Technical Inspection for Race Cars
VSCDA vintage racing involves historic and
vintage competition vehicles from many different forms of road racing worldwide and almost
an entire century of the sport. Since it is difficult to standardize all aspects of car
preparation, the following guidelines have evolved to insure basic safety and vehicle
integrity. Cars must be presented in a neat and finished condition. Cars shall be
prepared according to relevant SCCA or FIA General Competition Rules (GCRs) in effect up
to 5 years after the date of the car's manufacture, but not later than December 31, 1972.
Cars should be prepared in a racing configuration appropriate to the era of
their production. Modifications beyond the era of a car's production made for other than
safety reasons, may result in reclassification of Group.
VSCDA offers, and encourages the use of an
annual technical inspection, good for the calendar year from January to December providing
the car is raced at least every 3 months. The annual technical inspection covers both the
racecar and the driver's safety equipment. Once the technical inspection has been
completed, the driver will be issued two annual stickers, one for his helmet and one for
the racecar . The logbook will be stamped with the VSCDA Annual
Tech Stamp. The car will go through an inspection as described below once during the year
and then can be passed, upon presentation of the logbook together with the event's tech
sheet, at our events for the rest of the calendar year. Cars with an annual inspection
involved in an incident, must be re-teched before being allowed back on the track, and
have the annual inspection revalidated before use at subsequent events. If the car does not have an annual tech inspection, it must be presented
for tech at each VSCDA event it is entered in.
All vehicles must conform to the following:
Safety:
1. On board fire extinguishers are
mandatory and must be securely fastened inside the cockpit area. The extinguisher must be
Halon 1301 or 1211, minimum 2 pound, with a charge indicator. A 2 or 3 point Halon or AFFF system is highly recommended. An "E" emergency label must be on the outside of the vehicle to
indicate the location of the activation device.
2. A master electrical cutoff switch is
mandatory and must be clearly marked by the "lightning" bolt and be accessible
from outside the vehicle. When the switch is in the "off" position, the engine
must not be able to continue to run. It is mandatory that this
switch shall interrupt power and /or ground to the ignition system and also interrupt
power to the electric fuel pump, if so equipped.
3. Fuel cells are mandatory in all
race groups except pre-war. These must be of a type approved by FIA, SCCA, NASCAR, or
IMSA. The cell must be fully enclosed in a metal container with a
positive locking cap. The cell shall also incorporate foam inside a bladder. The cell
shall be vented to the atmosphere, though a check valve, to provide leakage protection in
the event of a rollover. The vent shall exit the vehicle outside the driver's compartment
and outside the fuel compartment. Fuel cells installed in a factory original tank position
must be verifiable upon inspection. The bottom of the cell shall have a minimum of 6"
ground clearance and be above the bottom of both wheel rims nearest the cell so that it
will be above ground in the event both of those tires should go flat, unless fully
enclosed within the bodywork. In GT and Production type cars, the bladder shall be
installed in a container of .036" steel, .059" aluminum or .125" Marlex
which fully surrounds the bladder. In Sports Racer and Formula cars, the fuel bladder
shall be completely surrounded by a container (which may also be part of the structure or
bodywork of the car) to ensure rigid and secure mounting of the bladder and provide
additional protection. A minimum of .036" steel or .059" aluminum is required
for all vehicles. Fuels shall not contain nitro-methane. Nitrous oxide use is prohibited.
4. Race vehicles, except pre-war,
must be equipped with roll bars or roll cages sufficient in structure and height to
protect the driver in the event of a rollover situation. This protection is preferably
constructed according to the latest SCCA requirements for the car weight and style. The
addition of safety equipment is encouraged or required as outlined above. However, such
equipment should not substantially alter the original character, style or spirit of the
car. In a closed car, a window net, preferably attached to the roll cage with
positive locating metal fasteners, should be installed. If this is impractical, or in an
open car, it is highly mandatory that the driver wear arm restraints. Arm restraints
are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended in Group 1, and open wheel single seat
cars.
