Its the responsibility of the event organization to assign a Chief Tech Inspector or the Chief Technical Inspector to insure that vehicles comply with rules and regulations of the organization, event, and the facility (and often times the state, NJMP as an example).
The Tech Inspector(s) or the Chief Technical Inspector must approve every vehicle before it competes. A driver or entrant whose vehicle is not approved and who subsequently competes or who presents it for recheck without the corrections specified may be penalized or removed from the event for being deemed “Unsafe.”
In the case of some organizations, Annual Inspection’s are are an option for many participants. A vehicle must have full and complete Annual Technical Inspection by a certified tech inspector once a year (every 12 months). If the vehicle passes the inspection, the tech inspector enters the related safety data (for example: the date of the safety harness expiration, or other safety equipment, in the organizations Tech Logbook. The driver’s safety equipment (helmet, hans, race suits, shoes, etc) does not have to be inspected at the same time the vehicle is inspected, but it must be inspected by or at the driver’s first event of each calendar year. An Annual Tech expiring on an event weekend is valid for the full weekend.
Pre-Event Inspections
Throughout the racing season, the Tech Inspectors are encouraged to perform regular re-inspections through walk around observation in the pits and paddock, or through special impounds by group or class, or other organized pre-event inspections. Note: Vehicles which have been altered or damaged after they have been approved at event Tech Inspection are subject to re-inspection and re-approval.
If all items are considered “in order” a “Tech Sticker” is issued for the vehicle (usually placed inside the vehicle, on a roll-bar if available), as well as the driver (usually placed on their helmet). All vehicles must display a Tech Sticker signifying successful completion of technical inspection to enter the course.
Below are some sample Tech Forms to review; these should help you develop or refine your Tech Inspection process/policy.
- 2019 CHIN Track Days – Tech Inspection Form
- 2020 ACNA – Annual Tech Inspection Form
Remember
Technical inspection assists event officials in determining, in their judgment, eligibility to participate in an event. The technical inspection does not ensure, certify, or warrant that the vehicle or any part of it is safe or totally and ultimately compliant with all applicable rules nor does it in any way change the fact that the driver, crew members, and vehicle’s owner are ultimately responsible for the safety and operation of the vehicle and equipment.
Disclaimer: By conducting a technical inspection, the event organizers (its directors, officers, employees, and officials), make no representations, warranties, or assurances that a technical inspection, including the review of any written information, will do any or all of the following:
- Detect every or any problem with a vehicle or a driver’s personal equipment or clothing; or
- Detect every problem with rule compliance; or
- Prevent bodily injury, death, or personal monetary damage.
The participant agrees that he bears the ultimate responsibility at all times to ensure the safety of his vehicle and equipment, and compliance with all organization rules, regulations, and agreements. In addition, in the case of technical violations, the driver/owner/participant acknowledges, understands, and agrees that they are responsible to fully know every component of their vehicle and that even if a third party (for example, an engine builder) has caused their vehicle to be non-compliant, they will still be responsible for and will be charged with any applicable violation and penalty.