Most of the rules governing these items can be found in GCR Sections 12, 13, 16, 17, and 18. The intent here is to emphasize safety, and a little bit of surface ``legality''. Remember GCR 13: Receipt of a tech sticker is an indication that the car is safe to go on course. It is not a certification of legality.
Cars should be fully inspected at least once each calendar year. However, they are subject to re-inspection
Cage Hoops and 18, 18.1, In addition to the material here, think about
Braces ITCS overall design, number of attachment points,
D.10, number of bars and location. Are all required
AS D.9 braces present? Are they attached within speci-
fied locations? Materials: do not use 18.6.2!
Check for inspection holes (18.1.6.E) on ALL
cars. No exceptions, even for pro series cars.
Mounting points: hardware graded; welds full and
complete. Mounting plates big enough and backed
up. Check for rust.
Inspect welds, feel bars (as per video).
Is everything that the driver's helmet could hit
padded, without blocking the view? (18.1.3)
Composite Formula Read special sections in Section 18, and various
Structures specs formula spec sections.
Driver's Seat 18.1, Is the seat safely attached to the floor and the
18.2.10, cage, if required?
18.3.4 Is the top braced to prevent collapse backwards?
With driver seated, will the top of his helmet
meet required clearances: 2" vertically, under
front/rear line? If in doubt, check with driver
in car.
Head Restraint 18.1.2. ALL cars must have the required pad. Design must
prevent whiplash and rebound. Soft foam is dis-
couraged. Should be same material as roll bar
padding. 1995: exceptions added for certain
types of commercial seats.
Belts 17.1, Are the belts wide enough? (3" lap, other 2"
17.2, except as noted.)
17.4 3" at shoulder.
Fig. 2 Lap belt should go down to side of seat. IT and
SS tend to use stock points, that draw further
back. This is not safe, but not prohibited.
17.3, The belts should be pliable, not stiff, not
17.8 frayed. Starting 1995, must have an SFI Spec,
and date showing age less than 5 years.
(Note: manufacturers can reweb belts and add
SFI labels w/o replacing hardware.)
Fig. 1 Are the belts threaded safely at mounts?
Figs. 3-6 Are belts anchored correctly?
Window Net 12.29 No bungee cords or plastic tie wraps as sole
Fig. 4 attachment mechanisms.
Check condition of net. 1/1/95 SFI label re-
quired.
Occasionally an IMSA car running ITE has a net
attached to the door. Check with Chief Steward.
Steering Wheel 12.27, Look for collapsible column structure in Produc-
and Column; 13.2.1.U, tion and GT cars. It is required in GT, recom-
Steering Lock PCS mended in Production. Statement of standards
D.5.e, varies considerably. Not required in formula and
GT1 sports racing. Highly preferable to have a stock
D.5.e, structure, but many cars rely on combinations of
D.9.b.1, U-joints and bushings. If it appears question-
D.10.b.1, able, discuss with the driver where the shaft
GT2-5 will go in case of a head-on collision.
C.4.c.9,
IT Removeable steering wheels are permitted in
D.10.b, anything except SS; recommended in formula cars.
AS D.9.b IT may not change stock column.
Steering locks should be removed from ALL cars.
Passive SS Specs Showroom stock only. Airbags should be deacti-
Restraint 12.1.3. vated or removed. Ask the driver or mechanic how
D.12-13 it was done. Also - if car is driven on the
street, bag must be reactivated. For automatic
seat belts - unfasten the belt from the travel-
ing buckle.
Firewall 12.21 GT and Production: get down under dash and look
for light from the engine compartment.
Floor 12.21 Check for rust, especially around cage mounts.
Drain holes are OK. Showroom Stock: floor mats
must be in place, along with insulating materi-
al.
Mirrors 13.2.1.R. Be sure mirrors are on the car.
Trim Check spec books. Rules vary, but in general SS
cars may not remove ANY interior or exterior
trim; GT cars must keep exterior trim and rain
gutters; IT cars must keep interior door panels
and exterior trim; Prod, AS, and IT must have
facsimile of the original dashboard - etc.
