I. Autocross (SCCA "Solo")
What are we checking?
We will look for things like loose wheel bearings, steering wheel play, or anything unsafe for autocross conditions. Make sure your battery is held tightly in place, the throttle return works, the brakes function, and that nothing is leaking. Note: adequate mufflers are required, as excessively loud cars are one way to make us lose our site.
Classing
Tech inspectors are not responsible for judging correct car class, just that your car is safe to autocross. It is a good idea to read the SCCA Solo Rules at SCCA.com or ask for guidance on these forums before you reach registration - we'll be glad to answer your questions beforehand.
More details
For the full text of the vehicle safety rules, see section 3.3.3 of the Solo Rules.
http://www.scca.com/pages/solo-cars-and-rules
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1) All loose items inside and outside the car must be removed, and this includes hand held devices.
2) Passenger's seat back and all cushions, bolsters, headrests, etc. must be secured. All allowed aftermarket replacement seats (i.e., driver and passenger) must be securely and safely mounted.
3) Any cameras must be securely mounted inside or outside the car to withstand loads from driving maneuvers. Mounting method and position must not interfere with driving or pose an additional hazard to occupants or workers.
4) Snap-on hubcaps and trim rings must be removed.
5) Wheels must be safely affixed with correct lug nut or bolt for the wheel type.
6) Tires must be in good condition, with no cord or belts showing or cracks in the tread or sidewall.
7) Seat belts (and harnesses if used) must be properly installed with attaching hardware, in good condition, secure, and tight. Lap belts required in all cars. Open-top drivers with harnesses take note:
8 ) Working throttle return.Section 3.3.1: non-factory upper body restraints may only be used in open cars, cars with targa-tops in the open position, or cars with T-tops in the open position when two conditions are met:
A. The roll structure must meet either the requirements of Appendix C or the Club Racing General Competition Rules (GCR) 9.4.
B. The top of the roll structure may not be below the top of the driver's helmet when the driver is in the normal driving position.
9) No excessive fuel, oil, water or brake fluid leaks. Prepared and Modified classes: make sure to read the rulebook about vent lines and cooling lines.
10) No steering spinner knobs are allowed, just in case you just arrived from the 1950s.
11) No cracks in wheels. On wire wheels, no broken or missing spokes or more than one loose spoke per wheel. Only FSAE-class cars may have non-metallic wheels.
12) Brakes must have an adequate pedal, sufficient fluid in the master cylinder, and no apparent hydraulic leaks under pressure.
13) All swing axle cars except Porsches must have a camber compensator, have negative camber on the rear wheels, or have axle-limiting straps. Standard pre-1967 Volkswagen straps are not sufficient.
14) Wheel bearings, shocks, steering, and suspension shall be in good operating condition.
15) Exhaust must exit behind the driver or exit to the side of the car.
16) On-board starter required.
17) All batteries (on-board power supplies) shall be attached securely to the frame or chassis structure, independent of any container or cover that may be present. Any wet-cell battery moved from the manufacturer's original location shall be in a non-conductive, marine-type container or equivalent and the "hot" terminal shall be insulated. NOTE: This will allow the use of gel cell or dry cell (AGM) batteries without a non-conductive, marine-type container where applicable.
18 ) Roll bars, if installed, must meet the applicable portions of Section 3.3.2 and Appendix C with specific attention to roll bar height.
19) Helmets for all occupants of the vehicle are to be inspected for condition, fit, and compliance with Section 4.3.1 of the Solo Rules.
20) Flex fans are not allowed.
21) Alcohol may not be used in manifold injection or spray bottles unless it is specified for this use by the OEM.
22) Cars competing on non-DOT-approved tires (where allowed) must meet all safety guidelines outlined in the Solo Rules.
23) Sports racer, formula cars, and open Prepared and Modified cars have special roll bar requirements. See section 3.3.2 of the Solo Rules.
24) For all karts, chain guards are required on engines.
25) For all karts, a "brake safety cable" or redundant brake pedal connection is required.