JohnAlley

Almost had a major problem at Mid-Ohio this weekend. I have a 2004 Z06 that I am in the process of getting ready for TTA / PTA. I am working my way up the ladder system in NASA and am currently running in HPDE 3/4. I have Kirkey seats in the car with harness bar, which have been in the car since my start in March in HPDE 1. Went to HPDE tech on Sat. morning and was told since I have race seats I need to go to race tech, no problem I thought. In race tech my car was not passed because I did not have a seat brace on the back of my race seat. I was not upset but also not real happy, got with Dave and he said they have had some issues with the race seats and was going to require seat braces on all race seats even in HPDE. Got things worked out after about an hour and got to run on Sat. but my daughter decided to have her baby 5 weeks early and my wife let me know I was done for the weekend as we made a rather quick trip to Evansville, In. on Sat.

So check to make sure your seat will pass in HPDE inspection before your next event. And I also want to make sure everyone knows that I am very pleased the way this was done by NASA and Dave Royce. Driver safety is the most important thing, will have seat brace in by next event.

AU N EGL

Ultra Shield and the Kirky race seats are not FIA approved and do need a seat back brace.


good thing they do check the safety

JohnAlley

I agree , as I have gotten better with my driving my speed has gone up a lot. With incresed speed my margin for error gets smaller and smaller. I am glad that they look at HPDE with the same safety eye as they do the full race cars. Most of us all want to get the experience to move to WTW or TT and without the watchful eyes we might just not make it.

ScaryFast

John, if you haven't already found one, try the I/O Port (edited) racing brace. It was the least expensive one that met NASA's safety requirements, I think it was about $85.

AU N EGL

I have Ultra shield seats now. but looking at change to Momo or Team Tech with helmet halo

JohnAlley

Already ordered one from I/O Port that meets NASA requirements, thanks for the info

gmccreary

Anyone know where this is mentioned in the NASA rules?

Falcon

I'm going to guess here:

11.4.12 Seats
All seats must be securely fastened to the structure of the car such that they are strong enough to withstand a major impact. If replaced, the replacement seat should be installed according to the manufacturer‟s instructions. (probably, since it's a replacement seat, they require it to adhere to 15.6.22, otherwise people could just throw a lawn chair in there.)

and here:

15.6.22 Seat Back Support
A seatback support must be made to hold the seat from going back in the event of a crash. A plate should be used to distribute the load. No bolts, corners, or sharp objects should be placed in such a manner that could lead to a possible puncture of the driver in a high impact crash. Proper design and installation is crucial to safety and it is recommended that the driver employ the services of a professional race car builder for this, as well as all other vehicle safety items. An exception may be made for those seats homologated to, and mounted in accordance with, FIA 8855-1999 or 8862-2009 standards. Those seats that qualify for the aforementioned exception must conform to the entire FIA 8855-1999 or 8862-2009 set of regulations, as applicable. This includes a mandatory seat replacement, or use of a seat back brace, for any seat more than five (5) years old (8899-1999) or more than ten (10) years old (8862-2009). Please reference the FIA regulations. http://www.fia.com/

ScaryFast

Whoops! That's the one I meant but you're way ahead of me.

And for those that are thinking that the space between the seat and the frame in a 'vette is negligible, and therefore a brace should not be required: I fought that battle and lost .

sperkins

I think that's where the rule applies. I haven't checked recently, but I'm pretty sure that most if not all seat manufacturers require the use of a seat back brace with a non-FIA seat.

I've heard it said many times that a brace is not required in HPDE and TT. I don't know where that originated.

gmccreary

As I piece this all together I think I'll go with Falcon's suggestion of a lawn chair with a seat back brace.

Falcon

Now we're talking!

We can set up a shop and call it:

Phalcon's Phine Phurniture, good for racin' or relaxin'!

AU N EGL

Only if it come with an adult beverage holder

jvp

There are two in the center console. "High Performance" ones, even.



kas

Black89Z51

I suppose we could modify a coolsuit to keep said beverages frosty.

autoxer6

Are there back braces that work with seat sliders?

Timz06

My IO port brace is adjustable-just a tube with a series of holes and a bolt. As long as you could slide it to the correct position it would work.

gmccreary

I ordered one yesterday

AU N EGL

Some what

rustyguns