40 replies to this topic

[Todd Lamb]

This happened this weekend at the 13hrs at VIR. Not sure on all the details, hopefully the driver can report in with info on how it happened.

https://www.instagra.../p/BL4_HGcAPXj/

[ECOBRAP]

Scary stuff, don't think I've ever seen fuel spray directly into the cockpit like that? Interested to hear how that happened.

[FTodaro]

would be interested to know. I have had a burst in a fuel line hose but it never came into the cockpit.

[Rob Burgoon]

You guys see the lake forming in the passenger footwell?

[Bench Racer]

Todd

From the Instagram messages sounds like driver Ben is ok with his words, only a few blisters.

Was that a Summit Point race and was it an SCCA race?

If SCCA will the info be available on the gas source and or failure?

[Johnny D]

[LarryKing]

I saw a very similar incident at Nelson Ledges two years ago. The fuel line connection at the outlet on the fuel tank was not completely engaged. This was on an NB car with the "click" type connector. The fuel line popped off and the back of the car was engulfed. Something to check on NB fuel systems and another reason NA cars are superior.

[Jim Drago]

You guys see the lake forming in the passenger footwell?

not until your post.. wow. that is scary as hell

[Tom Sager]

Wow, credit to the driver for reacting immediately to the spray and the smell and for getting the heck out of there on the double.  Glad to hear driver is OK. 

[ChrisA]

You guys see the lake forming in the passenger footwell?

 

Could have been water sloshed out of cool-shirt cooler..?

[ChrisA]

I saw a very similar incident at Nelson Ledges two years ago. The fuel line connection at the outlet on the fuel tank was not completely engaged. This was on an NB car with the "click" type connector. The fuel line popped off and the back of the car was engulfed. Something to check on NB fuel systems and another reason NA cars are superior.

 

Though the car in this video was an NA

[MikeeCZ]

Very scary, examplary reaction from the driver, well done to you sir. Glad you are ok

[LarryKing]

NA 1.8?

Different connections than NA 1.6?

Should we start a poll?

(Channeling my inner Johnny)

[Bench Racer]

This has been brought up in the past to way to many smirks and laughs. How many Spec Miata's pass this SAFETY rule? Please don't anyone suggest lack of firewall doesn't impact racing performance or my car passes annual tech.

 

8. Safety

 

d. In any automobile where allowed removal of upholstery, seat belts, etc., creates an opening between the driver/passenger compartment and an exposed gas tank, or part thereof, including the filler tube, a metal bulkhead which completely fills such opening shall be installed. See GCR 9.3.27.

[Brian Tone]

This has been brought up in the past to way to many smirks and laughs. How many Spec Miata's pass this SAFETY rule? Please don't anyone suggest lack of firewall doesn't impact racing performance or my car passes annual tech.

 

8. Safety

 

d. In any automobile where allowed removal of upholstery, seat belts, etc., creates an opening between the driver/passenger compartment and an exposed gas tank, or part thereof, including the filler tube, a metal bulkhead which completely fills such opening shall be installed. See GCR 9.3.27.

Look at any of the AS cars, their bulkheads aren't fully sealed and with high pressure pumps even the smallest of openings can let mist in.  

 

I had the pressure side of my pump line let go just after exiting the tank (in my 99 SM) when I was trying to start it in the pits at CMP and fuel was able to get from under the bulkhead plate into the drivers area pretty easily.  

[38bfast]

This rule goes mostly ignored by most classes. Foil tape at the best seems to be the norm.

[Rob Burgoon]

Could have been water sloshed out of cool-shirt cooler..?

 

Looks kinda foamy to me...

 

I'm not giving up on the miata safety record yet.  I'll bet this guy did something with his fuel system to get a darwin nomination.

[Killian]

Would turning the ignition off, before removing the other items, help in this situation?

[chris haldeman]

Turning the ignition off or hitting the kill switch should absolutely be the first item of biz in this situation. Should have been shut down immediately! Long before the car was stopped. Anything ever goes "pop" kill it

[FTodaro]

Its a good thing to think about and practice from time to time, not just getting out of the car fast but kill the power. Going to go back over my fuel connections this winter and look over how well the file wall/package shelf is sealed. Of all the risk in racing this is the one i am most concerned with.