BASIC TIPS for Passing Tech.
BASIC TIPS FOR PASSING TECH. Simple things that are often overlooked by First-time & Veteran racers. Many do not agree with these rules; however these are rules written by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Tech officials are following rules that are mandated by the NHRA, not the PRA. All racetracks that we race at are NHRA member tracks, therefore follow their rules. These rules are there to make the event safe as possible for the racers. 1. Have a valid US Driver’s License This may be basic, but you must have a current driver’s license to compete. 2. Seal up your interior Driver’s compartment must be completely sealed off from engine & trunk compartment. A hole large enough for fluid or fire to enter driver’s compartment must be covered with metal 3. Tires & Valve Stems Please check your tire condition. NO Bald tires, NO Cracks or belts showing. Any vehicle quicker than 11.99 running tubeless tires must have metal valve stems. Rubber valve stems can rot or get ripped out in a minor incident. 4. Wheel Studs & Lugs Wheel studs must protrude into hex portion of lug nut at least the equal length of the diameter of the stud. Must use open end lug nuts. Any vehicle running 12.99 or quicker must run wheel studs, LUG BOLTS are prohibited. 5. Damaged Windshield NHRA rules prohibit a vehicle to race with a Broken, Cracked or Chipped or otherwise damaged windshield. 6.Tinted Windows Starting line officials must be able to see the driver of a vehicle. Technically prohibited, however often overlooked on “Street” cars. Interpretation of this rule is at the tech offcials discretion. 7. Master Cut-Off switch Anytime a battery is moved from its original “stock” location, it must have an external cut-off switch. Switch must be mounted on the rear most part of vehicle and clearly marked as how to kill power “OFF”. Vehicle with alternators must wire their switch correctly to kill vehicle or it will not pass. 8. Restraints (Safety Harness) SFI tagged 5 pt. harness required on all vehicles 11.49 and quicker. SFI tagged Driver’s 5pt harness, Arm Restraints & Neck Collar required on all convertible and open cars quicker than 12.99. All restraints have an expiration date of two years after the date of manufacture. As of 2005 Y-type shoulder harness are no longer legal. Must be of V or individual type, you will be allowed to run them until the expiration date expires. 9. SNELL Approved Helmets As of 1/2007 all helmet must be of “SNELL K98” or newer. SNELL 90 & 95 are no longer legal for use. If your helmet does not have a SNELL rating it is not legal and will be confiscated by the tech officials. 10.Roll Bar or Roll Cage Roll Bar required @ 12.99 or quicker. Roll Cage required @ 10.99 or 135 mph. Roll Bars required on all convertible or Manx type buggies @13.99 or quicker. Padding required on all areas of tubing that may contact helmet. 11.Breather and Containment box An Oil and Puke containment box with a minimum of one quart must be in place w/lines from each valve cover and one to the case. Line must be clamped, not push “barbed” type. Officials will be checking to make sure line will not come off easily.

Does Rule #11 mean I cant use a Plastic Gatorade bottle past my One quart breather? NO Aluminum ?? Isnt the Breather Box considered a Catch can??? Puke can or whatever you want to call it?? been passing Tech at PSCA event and Summit Series events with it!!!

About #4, I thought VW's were not required to run studs unless they had slicks or ran quicker than 11.99 ? VW's came stock with lug bolts. About #10, I thought it was 9.99 or 135 for cage, then they changed it to 135 or faster regaurdless of ET for the import cars. The 5 point roll bar used to start at 11.99, then changed to 11.49 ? One thing that I started for this year is a list of the driver safety gear, with the brands, SFI numbers & dates. I fill out the tech card with the info. They Fontana tech guy was so happy about that, he waved me through quick.

Bob, The list of the safety equip. Make & Date is a great one for the list. I think NHRA "Super classes" require you to have a list, because of Trans blanket, sheilds, flex plates, they usually don't have access to them.

They actually asked me to write the stuff down on the tech card myself so he wouldn't have to. They started doing that at Famoso too.

Getting back to Rule #4. "Must use open end lug nuts". per NHR rules : "The thread engagement of all wheelstuds to the lug nut must be equivalent to or greater than the diameter of the stud" Nowhere does it state that open end lug nuts are required. Nowhere in the PRA Rule Book is this requirement stated either. I was at Barona one day and the Tech told me I needed open end lug nuts. They let me run that day but on my next outing I had the Rule Book in hand. Actually a copy of the Downloaded page. I know. I know , these are just "Tips" and not actual "Rules". At a PSCA event a couple of months ago the Tech handed me back the Tech card and requested me to fill out the Brand name of and dates on all my Safety Equipment. He informed me that at a Large event they dont have time for that. So now every time I go out to my favorite track {Barona} I fill in that info before handing the card to the Inspector. They really appreciate that and I noticed the Inspection goes a little smoother. Not that I ever had a problem anyway! "Change anything since last time out"? "No" "OK you,r good to Go" The LAST thing I would do would be to argue with an Inspector,.... See I just happen to "Know" that,... "Arguing with an Inspector is like Wallowing in the Mud with a PIG". "Pretty soon you realize the PIG rather enjoys it" LOL :)

Marty, Can you point me to the Rule that "Requires" open end lug nuts? I believe that "Wanting" is quite different than an actual "Requirement". I am not trying to sound like an A$$ but if I am not required to buy lug nuts that I do not need, I will not. Thats why I asked the question. I have no problem removing a lug to prove the engagement. I,ll remove every one of them if asked to. I got time. If in fact there is a rule requirement regarding Open End lug nuts then I will go out and buy these lug nuts. That would not be a problem either.

It's probably more of a courtesy thing Paul. There's a couple hundred guys at any given event that have to get through tech too. If it were me behind someone who had to remove all their lug nuts to show the inspector, I would get....."annoyed."

Also, its not like I sell lug nuts or anything. I dont care what you do. If you think you have more experience than me, then more power to you. I have raced for every sanctioning body there is and at every track in the west except Denver, Redding, and those Washington tracks.