5. Batteries must be securely
fastened and the hot terminal must be covered to prevent accidental contact with the
chassis in the event of rollover or crush damage. Batteries installed in other than
original location should be contained in a marine type box to prevent acid splash in the
event of a collision. All wiring shall be neatly run and secured to the structure of the
vehicle using wire ties, clamps etc.
6. All forms of fuel delivery
systems must have at least 2 throttle return springs for the accelerator linkage.
7.. All cars must be equipped with an
SCCA, IMSA, PSCR, USRRC, CART or NASCAR approved 5 point (minimum) driver restraint system
composed of a 3" wide lap belt, anti submarine strap or straps, and 2 inch wide (3"
wide strongly recommended) shoulder harness straps. Shoulder harness straps may
not be attached to the same point in a "Y" configuration. All straps must
be in excellent condition and securely attached to the frame, roll bar or cage, or
reinforced portion of the vehicle structure. It is strongly
recommended that the belt system not be more than 5 years old; however, this is not
mandatory since some of these cars only see one race a year and are kept in enclosed
garages which do not expose the belts to ultraviolet rays. Belts shall be judged on
condition. The tech inspector's judgment is final. They must
be in good condition (not frayed, excessively worn or faded) and must be made of nylon or
similar DOT approved material, preferably SFI 91 or newer. The minimum acceptable bolt
used in the mounting of all belts and harnesses is SAE Grade 5. (3"
shoulder harnerss with maximum age of 5 years is mandatory for Monoposto Register cars.)
8. A firewall composed of a
nonflammable material must separate the driver's compartment from the engine compartment
and another must separate the driver's compartment from the fuel tank. The preferably
metal bulkhead must have no open holes and all breaches must be plugged. In Formula cars
and Sports racers, the filler cap and neck are exempt from the bulkhead requirement.
Equipment
1. All cars must have mirrors that
provide driver visibility to the rear and both sides of the car.
2. All cars, except Formula Cars
(open wheel), must have two working red brake lights.
3. Formula cars must have a red
running light (rain light) visible to following cars. Formula cars may also have one red
brake light. (Formula cars must conform to Monoposto Register rules and
regulations.)
4. Catch tanks shall be installed to
receive and contain any possible overflow from engine, radiator, transmission,
differential, transaxle, or any engine oil supply breathers. Racecars may use only
plain water, water wetter and water pump lube in any liquid engine cooling system. No antifreeze or any other cooling system additive is allowed.
Oil and water catch tanks should be separate and a minimum of 1 quart each.
5. On board camera mounts must be
approved at technical inspection for security and integrity. Cameras must be encircled
with web strap or tie wraps to provide additional restraint for the existing screw in
camera mounting system. No bungee cords allowed. Camera mounting and security will be
checked again on the grid before each session.
6. Driver's helmets must have a 1990
SA or later Snell Foundation approval. No "M" helmets are allowed. There
are no exceptions to this rule. Effective
January 1, 2002, the driver's helmet must be a SA95 or later. Drivers of open cars must wear goggles or
full face shields. It is highly recommended that everyone wear a full-face shield. Drivers
should have their name, blood type and any allergies or special conditions on the back of
their helmets.
7. All drivers must wear a properly
fitted suit and underwear ensemble that consists of 2 or more layers of approved fire
protection material. A balaclava is required for all drivers who have either facial hair
or long hair. Modern, one piece, three layer suits are strongly recommended, and all suits
must display the appropriate labels, which allow tech inspectors to verify the suit to be
fire retardant. (Monoposto Register rules require 3 layers.)
8. Nomex or equivalent socks are
required. Driving shoes must have leather uppers, no rubber or nylon allowed.
9. Single layer Nomex gloves are
required. Leather palms are permitted, additional layers are strongly recommended.
10. Collars, helmet restraining
straps or other special equipment intended to increase driver protection, comfort, or
convenience are optional, however such equipment must be presented at tech inspection if
it is to be worn by the driver on the race course.
11. Signs of damage, breaches, torn
seams, tearing, or excessive wear evident on any or all of the above drivers equipment, to
the point of rendering such equipment ineffective in driver protection, is sufficient
grounds to fail technical inspection.
Preparation
1. Engine must be of manufacturer,
type and displacement as close as possible to the original engine type and specifications.
