Tech inspection sounds scarier than it is. It’s not a smog check, it’s not a dealership multi-point inspection, and nobody is looking for reasons to turn you away. The people running tech are volunteers who want you out on course having fun. They’re just making sure your car is safe for you and everyone else at the event. The whole thing usually takes about two minutes if you’re prepared.
Here’s how to make sure you are.
Empty the car out completely
This is the number one thing that sends people back to their parking spot. Every loose item in the car needs to come out before you get in line for tech. That means floor mats, water bottles, sunglasses, that reusable grocery bag in the back seat, the emergency kit in your trunk, all of it. If it’s not bolted down, it comes out. Loose items can slide under a brake pedal or distract you at exactly the wrong moment, so this one is taken seriously. Do it the night before and save yourself the scramble.
The official tech checklist
Download the official tech inspection sheet here. Look over this sheet, fill it out, and bring it to your first event to have signed.
The helmet
You need an approved helmet to run. Helmets must be Snell approved and currently valid. ACCO follows current SCCA helmet standards, so check that your helmet meets those specs if you own one. If you don’t have a helmet yet, don’t let that stop you from showing up. Loaner helmets are available at tech inspection. Just ask.
Your car number
We require magnetic car numbers, which can be purchased before or at the event. When you register, you’ll pick a car number and class, which will be displayed on your magnetic numbers. We have loaner sets available for first-time drivers running as novice (NOV) or not for time (NFT).
Tire pressure
Tech won’t fail you for tire pressure, but sort this out before you get in line. For street tires, bump your pressure up 5 to 8 psi above your normal street pressure. That stiffens the sidewall and gives you much crisper, more responsive handling on course. You can fine-tune from there as the day goes on, but that’s a solid starting point for both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars.
That’s it. You’re ready. Go have fun out there.