Tech

HPDE Technical Requirements
For the purpose of maximizing participant safety, a full and complete safety inspection must be performed on each automobile prior to every track event. A HPDE Technical Inspection Form should be filled out for each car entered.  Download NASA FL Tech Form

Important NOTE! For in depth rules for HPDE participation please download the Club Codes and Regulations (CCR) to get specifications on racing harnesses, seats, rollbar, and other safety related items.  As a general rule, an "unmodified' factory vehicle should pass tech without any problems, but cars that have been modified (seats, rollbars, belts, etc.) must conform to the preparation rules listed in the current NASA CCR rule book.

HPDE Technical Inspection Form Preparation Instructions:

The Technical Inspection Form should be completed in advance of the event by a qualified mechanic who can properly scrutinize the car in preparation for the track driving event. Vehicle must meet or exceed minimum tech guidelines for HPDE as stated in the current NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR).
Required Safety Equipment-Driver:

Drivers (and passengers) must have the proper personal safety items listed in the current NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR) that meets or exceed those specifications. 

Disclaimer: Conformance to these regulations is the driver's responsibility. Theseregulations do not guarantee or imply that injuries or death will not occur. If there areany questions or problems with these regulations it is the reader's responsibility tocontact the NASA office, or a NASA official immediately. All participants should utilize equipment that meets or exceeds these minimum requirements, while driving on track (Note- passenger equipment must meet or exceed these minimum requirements; but do not necessarily have to match the driver's equipment):
1. Use proper fitting helmet that meets Snell 1995 (SA 1995; M 1995) or newer (or equivalent) standards for cars or motorcycles. NOTE: Loaner helmets are not available in Florida Region.
2. The driver and any passenger must utilize modern style* stock seatbelts in verygood condition, or a DOT approved restraint system, while operating a vehicle onthe track. Restraint system requirements are listed in Section #11.4.8. *Lapbelts used without any shoulder restraints are not permitted.
3. Non-synthetic fabric clothing (i.e. cotton). A T-shirt and longpants must be worn. Individual track requirements may be different.
4. No open toed shoes, shorts, or tank tops may be worn in the car while on track.
5. Drivers should wear eye protection such as goggles, safety glasses or faceshields preferably made of new impact resistant materials. It is recommended that any corrective eyeglass material used be made of safety glass type that meets U.S. Government standards.
 
Automobile Technical Regulations:
Every automobile entered in any NASA sanctioned HPDE event should meet or exceedthe automobile technical regulations as per the current NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR) rule book.  The HPDE technical regulation guidelines noted below are provided by NASA FL as a reference for general guidelines.  Refer to the CCR for the most current information.
1. Appearance - All entered vehicles must be in good condition and appearance. Vehicles with excessive body damage, primered body panels, etc., are not allowed. The vehicle must meet the "50/50" rule, which means they must look undamaged and straight at fifty (50) mph from fifty (50) feet.
2. Wheels and Tires - The general condition of the tire and rim assembly must be good. There should be no cracks or other damage to the wheel. There should be no cords exposed, bubbles, or other visible damage on the tire. All lug nuts must be present and tightly hold the tire and rim assembly to the car's hub. No hubcaps or beauty rings allowed. Imitation "knock-offs" must be removed.
3. Steering and Suspension - The steering mechanism and the suspension of the car should be checked for its general condition. The front and rear wheel bearings should be tight and play-free. There should be very little play or no play in the suspension of the car and in the steering mechanism.
4. Gas Caps - All vehicles should utilize gasoline caps such that the gas will not spill out of the fuel tank under hard driving. Monza type caps are not permitted. (Decorative Monza style covers for regular gas caps are permitted).
5. Exposed Wires - There should be no exposed wires inside the driver's compartment such as to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. No live (hot) wires may be exposed anywhere in the vehicle.
6. Seats - All seats must be securely fastened to the structure of the car such that they are strong enough to withstand major impact. If replaced, the replacement seat should beinstalled according to the manufacturer's instructions. If stock seats are to be used with a roll bar/cage, care should be taken to prevent the seat from submarining under the rollbar. Care should also be taken to prevent the occupant from hitting his/her head on the roll bar/cage. Passenger seats must meet the same requirements, per the CCR, as the driver seat, if used by passengers. Note- The passenger seat does not have to match the driver's seat.
7. Loose objects - All loose objects in car and trunk should be removed. Floor mats, dash mats, spare tire,jack, tools, etc. must be removed.
8. Car Numbers - The vehicle should exhibit its assigned car number on both sides of the car. Thenumbers must be at least ten (10) inches tall and be of a contrasting color. No numbersmay be placed on the side windows. Numbers on the front or rear of the car arerecommended but not required. Metallic numbers, and numbers having iridescentand/or reflective properties, are prohibited.

