Slipstream - February 2003

Driver Education Tech Update
by Ray Luedecke
With the dawning of a new driving year, some of the
newer rules for Tech Inspection from last year need to
be clarified or brought back to our attention after the
long period of rest.
Last year, PCA National handed down some new “suggestions”
to enhance the safety of our driving events. The most
talked about update was the “Cabriolet rollover protection”
rule. In laymen terms, cabriolet is convertible with a soft top.
All cars with these soft tops will need to have supplemental
rollover protection, as in a roll bar, roll hoop, cage, or
automatic roll bars. This is for all run groups. 996 cabs and
Boxsters have roll bars from the factory. Everything else (993
cabs, 944 cabs, earlier 911 cabs, etc...) do not come with
enough roll over protection. These cars will be required to
have aftermarket bars installed. There are other makes of cars
with built in protection: some models from Audi, BMW,
Chevrolet, and Mazda come to mind. (Check with me prior to
the event if you are in doubt about your particular car.)
...if you are being held in place with a piece of
rope, then your instructor can use that same
piece of rope...
The next update is that cars with soft tops will need
to pass the “broom stick” test. (Do this at home...) Sit in the
drivers seat with your helmet on, lower the top, place the
broom from the windshield back to the roll bar. If your helmet
is above this line, it is not safe. If you are wearing standard
3-point harnesses, there is some slack as you will slip down
into the seat if you roll over. (Again, ask me and I can look at
it during tech. You might try to get in touch with me earlier to
have time to get roll bar installed if needed...) If you choose to
The next update is that these cars will run with the tops
on or up unless the driver and passenger (instructor) both
have arm restraints. We prefer you to not use arm restraints as
when they are properly installed, they hinder in giving good
passing signals while on track. And instructors like to use
hand signals so the driver can see the track better.
The next update is the “Like restraint” rule. If the driver
has a race seat and 5/6 point harnesses, then your instructor
needs the same equipment. If you are being held in place with
a piece of rope, then the instructor can use that same piece of
rope. (Thanks Steve K.) If you cannot afford 2 sets of
seats and harnesses, then run with your stock 3-point harness
as long as you have an instructor in the car.
The last update is the dreaded “Grid Tech”. There was an
instance of somebody getting their car inspected a week
before the event and it passed as it was then. Then they
changed tires the morning of the event, and (uh-oh) the tires
fell off the car while on track. OOPS... They missed getting the
lugs torqued right with enough stud into the lug. So, when
Green and Blue students come to grid, the instructor will
walk you around your car doing a quick check of some
important things. The list is as follows: Wheel torque, tire
tread, empty all of the pockets in the car, empty the trunk(s),
remove cell phones and radar detectors, do you have brake
fluid, what pressure are you running in your tires, are there
any noticeable leaks from under the car, etc. The higher run
groups will be spot checked, but they should have enough
time on track to know what to do..??
This is a driver’s education event. We’re big on education.
It is not the responsibility of the tech inspector or instructors
to keep up with your car. We are teaching and reinforcing the
needed points to help you keep the event running safely.
Learning more about your car and the check points that need
attention when driving your high performance sport car will
only help you long term - on track as well as off the track.
Helping you to become better tuned to your fine driving
machine.
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Ray Luedecke entering Wagon Wheel ahead of a red Corvette at MSR.
wear 5/6 point harnesses, the rule needs to be enforced strictly
as you will not slip and the situation during a roll over
becomes grave. For example: A tall person driving a Miata
with a 5-point harnesses and stock seats. If your head sticks
up above the “broom” line 2-3 inches, your neck is in danger.
Err on the side of safety.
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Do you think this 911 setup this way would be able to run
again this year at MSR under the new rules?
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