Preparing for 185+ mph speeds safely...

[Shadowman]

hmmm in that case, I need to look into it.

Kumar

It is a nice system and becomes completely invisible when not being used; meaning to can rotate the harness points out of the way and store the upper belts in the rear canvass bags setting the stages at that point for the OEM harness to be used.

Call me with any questions

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[Shadowman]

IMO the best way to prepare for such an event is “NOT” to get sucked into the "I must do it" but rather do it if you feel comfortable and even more importantly; during the event if at any time you no longer feel comfortable and for any reason shut her down. Then add to this a good helmet, harness, tires, and a general mechanical inspection.

There is no shame in not pushing the proverbial envelope; I would rather discuss with you why you elected to shut her down when compared to how she got away from you.

Do not kid yourself; 200 mph is tossed around today as if NBD however at speed it is a huge deal and things happen not only very fast but even more so you are not afforded much opportunity to do anything if something goes askew other than complete the process as it unfolds.

I want all to have a great time and for all to meet their personal goal but the key word is “their” and to have it based upon your level of experience and comfort and not based on the fact that your gal can do it.

I am not meaning to be a party pooper but rather want it to remain a party and not .........

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[donnymac]

Any chance we can pay for the GT guys or some other mechanics to check out our cars prior to, and maybe after, our daily runs? I'd gladly pay $100 to have my car fully checked out for safety prior to each days runs. That is as long as they don't find an issue that can't be fixed right away :biggrin

Excellent idea. :cheers

 

[SYCO GT]

Pictures of gear set up / install, and sources would be helpful.

Anyone have recommendations for harnesses and mounting hardware?

I have the rear harness bar itself designed by Cobrar1339, but not the harnesses yet, or the hardware to mount the straps.

Everyone's contributions have been very helpful and appreciated. :thumbsup

 

[Shadowman]

Pictures of gear set up / install, and sources would be helpful.

Anyone have recommendations for harnesses and mounting hardware?

I have the rear harness bar itself designed by Cobrar1339, but not the harnesses yet, or the hardware to mount the straps.

Everyone's contributions have been very helpful and appreciated. :thumbsup

SYCO GT

Wally also created the brackets for the harness to secure to and these pieces as well as the harness is available through Safe Craft

Shadowman

 

[fjpikul]

Here's my not expert advice after going through this 2 years ago. Wally's harness bar is excellent, but I don't know if he still has them available. SafeCraft makes one that works well, so don't let this slow you down. I bought SafeCraft 6 point harnesses. Talked with Ed Sims quite a bit about it. I bought the clip in systems. If you go to the SafeCraft website, you can pick and choose colors and types of belts. It makes it easier if you buy the Brey-Krauss mounting brackets, but you will need slightly longer bolts to mount them to the seat after removing the original seat belt bolts. I also had the Brey-Krauss brackets altered by enlarging the holes a little to fit two clips from the belts (lap belt and sub belt). Order the lap belts as "pull-up" rather than pull-down, easier to tighten and have them done on the outside belt rather then the tunnel belt. I'm 5'11'' and 175 lbs so the standard sizes fit just fine. Order the aluminum hardware. The shoulder belts should be the type that you loop onto the harness bar. Go to the Sparco website to see how to mount them. The release latch is a matter of preference. I got the one with the lever cam and have been happy.

Here's what I ordered and have been happy, but they are pricey since you probably want two sets for driver AND passenger (otherwise no instructor will get in your car).

Red polyester, lever cam buckle closure, sewn, clip-in lap belts-left pull-up driver's lap belt, right pull-up passenger standard length, dual 6 point single tang cam only sub, individual shoulder, 3 inch wide, wrap around with adjuster, standard length.

When you go to the website and look at this, you will understand a little better what this all means. If I'm not mistaken, every belt is dated and is good for 2 years, then the webbing must be replaced to be used on the track. They do check at the tracks.

I also orderd an Arai gp5w helmet and have been very happy with it. Do internet shopping for helmets.

 

[RALPHIE]

IMO the best way to prepare for such an event is “NOT” to get sucked into the "I must do it" but rather do it if you feel comfortable and even more importantly; during the event if at any time you no longer feel comfortable and for any reason shut her down. Then add to this a good helmet, harness, tires, and a general mechanical inspection.

There is no shame in not pushing the proverbial envelope; I would rather discuss with you why you elected to shut her down when compared to how she got away from you.

Do not kid yourself; 200 mph is tossed around today as if NBD however at speed it is a huge deal and things happen not only very fast but even more so you are not afforded much opportunity to do anything if something goes askew other than complete the process as it unfolds.

I want all to have a great time and for all to meet their personal goal but the key word is “their” and to have it based upon your level of experience and comfort and not based on the fact that your gal can do it.

I am not meaning to be a party pooper but rather want it to remain a party and not .........

