roger sf

Am scheduled to leave for a track day tomorrow and in getting ready went out to the RS and found a sizable (~20") crack in the windshield. I have no idea how it happened. I didn't notice it before today and up near the top of the crack there is a tiny area that looks like it may have been impacted by something small.

Getting the glass replaced is no big deal - but I can't get it done in one day. My question is whether it's unsafe to track a car with this level of windshield impairment? The track I'm going to will see top speeds of under 150.

robmypro

Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable tracking the car. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be fine. I just would feel uncomfortable.

TRAKCAR

I would enjoy my track day and dont worry about it.
A crack is different from a bird strike, that can happen also at 150.

NateOZ

I would give it a little bit of reinforcement with clear helicopter tape as insurance.

Four Liter

Nate nailed it .

ChrisF

Two things:

1. your organizer may not allow you to run; would suck to drive out and be sent home.
2. personally, I would not. compromised safety in a car traveling 150 is not worth it.

Lodi

Consider ClearPlex the next time around. Had it professionally installed and I'm super-impressed. Has already deflected some rocks and the only time you can tell its on the windshield is under indoor lighting.

SanDiegoDavid

I've been thru 5 windshields on my GT3 and RS. Tried ClearPlex, it did not prevent a big crack while tracking the GT3. I think ClearPlex is fine for the road, but don't rely on it for protection on the track. BTW, if anyone wants a 991 ClearPlex I have one available for sale, its still in the cardboard tube.

ipse dixit

You'll be fine.

And, for what it's worth, don't bother with ClearPlex. Pure junk. Like transparent fly paper.

Dr.Bill

Most likely will not pass tech. I guess you could ask the organizer.
The windshield is a structural element and provides additional rigidity in a roll over.

neoprufrok

I would not at all. The stress on the car may make it bigger. And having that crack or shatter at high speeds... is not good

SCCAForums

The crack is fine. The stress of racing will absolutely 'complete it' to the other side... but it won't cause any issue. I've raced plenty worse when cars fling up rocks on the track.

Also looks like that is the passenger side, so tech shouldn't care.

Enjoy the track, and then replace the windshield.

Best Regards,
Dave

Drifting

Clearplex had protected my windshield well despite several rocks. Not as clear to look at as I would like, however.

I wouldn't say clearplex sucks, but it only provides average protection, and is very installer dependent. Useful but not ideal.
I would use something different to protect my windshield if clearplex had any real competition.

ipse dixit

Automotive windshields no longer shatter because of the lamination process.

R.Deacon

Chrisf and Dr. Bill have a good point ,definitely give a call to the event folks ,

if they are cool with it follow up with Nate's suggestion , even some clear packing tape will help ,

my bet it's unlikely they will allow you to run , just tell the tech inspector you have OSHA approved safety glasses . you'll be fine and that crack will travel with track stress .