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There have been some questions concerning the attention that
some Toyota
models have received in the media.
First, SCCA Technical Inspectors and other officials are not
required to allow an entrant to participate in their Region’s SCCA Solo events
if there are any concerns (Solo Rules 4.1.D), including vehicle safety. No
matter how disappointed a possible entrant may be, no one wants an incident
report to be filed.
However, there are a couple of things that should be
considered. This recall is a decision by the manufacturer – not by the government
(at this time). Owners have not been asked to park their cars; the cars of
concern continue to be on the road. Without federal and/or manufacturer
actions, the Solo Department has no additional information to add or recommend
concerning this issue, except a reminder to check throttle action in accordance
with Solo Rules 3.3.3.B.8.
A couple of answers from Toyota to owners may be of help. (http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx)
What is the likelihood that my vehicle will
experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the
pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal
may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in
a partially depressed position.
What should I do if I believe my vehicle is
affected by this condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is
hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I
do?
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine
shut off and a Toyota
dealer contacted for assistance.
Using this information from the manufacturer as a guideline,
SCCA Solo Technical Inspectors should have the necessary experience equal or
better than typical Toyota
owners to determine any throttle concerns. Vehicles with this condition “should
be driven to a safe location”
(emphasis mine).
This is a separate issue from the floor mats concern which
“have trapped the accelerator pedal” in certain vehicles (http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx).
While floor mats may not be considered by some SCCA members to be “loose items”
as in Solo Rules 3.3.3.B.1, it is always good to have floor mats removed from
the vehicle during competition, even if secured by traditional/typical floor
mat fasteners.
Thanks for all you do for our club.
- Doug
SCCA Solo Competition Manager