Summer is track season for our sports car aficionados. We’ve got the Porsches, Bimmers, and Ferrari lining up for their
track credentials. Every now and then
people ask what we look for at track tech inspection. Exact requirements vary by club, class and
track but the list below gives you a good idea.
The main goal is to make sure the cars are safe to run at speed.
General – no excessive body or chassis corrosion. You can’t go on the track if it looks like
the chassis is weakened by rust. Scruffy
paint is ok.
Windshield Wipers – must be functional and in sound
condition. That means blades are good,
arms are tight, and washers work. And
the tank has to be full of washer juice.
Windows – must be secure and in good condition. Nothing coming out. No cracks in the glass. All retaining moldings and trim have to be
tight.
Mirrors – must be securely mounted and adjustable. Car must have an inside rear view mirror. Requirements for one or two outside mirrors
vary.
Pedals – must be secure and exhibit free return (no
binding.) Pads must be secure and in
good condition. Brake pedal must be form
without excessive travel. Some events
allow “roughened” metal pedal surfaces but many require rubber pedal pads be in
place.
Seats – must be securely mounted, in sound condition. Stock seats are usually ok, as are
competition seats. If you are in an
event where a passenger or instructor is carried the seats generally have to
match.
Brake fluid – level must be correct and fluid must be fresh
within the last six months. Most clubs recommend
changing fluid before each driving school event. Most checklists ask the date of the last
change.
Brakes – must have sufficient lining thickness (friction
material at least as thick as backing plate/no warning lights lit) and rotors
or drums must be within wear limits.
Rubber hoses must be free of damage and less than ten years old. Master cylinder must not show leakdown when
steady pressure is applied. Brake
balance must be checked on road test.
Battery – must be securely mounted with no fluid leaks or
corroded mountings. Battery must be held down so it will not fall out or short
if the car rolls over.
Drive belts – must be in good condition and properly
tensioned. No big cracks, and no noises
that warn of impending roller failure.
Fan (if fitted) must be in good shape with no cracks or damaged blades.
Throttle linkage – must work freely without binding, and
return properly when released. Not
applicable to drive by wire cars.
Drive shafts and axles – joints must not have excessive play
and they must be secure in their mountings.
Rubber boots (if fitted) must be free of damage.
Engine transmission and differential mounts – must be secure
and free of damage or deterioration. We
judge this by looking at them and watching to see how much the engine twists if
we gun it against the brake with the hood open.
Steering – must be tight but smooth and free of binding
throughout the travel. Steering wheel
must be secure. Power steering system
must be free of leaks and properly filled.
All linkage joints must be tight; no torn rubber boots and no slop in
anything. Check control arms and other
high strain areas for stress cracks.
Wheel bearings – must be properly adjusted and free of
excess play. No lube leakage onto brake
linings.
Wheels – no cracked or bent rims. Tires must show at least 3/32 tread, except
for racing tires. Tires must have appropriate
speed and load ratings.
Leaks – no coolant brake fluid or fuel leaks allowed. No “excessive” oil leaks. Excessive generally means no risk of leaking
oil on the track. That means we would
pass drips on the oil pan, but a drip on an oil cooler hose fitting could be a
sign of impending blowout, so we would fail that. Coolant must be actual coolant (not water) and
at correct level.
Fuel and coolant hoses – must be tight and in good condition
with no leakage, swelling, or cracking.
Exhaust – must be secure and in good condition. All vehicles must be muffled.
Brake lights – must work
Other lights – head lamps may be required; otherwise light
units must not be cracked or damaged.
Seat belt, fire extinguisher, and seat belt/harness rules
will vary by track and event and class.
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