Coming back from a break I've had to go through the motions of getting endorsements, doing flag questionnaires and everything else, I was surprised to be told that scrutineering at race entry time had been scraped.
It does make sense as theres nothing stopping a person getting scruteneered then taking the whole axle, engine, brakes or steering out of the kart. So a different approach is now taken where scruteeners roam the pits and can do random checks on any kart at any time. Most of the time minor things like zip ties on fuel lines or bolts with a little too much thread are picked up on.
In coming back, every race I do with P's i've been called out to talk with the clark of course and asked the basic flag questions again & such. But who's standing with a first time racer explaining what all the rules in the book mean or the way to correctly check the entry form for all required gear?
I ask this as I started another thread a few weeks ago about this very thing and racing this weekend competing with a P plater whom I imagine was also a racer from the past (as he had a brand new kart and could drive ok) had a 125 motor with no catch tank on the radiator, nor a cable (LIKE SPECIFIED IN THE RULE BOOK!) on the camera mounted on the radiator bracket.
So really to sum up, really think there is a need to walk new comers to the sport through ALL aspects of it
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There needs to be a bit closer looking early in the day going on for sure, and training for officials too. I got pulled up for the nuts on the top of the head, and all I got was it's in the rule book. The person should be able to explain why, not just, "because it says so". I understand the rule book is there for a reason, but if you can't tell someone why a rule is in place, it doesn't give you much confidence.
I sometime wonder why a new karter wouldn't bother to read the rule book when they get into the sport. just two chapters only, as far as the equipment goes.
Chapter 25 - kart formula, and the chapter relevant to the class.
Is that too hard or too much to ask?
Terry Sheedy
true, but I wonder how many of us really know the book, when was the last time we all read the rules of the road when driving a car??
Terry Sheedy said:I sometime wonder why a new karter wouldn't bother to read the rule book when they get into the sport. just two chapters only, as far as the equipment goes.Chapter 25 - kart formula, and the chapter relevant to the class.Is that too hard or too much to ask?Terry Sheedy
If you are in doubt talk to a kart shop or a club official. Usually the club will pick up a few things the first time you present your kart to scrutineering. It really is the competitor's responsibility to know the rules. Otherwise you risk not being able to compete.
I think thats a bit rough mate. we're talking about people who generally know nothing about this sort of thing getting going in the sport
I've been scrutineering at Toowoomba for some months now, and have visited Ipswich recently to do the same. I've been attempting to help out by doing just what Michael has asked - telling the P Plater what I was looking for, and why. Once it's explained most grasp the concept.
I agree with the idea of random inspections. Remember that scrutineering is basically for safety, both your own and the karts around you. Hmmm, maybe I should have a word to our Race Secretary when our next Supp regs are drawn up . . . something along the lines of "Scrutineering - Self scrutineering, except for D licence and random inspections"
I'm interested to know if anyone would have an objection to a random inspection next time they went to the track.
Great work Dennis, if people know why, they are less inclined to cause a scene, rather than just be told. In my case I had 2 nuts for a tag to be fitted but they had holes down the thread too, and all I got was smart arsed comments. I couldn't see why it mattered when you could seal the engine until I asked the question here.
I certainly wouldn't worry about being randomly inspected so long as I don't end up with a hand full of parts I have to pay good money to get fixed and the process is correct and fair.
Dennis Neagle said:I've been scrutineering at Toowoomba for some months now, and have visited Ipswich recently to do the same. I've been attempting to help out by doing just what Michael has asked - telling the P Plater what I was looking for, and why. Once it's explained most grasp the concept.I agree with the idea of random inspections. Remember that scrutineering is basically for safety, both your own and the karts around you. Hmmm, maybe I should have a word to our Race Secretary when our next Supp regs are drawn up . . . something along the lines of "Scrutineering - Self scrutineering, except for D licence and random inspections"I'm interested to know if anyone would have an objection to a random inspection next time they went to the track.
Tend to agree Dave.
Since the compulsory scruitineering before racing was introduced there is always the worry about Newbs or even some experienced drivers going out on the track with an"unsafe" or not compliant kart.
The safety aspect is what worrys me. Not just the competitor with the dodgy kart but the other drivers mixing it up with maybe an unsafe kart on the track.
We ( and the clubs/AKA) pays insurance for liability,accidents etc etc.
Are we voiding the policy/ies in place if an incident happens due to an unscruitineed kart" causing an accident and injuring a fellow competitor or spectator . For an example.......an unwired exhaust or no brakes etc etc.and major impact.
I understand waivers for each event have been relaxed as well and only agreed to on the wbsite licensing application ( which means diddly squat). This may leave the sport open to some major litigation.
Yes I am concerned as well.
OLT's and flaagies duty are one thing for P platers etc but a kart should be checked prior to racing for basic safety and compliance.
can we just remember that my point wasnt self inspection vs begining of the day inspection. the techies now require you to prepare a track worthy kart every time you hit the grid & return in the in grid. if you get pulled up for an infringement the onus is back on you for not knowing better (that's why they publish the book every year & if in doubt, you can ask your friendly techie for a clarification or advice any time). rules where also changed as there was nothing stopping a competitor swapping an entire axle setup out, a motor & carb meaning a zippy might have been left off the fuel line, or even breaking the kart down to constituent parts & rebuilding it.
My point was more that we need better initial education for new people to the sport to highlight the things they need to look out for.
Could not agree more Dave,
I was fortunate when I returned to the sport after many years off, in that I had a lot of knowledge and experience in preparing competition vehicles and I also have an engineering background.
Perhaps what is needed is something like they do with Motorcycle licencing now, in that you must do a basic course before they let you loose. In this case, it would be better if you just had to pass some kind of written exam (at club level), before your club membership is approved. That way, people who think they already have the knowledge would not have to sit through a (potentially boring) lecture, while those that need the info could learn in a friendly atmosphere.
Subjects should include (as a starting point only......please add to the list):
Basic Maintenance
Overview of technical rules relating to class
Do's and Dont's at a race meeting
Dave Britt said:
can we just remember that my point wasnt self inspection vs begining of the day inspection. the techies now require you to prepare a track worthy kart every time you hit the grid & return in the in grid. if you get pulled up for an infringement the onus is back on you for not knowing better (that's why they publish the book every year & if in doubt, you can ask your friendly techie for a clarification or advice any time). rules where also changed as there was nothing stopping a competitor swapping an entire axle setup out, a motor & carb meaning a zippy might have been left off the fuel line, or even breaking the kart down to constituent parts & rebuilding it.
My point was more that we need better initial education for new people to the sport to highlight the things they need to look out for.
The usual requirement is that all P-platers karts are inspected at the beginning of the day.
As mentioned earlier, random inspections are permitted. Be prepared . . .
Thats a bit like me. also, like the idea. doesnt need to be long or formal. just touching on the basics
Steve O'Neil said:
I was fortunate when I returned to the sport after many years off, in that I had a lot of knowledge and experience in preparing competition vehicles and I also have an engineering background.
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Subjects should include (as a starting point only......please add to the list):
Basic Maintenance
Overview of technical rules relating to class
Do's and Dont's at a race meeting