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Scrutineers are responsible for determining if the race cars are in conformance with the General Competition Rules (GCR) - both for safety, and to a somewhat lesser degree, legality.

Scrutineering starts early; usually no later than 7:30 a.m. Tech Inspection takes up most of the morning. The race car is closely examined for safety equipment. The inspector checks many items in a short period of time. A senior inspector can spot problems on a car far more effectively than most people imagine. Knowledge, reason, logic, patience, and an ability to negotiate are required. The drivers and their crew are understandably tense. A scrutineer must be tactful.

The tech crew performs several other functions. The most visible of these is Post Race Impound. After each race, the winning cars in each class are impounded, They may be weighed and certain items may be measured. Non-conforming cars are reported to the Chief Steward for action. The other major function of Tech during the event is Post Accident Scrutineering (PAS). Here, accidents are carefully examined to determine how well the safety equipment held up, and to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the accident.

Should one race driver protest another over the legality of his car, a "Teardown" may be required. This is a highly sensitive, complex and delicate job for the scrutineer assigned. Precise measurements must be taken under highly controlled conditions. Correct protocol and procedures are vital. It may entail working through the night in an atmosphere of tension.

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