Peter I agree the fault does not lie with the scrutineer himself but in the way the scrutineering is carried out. Each race has its own appointed scrutineer whose reading of the rules differs.
The pre-race scrutineering is generally only safety oriented and the eligibility is only checked post race! I have first hand experience of the class winners being thrown out after an hour or two of measuring and searching, the win being then awarded to the car home who has not have to undergo this rigourous test.
Why not follow the example of so many successful championships and appoint a regular scrutineer who polices the championship to the benefit of all. The eligibility of the cars should be checked prior to the race or even during the close season while being prepared. Those found to have ineligible cars should not be allowed to start. This could be policed using the Historical vehicle identity form!
The problem lies in the uncertainty caused by eligibility. When a competitor knows the playing field is level and he or she is not going to have to spend anxious hours before or after a race awaiting a decision from an indivual whose interpretations on a cars eligibility differ from event to event. Then more competitors would be willing to invest the time and money required to compete throughout Europe.
|