Computers can be removed from the car ?????? I'LL ask Brian how to do that.
As someone mentioned before, the cost to do a majors race has already priced some of us out. It's understandable the majors program strives to be exceptional events for our top competitors, but also disappointing I can't join in when they come to town.
Actually, I could do a majors race, but I'd need to sacrifice 2-3 regional races to do it, and I'm already going to far fewer races than I'd like.
I don't get this argument. Other than a slight increase in entry fee, it costs nothing more to do a Major than a Regional event. Tires cost the same. As do gas, travel, hotel and everything else.
The National program got deluted with too many events. The highest quality Nationals (Sebring, Sprints, VIR etc) became the Majors program. Majors are now open to all fully licensed competitors. No more regional only licenses. Now we need to bring the highest quality event staff and organization to the Majors program.
With a 70 car field (Sebring) you are never going to get every car inspected. But at more normal events, everybody should get a non invasive look over. Impound all with hoods and trunks open is a great idea. How about if one or two "experts" (Fowler, Meathead, Drago) where made non-official tech inspector. Have them walk around and look at all the cars, to point out performance, safety or non-compliance issues. You can come look at their cars and maybe learn something. Believe me, the gray areas are not visible to the naked eye.
NON_INVASIVE
Within time constraints, weigh as many cars as possible during the weekend.
Random fuel tests
Brake rotor diameter (I saw a 99 with 1.6 brakes at a recent race)
sway bar thickness.
Restrictor plates. Color check during impound all. Measure top runners and at least 1 random
All tech crews have a whistler and bore-stroke measuring tools. Use them at least a couple cars every weekend. The tech guys really do want to get their hands dirty.
Safety check: belt date, belt mounting, seat mounting, brake lights, master switch, etc.
I hate the sticker police, but some cars really need some work.
Check working reverse
Check working 5th gear
track width/wheel spacers
SLIGHTLY- INVASIVE
Remove valve cover, visually inspect cam and measure total lift.
Remove starter, check flywheel
Gear ratio checks. Actually non-invasive, but time consuming
Remove downpipe/exhaust to inspect for porting
Tech needs to schedule better. Don't do a long tech after SM when STL is 2 groups later. If SM is last group. Do your bigger inspections earlier in the weekend so people can leave. Be reasonable, a broken zip tie on the window net should not result in a $25 fine and a notation in the logbook.
Just my 2 cents
Dave
Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0
Building Championship winning cars since 1995
4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017
Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017
5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's
6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder
2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder
2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)
2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)
2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief
2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)
Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
608-313-1230