What to Expect at Rallycross Tech Inspection
Safety is a top priority at Rallycross and the first step to racing safely is making sure your car is ready. At each event, you will need to pass a technical inspection (called ‘Tech’ for short). Tech is a quick but thorough check that you have the correct safety equipment and your vehicle is ready for competition.
It is your responsibility to read and understand the rules so that you show up to race with an eligible vehicle.
On race day, you will need to pass Tech before checking in at registration. To prepare, remove any and all loose items from your car including your floor mats, grab your helmet and head to the inspection area.
When you arrive at the inspection area, get ready by popping your hood and trunk, having your helmet available and unlocking your doors. The inspector will go through the following checkpoints:
Safety:
General safety of the vehicle – has windows or window nets, no unsafe/excessive rust, etc.
Brake pedal is firm, doesn’t go all the way to the floor and returns.
Driver seatbelt is functional and meets the requirements set forth in the rules.
Steering wheel moves properly.
All four wheels will be checked for loose bearings/ball joints (this is done by giving them a shake to see if anything is loose or makes a rattling noise).
Battery is secure (cannot be moved) and the positive terminal is covered.
Throttle has a positive return (except for drive-by-wire vehicles)
Helmet meets requirements set forth in the rules.
Sound check:
Once per year, your vehicle must pass a soundcheck. Once you pass the soundcheck, you will be given a sticker so that you do not need to go through it again. The only time you will need to re-check is if you make changes to your exhaust. The soundcheck process outlined in the rules.
Event requirements:
Stickers: Depending on the event, you will be required to run certain stickers whether they are for the organizer, sanctioning body or sponsors. All stickers must be on your vehicle prior to tech inspection.
Numbers & Class: You must have your numbers and class on both the driver and passenger sides of your vehicle. These decals must be at least 6” tall with a 1” stroke and in a contrasting color from the vehicle. You can read more about the number and class requirements in our helpful guide [link].
Class: It is your responsibility to read and understand the vehicle classifications as set forth in the rules. When you register for a race, you will self-select your class. The inspector may recognize a discrepancy between the class with which you’ve registered and the modifications of your car. If this occurs, you will be instructed to modify your class at the driver check-in. Please note: There is no formal class inspection however, if at any time it is discovered that you have registered or competed in the wrong class, you will be instructed to change.
Tech inspection isn’t scary; we do it to ensure the safety of you and the other competitors. For further information read over the vehicle inspection section of the rallycross rules. If you have questions regarding tech inspection or events in general send them our way.