NOTE: The use of shoe polish is not permitted for car number application in Florida Region. We recommend professionally made reusable magnetic numbers or vinyl numbers. Home made number can be created with contact paper or heavy painter's tape. Participants are required to provide their own car numbers.  
9. Review Mirror - The vehicle must have at least one rear view mirror affixed such as to provide the driver good visibility from the rear.
10. Camera Mounts - Video camera mounts should be approved by tech before entering the course at every event. Camera should use at least one bolt to attach the camera to the mount; and at least one strap should be used to secure the camera. Remote cameras, including"lipstick" style cameras, need not be tethered or strapped. Cameras under three (3)ounces need not be tethered or strapped.
11. Hoses Inside Cockpit - All hoses carrying any liquids or any gases that go through the cockpit should be metal or steel braided. Any hoses that carry cold water, such as washer fluid, cool suits, etc. are exempt from this rule. Rubberized or rubber-coated steel braided hoses are acceptable.
12. Lights - There should be at least two (2) working red brake lights visible from 300 feet to the rear(except formula cars, sports racers, and other vehicles specifically approved by the Event Director). All formula cars should have a red tail light. Certain other race carsmay be exempt at the discretion of the Event Director. Lights Covered:  It is recommended, not required, that all exposed lights be covered with tape, except brake lights.
13. Engine Bay - There should be no fluid leaks from the engine. A radiator overflow of at least one-liter capacity should be used. Oil breathers or vents shall return the oil to the engine or shall terminate in a catch tank of at least one-liter. All hoses carrying fluids should be in good condition with no cracks or other damage.
14. Brakes - The brakes should be in good working condition and must be able to stop the vehicle in a reasonable distance in a safe and controlled manner. The pedal pressure should beadequate. The fluid level must be above the minimum limit as specified by the manufacturer. The brake lines must be in good condition.

15. Roll Bars - All open cars should have a roll bar installed to help protect the occupant(s) from injury during a roll-over. The roll bar should be able to withstand the compressional forces involved in supporting the full weight of the car. The roll bar's main hoop should extendthe full width of the car (except certain cars that have been approved by NASA). The main hoop shall be one continuous piece with smooth bends and no evidence of crimping or wall failure shall be present (i.e. should be Mandrel bends). All welds shouldbe of the highest possible quality, with full penetration [Ref:(15.6.15)]. All cars with rollbars are required to have adequate roll bar padding per CCR section #15.6.4. In cases where the driver's head may come in contact with the roll bar should the seatback fail, a seatback brace is required in conformance with section #15.6.22. The material and minimums are as follows:

(All cars with full roll cages should conform to the applicable sections found in section #15.0.)

Vehicle weight DOM or ERW
Under 2000 lbs. 1.50" x .120"
2001 - 3500 lbs. 1.75" x .120"
Over 3500 lbs. 2.00" x .120"

Vehicle weight Alloy (CM)
Under 1500 lbs. 1.375" x .095"
1501 - 2500 lbs. 1.625" x .095"
Over 2500 lbs. 2.000" x .095"
NOTE: Convertible street car with "factory installed devices specifically made for roll over protection" are allowed in HPDE at the discretion of the Regional Director under the following conditions: The driver understands that neither NASA or PDC, Inc is endorsing this type of device; the driver has confirmed that the manufacturer of the car states in writing that the device is specifically made for rollover protection; AND driver is willing to assume the risks of relying on this device in the case of a rollover in the NASA high speed driving event. 

16. Seatbelts & Harnesses - The seatbelts should be in good condition. No damage may be present on the seatbelts and they must be the factory configuration. Any harness or any restraint system, other than factory stock, shall conform to CCR section #15.5, in all respects* except for the expiration regulations. Harnesses that are expired for racing may be used providing that they are in at least very good condition. The use of a lap belt without any shoulder restraint is not permitted. Passenger seatbelts must meet the same minimum requirements per the CCR as the driver seatbelts if being used by a passenger. Note: passenger equipment need not match the installed equipment on the driver's side.*Aftermarket DOT-certified belt sets, installed to the manufacturer's specifications maybe allowed. Proof of DOT certification and proper installation is the driver'sresponsibility. 
17. Battery - The battery shall be securely fastened down to the car. No bungee cords or rubber cords may be used to function as the sole hold down mechanism. An electrically non-conductive material must cover the positive battery terminal. Any battery located inside the driver's compartment shall be fully covered And firmly secured to the chassis in a marine type battery case. True dry cell batteries may be mounted without a surrounding case, however a case is still recommended.
18. Tow eyes - It is STRONGLY recommended that all vehicles have at least two (2) easily accessible (and usable) tow eyes; one in the front and one in the back. They must not protrude dangerously from the car, and they must be accessible without manipulation of the bodywork and/or panels. They should be strong enough to support the weight of the car.
NOTE: If no tow eyes are available, the towing crew will hook onto other things that may cause damage to the driver's car. The towing crew will not be held liable for that damage. Again, tow eyes are STRONGLY recommended.The tow crew will attempt to avoid damaging the participant's vehicle. However,should damage occur in the course of towing, or preparing to tow, NASA, PDC. Inc and/ or the tow crew will not be held responsible for any damages.
 
In addition, the following is highly recommended:
* A fresh oil change
* Fresh, full coolant
* Fresh high-temperature brake fluid
* Track worthy Brake pads