About the Queensland Scrutineering Association
Scrutineers are a unique and vital part of the motorsport community. Our role is to ensure that Motor Sport Australia regulations and safety standards are upheld at every level of competition — from grassroots club events through to national and international championships.
Beyond compliance, scrutineers serve as trusted advisors, particularly for newcomers to the sport. We guide competitors on how to correctly prepare their vehicles and equipment, ensuring safety is never compromised.
Vehicles, associated equipment, and driver apparel are examined during the build process and again on a pre-event basis, so that all Motor Sport Australia requirements are met before a wheel turns in competition.
Our members work closely with event organisers, Motor Sport Australia, Clerks of Course, Stewards and Technical Managers — performing inspections, providing reports and documentation throughout the event lifecycle. It is a role that also brings its own rewards: scrutineers regularly work alongside celebrated drivers from national and international circuits, an experience many other officials quietly envy.
Our History
Jeans and an assortment of coloured shirts were the norm for Queensland scrutineers prior to 1990. They looked like anyone else at the circuit — no uniform, no identity, and little recognition of just how important a role they played.
That changed in 1990, when a group headed by Dave Wood, Alan Staib and Barry Fischer developed the original team and uniform concept. They lobbied companies including Coates Hire, Windscreens O’Brien, Petro-Ject, Spies/Hecker Paints, French Car Care and the Bank of Queensland for sponsorship. Andrew Gaston, Dennis and Mary Caplet also came on board as representatives from sponsoring companies.
Each scrutineer was issued two uniform shirts. They were affectionately nicknamed the “Two Blues” — a name borrowed from a favourite Western Sydney Rugby Union club of Dave Wood — and the now-iconic Dark Blue and Sky Blue colour combination was born. The shirts even featured red epaulettes to denote the Chief Scrutineer and Deputy for each event.
Queensland was the first scrutineering group in Australia to have a uniform.
After nine highly successful years as “The Team”, it was decided in 1999 that the time had come to formalise the group. The Queensland Scrutineering Association was officially established, complete with a Constitution, regular meetings and elected executives — enabling it to become an incorporated body and affiliate of Motor Sport Australia.
The Association is ranked among the best scrutineering groups in Australia. We enjoy the respect of our peers and competitors, and perform professionally across all motorsport disciplines — from multi-club events through to national and international competitions.
Although the faces have changed over the years, the principles remain the same. The nickname today is no longer “Two Blues” but simply QSA — known throughout the state from Brisbane in the south to Cairns in the north, and west to Kingaroo. Membership annually averages between 25 and 30.
Our Affiliation
The Queensland Scrutineering Association is a proud affiliate of Motorsport Australia — the national governing body for four-wheel motorsport in Australia.
