Tech Officials Qualifications?

Jim Wahl · 06-10-2009, 01:23 PM

I have a serious question. What exactly does it take to become a certified NHRA tech official? Are there tests that must be taken? Are there certain qualifications? What exactly does it take? Also, after you are certified as a tech official, what ongoing training or classes (CEU's) must be taken? Is there an official NHRA school for their tech officials?

All of us who have been around for a while pretty much know which tech officials know their jobs. However there seems to be quite a few "loose cannons" out there who make things up when they don't know the answer which makes things more complicated for all racers and other tech officials. It seems to me that if there were a central technical informational resource site that all tech officials could call or go to, it might reduce the amount of problems encountered in tech. Jim

BlueOval Ralph · 06-10-2009, 05:35 PM

Be able to get up in the morning and work for nothing or next to nothing!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl

I have a serious question. What exactly does it take to become a certified NHRA tech official? Are there tests that must be taken? Are there certain qualifications? What exactly does it take? Also, after you are certified as a tech official, what ongoing training or classes (CEU's) must be taken? Is there an official NHRA school for their tech officials?

All of us who have been around for a while pretty much know which tech officials know their jobs. However there seems to be quite a few "loose cannons" out there who make things up when they don't know the answer which makes things more complicated for all racers and other tech officials. It seems to me that if there were a central technical informational resource site that all tech officials could call or go to, it might reduce the amount of problems encountered in tech. Jim

Bill Howell · 06-10-2009, 06:43 PM

Back in the 80's, when we had a drag strip, in order to be sanctioned and insured we had to go to a Tech Inspection class by the sanctioning body and be certified. All the basic safety items were stressed, seat belts, helmets, lug nuts, driveshaft loops, etc. Also, how to look for and handle substance abuse.
I would surely hope that is still the case.

Jack Matyas · 06-10-2009, 07:48 PM

Jim - Since you stated you had a serious question i'll try and give you a serious answer .First , all tech people are SFI tested -- mostly on safety issues - there are several levels depending on where you are going to work at -- local track workers then divisional then National event workers and so on .As for class car info you either have it or spend time learning from Divisional workers who train .Yes , its long hours and short pay but can be very rewarding to some .Anyone interested should contact their Division Director as the NHRA is just like the Marines -- they need a few good men (and women) .

One last thing -- a unnamed Division Director once told me I could steal anything I wanted as a 'techie' -- with my eyes ...........

Hope I've helped.............

Bob Pagano · 06-11-2009, 07:34 AM

Jack is right on. We all know everyone respects Wesley, how did he get all that knowledge ? He was trained by the best. In the early 70s he was in Div. 1 and learned from one of the best back in the day Greg X.

art leong · 06-11-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob pagano

jack is right on. We all know everyone respects wesley, how did he get all that knowledge ? He was trained by the best. In the early 70s he was in div. 1 and learned from one of the best back in the day greg x.

x2

Ed Wright · 06-12-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Pagano

Jack is right on. We all know everyone respects Wesley, how did he get all that knowledge ? He was trained by the best. In the early 70s he was in Div. 1 and learned from one of the best back in the day Greg X.

Wow, I didn't know Wesley worked Div 1. First time I met him was one time Red Anderson tore down both myself and James Lee for records at the old Houma LA track. Best I can remember it was Wesley's first Div 4 race. That had to be mid-late '70s. Wesley, James and I all had brown hair back then.

And Red's was still red.

X-TECH MAN · 06-11-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueOval Ralph

Be able to get up in the morning and work for nothing or next to nothing!!!!

You forgot you must be CRAZY also.

Michael Beard · 06-11-2009, 08:12 AM

Even for weekly program local tracks, there is a tech certification test.

Duster 7695 · 06-11-2009, 10:57 AM

You have to pass a written test to be SFI Certified. You must be re-certified by passing a test every two years. Each division has a head tech inspector. If an inspector is not certain about a technical issue he, or she, should contact their division head tech inspector for guidance. If you have a problem with a decision made by a tech inspector you should ask the inspector to show you the section in the rule book that covers the decision the inspector made. I am at the bottom end of tech inspectors and only carry a copper card.

Raul

06-10-2009, 01:23 PM	#1
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,844 Likes: 666 Liked 683 Times in 129 Posts	Tech Officials Qualifications? I have a serious question. What exactly does it take to become a certified NHRA tech official? Are there tests that must be taken? Are there certain qualifications? What exactly does it take? Also, after you are certified as a tech official, what ongoing training or classes (CEU's) must be taken? Is there an official NHRA school for their tech officials? All of us who have been around for a while pretty much know which tech officials know their jobs. However there seems to be quite a few "loose cannons" out there who make things up when they don't know the answer which makes things more complicated for all racers and other tech officials. It seems to me that if there were a central technical informational resource site that all tech officials could call or go to, it might reduce the amount of problems encountered in tech. Jim __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 NHRA D2 National Open Stock Champion 1982 NHRA D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.

06-10-2009, 06:43 PM	#3
Bill Howell Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Aiken, SC Posts: 315 Likes: 28 Liked 218 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Tech Officials Qualifications? Back in the 80's, when we had a drag strip, in order to be sanctioned and insured we had to go to a Tech Inspection class by the sanctioning body and be certified. All the basic safety items were stressed, seat belts, helmets, lug nuts, driveshaft loops, etc. Also, how to look for and handle substance abuse. I would surely hope that is still the case.

06-10-2009, 07:48 PM	#4
Jack Matyas Live Reporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bethlehem , PA -Christmas City , USA Posts: 4,927 Likes: 406 Liked 2,050 Times in 398 Posts	Re: Tech Officials Qualifications? Jim - Since you stated you had a serious question i'll try and give you a serious answer .First , all tech people are SFI tested -- mostly on safety issues - there are several levels depending on where you are going to work at -- local track workers then divisional then National event workers and so on .As for class car info you either have it or spend time learning from Divisional workers who train .Yes , its long hours and short pay but can be very rewarding to some .Anyone interested should contact their Division Director as the NHRA is just like the Marines -- they need a few good men (and women) . One last thing -- a unnamed Division Director once told me I could steal anything I wanted as a 'techie' -- with my eyes ........... Hope I've helped............. __________________ Jack Matyas 1547 FS/C 2015 Camaro COPO # 62- 2012 Camaro Convertible COPO

06-11-2009, 07:34 AM	#5
Bob Pagano VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Holland, PA Mooresville,NC Posts: 1,163 Likes: 240 Liked 16 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Tech Officials Qualifications? Jack is right on. We all know everyone respects Wesley, how did he get all that knowledge ? He was trained by the best. In the early 70s he was in Div. 1 and learned from one of the best back in the day Greg X. __________________ Bob Pagano A/SA

06-11-2009, 08:12 AM	#9
Michael Beard VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 4,060 Likes: 0 Liked 13 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Tech Officials Qualifications? Even for weekly program local tracks, there is a tech certification test. __________________ Michael Beard - NHRA/IHRA 3216 S/SS

06-11-2009, 10:57 AM	#10
Duster 7695 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 140 Likes: 1 Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Tech Officials Qualifications? You have to pass a written test to be SFI Certified. You must be re-certified by passing a test every two years. Each division has a head tech inspector. If an inspector is not certain about a technical issue he, or she, should contact their division head tech inspector for guidance. If you have a problem with a decision made by a tech inspector you should ask the inspector to show you the section in the rule book that covers the decision the inspector made. I am at the bottom end of tech inspectors and only carry a copper card. Raul