Nowanker

A cage isn't in my future, but it would be if I was planning to track this car much more.
The Joey Hand crash is also an example of having track hazards to be aware of. His initial off was of no consequence, but it sent him across a berm that acted like a launch ramp.
If there are potential trouble spots, best to be wary of them. Buttonwillow comes to mind (heading there next week!). If you look over the edge of that big banked curve (Riverside?), there's nothing but soft sandy dessert soil. A high speed off there might be ugly.

Poor-sha

My apology, it's just the Simpson Hybrid, not the Pro S.
https://www.ogracing.com/simpson-fia...neck-restraint

spearfish25

The Simpson Hybrid S is the model compatible with 3-point belts. You can use it with a harness as well.

apex26

Having just been at the National Corvette Museum, where they have a rolling chassis C5 z06 on display, I took a long look at the rollover hoop--which sheet metal one good whack from a sledge would do considerable damage to, and noticing the front windshield pillar is aluminum, the sensible conclusion was to consider a cage. Trouble is, it's sort of the point of no return for a car, and a major commitment. But, having driven fast cars for a lifetime, and always walking away, you sort of feel like Audie Murphy felt when he said he felt like a "fugitive from the law of averages." Damnit, it's on the agenda nagging, despite having the BK harness bar, seats, harnesses, hans, and front air bags--which is pretty darn good.

thebishman

Sean I'd like to hear more about the Simpson Hybrid, as I'm thinking of getting one to use with the three point belts in my AMG GTR.

Bish

Poor-sha

Here you go. My RV is in the shop and all my gear is in the RV so I'm not able to just go look at the model on what I bought but here is a ton of info:

https://simpsonraceproducts.com/hybr...lt-compatible/

mp4659

Nowanker

Surprised to hear that! Been a while, but I time trialed for years with Golden Gate Region. I always found the events well run and safe.
Going to Buttonwillow next weekend with Central Coast and GGR. They've abandoned the Sunday afternoon time trial format, but I hope it's otherwise as I remember...

spearfish25

Bish, what questions do you have? I've used mine for 5-6 events now. It buckles around your chest and overall is pretty comfortable. You do have the carbon fiber part between your back and the seat which takes a bit of adjustment in driving position and getting used to the feel of it. The hybrid S still has harness grooves over the shoulder for use with a full race harness, so you can use it in ride alongs in any type of car. You do NOT run a 3 point shoulder belt over these grooves if you're not using a harness. You just buckle in normally with the hybrid S in place and 'working' separately from your 3 point belt.

Try them on first if possible as they run a bit large.

It's really a no brainer. I wouldn't go to the track without it these days.

Poor-sha

My only complaint was that it felt like it rode up on my a little bit when I sat down but I have a fair amount of success ballast around the mid-section. That and it does push your head a bit forward.

spearfish25

Well the F1 safety car uses a harness bar. They don't even cross the belts behind the seat like Schroth recommends if the distance to the seat back is over 21".

Correction: it's a little hoop rear cage. Doesn't really clear the driver's head.

Soloontario

So how safe is "safe? Lets face it, taking your car on a race track at high speed is not as safe as bowling or golf and even in the safest race cars, drivers can die or suffer serious injury, so the question is relative safety. Obviously cage, containment seat, fire system including 3 layers suit, harness and HANS are the best we have now but if we all required that, there would be lot fewer of us on track.

So the decision here is which is more safe, A) OEM 3 points or B) HANS hybrid or C) full harness with a HANS (which requires a harness bar). Certainly my choice is C) and I think most event organizers would be really taking a risk saying that I would not be allowed to wear a HANS ( a proven safety device) because of THEIR perceived risks to me. They could potentially need to prove their position in any investigation of an injury caused by not wearing a HANS and I don't believe they have the data for that.

speedwaywhite

Mine rides up as well, I have to pull it down after getting settled in the car. I am tall (6'6") and it scuffs the head rest in C6 GS. I shipped it to Simpson and they installed a velcro cover over the metal parts which will help. I made up a head rest cover from stocking cap which is protecting as well.

Only used for six days, still getting accustomed to it.