Tech Inspection
Tech Inspection
HPDE drivers should print this form and have it filled out prior to arriving at the track –> https://members.drivenasa.com/forms/form_hpde_tech.pdf
Every car that wishes to participate in a NASA Event is required to pass a Tech inspection prior to driving on the track. For events that run all weekend, vehicles that are inspected on Saturday do not require to be re-inspected on Sunday. Vehicles that only run on Sunday will need to be inspected that morning. Participants need to be aware of the drivers meeting and start time of the event and plan accordingly. We suggest arriving onsite ~45 mins (more if you trailered your car or have a lot of setup) prior to the drivers meeting to ensure enough time to paddock, prep and get their car tech’d prior to the drivers meeting.
Virtually every modern (non-convertible) vehicle that is left stock will pass tech without issue. Some convertibles will pass tech if the manufacturer (not a dealership brochure) advertises their vehicle being capable of providing occupant rollover protection. Any convertible without this documentation must have adequate aftermarket rollover protection. Our recommendation is to follow the guidelines for rollbar or rollcage design per the CCRs (link below).
NOTE: A list of known approved convertibles is listed at the bottom of this page.
Tech inspectors are not concerned with performance enhancing modifications as long as they visually look as though all modifications look properly installed with no defects, leaks, etc. The use of nitrous oxide is not specifically prohibited in HPDE but locally we do not allow for it in any of the non-competition sessions (i.e. all “HPDE” groups).
You do not need fancy or performance tires to pass tech, the only details the tech inspectors will be looking for in regards to tires are to ensure that the tires have enough tread to avoid “cording” prior to the end of the event as well as checking for sidewall damage (cracks, bubbles, etc.).
Safety is the #1 concern with HPDE inspections. As soon as the participant changes anything that could be considered a safety device, the inspector will need to inspect the car with detail to maximize their safety should an unexpected incident occur. Safety items include but are not limited to: Seats, harnesses, relocated batteries, fuel cells (<– MUST meet race group specs and age limits if OEM fuel tank is changed!), exhaust systems (i.e. must exit BEHIND the driver to avoid CO poisoning). If any of these items are changed, they MUST conform to the Competition Section (15) of the CCRs.
Additional HPDE Tech information can be found in Section 11 of the CCRs here –> https://members.drivenasa.com/rules/ccr.pdf
If still in doubt, just ask us via email.
Time Attack
The inspection process is the same as HPDE above but given the fact this is a competition group, inspectors may ask for and expect a higher level of safety gear (long pants, long sleeve shirts, gloves, etc. regardless of weather conditions) during the actual Time Attack competition. Additionally, participants should have their car prepped to a higher level (Ex: Professional vehicle numbers, front and rear tow hooks, etc.).
Time Trial
Following the same trend as “Time Attack”, Time Trial participants should prepare their vehicle to a higher level than typical HPDE vehicles. Fire suppression, better personal safety gear (Ex: Suit, HANs, etc.), aftermarket rollover protection, a proper racing seat & harness are some key examples.
Annual tech is required for these vehicles and all inspections are performed at the track. The only difference in the process (from a driver standpoint) between HPDE and a “TT Annual” is the forms that are filled out. The forms used will be the “Race Car Annual” forms below. Please have these printed and filled out prior to arriving at the track.
Race
Due to the amount of time these inspections take as well as fix anything found wrong, Race Tech inspections of Competition/Race vehicles should happen offsite. Race Tech onsite is possible with a fee ($40 1st time or new logbook required / $20 for a renewal – NOTE: We charge $100 for a “lost Logbook”) and pre-registration. There are multiple shops that can perform an offsite “NASA Race Tech” as well as fix any non-compliant items found during the inspection.
German Auto
Jim Fluckey
5244 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602)274-3747
WDL Racing
Ravi Tomerlin
1846 E 3rd St. #102
Tempe, AZ 85281
(512)766-5438
UMS Tuning
Tony Szirka
1716 W. Broadway Rd. Suite 115
Mesa, AZ 85202
Race Technik
Doug Chernis
2250 W Broadway Rd # 108
Mesa, AZ 85202-1880
(480)655-7475
Detailed technical information on competition/race vehicle eligibility can be found in Section 15 of the CCR’s here –> https://members.drivenasa.com/rules/ccr.pdf
Annual Tech Sheets (TT & Race) –>
http://www.drivenasa.com/forms/annual_race_tech.pdf
https://members.drivenasa.com/forms/annual_race_inspector_form.pdf
Known Convertibles that will pass tech “as is” from the factory
-
- Targa top vehicles – OK
- Audi A4 / S4
- Audi TT Roadster (2009)
- Aston Martin DB9, DBS
- BMW 1 & 6 Series
- BMW Z3 (Optional pop up bars)
- BMW Z4
- BMW E36 (Optional pop up bars)
- BMW E46
- BMW E90
- Chevrolet Corvette C8
- Chrysler Crossfire
- Dodge Viper
- Ferrari 355 & 360
- Honda S2000
- Honda Del Sol (top on or off okay)
- Infinity G37
- Jaguar XK8 / XKR
- Jaguar F-Type
- Lamborghini Murcielago / Gallardo
- 2002+ Lexus 430sc
<li)Lexus LC500
- Mercedes SL (1990+)
- Mercedes CLK, SLK, E Class, C Class
- Mini Cooper 2009+
- Nissan 350Z / 370Z
- Porsche Boxster
- Porsche 991 / 996 / 997
- Saab 9-3 (2004+)
- Volvo C70
- VW Eos
- VW New Beetle
NOTE: If your car is not on the list and you want it to be added/allowed, provide FACTORY documentation stating that YOUR make and model has rollover protection. If it was an option (e.g. pop-up) roll bars, then you need to prove your car has these. Submit the documentation to [email protected] to be considered.
Submitting documentation other than from the manufacturer will be ignored.
- Acceptable documentation:
* Factory-produced sales brochures and websites
* Letters or emails from an employee of the factory. Must be on letterhead or use the manufacturer’s domain