Annual Tech May 1st - Pacific Raceways

Bill Bonsell

Bill Bonsell

Well-known member
I am going to need a tech inspection done Saturday AM and a Conference log book issued (I have an SCCA log book and 2010 annual)...I am doing my first Conference novice race. Will I have enough time to get the annual done and still make the novice meeting and track walk etc. I need to be on track at 11:20ish. Where is tech normally done? I'm hoping this Conference newbie can be swiftly walked through this process with as little stress as possible. At this point, I am a little uncertain as to how this tech/log book process will play out. Anyone in particular I should be seeking out? Any novices from last year want to chime in and enlighten me as to what to expect.

But, really looking forward to my first Conference race...geez, group is now up to 12 I think!!

Thanks --
 
Bill,

It will be VERY tight to get through Tech on Saturday (opens at 7:30AM) morning and make the drivers meeting at 8:00AM. Unless, you're number 1 or 2 in line. HOWEVER, you can put the car in line off to the side (tech is over by the PADDOCK in/out gate) then go off to the meeting and finish up after your Novice indoctrination.

The other thing that will be needed is a BIG 'tech wheel' who can issue a new log book. Not difficult but it might add 10 minutes to the process to find the right 'wheel'

There are also "roving" tech guys who can catch you at your paddock stall. But DON'T count on that. If you want that on a tight schedule seek out a tech guy and ask if they can come over.

If all else fails, you'll have PLENTY of time between the novice meeting and your first track time to get it done.

The other alternative is to bring the car out Friday afternoon and get throught the tech process. The IRDC tech guys (as well as other clubs) work until they go blind from lack of light to get as many cars as possible tech'd.

It's NOT a long involved process especially with an SCCA log book in your hand. Just KNOW where the roll bar stamp is.

The biggest delay will be waiting in the tech line. Once you're in to the process it takes 15 to 20 minutes. Ask them to do an annual if possible, that saves you much time on the following weekends.

Do you have any help coming with you? That's a big asset. I'd offer to help but I'll be out on a corner.
 
Last edited:
As Rich said you should be able to get your annual on Friday during or after the T&T Bill, but you will need to verify that with Dave Bennitt whose info is on the main page of this site under officials.
You won't have access to roving tech people on Saturday as they will be in their designated spot over near the gas pumps. If you get in line before 8 am you should have plenty of time, but I would suggest you let a crew member do that while you attend the novice track walk.
 
Thanks Richard - thanks Wes ---

Living in Poulsbo and working Friday, Saturday will have to do. Now that I know where tech is, I'll just plan to unload the car near tech and get in line. I should have a crew member there by that time. Do the tech guys have any identifying gear, etc....special hats, vests, etc?

Thanks again -
 
Bill Bonsell said:
Thanks Richard - thanks Wes ---

Living in Poulsbo and working Friday, Saturday will have to do. Now that I know where tech is, I'll just plan to unload the car near tech and get in line. I should have a crew member there by that time. Do the tech guys have any identifying gear, etc....special hats, vests, etc?

Thanks again -
Click to expand...

No special identifiers...but ask anyone standing near you where tech is and most likely you'll be pointed in the right direction. They may have a 10x10 white EZup erected by then as well. And just a friendly reminder, no race engines are to be started prior to 0900; push the car to tech.
 
Richard Broadhead said:
Bill,
The other alternative is to bring the car out Friday afternoon and get throught the tech process. The IRDC tech guys (as well as other clubs) work until they go blind from lack of light to get as many cars as possible tech'd......Just KNOW where the roll bar stamp is.
Click to expand...

I'll be coming out Friday for tech.
Like Bill, first novice race. But mine is a new build (TC).

I'll be sure to ask Jon A to drill an inspection hole for the cage.
And will look for Bill Spornitz, Tom Olsson or Ken Hill (keepers of the cage stamp). :)
 
Hey Brian ---

I'll be arriving around 7-7:15...White Jeep tow vehicle...red Miata. Where u paddocking?? We should hook up.....cya then....
 
mikeolsen said:
No special identifiers...but ask anyone standing near you where tech is and most likely you'll be pointed in the right direction. They may have a 10x10 white EZup erected by then as well. And just a friendly reminder, no race engines are to be started prior to 0900; push the car to tech.
Click to expand...

Unless Tech has been taken over by aliens (from another planet), the EZup will be set just off the pavement with the scales in front of it. You FORM the LINE at the paddock/track gate so you're rolling IN toward the paddock. This is the same location you will go across the scales after your practice and races if you're running in a weight restricted class (remember it).

As there's a semi-rush to get everybody through tech for the races, they may or may not have time to do an annual tech. If they cannot, ask them if someone can do it during the weekend. Tech guys are really good about this. And if you 'remind' them Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, they'll get it done.
.
Once you have the annual, life becomes easier. All you do is go register for the weekend then take you personal gear and log books to tech and they hand you a sticker for the car UNLESS you're in the run group that has manditory tech for that weekend. This is not as daunting a task as it sounds on papoer once you've been through the routine once or twice.

You'll be nervous and the butterflys will be after you. BUT remember, the idea is to have FUN and enjoy the weekend. Keep one eye on the clock for going to pre-grid. DO NOT count on hearing the call to grid over the speakers as they don't always work. Leave the paddock area about 10 minutes before your run time. DO NOT miss drivers meetings... they take attendance via random name call outs :)

If you need help or don't understand something, ASK.
 
So I'm in the same boat, have a NASA log book, 2009 annual inspection done, so will need a annual (I guess). So looks like if I come up after T&T on Friday I have a better chance on getting the annual, right?
 
FFRSpec72 said:
So I'm in the same boat, have a NASA log book, 2009 annual inspection done, so will need a annual (I guess). So looks like if I come up after T&T on Friday I have a better chance on getting the annual, right?
Click to expand...

