Tech Inspection

HPDE Tech Inspection

Prior to arriving to the track or tech, this form should be downloaded, printed and filled out –> http://www.nasaproracing.com/forms/form_hpde_tech.pdf

Every car that wishes to participate in a NASA Event is required to pass a Tech inspection prior to driving on the track.  For events that run all weekend, vehicles that are inspected on Saturday do not require to be re-inspected on Sunday.  Vehicles that only run on Sunday will need to be inspected that morning.  Participants need to be aware of the drivers meeting and start time of the event and plan accordingly.  If participants arrive after the drivers meeting and still need a tech inspection, they may lose track time due to tech official staff not being available before the members 1st session.  We suggest arriving onsite 45-90 minutes prior to the drivers meeting to ensure enough time to paddock, prep and get their car tech’d prior to the drivers meeting.

Virtually every (non-convertible) vehicle that is left stock will pass tech without issue.  Some convertibles will pass tech if the manufacturer (not a dealership brochure) is willing to state in writting that their vehicle has provisions to withstance a rollover accident.  Any convertible without this documentation must have aftermarket rollover protection (rollbar or rollcage) per the CCRs.

NOTE:  A list of known approved convertibles is listed at the bottom of this page.

Tech inspectors are not concerned with performance enhancing modifications as long as they visually look as though all modifications look properly installed with no defects, leaks, etc.  The use of nitrous oxide is not specifically prohibited in HPDE but locally we do not allow for it in any of the non-competition sessions (i.e. all “HPDE” groups).

You do not need fancy or performance tires to pass tech, the only details the tech inspectors will be looking for in regards to tires are to ensure that the tires have enough tread to avoid “cording” prior to the end of the event as well as checking for sidewall damage (cracks, bubbles, etc.).

Safety is the #1 concern with HPDE inspections.  As soon as the participant changes anything that could be considered a safety device, the inspector will need to inspect the car very thoughally to maximize their safety should an unexpected incident occur.  Safety items include but are not limited to:  Seats, fuel cells (<– MUST meet race group specs and age limits if OEM fuel tank is changed!), harnesses, exhaust systems (i.e. must exit BEHIND the driver to avoid CO poisioning).  If any of these items are changed, they MUST conform to the Competition Section (15) of the CCRs. 

Additional HPDE Tech information can be found in Section 11 of the CCRs here –> http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

If still in doubt, just ask us via emailor on our forum.  Thx!

Time Attack

The inspection process is the same as HPDE above but given the fact this is a competition group, inspectors may ask for and expect a higher level of safety gear (long pants, long sleeve shirts, gloves, etc. regardless of weather conditions) during the actual Time Attack competition.  Additionally, participants should have their car prepped to a higher level (Ex:  Professional vehicle numbers, front and rear tow hooks, fire systems/extinguisher, rollbars/cages, race seat, 5+ point harnesses, etc.).

Time Trial

Following the same trend as ”Time Attack”, Time Trial participants should plan to prepare themselves and their vehicle to a higher level than typical HPDE vehicles.  At a minimum, TT competitors should at least install a fire extinguisher (or fire system) as well as step up their level of personal safety gear via newer SA rated helmets, long sleeves and gloves.  Participants should also strongly consider fire resistant clothing or 1 piece “racing suit”, aftermarket rollover protection, a proper racing seat, harness and a HANS or similar type device.

Annual tech is required for these vehicles and all inspections are performed at the track.  The only difference in the process (from a driver standpoint) between HPDE and a “TT Annual” is the forms that are filled out.  The forms used will be the “Race Car Annual” forms below.  Please have these printed and filled out prior to arriving at the track.

Race

Due to the amount of time these inspections take, all Tech inspections of Competition/Race vehicles needs to happen offsite.  Race Tech onsite can be arranged but must be scheduled in advance and a fee may apply.  There are currently three race shops that can perform “NASA Race Tech” in the valley.

German Auto
Jim Fluckey
jfluckey@cox.net
www.germanautoservice.com
5244 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602)274-3747

Race Technik
Doug Chernis
Doug@racetechnik.com
www.racetechnik.com/
2250 W Broadway Rd # 108
Mesa, AZ 85202-1880
(480)655-7475

Precision Chassis Works
Kent Porter
PrecisionChassis@gmail.com
www.precisionchassisworks.com
734 N. Golden Key St. Suite D4
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(602)697-0956

Detailed technical information on competition/race vehicle eligibility can be found in Section 15 of the CCR’s here –>  http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

 Annual Tech Sheets (TT & Race) –>
 http://www.nasaproracing.com/forms/annual_race_tech.pdf
 http://www.nasaproracing.com/forms/Fuel%20Cell%20Certification%20010611.pdf
 http://www.nasaproracing.com/forms/annual_race_inspector.pdf

Known Convertibles that will pass tech “as is” from the factory

• Targa top vehicles - OK
• Audi A4
• Audi TT Roadster (2009)
• Aston Martin DB9, DBS
• BMW 1 Series
• BMW Z3 (Optional pop up bars)
• BMW Z4
• BMW E36 (Optional pop up bars)
• BMW E46
• BMW E90
• Chrysler Crossfire
• Dodge Viper
• Ferrari 355 & 360
• Honda S2000
• Infiniti G37Jaguar XK8 / XKR
• Lamborghini Murcielago
• Mercedes SL (1990+)
• Mercedes CLK, E Class, C Class
• Mini Cooper 2009+
• Porsche Boxster
• Porsche 996
• Porsche 997
• Saab 9-3 (2004+)
• Volvo C70
• VW Eos
• VW New Beetle

The following are known vehicles that will NOT pass tech w/o aftermarket rollover protection

• Corvettes
• Porsche 993 and older are NOT ok
• Saturn Sky Redline are NOT ok
• Mazda Miata - All