You can not ever be too safe, no such thing: Part 3 - by Vikki Paxton
The Car
These are general safety items and you need to make sure your car complies with your form of motorsport and class.
You need to be very comfortable in your car. If you are not comfortable you will not be able to drive at ten tenths. There will always be more left in your driving and you will not be able to fully feel what the car is telling you. Make sure whatever you choose of the following it is approved for your form of motorsport.
Seat
Many different types ..... fixed back, reclining back, winged seats (these wrap round the sides of your head for side impact protection), flat seats, wrap around seats, fibreglass shells (can also cover these). Open wheelers commonly make a 2 part bead seat which moulds to the driver in the car and fits perfectly. These all can also be covered in nomex for fire retardant. It's a must to have your seat position perfectly correct and comfortable relative to the steering wheel, the dash and the pedals. A foot rest is also important to balance your driving position.
Many different types ..... 4, 5, or 6 point Harnesses. 6 point offering the most protection. The straps can be 2", 3", 4" wide and the quality of the strap varies. Choose one that suits your form of motorsport. When you are using them make sure you strap them so tight you think you can’t breathe, you will get used to it. If you are in an accident you would be surprised how much stretch is in the straps even the good quality ones.
Roll Cage
Very important for safety and structural integrity of the car. A Roll Cages primary job is to keep the drivers cocoon intact through an accident. There are Half Cages and Full Cages. Often they brace Cages into certain strategic parts of the car for suspension advantages. There are strict specifications for Roll Cages and they must be adhered to. Cages are made strong by the incorporation of triangulation in building them. Open wheelers Rollover Hoops are steel or chrome moly and can even be bolted to a carbon fibre tub and are extremely safe. They are tested under strict supervision before the manufacturer can sell the car. It is mandatory to have approved Roll Cage Padding fitted to the Cage where ever it is near your head. I also put it on if any part of my body was near the Cage.
Safety Nets
These are becoming compulsory in a lot of events so check. They are there to stop your hand, arms or head coming out of the window in the event of an accident.
You can have hand or onboard Fire Extinguishers. There are different types ie A, B, C etc and you need to check what is pertinent for your form of motorsport. Just remember you need to be able to get to the Fire Extinguisher or activation button in the event of a fire. The Extinguishers are dated and it must be date compliant. They can be tested and tagged. Don’t be stupid enough to run an empty Extinguisher to save weight !!!!!!
Battery Isolator Switches and Tailshaft Straps are another couple of good handy safety items.
Obviously make sure your car is mechanically sound and safe.
If anyone needs any advise or help I can be contacted through facebook or mobile 0418 254 998.
Only too happy to help.
These are general safety items and you need to make sure your car complies with your form of motorsport and class.
 |
| Top: Roll Cage side intrusion bars to protect from side impacts Below: A skeleton half roll cage before it is fitted to the car. |
Seat
Many different types ..... fixed back, reclining back, winged seats (these wrap round the sides of your head for side impact protection), flat seats, wrap around seats, fibreglass shells (can also cover these). Open wheelers commonly make a 2 part bead seat which moulds to the driver in the car and fits perfectly. These all can also be covered in nomex for fire retardant. It's a must to have your seat position perfectly correct and comfortable relative to the steering wheel, the dash and the pedals. A foot rest is also important to balance your driving position.
Many different types ..... 4, 5, or 6 point Harnesses. 6 point offering the most protection. The straps can be 2", 3", 4" wide and the quality of the strap varies. Choose one that suits your form of motorsport. When you are using them make sure you strap them so tight you think you can’t breathe, you will get used to it. If you are in an accident you would be surprised how much stretch is in the straps even the good quality ones.
Roll Cage
Very important for safety and structural integrity of the car. A Roll Cages primary job is to keep the drivers cocoon intact through an accident. There are Half Cages and Full Cages. Often they brace Cages into certain strategic parts of the car for suspension advantages. There are strict specifications for Roll Cages and they must be adhered to. Cages are made strong by the incorporation of triangulation in building them. Open wheelers Rollover Hoops are steel or chrome moly and can even be bolted to a carbon fibre tub and are extremely safe. They are tested under strict supervision before the manufacturer can sell the car. It is mandatory to have approved Roll Cage Padding fitted to the Cage where ever it is near your head. I also put it on if any part of my body was near the Cage.
Safety Nets
These are becoming compulsory in a lot of events so check. They are there to stop your hand, arms or head coming out of the window in the event of an accident.
You can have hand or onboard Fire Extinguishers. There are different types ie A, B, C etc and you need to check what is pertinent for your form of motorsport. Just remember you need to be able to get to the Fire Extinguisher or activation button in the event of a fire. The Extinguishers are dated and it must be date compliant. They can be tested and tagged. Don’t be stupid enough to run an empty Extinguisher to save weight !!!!!!
Battery Isolator Switches and Tailshaft Straps are another couple of good handy safety items.
Obviously make sure your car is mechanically sound and safe.
If anyone needs any advise or help I can be contacted through facebook or mobile 0418 254 998.
Only too happy to help.
You can not ever be too safe, no such thing: Part 3 - by Vikki Paxton
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