View Single Post
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 04-02-2008, 03:13 PM
jmarsey's Avatar
jmarsey jmarsey is offline
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NorCal, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: A Blue Car
Posts: 949
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ByronRACE View Post
Where do I find the details regarding tech/safety?

Specifically, I don't see a listing of acceptable helmets/types. Are M rated helmets allowed, or SA only? Open or full face? I saw where it stated 2000+, but nothing else; perhaps I missed it.

Tires. Is there a tread depth requirement?

Sound. Is there a dB limit?

Other details. I have a check list for tech, but I don't see a lot of detail about any specific requirement. Should I assume there are none if it's not mentioned? For example, it says "Roll Bar" but it doesn't specify any specific requirements pertaining to what the bar is constructed of, where and how it's mounted, who it protects, and so on.

Are riders allowed at all during the track event? Must they be protected by a roll bar?

I'm sure all this information exists somewhere; but I haven't found it yet.

Someone help me out please.

Byron
Byron,

In this case, I would prefer you email your questions regarding Track Day directly to me and not on this forum. Since you have posted here, I will try to be as clear as possible with answers as not to add confusion or concern for all other attendees:

I replied to your email yesterday regarding helmets. Did you not receive it? Did you not receive the Track Day Announcement #1? Under “Safety”, third line says: “Helmet (Snell SA95 or newer).” Is there a question? All other tech items and safety issues are listed in that document. Is there something, specifically, you are concerned about? Is your head worth a few hundred bucks more than the “M” (motorcycle) rated helmet?

FYI. What are the 2 key differences between SA and M Rated Helmets and why SA standard helmets are typically required in auto sports?
1. SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not.
2. SA standard has roll bar impact test while M standard does not.


Q. Tires
A. Tech Form “Wheels & Tires” first line says: “tire condition.” Are you confused as to how to determine if your tires are in good condition or not? Would you like to run track tires, street tires, or bald tires? I’m not clear what your question is. Most states require a minimum tread depth of 3/32” - DOT approved, for legal street applications, if that helps.

Q. Sound
A. Unless otherwise mentioned, there is no sound limit at this particular track event.

Q. “Other details”
Q. “but I don't see a lot of detail about any specific requirement”
A. Then please be more specific regarding the Tech Sheet list of specific "basic" requirements I've asked you to check on your car.

Q. “Should I assume there are none (specific requirements) if it's not mentioned”
A. Ditto previous answer, and I would also suggest you re-read your Announcement, specifically, where it says:

"Prior to bringing your car to Thursday’s WSCB Track Day Tech Inspection, please inspect each listed
item on your car, and otherwise, as noted on this Tech form. Consult your mechanic if you have any
questions or concerns. It is your responsibility to physically check every item on the Tech Inspection
Form, as well as those not mentioned.
The checklist is for your safety and the safety of the other drivers
on the track with you. Please take your car inspection seriously. After inspecting your car, you must
sign the bottom of the form, which indicates that you have, in good faith, checked every item on this
form."


Q. “For example, it says "Roll Bar" but it doesn't specify any specific requirements pertaining to what the bar is constructed of, where and how it's mounted, who it protects, and so on.”
A. I’m not sure how to interpret this. A typical “roll bar” is found directly behind the driver’s seat, 3” above driver’s head (when seated in the car), braced in some fashion, secured to the chassis, made of steel and of adequate wall thickness, and should obviously protect the driver. Not sure what “and so on” means. In the Announcement, I am recommending that You, the attendee, do your homework on not only the roll bar, but all (7) items listed in addition to every item on the Tech Form. If you need clarification or help here, as I said, just send me an email and I will be happy to help.

If this is not clear to you, let me know so I can help you. This is no different than most any other track event tech sheet.

Q. Passengers
A1. Unless you are an instructor, you may not have a passenger.
A2. If we do “parade laps” (under 40mph-manditory at all times) during the event, you may have a passenger.
A3. If your car has dual or a full-width roll bar(s), restraints, and you have the approval of myself AND a lead instructor, you may have a passenger.

You are in Group-2 (1 to 5 - Other track events). What does your experience at these other track events tell you regarding the safety and technical aspects of your car and you as a driver on the track?

I will be sending future Track Day Announcements pertaining to track configuration, video and event particulars. I realize that there can be a level of enthusiastic anxiety while anticipating a track event. The bottom line here, is that we have a very talented team of instructors, group leaders, and tech officials. Our number-1 goal is to keep you safe and make sure you have a fun and enjoyable day!

I hope this is helpful to you and please, email me directly in the future. I would like to avoid this kind of rhetoric in the future.

Talk soon, John
__________________
NASA - Instructor - 2012 TTA Champion - We Drive Harder!
Reply With Quote