How strict is the tech inspection @ RF?

**Tachyon** · 09-22-2008

I am planning on going out to Rock Falls this Sunday for the test and tune. I've never been to this track before and need some info from members that have been there.

My basic question is this: my battery is relocated to the back of my car. It is bolted to a plate that is welded to the metal decking in the trunk. According to Rock Fall's website,

"Any car with a relocated battery must be equipped with a master electrical cutoff, capable of stopping all electrical functions including ignition (must shut the engine off, as well as fuel pumps, etc.). The switch must be located on the rear of the vehicle, with the "off" position clearly marked. If the switch is of a "push / pull" type, then "push" must be the motion that shuts off the switch, and plastic or "keyed" typed switches are prohibited."

Also, they apparently want it in an NHRA approved plastic box...

In everyone's experience, what is the likelihood this will be enforced to this degree on a test and tune day?

Also, my helmet is circa 1997. How anal retentive to they get with SNELL ratings?

Any insight would be a great help because I have limited time to prepare.

Thanks

**Kracka** · 09-22-2008

Last time I was there anything would pass tech; but that was probably 2003.

**Goat Blower** · 09-22-2008

Nope, they will call you on the rear switch, I'm not sure about the box although I had the Moroso one when I had the rear mount. And they will definitely call you on the helmet. I got away with it a few times be the tech guy finally said next time Snell 2000 or better, or no racing. That was 2005.

**Goat Blower** · 09-22-2008

If forgot to ask what you run? 13's they don't care as much, 12's or better, they do.

**Tachyon** · 09-22-2008

Thanks for the replies.

Steve,

I've never ran this particular car, but I am guessing it will be mid to high 12's judging by the setup and various street encounters.

I'll rig up a switch for sure, but I'm not certain if I am going to be able to find a helmet and battery box in time. Any vendor recommendations?

**Kracka** · 09-22-2008

Any motorcycle dealer in town will have plenty of helmets in stock. As for the battery box call MAP and DB.

**JET** · 09-22-2008

They are pretty picky, I doubt they will let you run. If you head to one of the Iowa tracks you would be fine though.

**Goat Blower** · 09-22-2008

Yep, in Iowa, if you paid your track fee, you passed inspection.

**Tachyon** · 09-22-2008

Thanks for the input guys --I really appreciate it.

Yea... I lived in Iowa for a while and know their police are bat-shit crazy on out of state cars so I'm not even going to chance that.

I have no problems conforming to the rules of the track, but I realistically do not have enough time to hit this weekend. I think I will wait for October 11th and I should have everything ready for then. Perhaps I could even entice a few others from here to tag along at that time.

Thanks again!

Kevin 1G Drummer · 09-22-2008

October 11th is the cruise. I was also thinking about heading out to RF this weekend.

Onefast99gsx · 09-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

Yep, in Iowa, if you paid your track fee, you passed inspection.

LOL.. Funny Steve. Union Grove in Milwaukee is the same. When I raced there a few years back, I was the next guy in line and I got out and popped the hood & stuff and the guy was acting like I was wasting his time by giving him a view under the hood, like it was in the way of him putting the little sticker on the windshield

Rock alot more stict. Btw- I was there last Saturday and there was a pretty good wreck. Guy racing an S-10 lost her somewhere around mid track. Took him away in the ambulance. Not sure of his condition. So ya, you can bet inspections will be tougher.

john · 09-23-2008

I thought I had a box and switch laying around but I cannot find them. I had the approved hardware in my old talon. Not sure how you can rid the push/pull switch. Not as easy as wiring a key to the back of the car. I had my swich mounted behind the license plate. I would just take the plate off and put the handle on.

I got everything from summit. You may be able to find a battery box but I would be suprised if anyone stocked the switch.

1QUICK4 · 09-23-2008

Last time I was at the rock was 06. My buddy didn't have a battery hold down so they told him to go find a bugee cord. We put a bungee on his Monte and they let him run.

Last time I was there they didn't even look at my helmet, just asked if I had one

4g63tcrazy · 09-23-2008

I went twice this year. First time the inspector didn't give a sheet and just took a quick glance at my car. The second guy actually went around and wiggled just about everything. It pretty much depends on the inspector.

**Goat Blower** · 09-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by john

I thought I had a box and switch laying around but I cannot find them. I had the approved hardware in my old talon. Not sure how you can rid the push/pull switch. Not as easy as wiring a key to the back of the car. I had my swich mounted behind the license plate. I would just take the plate off and put the handle on.

I got everything from summit. You may be able to find a battery box but I would be suprised if anyone stocked the switch.

MAS and TNT stock them.

awd-drifter · 09-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QUICK4

Last time I was there they didn't even look at my helmet, just asked if I had one

x2. i havent gone this year but it really depends on the inspector. it kind of sucks because you $40 to run and the inspector says no and you're basically screwed. My friend had to have that switch in the rear for his battery...so he ghetto rigged. how he ran that day, i still have no idea how.

CarPsyco84 · 09-24-2008

A buddy of mine ran his 240 with a missing lug stud on his back wheel, and the guy even saw it too, told him to fix it before next time... They will check for a battery tie down, It doesn't seem to need to be very great, just look like ya tryed... I think it depends on the day, import day they probly let just about anything slide, fun days and other race days they might tighten the rope a bit...

Kevin 1G Drummer · 09-29-2008

While I was out there on Saturday he had me open the hood, took a quick glance and said ok, asked to see my helmet, checked it out, and said have a good day.

turbotalon1g · 09-29-2008

^how did you do?

Kevin 1G Drummer · 10-01-2008

not as good as I hoped. 12.8 @ 110 was my best. No traction off the line meant 2.0 60ft. and a shitty second gear meant an even slower et.