Door glass Must be in SS and IT; removed from Prod and GT.
Optional in AS.
Passenger seat 13.2.1.N. If it folds and has no lock, it must be secured.
secure Usually done with a restraining belt.
Ballast Secure 12.9.1 If a car is permitted to have ballast, and it is
there, it must be secure, and serve no other
purpose. Ask the driver.
Fire System 12.22 On board for all except IT and SS. Must be an
approved substance, not FM100 or FM200. Nozzles
(two must be appropriate for material. Be sure
parts) tank is safely attached - metal straps, fastened
with to metal or with backing plates; quick release
cross not tied down. If there is a gauge, check it.
refs Otherwise - ask driver when it was last refilled
Form. or weighed. SR - take tank loose and heft it.
book top Are there at least two nozzles, in required
p. 1. locations? Is the bottle big enough? Required
rating? Is the "E" decal in correct place?
Shielded lines 12.23, No line, tank, cooler, filter, etc. carrying
13.2.1.V fuel or oil may be exposed to the driver. Must
be aeroquip, metal, or behind a fluid-tight
bulkhead.
GT-1
(D.10.j) Also may not be in same
compartment with exhaust, to rear of engine
firewall, i.e. in the doors.
No fuel system component may be in the driver
compartment (filter, pump, cooler, tank).
Camera Mount 13.2.1.AA SAFE AND SECURE! Same for radios. Do NOT allow
heavy cameras on jointed arms without opposing
stabilization; bungees and tie wraps do not
count.
Air ducting In GT: ducts may not be built into C-pillars. In
(interior) general, ducts may come from standard body open-
ings only.
Scattershield 12.23 If driver's legs are exposed to (pass alongside
of) the flywheel or clutch, then there must be a
scattershield. It may be in the driver's compart-
ment or underneath the floor.
Battery Mount 12.11 Wet-cell batteries must be in a nonconducting
(interior) marine-type box. The battery itself must fasten
to the frame or chassis. The hot terminal must
still be insulated. Racer's tape is not suffi-
cient. Gel-packs may not have to meet the insu-
lating box requirement, but it's a very good
idea. IT/SS - may not be inside compartment.
Fluid leaks 13.2.1.J Self-explanatory.
Radiator Mount PCS Prod cars must have original mounts.
D.3.a.
Hoses, belts, Check condition.
wiring
Carb fittings 13.2.1.X Except for SU and certain motorcycle carbs, fuel
inlet fittings must be threaded.
Carb return Extra no longer required, but is a very good
springs idea.
Catch Tanks 12.25 All breathers - engine, transmission - must have
a catch tank. It must be securely mounted, and
set so fluid does not blow through. Must be 1
quart capacity - many formula cars are marginal.
Check also for coolant overflow tanks. Gray
area: if one can is used for two fluids, should
capacity be 2 quarts?
Air ducts Spec As a general rule, ducts can only come from
books existing holes (lights, grilles), and should run
ITCS horizontally. IT and SS should not have any,
12.1.4 except IT is allowed brake ducts facing forward.
D.6.b
Firewall 12.21 See interior above - check from other side.
Exhaust mani- The individual pipes should collect through a
fold manifold into a single exhaust.
Scattershield / 12.23 See under interior above. Also, chain driven
Chain guard cars must have a shield and retention system.
Battery mount 12.11 Be sure it is securely fastened down, and hot
terminal insulated. Racer's tape is not suffi-
cient.
Fuel pump lines Safety check. Given the nature of "annual" in-
and fittings, spection, brake fluid check may not be produc-
brake fluid tive.
level
A fuel cell consists of a bladder within a container, with foam baffling. (IT may use a rotary molded cell.) There may be more than one on a car. Capacity is restricted only if specified. Cells must be located within 12 inches of stock tank location unless otherwise noted, as for Fiero and some BMW's.
