Curious about harness rules.

[Mmagus]

Hi all,

In another thread the question of rules were raised, and if we dont like them we should propose a change. It got me thinking. (hard to believe I know)

Why is a 4 point harness rig not allowed at least for AX? It has GOT to be better than a factory 3 point and those are allowed, even if they are 25 years old. I have a 5 point so it dosnt matter in my case but it makes no sense to me. Any thoughts?

See you EARLY Saturday morn...when WE set the track

M

[gocart]

Yea, and five years life for harnesses? The five year rule should be looked at, in my opinion.

[Don Middleton]

Yea, and five years life for harnesses? The five year rule should be looked at, in my opinion.

+1. Especially when you consider that OEM belts are good for 25 years. How any of this makes sense has never been explained. Can anyone explain it?

[Mmagus]

Yea, and five years life for harnesses? The five year rule should be looked at, in my opinion.

+1. Especially when you consider that OEM belts are good for 25 years. How any of this makes sense has never been explained. Can anyone explain it?

Yes....Yes I can.

At least from the harness companies point of view.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

lol

But from ours? I am guessing that since the harness co says X number of years harness life, our insurance company has to go with what they say, and we have, I mean "get", to pay for new gear.


So. 4 point harness explaination anyone?

Bueller...

Bueller.....



Maybe I need to write that proposal?

[Steve Grosekemper]

OK- here we go...

SFI did major testing a few years ago and found 4 points to be more dangerous that 3 point.
4-points attach in the middle of the lap belt so when you go from 60-0 in 3 nanoseconds the inertia of your shoulders pulls the center of the lap belt up and off your pelvis. The lap belt is now wrapped around your soft abdomen and tears you in half or rips all the internal organs to pieces and you bleed to death before the corner worker can even get to you.

3-point shoulder harnesses attach at the lap anchor so the lap stays in place.

Factory belts are designed to last a long time in the elements and protect you reasonably well.
Race belts are designed to protect you really well and last resonably long in th elements.

And yes there is also some lawyer and bean counter types in there but if you have ever seen someone walk away from a nasty crash unscathed you won't even consider 5 years and a day.

Here is one of my favorites...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h2iqmliVMk

[Gary Burch]

Sometimes it's not even that dramatic ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRxpz9eQI6s

[gocart]

Nobody is going to argue about the need for safety. I just see some inconsistencies in the rules.

OEM three point belts are good for DECADES? A guy with a "stock" RS America can run DEs with original belts.

The only arguement I have ever read to justify racing harnesses having a five year life is the fact that NYLON will degrade in the atmosphere!!!!????? I've seen the graphs yada yada yada.

But only the cheap belts, it's been my experience, use nylon webbing and the more expensive use polyester, the same as OEM belts.

So which belts do I buy to use a dozen times a year?

Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can justify the five year rule.

edit:
More to the point, I remember seeing a sub belt that did not need a hole in the seat bottom. Does anyone know anything about them? Do they still exist? Are they legal?

[Mmagus]

Steve,

Thanks for a clear and concise explaination. The blood and guts was a good finisher That makes sence to me. And thanks for the video you linked as well... now I am feeling the urge to get a roll cage.

M

[Mark Garriott]

I thought the five year limit was on the stitching in the harness? I don't have to discard/replace my harness after five years. Can't I send it back to the manufacturer and have it restitched/recertified?

[ttweed]

I thought the five year limit was on the stitching in the harness? I don't have to discard/replace my harness after five years. Can't I send it back to the manufacturer and have it restitched/recertified?

You need to check with the manufacturer of your harness. Some will do it, some won't. Crow Enterprises used to re-certify anyone's harness, but now will only do their own. BTW, when I have had Crow re-certify mine, they have replaced all the webbing, not just restitched the old.

TT