Tech concerns from Round 1 2014: "turkey pans" and helmets

[Linz Leard]

Like Walter says, it's hard to say with a helmet as there are some ways to buck the system. Few do, but it does happen.

There are literally hundreds of helmets that come through tech and make it to the track, and we try to - and are usually quite successful at - inspecting all of them. Sometimes a helmet that has superficial and cosmetic damage will be allowed a tech sticker. This is almost always limited to paint only issues with no visible and significant structural damage (meaning appreciable gouging into the shell or cracks). These cases are not common, and we reject quite a few that helmet owners claim to be okay since safety is the priority. In those cases where we do allow a pass for cosmetic issues, we usually recommend that a new helmet be procured soon anyway as it is literally impossible to tell if a helmet's crush liner has absorbed impact and deformed even if the outer shell doesn't appear to damaged (this is often the case paint scuffs from crashes that happen off the pavement, such as sliding in the grass - the helmet may not look bad, but who knows on the inside?).

I don't tech every helmet, but generally speaking if a helmet is a judgement call, the other tech officials will defer to me when I am in the tech barn, and I refuse more than I pass.

[Keith Hertell]

Aircooled RD 2 strokes don't need to have lowers anymore do they? I didn't look that close but it didn't look like a couple of the RD's had lowers.

If so that's great!!! No need for one on those bikes.

[Walter Walker]

Aircooled RD 2 strokes don't need to have lowers anymore do they? I didn't look that close but it didn't look like a couple of the RD's had lowers.

If so that's great!!! No need for one on those bikes.

Yes they need lowers!

[Kyle Jenkins]

if you think your helmet is outdated or has been crashed/ damage showing why not get a new 1? It's your head it's protecting after all. I don't understand why someone would cheap out on safety gear.

[Christopher Corder]

Question: I think this may have changed but two years ago two stroke gp bikes did not need to remove the lower to come to tech. Is that still accurate or did it change?

[Travis Cagle]

I was under the impression that the lower only needs to be removed to see safety wire? My motard was teched with its lower attached - you can still clearly see the safety wire to the oil drain (that's all that's under there).

Walter, Linz, do you have a comment on this? Are the lowers supposed to be inspected for holes or something?

[Angela McWilliams]

FYI: Linz held our lower fairing up to the light to inspect for any cracks or damage

I was under the impression that the lower only needs to be removed to see safety wire? My motard was teched with its lower attached - you can still clearly see the safety wire to the oil drain (that's all that's under there).

Walter, Linz, do you have a comment on this? Are the lowers supposed to be inspected for holes or something?

[Linz Leard]

I was under the impression that the lower only needs to be removed to see safety wire? My motard was teched with its lower attached - you can still clearly see the safety wire to the oil drain (that's all that's under there).

Walter, Linz, do you have a comment on this? Are the lowers supposed to be inspected for holes or something?

It depends. (Doesn't it always?) Lowers, as a general rule, need to be removed so the tech officials can see all components clearly and ensure that they are wired in compliance with the rule book. Precious few motorcycles can be safely and accurately teched with the belly pan mounted. Your bike is (and most motards are, actually) the exception to the rule...and there are very few exceptions.

FYI: Linz held our lower fairing up to the light to inspect for any cracks or damage

Indeed I did, and do.

[Kasey Lewis]

Am I the only one that feels like an idiot when I roll through tech and I missed something? Glad you guys are there!

[David Proler]

Am I the only one that feels like an idiot when I roll through tech and I missed something? Glad you guys are there!

You have a few loose screws, but we've accepted you this way.