My first HPDE is in 2 weeks and I may be going crazy, but I searched everywhere and can't find the list of tech inspection stations for NASA Northeast. Does anyone have a link to it? Also, what is the fee if I have it tech'd at the track? Thanks.

 

Usually you print off the tech sheet and check the car yourself. Then your instructor should also look over your car before the first session... not that I've seen it done very often.

 

http://www.nasaracing.net/new_...m.pdf

 

Thanks, I have the form, but the rules make it sound like you need to get it tech'd at a station or pay the fee and have it done at the track.

 

Every HPDE I've been too they check it at the track, and there's no fee involved. In HPDE1 and 2, the instructor techs the car on grid, in HPDE3 the car is teched by some random tech guy at the tech shed, which has been located by the registration area.

 

Ok good deal, thanks.

 

Key thing to remember, Your going to drive the car hard, possibly harder then ever before. So... for yourself, the other drivers and your instructor Don't skimp out on checking your car. A few extra minuets might just save a life or damage.

I hate to sound like a worry wart, but I have seen some things that bothered me.

 

I have plenty of time so I will go over it as well as I can.

 

NASA generally has a TECH session at the track. Print out the form and follow the instructions for it. Go to the TECH line and "present" the car. Just that simple.
May I suggest that you do a complete check of the car as if it were for your State inspection. Be sure that the brake pads are fairly new or if new 'bedded in'. Another thing-be sure to have all of your safety gear. Just some ideas.

 

you are going to be in HPDE one... well if its a NASA group. get a tech sheet off the interweb... go over the car and check off everything on the list... BUT make sure you check it. your instructor will tech you on grid and go over the sheet then you head out. its important that you the student and the instructor are both early to grid

 

Ok sounds good. While I have everyone's attention, I need to get a helmet also. I'm looking on Bell's website and the prices have a pretty broad range. Am I just not getting as many features with a cheaper helmet or is there actually a safety difference. I mean is something like this http://www.genuineaccessories....8.htm as good as one of their $200 or $300 helmets in terms of safety?

 

It looks like most of the cost difference is in the ratings? About $150 for an M2000 and $250 for the same exact one with SA.

 

I noticed that you're in NJ...I suggest maybe taking a ride up to Driving Impressions in Dover, NJ http://www.teamdi.com/. You can try on the helemts at their shop. Mention that you're a NASA North-East member & they'll give you 10% off.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GeeReg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It looks like most of the cost difference is in the ratings? About $150 for an M2000 and $250 for the same exact one with SA.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think it depends on what you plan on doing in motorsports....M95 or M2000 helmets are approved for autocross & some track clubs. For NASA North-East, you can use the M or SA rated helmets for HPDE. However, for auto racing (meaning wheel-to-wheel, ie. Honda Challenge), an SA rated helmet is required. The guys racing on Sunday at Pocono will be using SA helmets. The linings on SA helmets are fireproof while on M helmets (think motorcycle) are not.

 

I think either you or someone else mentioned Driving Impressions in another thread I made. It's somewhat far from me so I haven't gotten a chance to get out there. Plus I would like the selection available online. I think I will stick with an M since I don't plan on racing.

 

Have you tried on any of the helmets you are looking at before? Not all helmets fit the same nor are the sizes the same across the board between the brands (sometimes even within the same brand). Some helmets don't fit (or feel) well at all while others are a good fit even though they are equivalent ratings and sizes but are made by different companies.

I think the suggestion to go to Driving Impressions was more to try on before you buy to make sure you get a proper fitting, comfortable helmet. You can still buy online, but at least you would know the helmet was right for your noggin.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by leadfoot321 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you tried on any of the helmets you are looking at before? Not all helmets fit the same nor are the sizes the same across the board between the brands (sometimes even within the same brand). Some helmets don't fit (or feel) well at all while others are a good fit even though they are equivalent ratings and sizes but are made by different companies.

I think the suggestion to go to Driving Impressions was more to try on before you buy to make sure you get a proper fitting, comfortable helmet. You can still buy online, but at least you would know the helmet was right for your noggin.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No I haven't tried the specific ones, and the problem is Driving Impressions only has a limited inventory. I'm thinking of going to a motorcycle store where they would have a large selection.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GeeReg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks, I have the form, but the rules make it sound like you need to get it tech'd at a station or pay the fee and have it done at the track.</TD></TR></TABLE>

In Nor Cal they charge a on-site $40 tech fee.

 

That sucks. Better be a damn good tech inspection then.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RineRacing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

In Nor Cal they charge a on-site $40 tech fee.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's all I found in my searching, so I assumed it was a nationwide policy, but I guess not.

 

The $40 is merely an attempt to get people to tech their car before events. It' has no relation to the quality of the inspector.

Looking at my closed end lug nuts:
Tech: "How many threads to you have on the nut?"
Me: "Seven"
Tech: "How do you know that?"
Me: "Because I counted"
Tech: "How do I know that?"
Me: "Because I just told you"
Tech: "I need you to take off a nut and show me"
Me: Showing thread count
Tech: "ok, next time get some real lug nuts"

I don't mind the guy trying to be thorough but this guy sure being an *** about it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RineRacing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The $40 is merely an attempt to get people to tech their car before events. It' has no relation to the quality of the inspector.

Looking at my closed end lug nuts:
Tech: "How many threads to you have on the nut?"
Me: "Seven"
Tech: "How do you know that?"
Me: "Because I counted"
Tech: "How do I know that?"
Me: "Because I just told you"
Tech: "I need you to take off a nut and show me"
Me: Showing thread count
Tech: "ok, next time get some real lug nuts"

I don't mind the guy trying to be thorough but this guy sure being an *** about it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

bwhahahaha i had almost the same conversation with my tech inspector at SP the other weekend.

He said sense i had extended studs up front, i need them in the back too. I didn't under stand that and tried to explain that the reasons the fronts were done was because i replaced a wheel bearing and that is the time you replace the studs too. on the rear its easy.

As did he you, he made me take of the lug and show him.

 

I bet you guys got Ken (the self proclaimed tech ****).. He is VERY thorough tho.. I got my annual done by him and he caught a few things missed the first time I got the car logged. Its all for MY and others on the track's) safety, so i dont mind. Al least I know I will pass any of thoes surprise inspection :-)

It get dificult to tell what you have to and not have when you have a race car in progress in HPDE's