Modifications affecting power output are limited to those available before 1964, in the
case of Vintage Cars, and before 1973 in the case of Historic Cars. Modifications beyond
these limits may result in reclassification.
2. All steering and suspension
components shall be properly fitted with no excessive play or wear, and should be of the
correct original configuration, with no dragging or loose components. Wood rim Steering
wheels are not permitted. Pre-War cars for which no suitable alternative steering wheel is
available should be brought to the attention of the Chief of Tech prior to being presented
for technical inspection.
3. All folding tops, folding
windshields, sunroofs, removable tops, T-tops and tonneau covers must be securely mounted
or removed. All hoods, deck lids, and doors must be securely fastened. Modifications from
original competition configurations are not permitted. Racecars retaining original glass
or plastic headlamps and turn signals must have these covered or neatly taped over. Clear
tape over brake lights is highly recommended. Original equipment windscreens or
windshields must be of laminated safety glass construction. Strapping of windshield and
rear windows is strongly recommended on fixed roof vehicles.
4. Metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber
or any other "hard" tonneau cover is expressly forbidden due to potential
intrusion into the driver's inboard side. The only exceptions to this rule are
covers that incorporate the windshield and came as part of an original racecar such as in
"D" type Jaguars, Lotus XI Le Mans.
5. Wheels should meet original
specifications for diameter, width, and offset. Where original sizes are no longer
available, wheels of the same diameter, within 1/2" of the original width may be
substituted. The maximum wheel size allowed in Group 6, is 15" x 9". Any
change in construction material must be toward added strength, rather than lighter weight.
For safety reasons, modern replica wheels are recommended. Wheel balance weights should be
taped over for additional security to retain them. It is preferable to have open type lug
nuts so that thread engagement may be seen. The threaded portion of the mounting stud
should project through the lug nut for verification at a glance. If covered or
"acorn" style lug nuts are used, you may be asked to remove a lug nut so that
the thread engagement can be verified during tech inspection.
6. Tires should be as close as
possible in size, including tread width, section and diameter, to the original equipment.
Original racing type tires are preferred. The aspect ratio- height divided by
width- must be at least 60 percent for all Vintage cars and at least 50 percent for all
Historic Production based sports cars. All of the vintage and historic
production based racing cars must use tires with a full width molded tread pattern. All
group 6 cars must run on DOT approved, full width molded treaded racing tires. Fully
treaded original racing tires such as Goodyear Bluestreaks, and Dunlop or Avon racing
tires, tht predate DOT, are approved. Group 6 cars will run on tires of one of the
following listed sizes or less. P225/60/15, 245/60/15, 26.5x9.5/15, 27.5x9.0/15, L60x15,
8.00x15. Group 6 cars not conforming to these specifications will be moved to the
exhibition group, if available, or otherwise may not be allowed to run. Racing
slicks will be allowed only on cars in groups 5, 7, and 9, when used as a special group.
Drivers wishing to change from one type of tire to another, which results in possible
change of racing group, must consult with the Chief of Tech. This, of course, does not
involve the use of treaded rain tires on cars in groups 5, 7, and 9 in the event of
inclement weather.
7. Competition numbers must be
displayed neatly and so as to be legible by timing and scoring on both sides and the front
of the vehicle in a color that contrasts with the background. The assigned numbers must be displayed
on the car at the time it is presented for technical inspection. If you don't have the assigned numbers on the car
you will fail tech inspection and will not be issued a tech sticker. Numbers must be a
minimum of 8" high with a 1 1/2" minimum stroke. Rear end or rear deck numbers
are highly recommended, though not mandatory.
8. Exterior of the car shall
be kept as original and have a neat and finished appearance. Fender flares shall be as
original, if they were allowed in the era. Commercial
advertising is not allowed except for race series sponsorship specifically approved by the
VSCDA Board of Directors.
Sample Technical
Inspection Form
Please click here to download a Microsoft Word Document Version of the Technical
Inspection Form.
tform.doc (24k)
VSCDA Ltd.
Business Office - Judy Cull
3160 Thornapple River Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49546
tel: 616-949-8281
fax: 616-949-0191
email: vscda@iserv.net |
