Taping of Headlights

All glass headlights must be taped to retain the glass in case of an incident, including Pantera headlights which are contained in closed headlight buckets. Plastic aero-style headlights, and plastic taillights, need not be taped.  

Tech Sheet

Each car will have a completed and signed Tech Sheet before being allowed onto the track. No deficiencies in the car’s preparation will be allowed. The Tech Sheet must be presented at the track to obtain the tech sticker that allows your car on course.  

The whole idea of the Open Track event is to have fun, safely. The safe part has to come before the fun part. So please check all these items carefully before you head out to tech your car. It will make the inspector’s job much easier, and both he and your fellow participants will appreciate it greatly.