Passing inspection

In our attempt in 2009 (read previous blog posts for details), the Jeep didn’t quite pass muster. We resolved the technical issues here in Ensenada, but where told that we wouldn’t be able to run unless those things got taken care of “better” for next time … so many hours (and I’m sure some money) from Tim and Dennis got the Jeep prepped for this year… still … we needed to pass technical inspection.

The goal for the day was to get through technical inspection and a variety of other “administrative” duties.

 

 

 

First on the list was getting into town, Jeep running … Tim and Brooke cruising the town and drawing tons of attention … I honestly think that the Jeep is much more memorable than many of the other “seen it before” race cars here <g>.

We stop by to get our “tracker”, this is a satellite based version of “onstar”. It servers both a safety function and a race function. The unit broadcasts via satellite the location of the Jeep at all times, the speed it is travelling, whether it is on its roof (no kidding) and if it has experienced a 9G+ collision (apparently small collisions are Ok). The unit also has an “ok” button and a “help” button … pressing either sends a message.

The unit is also used to show the progress of the Jeep, where the Jeep is on the course and make sure that it is obeying all the required rules (which in Baja aren’t many). They use the unit to track that no shortcuts have been taken, and that the speed limits (60mph max on city roads) are honored … if the Jeep “cheats”, penalty time is added <bg>.

With the tracker installed, tested and working … off to Tech. Which, seemed pretty straight forward … we passed with only a minor change to the routing of a hose … so … all set.

 

SCORE registration was next, making everyone in the Jeep sign release forms <bg> … after that a meeting for drivers and “chasers” at the BFG (BF Goodrich) pits … this is where they thank you for buying BFG tires, provide you a very detailed book with race course notes and GPS data files for the course.

… now we are all at the houses, Tim is loading the Jeep … Sheila and Michelle have landed in San Diego and will be joining us in a couple of hours.

 

 

Tomorrow is “contingency” … which is basically a parade, with us as the attraction.

Team Florida Vintage #1502 is set to leave the starting line on Friday around 1P PST … then 700+ miles (they have added 12+ miles to the course this week) to the finish line.