gravysc

I am looking to purchase a 2003 bmw m3 convertible and using it for DE events within the Porsche Club (NER and NCR regions). I am concerned that if I purchase the car I will have to install a roll bar. Is that the case or will the factory pop-up roll over protection suffice?

If tracks matter I will be running at Lime Rock, Palmer Motorsports Park, and Mont Tremblant. Perhaps Watkins Glen in the future too.

Thanks!

http://www.the-third-pedal.com

ExMB

PCA minimum DE stds

Cabriolet/Convertible Cars

Any make of car delivered with factory installed roll over protection meets the minimum standards for PCA DE events. In these cars we recommend the soft-top be in the up position or the hard top installed. If the top is in the down position, restraint system* must be used. An SFI and/or FIA approved arm.

If a car does not have factory installed roll over protection, a roll bar or roll cage must be installed, which meets the "broomstick" rule (the driver's helmeted head is below a bar placed on top of the roll bar and windshield). Design, installation and materials of roll bars or cages and their installation must meet PCA Club Racing specifications, contained in Appendix A-Roll Cage Specifications of the PCA Club Racing Rules. All targa tops must be installed unless there is addition roll over protection. All sunroofs must be in the closed position. The windshield alone is not considered to be factory roll over protection.



Keep in mind that individual regions can modify these requirements.

linzman

Tracks do matter, I am pretty sure NJMP and Lime Rock require roll bars, not sure about the rest, but why take the chance. Install the roll bar. You don't see a whole lot of DE cars on their roofs, but I've seen a couple of bad wrecks. It's relatively cheap insurance when you consider what's at risk (your noggin).

stownsen914

Personally, I won't set foot in a convertible at the track, to drive or instruct, unless it has a rollbar ...

mglobe

Buy a coupe.

HoBoJoe

If you plan on running that many tracks get a roll bar, or a coupe.

NYC993

I believe NJMP doesn't allow pop-bars (like on 911) but you can run boxster which has fixed roll bar.

But the question is will you use seats and harnesses? If so, I'd use roll-bar vs. a harness bar.

mrbill_fl

*probably* you'll need one.

I know 996 cab's are allowed at PBOC-fl and PCA events. (with the popup rollover bars).

-I have heard some groups test that system with some type of override. -that does shows up on a ppi download, which upset some drovers.

LuigiVampa

James Dean posted the same question on RL a bunch of years ago but I can't find the thread.

jdistefa

Make sure your instructor is taller than you.

g-50cab

Cabs tend to fold in a crash - unless you have a full cage - I'd find a coupe

gravysc

Thanks everyone for your insight, decided to go with a coupe!

HoBoJoe

Congrats! Keep us updated on your journey to addiction.

RickBetterley

Very good decision - welcome to the track!

phrogpilot

No roll cage, no track driving for me. As others have suggested, but a coupe.