With the F1 season now over for the year, fans patiently wait for the next season of Drive to Survive (and the next season of racing of course). The rules of F1 are so stringent that drivers are sometimes disqualified after a race. We saw this happen when George Russell became only the 6th F1 driver to lose a race win through disqualification because his car was underweighting after the Belgian GP. Karting has the same rules and regulations as F1. Karts are weighed after each race and teams are subjected to checks daily. These checks are to ensure the race is fare, safe and all competitors abide by the technical standards of their category.

The main objective of scrutineering is to ensure that the kart and the Competitor’s apparel comply with the rules and regulations, and that the kart and equipment is safe to participate in the competition. The scrutineers are not primarily responsible for safety but represents a part of the overall process. The officials check driver apparel, chassis, tyres and more. They fill in the driver’s logbook during the initial scrutineering and fill out a post-race report. Scrutineers also perform checks during the day.

Scrutineering and its associated tasks are an essential part of karting. It requires good common sense and judgment. The goal is for everyone to have an enjoyable day racing under safe conditions. Scrutineers also fill in impound forms for any defective or broken items handed in during the day by a competitor or removed from the kart after failing to comply with the regulations during an inspection.