Subject: FFCS TECH INSPECTORS

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Summary:

The Formula Ford Challenge Series (FFCS) has been authorized by the Vintage Racer Group (VRG) Chief of Tech to develop and maintain qualified Tech Inspectors within its membership to conduct technical inspections at all events on Formula Ford (FF) competitors’ cars and safety equipment.

 

The FFCS Executive Committee (EC) shall identify potential candidates for the FFCS Tech Inspector positions, considering their knowledge and experience with VRG / FFCS car rules and requirements, maintaining FF race cars and technical abilities.

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Apprenticeship:

This document shall be used in the training of new FFCS Tech Inspectors, who will also shadow the VRG Chief of Tech Inspector at a minimum of one race event to understand the process, what to inspect that is not detailed on the Tech Sheet and to have an opportunity to ask questions.

 

Candidates shall be approved by the VRG Chief of Tech and issued an ink stamp for use in signing off on VRG Technical Inspection Sheets (Tech Sheets) and the vehicle logbooks during each inspection.​​​

 

Current approved and authorized FF Tech Inspectors:

• Mike Agnifilo

• Holgar Ahl

• Storm Field

• Joe Griffin

• Andrew Stein

• Dan Pyanowski

 

Requirements:

• Experience with building, modifying, and maintaining FF race cars.

• Working knowledge of technical skills to maintain FF race cars.

• Working knowledge of the VRG rule book and Tech Inspection Sheet.

• Working knowledge of the FFCS car rules / Monoposto rules.

 

Procedures:

Competitors –

• Presents car, vehicle Log Book with event information entered, safety equipment and completed VRG Tech Sheet.

• Post accident involving damage to their car. Driver Committee instructs driver to present Log Book to an FFCS Tech Inspector for review of visible damage and notation in the vehicle log Book.

Tech Inspector –

• Reviews past entries in Log Book for any previous nonconformities to be corrected or crash damage and verifies corrections / repairs.

• Inspects vehicle using the VRG Tech Sheet line items. (See FFCS Tech Bulletin TB-006 for common noncompliant items, VRG Tech Sheet with references to specific paragraphs in the VRG Rule Book)

• Signs off on VRG Tech Sheet and vehicle Log Book for compliant cars using signature and ink stamp.  If Tech Sheet is not double sided, be sure to add name and car # to second sheet.

• Provides competitor with Tech Inspection sticker for placement on vehicle.

• Collects VRG Tech Sheet and provides same to VRG Chief of Tech.

• Non Compliance:

• For safety equipment (expired seat belts, helmets):  make notation on VRG Tech Inspection sheet and in log Book.  Notify VRG Chief of Tech for final disposition.

• For items found on a vehicle not allowed by FFCS car rules, note the noncompliant item (ex. alloy wheels on VFF, aluminum brake calipers, canister shocks on VFF, CF) in the Log Book and inform the competitor they have 1 year to bring the car into compliance and are moved to the next higher FFCS car class, per FFCS rules.  Inform the FFCS Event Chair, Timing & Scoring of the class change.

• Other noncompliant items shall be brought to the attention of the vehicle owner, corrected and verified prior to signing off on the inspection.  Note items that cannot be immediately corrected in the Log Book and VRG Tech Sheet.  Bring item(s) to the attention of the VRG Chief of Tech for final disposition.

• Commonly found noncompliances on Formula Fords that should be carefully inspected:

• Expired seat belts (3.2.2.3)

• Lack of 2 external throttle return springs (3.2.6.1)

• Catch cans smaller than 1 quart (3.2.6.2)

• Battery hold-downs inadequate (3.2.5.2)

• Uncovered positive terminals (battery, master switch, starter motor) (3.2.5.3)

• Roll bar structures not 2” above drivers’ helmet when seated (3.2.1.1)

• Fuel filters with glass or plastic housings (not allowed per 3.2.4.3)

• Padded head restraint within 3” of helmet, 36 square inches and 2” thick (3.2.2.2)

• All parts of the roll bar that may contact the driver’s helmet, should be padded with SFI    45.1 or FIA Type A high density roll bar padding.  (3.2.1.4)

• Inspect rubber drive donuts for cracks in the rubber

• Check for excessive wheel bearing play

• Check for excessive looseness in the steering rack and steering shaft

• Special attention to fasteners, captive washers, and indications of fatigue in uprights (Per Tech Bulletin TB-003) during inspection is also critical.

• Electric fuel pumps are allowed per 3.2.5.5 and it is recommended an inertia activated or low oil pressure switch to disconnect power to the pump in the event of an accident be installed.

• Gearbox breather vents are recommended, per 3.2.6.1, to be vented to a catch can.

• Treaded tire minimum tread depth is 2/32” inch across the tire, per 3.2.9.5.

• Reinspect cars involved in track incidents / contact with anything after Drivers Committee has completed their investigation and before car returns to on track sessions.