For the track guys - if you track a convertible, can you do it with the top down?

 

You can typically go top up or down, but you'll need a roll bar installed.

 

Also, many clubs and tracks restrict convertibles without roll bars to the slower run groups.

 

^ if such clubs/tracks allow them at all...

 

I read an article back a few months ago where Tadge said the windshield frame (if that is what you call it) was beefed up to not collapse in a roll over so it could be used on tracks without a roll bar. I recently asked that at one of Houston's larger Corvette dealers and was told they had heard the same but could not confirm. The guy I talked to had just returned from Spring Mountain and said I should give them a call because they would most likely know.

 

The only convertibles without a rollbar/cage installed that usually meet the standards of most track day organizing groups are a couple models of BMW/Porsche/MB that have "pop-up" rollover protection.

Also, most convertibles even with rollover protection are required to have arm restraints to keep flailing limbs in the car.

Even with a rollbar installed, most groups use the "broomstick rule", where a broomstick on the windshield frame and rollbar must have a gap between it and the driver's helmet. Here's an excerpt from PCA minimum standards:


So....I don't think even though the C7 windshield frame may be strong that it will allow a vert to be run without rollover protection. If the car were to rollover with no rollbar, the car might be supported by the windshield frame and the trunk, but if a broomstick were to be placed over those areas the driver's head would be sticking up over the broomstick - i.e., it would be contacting the ground if the car were upside down.

There are a number of HPDEs at Daytona each year (most in the fall) and none will allow verts without rollover protection - except one that's in April.

I think some of the owners of the track wanted to run their exotic street verts, so corners were cut.

If you want to run a vert with no rollover protection, come on out to the April event at Daytona!!

.

 

Great response. Thanks!

 

SCCA Track Night approved my Zo6 convertible.

 

To do what?

Bill

 

Depends on the track. Near me in the north east Pocono will let convert's on in the green run group however the Z06 can run higher groups as they honor the windshield frame on the Z06. Hooked on driving was able to get this in writing from GM. NJMP - no chance with out a bar

 

I went with the coupe for the sole reason of being able to track it without hassles. The targa top seems to give me the best of both worlds, anyway. Now, with the targa top, will they let you run with the top panel off? Not necessarily the fastest, but they will usually require windows open so you're gonna have drag anyway.....

 

Same reason I went with the coupe. The targa is key. The vert cant run on 90% of tracks. At that point why did you send all the extra money on a z06 over a base? The base is plenty fast, let alone if its only going to rip on the street. its more than enough car. Cant justify the extra 40k

 

Drive at Tracknight events.

 

Is the question if.........or should the question be why would you take the risk? If you are willing to run without the rollbars or in a coupe why even buckle your seatbelts?

Just because a local group would not require rollbars to go out without out them makes no sense to me.

Shame on GM for not designing pop ups into the car at least as an option.