FEATURE : SCRUTINEERING
Wheel widths can be easily checked
Keep an eye on helmet compliance
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4 . Wheel width These are derived from what was normally used in period and is usually very straightforward but may vary between different classes in your Championship . I always have a gauge with me at the circuit , so please ask if you are unsure .
5 . Dampers Most of our regulations specify the type of dampers permitted . This is to keep the types used in line ( within reason ) with what would have been available and used in period . All our cars are historic and first competed between 30 and 70 years ago – when there were no remote-reservoir gas-pressurised electronically-adjustable dampers …
6 . Other modifications What is and is not permitted will always be described in the regulations . If in doubt – ask a scrutineer , preferably the one named as Eligibility Scrutineer for
Eligibility checks rarely involve any intrusive car disassembly
your Championship , as they will have the most up-to-date knowledge of your regulations . Because , in your view , a modification has ‘ no performance advantage ’ or is ‘ for safety reasons only ’ or is ‘ just to improve reliability ’, that still does not permit it to be made unless it is allowed in the Regulations . In over twelve years of scrutineering , I have never been asked by a competitor to allow a safety modification that also slowed down the car …
7 . Standard equipment In most road-car based Championships , the regulations will specify which standard equipment may or may not be removed and also which is to remain fully operational . This will usually include all electrical equipment , lighting systems and window operation . Check your regulations to identify which apply to your car .
8 . Silhouette Regulations differ , but unless they say otherwise , assume that the manufacturer ’ s silhouette has to be retained – so no raising of bonnets , dramatic air-scoops or similar changes , unless specifically permitted .
9 . Paperwork Finally , it is up to you to ensure that your car ’ s paperwork is valid and that your car still complies with what was stated by you in that paperwork . This applies both to the club ’ s Vehicle Information Forms ( VIFs ) and to FIA Historical Technical Passports
( HTPs ). An increasingly frequent check will be to compare your
“ Check your regulations to identify which apply to your car . cars with these documents , which means that the originals have to be available at the circuit for Parc Fermé and / or scrutineering and not ‘ back at home ’, ‘ with my mechanic ’ or
‘ mislaid somewhere ’. The majority of our regulations specify that they must be available for inspection by your scrutineers at the event and so non-production at the event in itself a non-compliance and so may be reported to the Clerk .
In conclusion , to repeat my opening comments , please simply read your regulations , check your car , and bring your papers – and , if in doubt , please ask a scrutineer , as we want to avoid all non-compliance paperwork if at all possible !