Bulkhead 12.12.4. There must be a bulkhead (as fluid-tight as
GT-1 D.9. possible) between the fuel cell compartment and
d.4.A-D; the driver's compartment. In closed-wheel cars,
GT2-5 the bladder enclosure does not count as this
C.3. a.1 bulkhead. In formula cars, the "can" around the
bladder does count as the bulkhead. The bulkhead
or enclosure requirement includes the filler,
except as noted for formula cars (16.5).
Container 16.2 In formula cars, be sure the bladder is com-
pletely enclosed and not exposed anywhere.
Filler Cap or 16.5 Cap must have positive lock, no flip-tops. Check
Drybreak this on IT and SS as well.
Check Valves 16.5 Check valve required if the filler cap is not
directly on the bladder. Usually visible. Open
the cap and check for a valve or flapper.
Discriminator GT specs If used, must be within the required bulkheads.
Valve
Foam baffling 16.3, In all but IT cars, open the filler and check
16.6 for foam. May have to use a probe.
Clearance 6 in. 12.12. Cell must clear ground by 6 inches, unless en-
2.A. closed within the bodywork (naturally, not
forced).
Fittings, vents 12.12. Vents may not discharge into the driver/ passen-
2.C. ger compartment even if the car was manufactured
12.12.3. that way. Breathers must vent outside the car
16.5 (not into the engine compartment). Fuel breath-
ers may not vent into the roll cage (but oil
breathers apparently can).
Fuel pump Check for leaks, and that the kill switch shuts
off electric pumps.
Battery Mount 12.11 See interior section.
Neat and Clean 13.2.1. Check for primer; dents; dirt, etc.
B.-C. Advertising should not interfere with identifi-
12.6 cation or Club marks.
Trim modifica- Spec In general, exterior trim should not be removed.
tions books See various spec books.
Numbers 12.5.1, One or two digits, minimum 8 inches tall, 1.5
12.5.2 inch stroke, separated by at least the stroke.
Fig. 3. Must be entirely on contrasting background. Red
is a dark color. Sides and front, rear no longer
required. Side planes of formula car wings are
usually not large enough.
Class marks 12.5.1, Must be complete, including "P" for production,
12.5.2, "GT" for GT, "SR" for CSR, DSR; "F" for formula,
12.1, "IT" and "SS" as appropriate. Must be at least 4
Fig. 3 inches tall, half inch stroke, entirely on con-
trasting background. Should be near car number,
and not hidden on rocker panel, wheel well, etc.
Decals 12.5.3, Be sure SCCA logos as required, plus series
Fig. 3, logos and contingency decals are in correct
SR, SRF locations, visible, and do not interfere with
number and class.
Master switch 12.26 Be sure the switch is correctly located, that
the lightning bolt decal is present, and that
the switch cuts off fuel pumps.
Mirrors 13.2.1.R Be sure mirrors are present on the car.
Fenders/ flares Prod Side view must look stock. Prod, GT: fenders
D.7.b.2; must cover tread completely at the highest point
D.8.a. of the tire. Stand by fender and look straight
2.A down.
GT-1 D. GT 2-5: flares may not carry into the door.
8.a.1.3 IT: No flares permitted, tires must be within
GT C.4. fenders.
b.7.
IT D.7.
a.4.;
D.8.a
Doors Prod: Doors must be able to be opened or removed.
C.8.a.4; Production must retain hinges. Check fastening
GT-1 D.8. mechanism, whether handle or pin. IT not yet
a.10; GT allowed to pin doors. AS can be pinned, not
C.4.b.6; bolted.
AS
D.9.a.6
Hood secure, PCS C.8. Hoods must be closed and secured, may not be
closed a.4; blocked open. GT can modify shape to clear air
a.2.B cleaner. IT cannot. One piece bodies are some-
GT D.8. times acceptable. Grilles must be original stock
a.4 or a very good replica.
Front spoiler 12.13 A plumb line dropped off the front bumper should
clear the spoiler. If the bumper or a replica is
present, it must at least appear to be a sepa-
rate part. See PCS, GTCS, ITCS as well.
