JHPGT3 wrote:Hey there,
I forgot about this post until tonight. I had the feeling i could count on some pithy comments. Thanks guys (even you, Kary!).
In all seriousness, when I look at the cage being built in my new car, and think of the proximity of the steering wheel and a wraparound Recarro/Hans seat, there is very little room to maneuver to get out, let alone when upside down. This has got to be the time when you count on fire suppression systems and corner workers to do their thing. I honestly don't think I would have the ability to get out in less than a minute and it might take a lot more!!!
My new car is on a rotisserie right now. After the cage is in (very soon), we could put two seats in there. WE could then put Kary and Mike VS in there, strap them in, flip the rotisserie around several times (or more, to simulate the very high speeds for which these gentlemen are known). We could have a little fire going. Maybe some fire hoses --Mike G. could use Simone's old broom to sweep the floor and create a little dust cloud as he suggested --you get the idea. Basically, we DO have the vehicle to do a little research in this important area. R U ready for a little science?
I like the test rotisserie set up! Can I use your racing suit during the test? I assume it is a three layer SFI rated suit
But on a serious note, I think given your set up John, it would be extremely difficult to get out of the car in a big crash and if you were slightly dazed from a big impact you likely would not be able to do anything under your own power. That said, a good in car fire system is a must. Multiple nozzles in the interior, engine compartement, and possibly in the front trunk. After seeing a video of a 993 RSR spin out and hit a wall which was followed by a Ferrari spinning out at the same location and then T-boning the 993 RSR I a believer in as much protection as you can get without compromising horsepower to weight ratio too much.
Here is the video for those that have not seen it. Is is about 19MB.....
www.group9motorsports.com/videos/insanecrash.mpg