Takes care

Shadowman

I totally agree with Bill - this event requires rigorous preparation and concentration. If you're not willing to make all the necessary preparations, "Just Say No."

If you are prepared for it, make a couple of passes at speeds you know you can handle, working your way up to an all-out run, which will prepare you mentally for the concentration required plus a knowledge of the track and your car at speed. Things happen very quickly at the top end.

Tires are THE critical item - and no matter how new, they can have flaws that aren't apparent until pushed to the limits. Look at NASCAR and IndyCar races to see the failure rates of tires that are designed for just one purpose - racing! That's where the luck comes in - as there is nothing you can do should you wind up with a defective tire. This isn't the same as tracking a car at sub-max speed levels. Just prepare everything you have control over, and be prepared for unexpected events. Just MHO.

Ralphie

 

[skyrex]

I was very happy with the 6 point harness set-up that I used for the GT school. (the belt that comes up between your legs is not attached in the second pic) It is easy to revert back to stock and looks really cool. :cool You can clip the harnesses in for the event and be back to the stock seat belts within 5 minutes. Here are some pics......

 

[Mark06GT]

Same firewall attachment as Skyrex, but 6-point harness instead of 4. Just another option.

 

[SYCO GT]

Skyrex, did you get those GT40 belts and cam buckle from Cobrar?

They look nice!

 

[Triheart7]

I totally agree with Bill - this event requires rigorous preparation and concentration. If you're not willing to make all the necessary preparations, "Just Say No."

If you are prepared for it, make a couple of passes at speeds you know you can handle, working your way up to an all-out run, which will prepare you mentally for the concentration required plus a knowledge of the track and your car at speed. Things happen very quickly at the top end.

Tires are THE critical item - and no matter how new, they can have flaws that aren't apparent until pushed to the limits. Look at NASCAR and IndyCar races to see the failure rates of tires that are designed for just one purpose - racing! That's where the luck comes in - as there is nothing you can do should you wind up with a defective tire. This isn't the same as tracking a car at sub-max speed levels. Just prepare everything you have control over, and be prepared for unexpected events. Just MHO.

Ralphie

I like what Shadowman and Ralphie say in the above posts. I figured a couple of passes at a speed that is way above my freeway onramp speed would be great for a starter, then see what happens next. I do not want to wear depends and test them out!

 

[dbk]

Good tips from Texas GT and Shadowman.

I have an email out to Don at Safecraft regarding group purchases for those who want to use this as an excuse to get a good fire extinguisher system, and also for us to make a number of the trans-tunnel mount systems available to switch between cars during runs. This is a very easy to install system and I've already talked to The GT Guys about possibly doing this work for us as cars make there way down the runway and back.

As for running, I echo Shadowman's commentary that this should be based on personal goals and preparation. At the march Texas Mile, they made well over 1000 runs over the three day event. There will be plenty of opportunity on our day to increase your speed to a level you are comfortable with. There is no reason to exceed your personal comfort level.

 

[The Grey Ghost]

Good tips from Texas GT and Shadowman.

I have an email out to Don at Safecraft regarding group purchases for those who want to use this as an excuse to get a good fire extinguisher system, and also for us to make a number of the trans-tunnel mount systems available to switch between cars during runs.

I believe I saw recommendations of their safety harnesses earlier as well.
Would we have enough interest for a group purchase on these also?

Jeff

 

[skyrex]

Skyrex, did you get those GT40 belts and cam buckle from Cobrar?

They look nice!

Yes, I got them from Wally. Great guy and he really developed a great product for both looks and function.

He actually came to the school and helped a couple of us get into the harness for the first time. It looked confusing at first, but after you did it once it was a piece of cake to get in and out of the harnesses. Although it does take a little getting used to when you bring that fifth harness point around the "family jewels" :lol

Definitely a product I would recommend. :thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[Piana]

Bill,
We need to discuss extinguisher and harness when the top is ready.
Tom

 

[SYCO GT]

Thanks Skyrex, I left a message for Wally. I know he is always super busy with work.

 

[SYCO GT]

I believe I saw recommendations of their safety harnesses earlier as well.
Would we have enough interest for a group purchase on these also?

Jeff

Yes, I definitely think so.

 

[SYCO GT]

I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on the black GT40 harnesses and brackets from Cobrar1339. I'll post pics later after the install.

I tried to order my Arai GP-5W - but they are on back order, possibly it's due to a break in production pending the new 2010 certification. I have used Arai motorcycle helmets for 20+ years and always appreciated the fit and finish.

Thanks everyone for the tips!

 

[skyrex]

You will not be disappointed with your harness choice Syco.....they look even better in person!! :cheers

 

[SYCO GT]

Thanks Skyrex, you are definitely right.

I am now officially outfitted with the 6 point harnesses from Cobrar1339 (Wally). He's got some in stock, and they are a custom fit for the GT. Very sturdy seat brackets and the harness bars look great. I will post pictures soon.