What is "safe enough" for a DE
12-10-2015, 02:48 AM
#32
Compromises
I too have been wrestling with this issue. As a newcomer to this sport (about 12 track days over the past year now) the risk is starting to become apparent now that I have seen a few wrecks and heard of the fatalities. The cup car sounds ideal for safety, but it doesn't even have a seat for an instructor. Not to mention how silly I would feel driving a cup car as slowly as I drive...
. But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.
. But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.
12-10-2015, 03:04 AM
#33
GT3 player par excellence
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I too have been wrestling with this issue. As a newcomer to this sport (about 12 track days over the past year now) the risk is starting to become apparent now that I have seen a few wrecks and heard of the fatalities. The cup car sounds ideal for safety, but it doesn't even have a seat for an instructor. Not to mention how silly I would feel driving a cup car as slowly as I drive.... But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.
. But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.that said, you CAN install passenger seat in cup cars. it bolts in like a street car.
there are other ways to provide safety, no always in a cup.
12-10-2015, 09:43 AM
#35
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
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I too have been wrestling with this issue. As a newcomer to this sport (about 12 track days over the past year now) the risk is starting to become apparent now that I have seen a few wrecks and heard of the fatalities. The cup car sounds ideal for safety, but it doesn't even have a seat for an instructor. Not to mention how silly I would feel driving a cup car as slowly as I drive.... But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.
. But I am starting to realize that I need to address this issue sooner rather than later.You'll have a much better learning experience and any instructors will appreciate not being in a cup car with a new driver!
12-10-2015, 10:26 AM
#37
12-10-2015, 10:29 AM
#38
-Mike
12-10-2015, 12:16 PM
#39
12-10-2015, 02:03 PM
#40
Rennlist Member
The nice thing about buying a well sorted track car is they usually hold their values. You can buy a 944, SPB, or Cayman, drive it for a few years, and then sell it to help fund a Cup car.
You'll have a much better learning experience and any instructors will appreciate not being in a cup car with a new driver!
You'll have a much better learning experience and any instructors will appreciate not being in a cup car with a new driver!
Just make sure the used race car is checked out well and properly built for safety, especially the rollcage and main features, to prevent you from buying someone else's problems.
12-10-2015, 02:05 PM
#41
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by 9114609048
Guilty...
12-10-2015, 02:22 PM
#42
Rennlist Member
I was just thinking about this today. Mild track prep GT3's are pretty fast, certainly fast enough to put you in a bad situation if something goes wrong. The more I think about it the more safety upgrades I want to make to my car but there's a fine line between a street car that can hit the track and a track rat that must be trailered to events.
So far I have fixed back FIA Recaro seats, OEM club sport back half cage, Scroth 6 point harnesses, coolant lines pinned and a HANS. I'm really debating switching my driver seat to a Halo seat and seeing if I can adapt a center net without cutting up my interior. A fire system would be nice but might be a bit intrusive. I may get at least a bolt in fire bottle as a compromise. I'm not sure if I can bring myself to wear a full race suit, nomex boots, gloves as it looks ridiculous at a HPDE and it's incredibly hot in TX in the summer. I suppose it's still better than BBQ'ing yourself if your car catches fire.
So far I have fixed back FIA Recaro seats, OEM club sport back half cage, Scroth 6 point harnesses, coolant lines pinned and a HANS. I'm really debating switching my driver seat to a Halo seat and seeing if I can adapt a center net without cutting up my interior. A fire system would be nice but might be a bit intrusive. I may get at least a bolt in fire bottle as a compromise. I'm not sure if I can bring myself to wear a full race suit, nomex boots, gloves as it looks ridiculous at a HPDE and it's incredibly hot in TX in the summer. I suppose it's still better than BBQ'ing yourself if your car catches fire.
There's a lot to think about as a driver.
12-10-2015, 02:44 PM
#43
Drifting
Interesting point here. I see it all the time, guys who harp on safety safety safety, jump in a car for a DE or time trials leaving their race suit in the trailer. So what if it doesn't look "cool". I'm the guy out there sweating my ***** off wearing nomex for a lapping day in a caged car. I think some of the newbies seeing more experienced drivers suited up using HANS devices etc. is a good thing. I think it looks badass, and I'd die of embarrassment if I was killed and had left the gear on the trailer.
12-11-2015, 12:35 AM
#44
Obviously full cage
Fuel cell? Fuel lines?
12-11-2015, 09:42 AM
#45
Three Wheelin'
This is interesting and some very good point.
Maybe something to consider is to balance risk on the track vs in life.....
Do you have kids, and they have not finished college?
Do you love your wife?
Is your daily driver a Volvo or motorcycle?
Are you a member is ISIS?
Do you smoke?
Do you exercise?
Do you party with Charlie Sheen in Vegas?
We compromise on everything in life, and asking broader questions may help answer the question on how much you want to invest in your driving and safety equipment.
Maybe something to consider is to balance risk on the track vs in life.....
Do you have kids, and they have not finished college?
Do you love your wife?
Is your daily driver a Volvo or motorcycle?
Are you a member is ISIS?
Do you smoke?
Do you exercise?
Do you party with Charlie Sheen in Vegas?
We compromise on everything in life, and asking broader questions may help answer the question on how much you want to invest in your driving and safety equipment.