That or, at least over the weekend.

Sounds like you need a new ICSCC car log book too. If you have a NASA log book and a visible roll bar stamp it's not much of a problem.

If no roll bar stamp make SURE you have an inspection hole (should have that if you have a NASA log book).

Remember on Friday night the priority is getting as many cars tech'd as possible to begin racing early Saturday.

Annual tech's are just slightly more involved then a regular tech. So depending upon the 'load' (line) they may or may not be doing annuals but will give you a 'weekend' sticker. Just ask to have the annual down over the weekend if they cannot get it done on Friday night.

Our 1st annual was done in almost total darkness on a Friday night at Portland.
 
Last edited:
Bill Bonsell said:
Hey Brian ---

I'll be arriving around 7-7:15...White Jeep tow vehicle...red Miata. Where u paddocking?? We should hook up.....cya then....
Click to expand...

You talking Saturday moring Bill?
Not sure who I'll paddock with...probably Carlo, he'll have a Pro3 car there.
I don't have easy ups or anything like that yet, so I'll be traveling light.
 
bbenthin said:
Thanks for all the replies guys, very helpful...especially for us nervous newbs.
Click to expand...

Don't be nervous. Enjoy it! Don't worry about finishing position, either. The goal is to get through these novice races and get signed off for the senior races.

Watch the flags! Randy and the flaggers will be testing you at various times during the race. I bet more novice drivers haven't been signed off at the completion of a novice race because he/she passed under a yellow, didn't recognize a passing or black flag, or some other flag-related thing. And especially after last week's incident, make sure you slow down and give space when coming upon a safety vehicle on track.
 
bbenthin said:
....I don't have easy ups or anything like that yet, so I'll be traveling light.
Click to expand...

I'll throw a couple of EZups in my car. If it's rain or shine, I'll try to find you. Nothing worse then climbing in to an over heated car to start a race (if it shines) or, trying to work on a car in the wet (if it rains).

I assume your car looks like your Avatar?

OR if I can't find you, call my mobile and give me a location (206) 518-1740
 
Last edited:
Also remember to slow down and enjoy your cool off lap while acknowledging the waves from EVERY turn station. Those folks work hard and love racing, but they also love a wave from the drivers, and they don't care of you're first or last, so stick a hand out and say hello.
As I mentioned you should contact Dave Bennitt about the annual techs. Unless you're testing on Friday you won't be admitted to the paddock until 4:00, perhaps sooner, but don't count on it. If Dave is doing annuals and you're on his list it will make it much quicker and easier for you.
 
Richard Broadhead said:
If no roll bar stamp make SURE you have an inspection hole (should have that if you have a NASA log book).
Click to expand...

So in NASA (Texas) we did not have a rollbar stamp, we had a annual inspection sticker that went on the car. We did not have a inspection hole, so where does this have to go and what size must the hole be?
 
Brian....

I have a couple of canopies. One is really easy to put up and the other is a PITA, but if you would like it, the PITA one, I will bring it and give it to you as a racer to racer gift. It's taking up space in my garage and I'd like to move it out.

Also, on another matter, how's the trailer parking issue....any problem with unloading and leaving the trailer in the same paddock area as the car? Since I have to get up so bloody early Saturday am, I might be a bit "foggy" so every detail I can work out now will be of immense help. And, did I mention that I also have issues on account of Old Age!! And what does the double yellow flag mean again??;)

CYA...Bill
 
FFRSpec72 said:
......We did not have a inspection hole, so where does this have to go and what size must the hole be?
Click to expand...

Hmmm, this is beyond my area. But as I recall it is a 1/8th hole (so they can get a gauge in it) located in the main hoop BUT in a location that does NOT jeopardize the integrity of the bar (usually down low in the main hoop near a cross brace). They are checking wall thickness. If you have a 1/8" drill bit and a cordless (and center punch perhaps), bring it to tech and ask them where they want the hole :)

Bill Bonsell said:
.....Also, on another matter, how's the trailer parking issue....any problem with unloading and leaving the trailer in the same paddock area as the car? Since I have to get up so bloody early Saturday am, I might be a bit "foggy" so every detail I can work out now will be of immense help. And, did I mention that I also have issues on account of Old Age!! And what does the double yellow flag mean again??;) CYA...Bill
Click to expand...

USUALLY, unless you park in an area that's really packed, you can just set your trailer alongside your paddock space. If you want to park in a 'pack' most guys will drop their trailers after unload far back toward the trees on the paddock pavement.

When things get really, really packed and the paved paddock is full, lots of guys will drop their trailers with a hitch lock down in the grassy field alongside the entry road.

I've never seen the Pacific Paddock so full for ICSCC races that we couldn't have the trailer right next to our space. Makes a good work deck and place to put formula car body work between sessions. Yes, there ALWAYS something to do between session under the body work on formula cars.

Portland in the Pro paddock is a totally different story!

Unless you get in REAL early you'll have a hard time finding space to keep your trailer next to you. Once unloaded most people move the trailers out to the grassy field behind the Festival Corner. OR (as we do) paddock up on the side roads in under the trees. Much more pleasant especially if camping and there's room for your trailer.
 
Last edited:
Richard Broadhead said:
I'll throw a couple of EZups in my car. If it's rain or shine, I'll try to find you. Nothing worse then climbing in to an over heated car to start a race (if it shines) or, trying to work on a car in the wet (if it rains).

I assume your car looks like your Avatar?

OR if I can't find you, call my mobile and give me a location (206) 518-1740
Click to expand...

WOW, very generous of you!
I should be good, sounds like TC has a 10x20 hole for me.

But who knows, maybe they'll get sick of my "ish" and kick me out.
If so, I'll certainly call you! ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top