Trackday newbie questions!
Discussion
I`ve done a bit of circuit motorsport in years gone by but am looking at doing some trackdays now, my car was built in 1958 and is a convertible, it is not fitted with a roll bar, this seems to be a bit of a grey area requirement? Due to the historic nature of the car i do not wish to cut holes in the bodywork to fit one, i am only going to be doing one, possibly two events in this car as i have another that will be ready next year that does have a bar in it. Also i have been informed i will need a crash helmet complying to Snell SA2000 or BS6658-85 Type A, obviously full face as an open car, not looking to spend a fortune can anyone point me to a supplier.
Many thanks for any help..............Martin
Many thanks for any help..............Martin
Sparco (club X1?) and omp both make decent full face helmets for under 100 notes, loads of suppliers.
As for a rollbar, you dont need one, but... would you want to have a crash without one? Suprisingly easy to go into gravel sideways and dig in, and that windscreen looks like itll fold easier than a piece of paper, in which case the next thing is your head...
I run a z4 without a rollbar, but the windscreen is a lot stronger, and it does have factory rollhoops behind the seats.
As for a rollbar, you dont need one, but... would you want to have a crash without one? Suprisingly easy to go into gravel sideways and dig in, and that windscreen looks like itll fold easier than a piece of paper, in which case the next thing is your head...
I run a z4 without a rollbar, but the windscreen is a lot stronger, and it does have factory rollhoops behind the seats.
Most important thing about a helmet is to get one that fits properly - if it’s not fitting correctly it won’t give proper protection.
It’s not always that easy to find a shop selling motorsport helmets where you can try them on.
Buying without trying via the internet is not wise.
It’s a lot easier to find a place selling bike helmets where they can fit it properly for you, and try different makes until you get the best fit. Plus, there’s no VAT on motorcycle helmets so you save some cash too.
It’s not always that easy to find a shop selling motorsport helmets where you can try them on.
Buying without trying via the internet is not wise.
It’s a lot easier to find a place selling bike helmets where they can fit it properly for you, and try different makes until you get the best fit. Plus, there’s no VAT on motorcycle helmets so you save some cash too.
thats a really cool little car what engine is in there is it a F Junior engine?
Track days are not regulated anything like motor racing just turn up with any old helmet they dont check such things, and as its an open car have long sleeves and trousers and off you go enjoy. That might be good fun round Cadwell?
Track days are not regulated anything like motor racing just turn up with any old helmet they dont check such things, and as its an open car have long sleeves and trousers and off you go enjoy. That might be good fun round Cadwell?
quimbles said:
I bought one of those. Sent it straight back. 
I'm surprised TVR car club are insisting on MSA approved helmets. They are the reserve of competetive motorsport. I have one for hill climbs and sprints. Never ever needed it on a track day - any helmet will do.
You don't need a roll bar on a soft top either for track days.
Perhaps TVR CC have strict insurance terms for the events they organise
You don't need a roll bar on a soft top either for track days.
Perhaps TVR CC have strict insurance terms for the events they organise
Having been in touch with them it seems any upto date helmet would be ok though their flyer for the event says otherwise, i have bought a Sparco Club X1. Convertibles are ok according to the club but may be required to run with a hood up! My car has no hood or studs to fit one, i prefer the bodywork looking uncluttered.
kartman24 said:
Having been in touch with them it seems any upto date helmet would be ok though their flyer for the event says otherwise, i have bought a Sparco Club X1. Convertibles are ok according to the club but may be required to run with a hood up! My car has no hood or studs to fit one, i prefer the bodywork looking uncluttered.
Puzzled by all this. I am not aware of any track day regulation that requires there to be a hood, never mind up. I will most certainly have mine down at Cadwell, as i did at the same TVRCC event last year. I have been on loads of track days where most open top cars have been roofless. The TVRCC office ladies are lovely, but are not technical experts on track days, as they only organise one a year.
Roll over hoop or not is up to you - it's your head.
You MUST have a full face helmet in an open top car - that's MSV rules, and they own the track. Followed on from an engine blow up a couple of years ago, where the Caterham driver following got a face full of hot oil. Oddly, they seem to have let me on track in an open face one last year, but I normally use full face with the roof off.
And you MUST wear long trousers and long sleeves. Shorts and T shirts should get you banned, though they do seem to be ignored on really hot days.
Look forward to seeing you there - if you can drive corners and that little car handles, you will be an interesting prospect to overtake. my car may have 400 bhp, but that doesn't make it corner any better. I have had loads of fun with a standard Hillman Imp at Cadwell before now.....the driver could drive.
For anyone thinking..."I must get a helmet before i try my first track day", you can hire a helmet for a tenner at most tracks, including Cadwel.
Edited by QBee on Monday 13th May 13:10
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