30-SECOND FIELD
SCRUTINEERING SOP

Official 4-step rapid scrutineering protocol for race directors, tech marshals, and competitors in spec/stock RC car racing classes (21.5T, 17.5T, 13.5T, 1S Pan Car).

The 4-Step Scrutineering Flow

Every vehicle entered in a spec/stock class must pass this standardized inspection flow on the scrutineering table before or immediately after a heat or main.

01
Phase 1: Neutral Check

Static Neutral Check

Transmitter ON, car ON (drive wheels suspended safely off the ground). Throttle trigger resting untouched at absolute neutral position.

Pass Criteria: Designated Blinky status LED is FLASHING steadily (or integrated TFT screen displays ZERO TIMING).
PASS: Proceed to Step 2 FAIL: Hold for Step 4
02
Phase 2: Drive Reaction

Dynamic Drive Check

Apply gentle forward throttle (5–10% trigger pull), then release throttle trigger back to neutral position.

Pass Criteria: On throttle: LED turns SOLID ON.
On release: LED instantly resumes FLASHING.
PASS: Dynamic valid FAIL: LED locked solid
03
Phase 3: Wireless Audit

Wireless & Telemetry Audit

Inspect receiver, ESC data ports, and transmitter display throttle trims.

Pass Criteria: Ensure NO Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or OTA dongles are mounted on vehicle. Radio throttle trim is centered at absolute 0.
PASS: Hardware legal FAIL: Disqualification
04
Phase 4: Impound Audit

Disputed Bench Audit

Measure no-load free-rev RPM at 8.40V nominal or connect official scrutineer program card.

Pass Criteria: RPM within class ceiling (21.5T ≤ 18k / 17.5T ≤ 22k / 13.5T ≤ 30.5k). Whitelisted firmware and Boost/Turbo = 0°.
PASS: Zero-timing approved FAIL: Disqualified
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Common False Failure — Radio Throttle Trim Offset

If an approved ESC shows a solid LED instead of flashing at neutral, do not immediately disqualify the driver. Ask the driver to show the transmitter display: if Throttle Trim or Sub-Trim is set to +1 or -1 (or deadband is set too narrow), the ESC senses an active throttle or brake command. Once trims are reset to absolute 0, the LED must resume flashing. If it still does not flash, the unit fails tech.

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Strict Sanction Rule — Wireless Modules Forbidden on Track

Per ROAR Rule 8.4, IFMAR Section 5, and EFRA 5.3: No dynamic remote adjustment of ESC parameters or timing curves from the transmitter or pit lane is permitted during a race heat or main. Any external Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or OTA programming dongle (e.g. Hobbywing OTA, Cayote BT-Link, Yokomo Wi-Fi) MUST be physically removed from the vehicle before placing the car on the grid. Leaving an active programming dongle in the car during a race results in immediate disqualification.

Check Specific Brand LED in Database → View Bench RPM Limits & Calculator → Print Inspection Checklist →