Dear San Francisco Region Drivers,

At the recent Majors an issue arose that needs to be addressed regarding the acquisition of fuel for testing. The GCR states (full reference and partial language below) that cars must be fitted with sample ports that allow “safe acquisition of a fuel sample”. I interpret “safe” as meaning “less horrifyingly dangerous” than what some tried to do at the Thunderhill Majors.

Most of you know that we don’t test fuel often in this region, which is probably part of the problem. However, those of you who plan to go to the Runoffs should plan to have your fuel tested. Some of you may even have your fuel tested after every session at the Runoffs. Failure to provide a fuel sample is potentially non-compliance.

To paraphrase the rules, you must have a fitting which allows you to put your fuel into one of our sample bottles without disconnecting a line (unless it has dry break fittings) and without spilling or spraying. In addition to the fitting, you must have a hose with a connector compatible with your sample fitting. Many of you had everything you needed – well done! Many of you had fittings but not the necessary hoses and or connectors. A few of you had nothing. Ideally, I would recommend that you have the necessary fittings, plus enough hose to get out of the engine bay and away from hot headers, etc.

For your reading enjoyment, here is a link to the most recent FIA list of approved hardware. These aren’t the only products allowed, but if you’re looking for fittings, this is a good resource.

https://www.fia.com/file/2071/download/9133?token=60En0rCz

Our relationship is simple: We provide the sample bottle (I’ve been advised to stop calling it a specimen bottle); you safely provide the fuel sample.

From the 2018 GCR:

9.3.25. FUEL

… B. Fuel Sample Acquisition

All cars shall be equipped with an accessible sampling port/valve/device located in a fuel line between the fuel tank or fuel cell and the carburetors or fuel injection system or in an unused carburetor port to allow safe acquisition of a fuel sample. If possible, the port/valve/device should be located outside the engine compartment. The sampling port/ valve/device will be installed and used by the competitor to obtain the sample without fuel leaking, spraying or squirting. Siphoning of fuel directly from the fuel tank or fuel cell or removing a hose or line is not allowed.

Competitors whose cars are equipped with a factory fuel pressure test port or who have factory fuel pressure test equipment available are not required to have an additional fuel sampling port, providing the test port is accessible and the competitor obtains the sample without fuel leaking, spraying or squirting.

Competitors will provide all the necessary and appropriate tools to obtain a fuel sample. …

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about this.

Thanks,

Allen

. ..-.   -.– — ..-   -.-. .- -.   .-. . .- -..   – …. .. …

Allen Davis

Chief Scrutineer

2018 SCCA National Championship Runoffs

adavis166@sbcglobal.net

Cell: 415-264-5666

-.– — ..- .—-. .-. .   .-   -. . .-. -..