7 replies to this topic

[MaxxUK]

I remember we had quite a discussion on the 'old' forum about the fact that we run 'open top' in the UK Miata (MX5) series.

It's never really been an issue and as I said at the time, I personally prefer it (have raced lots of different cars, formula as well as saloon) but it did bite in a recent race at the Snetterton Circuit in the UK.



Direct Link :
http://youtu.be/qvCy9q_dKp0

Since the incident there has been lots of discussion as to the desirability of using 'arm restraints' and I suspect we will see the majority of drivers using them in future. They race open topin Europe also and arm restraints are mandatory there.

The guy concerned did sustain multiple fractures to his arm and was hospitalised for a week, he is now out and recovering well. What made it all the worse was that it was his first ever race.

Malcolm

[Rob Burgoon]

no arm restraints in an open car? Good god. I thought we were the wild west.

[MaxxUK]

no arm restraints in an open car? Good god. I thought we were the wild west.

LOL Rob, yes it is strange. The UK is often thought to be Health & Safety mad and certainly a leader in Motorsport safety but in UK Club Motorsport there is no requirement to wear :-

Gloves
Balaclava
Fireproof Underwear
Fireproof Racing Boots

Maxx

[KentCarter]

Wow... the cage performed well. If he had proper restraints plus a window net, he might only have the 'bruised lungs'.

[forestdweller37]

LOL Rob, yes it is strange. The UK is often thought to be Health & Safety mad and certainly a leader in Motorsport safety but in UK Club Motorsport there is no requirement to wear :-

Gloves
Balaclava
Fireproof Underwear
Fireproof Racing Boots

Maxx

That's a scary video. I'm just racing in Chumpcar, but the safety standards are higher than that:
SFI rated gloves and boots are required. A balaclava is required for drivers w/facial hair. I can't remember the rule on the underwear, but it's not required with a multi-layer suit. Arm restraints or a roof net are required in an open top car, but interestingly, a Miata hard top is considered a value added modification and would result in penalty laps.

-Chris

[Rob Burgoon]

If I was in a cooler climate I would wear the balaclava. I'm on the edge of dehydration and heat exhaustion as it is.

[Elliott Skeer]

So You can basically race with a suit, a helmet with no HANS or balaclava, tennis shoes, and no gloves? wow i'd feel naked in the car haha

[MaxxUK]

So You can basically race with a suit, a helmet with no HANS or balaclava, tennis shoes, and no gloves? wow i'd feel naked in the car haha

Yep, exactly and I agree.

I knew i'd seen a video somewhere and found it, bet this is the last time this guy races without gloves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6Vsh1RsQU

Direct Link
http://www.youtube.c...s?v=HL6Vsh1RsQU

Maxx