Track day, no towing eye location
Discussion
I'm interested in getting my 2005 Celica on track, but the towing eye location (I believe) is in the front crash bar, behind the front bumper, and definitely cannot be accessed without removing the front bumper.
If it came to it, there is a hook on the front crossmember, under the rad support, and there are hooks at either side of the chassis legs at the back, (which I've managed to tow a MK4 golf with , but that's another story)!
They seem a fairly popular choice for a cheap track car, and - as stated - could be towed without resorting to dragging the poor thing by a control arm or similar; I'm just worried that as the track FAQs state to fit the towing eye, a "computer says no" situation may occur where I'm turned away for not having one fitted.
Track in question is Brands.
If it came to it, there is a hook on the front crossmember, under the rad support, and there are hooks at either side of the chassis legs at the back, (which I've managed to tow a MK4 golf with , but that's another story)!
They seem a fairly popular choice for a cheap track car, and - as stated - could be towed without resorting to dragging the poor thing by a control arm or similar; I'm just worried that as the track FAQs state to fit the towing eye, a "computer says no" situation may occur where I'm turned away for not having one fitted.
Track in question is Brands.
It is a case of:
If you are incapacitated and the car needs recovering the marshals will use the best towing fixation possible.
If there is no obvious available towing eye or similar they may use something to attach to that causes subsequent damage.
Ideally, you need to make the fixation point obvious by using a strap or similar and if needs be a "TOW" marker to make it more obvious.
Having said that, you will not be turned away for the lack of it.
Perhaps if you decide you are doing a few days repeatedly it may be worth finding a cover of some sorts & having it fitted into the bumper so that it can be used on track.
If you are incapacitated and the car needs recovering the marshals will use the best towing fixation possible.
If there is no obvious available towing eye or similar they may use something to attach to that causes subsequent damage.
Ideally, you need to make the fixation point obvious by using a strap or similar and if needs be a "TOW" marker to make it more obvious.
Having said that, you will not be turned away for the lack of it.
Perhaps if you decide you are doing a few days repeatedly it may be worth finding a cover of some sorts & having it fitted into the bumper so that it can be used on track.
My TVR has no towing hooks either, and I have never been turned away from a track day.
It in fact has a suitable hook on the front of the chassis, but it is under the front of the car, and full arm's length underneath.
You have to know it is there.
I have been towed out of a gravel trap forwards once by marshalls, but I always carry a tow rope in the boot with a hook on each end, and was able to attach it myself for them.
It has no rear tow attachments to the chassis whatsoever, indeed the chassis ends level with the rear axle.
However, I do have a rollover hoop installed behind the seats and always do track days with the roof off.
So they could drag it out backwards using the rollover hoop.
I agree with the above suggestion, find a way of attaching a strap front and back, and mark where it is located.
It in fact has a suitable hook on the front of the chassis, but it is under the front of the car, and full arm's length underneath.
You have to know it is there.
I have been towed out of a gravel trap forwards once by marshalls, but I always carry a tow rope in the boot with a hook on each end, and was able to attach it myself for them.
It has no rear tow attachments to the chassis whatsoever, indeed the chassis ends level with the rear axle.
However, I do have a rollover hoop installed behind the seats and always do track days with the roof off.
So they could drag it out backwards using the rollover hoop.
I agree with the above suggestion, find a way of attaching a strap front and back, and mark where it is located.
In my experience Marshalls at Track Days are kind to your pride and joy (they are under much greater time pressure at race meetings).
As others have said, fixing a Towing Strap to the chassis & identifying it with a Tow Sticker would work (& might appeal to the 8yo boy stuck inside).
To be safe, you may want to ensure the strap wouldn't foul any bodywork when under strain at a 45 degree angle. To tidy it up you can zip tie the Towing Strap with contrasting colored zip ties to the chassis, as, I think all Marshalls would carry a blade.
2 x Towing Straps (non-FIA) and Decal sheet from Demon Tweeks would be around £25 and you'd have stickers to play with.
Check your brake fluid, oil, tyre pressures, torque your wheel nuts, helmet on and off you go.
Life is short, you will enjoy it.
As others have said, fixing a Towing Strap to the chassis & identifying it with a Tow Sticker would work (& might appeal to the 8yo boy stuck inside).
To be safe, you may want to ensure the strap wouldn't foul any bodywork when under strain at a 45 degree angle. To tidy it up you can zip tie the Towing Strap with contrasting colored zip ties to the chassis, as, I think all Marshalls would carry a blade.
2 x Towing Straps (non-FIA) and Decal sheet from Demon Tweeks would be around £25 and you'd have stickers to play with.
Check your brake fluid, oil, tyre pressures, torque your wheel nuts, helmet on and off you go.
Life is short, you will enjoy it.
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