if a car originally came with lap belts only, let's say a 1965 Corvair for example, will it pass tech with lap belts only? if no pass with lap only, will it pass tech with addition of 3-point (ie retractable single lap/shoulder belt) from later OE application? or is a harness bar and 4+ point harnesses required?
Here's the answer from the $2000 Challenge Rules:
Every entry is required to have a seat belt or harness for the driver. OEM three-point seat belts may be retained. If the OEM belt is not three-point, or if the driver’s seating position has been modified significantly, then a racing harness is required. Racing harnesses must have a minimum of five points, and may be no more than two years old. Older harnesses that have been professionally re-webbed, inspected and re-certified within the previous two years are acceptable.
hi Tom, thanks for the quick reply. Specific to the two-year part of your statement, I'm going to quote the NHRA rulebook, then ask you a question. First, the NHRA rulebook quote. See specifically the last point, which I have bolded for boldness:
NHRA Rulebook 2023 (General Regulations, Section 21, Page 45) says:
10:5 DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
A quick-release driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec
16.1 or SFI Spec 16.5 is mandatory in all cars in competition
required by the rules to have a roll bar or a roll cage. (Permitted in all other classes.)Driver restraint system must be clearly labeled as meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or SFI Spec 16.5 and be dated by manufacturer. SFI 16.1 or 16.5 3-inch-wide shoulder harness straps folded over and sewn to be 2 inches wide by the original manufacturer in order to fit into head and neck restraint lips/channels are acceptable.
See Class Requirements for additional requirements for Top Fuel and Funny Car.
SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5 Y-type belts prohibited.
(In cases where the class does not require an SFI 16.1 or 16.5 driver restraint system, the two-year recertification does not apply.)
So, my car doesn't require a roll bar or roll cage, therefore it does not require SFI 16.1 or 16.5 driver restraint system.
However, it is permitted to install and use SFI 16.1 or 16.5 restraints.
Since they are not required (but are permitted), the two-year recertification does not apply.
Now the question: Can the NHRA rule supercede the GRM rule in this case? I have SFI harnesses that are about 5 years old IIRC.
Having crashed a car whilst only wearing the lap belt portion of a 5-point harness, I would encourage you to install either a working 3pt system or add a 4pt harness with a shoulder harness bar. My impact was most likely a 50-65mph affair and you don't want to know what it did to my abdomen.
I would be willing to take mine out of my racecar if it means the difference between getting this car on track or not.
To be clear, I'd rather not, but I will!
wvumtnbkr said:I would be willing to take mine out of my racecar if it means the difference between getting this car on track or not.
To be clear, I'd rather not, but I will!
i appreciate that, but I won't let it come to that. I need to look at the harnesses i just got the other day. if i have to, i will order new harnesses from a GRM advertiser.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Fyi summit racing shipping is essentially overnight to my house if it starts getting too close, but I gather they're 1 day to your place
In reply to Patrick :
Summit is also on the way for many of us, if we're willing to install a harness in the hotel parking lot or at the track.
I can bring/overnight whatever you need.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Sorry, but the GRM harness rule still applies.
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