Scrutineering Tips

These are a few tips to make sure that your car passes scrutineering at JCCV Sporting Events.

The Rules- at JCCV events cars must meet the rules in the CAMS manual Section 6 Schedules A and B, “General Requirements of Automobiles” plus Section 10, “Speed Event Standing Regulations”. In addition any extra rules in the Supplementary Regulations for the event must be adhered to.

Entering a Road Car- Any car that is road registered and roadworthy can be entered in a club event at a race track or hill climb with a minimum of modification. A fire extinguisher must be fitted (see below), an extra bonnet fastener may have to be fitted ( see below), clear plastic over any glass front lights and a blue triangle fitted to mark the battery position. Material for triangles is available at club events.

What are the Scrutineers looking for?

The scrutineers are looking for a car that will be safe and not cause any misadventures during the day. Brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, lights and wipers will be checked. In particular look at-

Fire Extinguishers-

Size- make sure it is 0.9kg or larger.

Mounting Bracket- must be metal, not plastic. Two clip mounting brackets are available from race gear suppliers.

Mounting Position- somewhere the driver can reach it with his or her seat belt on.

Mounting Method- must be metal fasteners and securely mounted, no cable ties.

Charged- The extinguisher must have something in it, shown by the gauge being in the green zone.

Age- Fire extinguishers are stamped with a date at manufacture. Until the end of the year 3 years from the date of manufacture the extinguisher will be accepted. If the extinguisher is then tested and tagged it will be accepted for another 3 years.

At 6 years from manufacture the extinguisher should be replaced.

Seat Belts- A minimum of a lap sash belt is needed for a speed event. The standard belt as originally fitted is OK, as long as it is in good condition. If you fit a racing harness make sure that it carries approved standard labels and is within its use by date. Mountings of harnesses must comply with the CAMS manual.

Bonnet Catches- All cars with front opening bonnets need two means of fastening the bonnet. This can be the standard 2 catch system as fitted or the single catch plus a leather strap, a chain inside the bonnet or a strap or rope outside. No octopus straps.

Apparel- You must have a helmet (to AS1698 or other approved standard) plus neck to ankle to wrist non-flammable clothing. A race suit or clothing made of cotton or wool is acceptable. Read the labels and do not wear clothes made from flammable synthetics.

Wire Wheels- Check the spokes in your wire wheels- any loose spokes will result in big hassles at scrutineering.

Tyres- Tyres must be in a safe condition and suitable for the type of car and the track conditions. That means tyres with no defects, suitable speed rating and some rubber left. Slicks may only be used on cars with a roll cage.

Battery- Make sure that your battery is securely fastened- a loose battery is a hazard.

Oil Catch Tanks- If your car is registered and the engine plumbing unmodified then you do not need a catch tank.

Otherwise read Schedule B paragraph 2 carefully and comply. Make sure the catch tank is empty before the event.

Mike Daley 4/2/07

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