Retractable side helmet restraints on ALMS GT1/2 seats?
10-22-2006, 08:57 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Retractable side helmet restraints on ALMS GT1/2 seats?
Do one or more cars have padded helmet restraints at the
top of the seats (like those in NASCAR) that retract by
sliding or folding backward - presumably for better ingress
egress during driver changes?
While watching pitstops on ALMS Laguna Seca coverage yesterday,
I am sure that there was a "now you see it/now you don't"
moment while the camera was aimed at the car interior during
a driver change.
.
top of the seats (like those in NASCAR) that retract by
sliding or folding backward - presumably for better ingress
egress during driver changes?
While watching pitstops on ALMS Laguna Seca coverage yesterday,
I am sure that there was a "now you see it/now you don't"
moment while the camera was aimed at the car interior during
a driver change.
.
10-22-2006, 09:01 AM
#2
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Good question.
Not many HANS devises being used either. too much problem for getting in and out??
Blocks of hard foam or some material glued on backs of many helmets.
Not many HANS devises being used either. too much problem for getting in and out??
Blocks of hard foam or some material glued on backs of many helmets.
10-22-2006, 09:18 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Maybe someone who recorded the event could comment. This
might have been the PTG BMW, it was not the Corvette or Aston.
The stop was later in the event, maybe 3/4 through?
It was only a brief moment. I thought I saw the upper part of the
seat (c/w side bolsters for the helmet) arc up forward into place
as though hinged. But thinking about it afterward, this couldn't be
right because of obstruction from the cage structure behind the seat
and I'd have to be convinced before trusting whatever latching
mechanism was used for such a system.
However, a horseshoe-shaped collar that slides fore/aft COULD be
accomodated. No problem building adequate support into the
slide system. Simple to latch securely.
Hope someone chimes in ...
.
might have been the PTG BMW, it was not the Corvette or Aston.
The stop was later in the event, maybe 3/4 through?
It was only a brief moment. I thought I saw the upper part of the
seat (c/w side bolsters for the helmet) arc up forward into place
as though hinged. But thinking about it afterward, this couldn't be
right because of obstruction from the cage structure behind the seat
and I'd have to be convinced before trusting whatever latching
mechanism was used for such a system.
However, a horseshoe-shaped collar that slides fore/aft COULD be
accomodated. No problem building adequate support into the
slide system. Simple to latch securely.
Hope someone chimes in ...
.
10-22-2006, 09:27 AM
#4
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Sparko does make a seat with a built in helmet halo.
A few guys aournd the SE use Butler Built Nascar seats in thier T1 cars. These seats have a chin support to prevent the neck from going left or right, yet the driver can see over the support.
A few guys aournd the SE use Butler Built Nascar seats in thier T1 cars. These seats have a chin support to prevent the neck from going left or right, yet the driver can see over the support.
10-22-2006, 09:38 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
The halos are fixed on both the Sparco and Butler seats though, right?
As I was watching the driver strap in, the full side of his helmet and
shoulder harness was visible. Then there was a movement and the
view of the helmet/shoulder region was obstructed by a black padded
side of a halo, c/w a decal IIRC.
.
As I was watching the driver strap in, the full side of his helmet and
shoulder harness was visible. Then there was a movement and the
view of the helmet/shoulder region was obstructed by a black padded
side of a halo, c/w a decal IIRC.
.
10-22-2006, 09:39 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by Slalom4me
The halos are fixed on both the Sparco and Butler seats though, right?
As I was watching the driver strap in, the full side of his helmet and
shoulder harness was visible. Then there was a movement and the
view of the helmet/shoulder region was obstructed by a black padded
side of a halo, c/w a decal IIRC.
shoulder harness was visible. Then there was a movement and the
view of the helmet/shoulder region was obstructed by a black padded
side of a halo, c/w a decal IIRC.
10-22-2006, 09:46 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Well, the instant replay will determine how good my eyes are.
Even if I am mistaken, the concept seems workable.
I'd want to be very sure that the convenience for driver changes
wasn't off-set by a hazard of being trapped in an emergency.
.
Even if I am mistaken, the concept seems workable.
I'd want to be very sure that the convenience for driver changes
wasn't off-set by a hazard of being trapped in an emergency.
.
