RACV Pre-Scrutineering Day 2009
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Our first ever Pre-Scrutineering Day had everyone learning - both team managers and RACV Officials - as we sought to test the occupant protection on vehicles using composite and aluminium. It wasn't easy, but it was definitely worthwhile.

Teams battled horrendous traffic on the 'freeways' on their way from Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gisborne, Berwick and the Mornington Peninsula to RACV HQ in Noble Park.

People were amazingly patient getting there as well as getting through the pre-srutineering process and for this we sincerely thank everyone. With 27 vehicles to check and review, the RACV Officials were working overtime to listen and discuss with each team their occupant protection system and construction process.

The vehicles came in various shapes and sizes too: old and new, primary school vehicles with aluminium roll bars, fully enclosed hybrids and human powered vehicles that are on their way to completion.

"We really wanted to use the day as a chance to have conversations with teams about what complies, what doesn't and what they can do to get it right." Energy Breakthrough Convenor, John Stafford, explained, "Unfortunately, talking through issues and solutions can take a lot longer than just ticking boxes."

Each school was sent away with a summary report of their current compliance status and any areas that they need to change. Some were pleased to have some direction, others unhappy that their current offering was judged as “non-compliant”.

With assistance from composites expert, Philip Bovis, from Kangan Batman TAFE, everyone learnt a thing or two about material durability and the importance of how you lay up carbon fibre, kevlar and fibre glass.

Any team who didn't attend and who has built their roll bars and side intrusion protection with materials other than steel or chrome-moly will not be permitted to take to the track in Maryborough.

"We're trying to encourage evolution and improved safety for vehicles and the students." RACV Official Ernest Litera said, "Just because a vehicle has run for the past 5 or 6 years doesn't make it ok this year. Teams have an expectation that we'll be rigorous on our safety checks and Saturday was part of that process for us."

So, who showed up?
Bendigo Senior SC, (pictured far right)
Bendigo South East College,
Berwick Primary
School, Catholic College Bendigo,
Diamond Creek East,
Gisborne SC,
Greenspeed,
Kilberry Valley PS,
Maiden Gully PS,
Mater Christi College,
Niddrie Primary School,
North Geelong SC,
Notre Dame College,
St Paul's AGS (Warragul), and
Weeroona College Bendigo

 

These teams who attended our Pre-Scrutineering session will be 'fast-tracked' through scrutineering at the Energy Breakthrough.