This is my first year bracket racing and I am nervous about tech inspection. What should I expect during inspection? What are the biggest things inspectors look for?

I know my car isn't in poor mechanical condition and it's not unsafe by any means. It's pretty much a non-modified stock car.

I took mine to the track for the first time last year. It was a very quick check. Under the hood they were looking for leaks, more than 12" (I think that number is correct) of rubber fuel line, and a battery hold down. Other than that they wanted seat belts (lap belts are enough) and windows that roll up. They did not even ask me to remove my hub caps!
Now they did chuckle when they saw my helmet in the passenger seat...asked me how fast I thought it would go...LOL

Joel

BTW...best numbers last year were in the 19.50 @ 70 MPH

Depending on the track: No glass fuel filters, Must run less than 12" of rubber fuel line from pump to carb. Must have radiator catch can, or Pepsi Bottle No hub caps or trim rings. Must have a battery hold down.

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They never asked me to remove the hub caps for the test N tune days, but they said if I want to run on race day they must come off. Why? Who knows but atleast they seem to work with all the racers. The last thing they want to do is loose out on my $50.00 a day!

Don't worry too much, it will be fun!!

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Chris'
Autobody
Restoration
Service

Tech inspectors vary from track to track, but most generally follow the NHRA rule book.

Have you read the Bracket Racing article in the Articles section on the home page yet? That will walk you through pretty much everything you need to know your first time out. It's also a great idea to take someone along or go with someone familiar with the track you're going to. Certainly not mandatory, but it helps.

Most of the basic things have been mentioned by others already.

Have lots of fun and let us know how it goes!

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

I don't know how fast the office girl thinks I am going to go, but she's talking battery shut off outside the car, window net, etc.

I emailed her for the tech guys phone number so I can get a heads up. But let me know if you guys can think of anything else.

You only need a battery cutoff switch if the battery is relocated outside the engine compartment. A window net is only if you don't have a driver's side window.

If you have your battery in the stock location with a proper hold-down, radiator catch can that holds at least 1 qt, all the wheel studs and nuts, no big fluid leaks and a seat belt you should be fine.

Joshua

Thats pretty much what I figured Josh, but I was told by a friend that he was denied because his engine belts were older than two years.

I have been trying to find a free 2008 IHRA rulebook online so that I could just look things over. No luck yet though.

How would they know how old the engine belts are?

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

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I don't think you're going to have much luck. A printed copy is one of the perks of a paid membership, so it's most likely not available online, unless you have a member I.D. in the IHRA website.

Roger

I agree with all of the above. I raced a slant in Vegas in 2005.
It was safe and I expected to run 15's. Tech inspection was easy
and quick. Hey it's not a Hemi running in the 8's, so it's pretty relaxed.
Battery holdowns, seat belts, coke bottle for overflow- thats rally about it.
If they do find some little problem, chances are you could go fix it quick and come back.

I would call BS on that. If he has a racing harness inside the car then it has to be less than 2 years old, but not accessory drive belts.

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Joshua

Most tracks require long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes.

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Everyone is bringing up good points about what is typically looked at and required in their experience (myself included)...

The best thing to do is:

1. Get a current rule book (NHRA or IHRA depending on the track(s) you plan to race at). The track you plan to race at should sell them and will likely have a website with additional information.

2. Go to the track as a spectator first and observe the way things are done at that track. To include watching vehicles go through the tech inspection. Ask the tech inspectors questions, BUT DON'T DO IT WHEN THEY ARE BUSY! Wait for a time when the tech line is short or there is no one in line at all and then approach them with your questions. have you talked to the tech guy from the track yet? Also, when you're at the track talk to other racers with cars similar to yours (not just Mopars, but similar as far as the speed and modifications you have).

3. Don't let the thick rule book intimidate you. For a nearly stock car that runs in the mid to high teens or slower in the quarter mile most of the basics already mentioned will get you through just fine.

4. The personal protection clothing (long pants, sleeves and close toed shoes) is a good catch. Some tracks (not many) even require that everyone wear a certified helmet, regardless of ET. Be safe and ask.

5. One other consideration that caught us unaware is age requirements. South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta (and possibly other tracks) will not let you race if you are under 18 without a signed release from a parent or legal guardian. Again, be safe and ask if this pertains to you.

Hope this helps. Be sure and let us know how it goes!

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

Well, I pressed the office girl at the track for the tech inspectors email. I really don't see the need to buy a book for $10 when only 5 pages will pertain to me.

She's a hard one to get info out of, so I have been sweet talking her a little bit. Hopefully she helps me out.