Front & side PCS C.8. Prod and GT must remove all glass in front end.
lights a.11; GT1 Headlight bezels must be original, and coverings
D.8. a.12 of light openings, whether duct or not, should
GT C.4. have contour of original glass. AS may remove
a.6;AS D. parking lights. Any of these openings may be
7.b used for ducting. IT and SS must tape all glass
or plastic lenses, but leave in place. IT lights
should also have wiring.
Windows 13.2.1.W. Glass must be clear, not tinted. In Prod and GT,
12.20 rear and side windows may be lexan, and may have
no ventilation holes / ducts in them except as
specfically authorized. Prod and GT must have
original glass windshield (closed car); replace-
ment (open car); lexan (some GT-1).
Windshield 12.32 and Required on all closed cars except SS and IT:
clips spec three clips along the top, two along the bottom.
books All 3 x 1 x 1/8, bolted or riveted to the body
and coming over the windshield, spaced well
apart. Three inner supports are recommended.
Exception: GT-1 lexan.
Wipers/heater Must be on IT, SS, wipers only on AS.
Rear Spoiler GT1 D.8. GT allowed only a flat plane spoiler, height
a.11.B; according to class, that does not overhang rear
GT C.4. bodywork, fully attached. Porsche 911, 914 al-
b.12. lowed original parts (stamped Porsche, with
well-fitting rubber lip).
Wing Allowed in FC, FA. In annual check, be sure it
is secure. Dimensions in spec book.
Rear window 12.32 ALL closed cars in Prod and GT must have two
straps retaining straps securing the rear window, 1
inch wide and 1/8 inch thick. Sometimes mounted
partly interior to the window. Permitted in IT.
Required for AS but not WC running AS.
Brake / tail- 12.19; Non-formula cars must have two working brake
lights Prod C. lights; GT-1 must also have separate taillights;
8.a.11 Prod and GT must have original lenses in origi-
GT1 D. nal locations. Formula cars must have a single
10.i light at least 15 watts, to be turned on at
order of Chief Steward (rain light).
Exhaust 13.2.1.G Must terminate directed away from the body and
Prod D.8. at least at or behind the midpoint of the wheel
a.15 base. Prod: muffler but no other part of exhaust
may be recessed into floor pan. Formula cars -
lengths specified within overall dimensions.
Belly pan Spec Formula cars must be nearly flat-bottom. No
books aerodynamic curves or skirts. GT and Prod also
may not have aerodynamic pans, especially behind
rear wheels.
Tow eyes 12.30 All closed cars except IT and SS must have tow eyes
both front and rear; easy to get to, 2 inch
inside diameter; should not be a dangerous pro-
jection.
Removeable 12.24 Detachable tops, panels, and doors shall be
panels 13.2.1.F removed unless authorized in spec book. Moveable
panels shall be closed. All other required pan-
els shall be secure.
Steering link- Check for play
age
Springs, Generally cannot check these, except ride
shocks, ride height.
height
Wheel bearings On formula cars, move wheel to check. On other
cars, it is highly recommended that a wheel be
jacked up and checked.
Brake lines Check condition and clearance.
Spherical rod No longer required, but highly recommended. For
ends (captive rod ends in critical parts of suspension, add a
washers) washer to keep the joint together if the plastic
center of the spherical joint pulls out.
Wheel covers 13.2.1.F. Must be removed.
Wheels IT: 12.- IT wheels must be metal; SS wheels must be
1.4.D.7.- stock. Knockoff hubs prohibited in IT, allowed
a.1 in GT.
Tires 13.2.1.D. Some classes have spec tires or restricted
tires, but in general, tires must be 120-mph
rated or better. Must also be in good condi-
tion - no cord showing, or, for slicks, some
dots left.
Fog lights, mud SS 12.1.3 On SS: mud flaps must be removed. Fog or driving
flaps D.5, 11 lights on or below the bumper must be removed
and resulting holes covered.