Der Gasser- Letter to Editor

[ninjabones]

emayer wrote:

Perhaps I didn't state things clearly enough, but I'm not trying to downplay the importance of tech and the fact that this takes extensive experience to become comfortable with. I do not think the use of dedicated and certified techs can be replaced.

What I am trying to indicate is that basic mechanical issues can be taught in a DE environment which would only make the event safer, alleviate participant cost, and reduce the number of issues the inspectors come across. Not a bad idea to have this taught trackside. One could argue this is an important part of Driver Education just as learning the appropriate line, track awareness, flags etc.

The club does currently offer several venues to learn more about servicing and maintaining our cars. Paul Walsack and Steve Meenan run an apprenticeship program at our Saturday tech sessions. Individuals with the experience and interest can serve under a preceptor for a designated number of tech sessions (or until they feel you are ready) in order to recieve tech inspector status.

Additionally, "clinics" have been held periodically by Larry Herman and others, which have covered a variety of topics.

DEs also provide a great opportunity to learn about maintenance and tech-related issues. If you have time, come on over and grab a torque-wrench and help out the tech crew at the next DE. You can learn a lot about a wide variety of cars just by being part of the tech crew and seeing how issues and problems are uncovered. Also, during the events, you'll always find someone under their car working on something. For the most part, the the guys in the club are very receptive to questions and explaining what they're doing, especially if you're willing to hold a caliper up,, hand them a wrench, pump on a brake pedal, or hold a flashlight.