[Land-speed] mag article part 3

[Askotto@aol.com]

The  challenges of passing inspection
There  seems to be a stigma about going through tech.  Itbs always a tense
ordeal, especially  on a new, first time vehicle.  In  fact they have a
special line just for new vehicles where typically they bgang  upb on you
with
more than one inspector.  The returning, pre inspected vehicles go through
the bexpress  lanesb.  Bring all your required  personal safety gear like
your firesuit, gloves, helmet, etc as you will be  required to fully suit up,
strap in your car and show you can execute an  emergency exit from the
vehicle within 10 seconds, with your eyes closed  simulating a smoke filled
cockpit.  Practice it before going to tech and always do it in the same
sequence,
 typically starting by hitting the fire bottles. You may need it someday
for  real!
Waiting  line etiquette
In  addition to concession lines they have two infamous waiting lines, the
pre-waiting line and the brealb waiting line.  You sit in the pre-stage
until they turn  you lose in groups to stand in line to actually race.  When
in line, do not take off and leave  your vehicles unattended.  When the  line
moves, you are expected to move, now.  When in line, take the time to
smooze around, meet people and ask a lot  of questions.  The bregularsb
will
respect you more if you show them you are interested in what they have to
say.  When you are reaching bthe end  of the lineb, be prepared to run
well in
advance, at least three cars.  That includes being strapped in, all  safety
gear on, fire bottle safety pins removed, etc.  Be sure a crew member tells
the starter  youbre a newbie.  Hebll give you  special instructions on
what he wants you to do for your first run down the  salt. Pay attention.
The  SCTA licensing process.
All  newbiebs must attend a brookie orientationb.  The orientation
includes driving your  chase vehicle down track so you can get the lay of the
land,
become familiar  with the mile markers, turnoffs and the return road.  You
will receive a rookie sticker for  your helmet showing you attended the
orientation. The SCTA requires every driver  to have a current SCTA
competition
license to run the salt.  If you have a valid driverbs license, it
qualifyb
s you for a class E category license which means you can haul ass up to
125 mph.  If the class you run has a  record higher than 125, you must
complete the progressive licensing process  which jumps in 25 mph increments
with
every qualifying pass. Your next pass  should be between 125 and 149,
qualifying you for a category D license. Then C  at 150-174 mph, B, 175-199
mph, A,
200-249 mph and AA, 250-299 mph. At 300 you  receive an bunlimited
licenseb
 allowing you to walk on water.  You must hold a category B license, 175
mph plus to be able to run the highly coveted blong  courseb.
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