|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Forums
|
 |
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply.
|
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
Kmatheny
Newbie
Posts:9
 |
| 10/05/2008 10:42 AM |
 Alert
|
Hi,
I have an '07 stock Boxster that I've DE'd a few times this year, and have definitely gotten the DE-virus!
As a novice, I want to understand how my car fits with the rollover protection requirements if/when I were to move into the more advanced groups. I was in 3/C my last two events. Don't want to be presumptuous, but am thinking ahead to when group 2/C might be on the horizon, and don't want to find myself DQ'd unexpectedly.
Here's the text from the STL-PCA DE form that pertains to rollover protection (some irrelevant passages deleted):
Car Requirement Based on PCA national standards. Open Cars - Any make of standard production car delivered with factory-installed roll over protection meets the minimum standards for PCA DE events. In these cars the soft-top must be in the up position or the hard top installed. However, advanced drivers of open top cars (groups 2,1, and instructor) must have a roll bar that can actually be demonstrated to comply with the "broomstick" rule even if the car is equipped with factory-installed roll over protection. If a car does not have factory installed roll over protection, a roll bar must be installed, which meets the "broomstick" rule (the driver's helmeted head is below a bar placed on top of the rollbar and windshield). ... The windshield alone is not considered to be factory roll over protection.
This leaves me with a few questions
1. Does the stock Boxster, with the factory standard "rollover safety bars", satisfy the rollover protection requirement for running in the "advanced" groups (1/2) as it sits, assuming the broomstick test is passed?
2. The text seems to indicate that an infinitesimal amount of clearance on the broomstick rule is sufficient, though elsewhere I've heard that up to 2" of clearance (between helmet and broomstick) is required. Can someone clarify? Is the amount of clearance a chapter- or club-optional item?
3. If I don't meet the broomstick test, but the factory roll hoops in the Boxster meet the "structural" requirement, can I try to achieve compliance with a lower, aftermarket or GT3 seat, assuming it puts me under the broomstick?
4. Is seat-swapping for several track events each year (this is my DD) a realistic alternative?
5. If I install lower "track" seats, will I have to install harnesses as well, or can I continue to use the factory 3-point belts?
So many questions ...so little time!
Ken |
|
Ken Matheny
Boxster, GR, '07 |
|
|
Krumm
Active Member
Posts:51
St Charles
|
| 10/08/2008 8:45 AM |
Alert
|
| Sorry Ken. Looks like nobody is answering. I know at the OVRPCA DE we did at Putnam that the broomstick rule was just that. Your head with helmet on just had to be below the broomstick. I do not think they restrict you from upper classes. That would lead you to believe that each chapter can set their own rules when it comes to these requirements. You might try sending a message to the DE comittee directly. I will be curious to hear what they say. |
|
Tim K
90 944 cab
93 968 coupe
03 Speed Yellow Boxster (Cheryl's) |
|
|
DanS
Newbie
Posts:17
|
| 10/15/2008 4:40 PM |
Alert
|
Hi Ken
1. Does the stock Boxster, with the factory standard "rollover safety bars", satisfy the rollover protection requirement for running in the "advanced" groups (1/2) as it sits, assuming the broomstick test is passed?
- It depends on the height of the helmeted driver in the car. I believe older Boxsters had lower hoops than later years. Passing the "broomstick test" is car and driver specific.
2. The text seems to indicate that an infinitesimal amount of clearance on the broomstick rule is sufficient, though elsewhere I've heard that up to 2" of clearance (between helmet and broomstick) is required. Can someone clarify? Is the amount of clearance a chapter- or club-optional item?
- The test is passed in the St. Louis Region PCA if the helmeted head with the driver sitting normally in the seat is below the line (broomstick) from hoop top to windshield top. No extra clearance is required. That said, the more clearance the safer so the rule should be construed as a minimum standard and not the ideal. The application of the test is left to each Region, although requirements imposed by PCA's insurance company frequently dictate our safety rules. That's why some Clubs (e.g., BMW and ACNA) prohibit any convertibles from their DEs.
3. If I don't meet the broomstick test, but the factory roll hoops in the Boxster meet the "structural" requirement, can I try to achieve compliance with a lower, aftermarket or GT3 seat, assuming it puts me under the broomstick?
- Properly installed lower seats would be an acceptable way of complying with the rule.
4. Is seat-swapping for several track events each year (this is my DD) a realistic alternative?
- Some drivers do that, but it obviously involves more prep time, storage space and the risk of damaging something in the process. Removing stock seats is not technically difficult, although they weigh more than most people would guess.
5. If I install lower "track" seats, will I have to install harnesses as well, or can I continue to use the factory 3-point belts?
- Assuming the seats you choose do not interfere with the factory belts, there's no problem continuing to use them. If you choose to install harnesses they must be used with a seat with proper seat cutouts, be properly mounted, and have current dating.
|
|
Dan
'06 Cayman S |
|
|
Kmatheny
Newbie
Posts:9
|
| 10/15/2008 6:10 PM |
Alert
|
Hi Dan,
That's great. Thanks for the clear, helpful answers!
Ken |
|
Ken Matheny
Boxster, GR, '07 |
|
|
menelaos
Active Member
Posts:38
|
| 10/23/2008 7:57 AM |
Alert
|
| You would get tired of swapping seats all the time. Get an articulated seat (i.e., the back reclines, is not a fixed bucket) like a Recaro SRD, buy the right hardware attachments for the factory 3-point seat belt (Brey Krause has much of this hardware) and you will be set. Provided you get the right seat sliders, the Recaro will sit lower and you will have a lot more headroom and extra clearance for the broomstick test. I just leave my Recaro Profi in the car 100% of the time and have no problems with it. |
|
Diamantblau 1987 951 Keep the flash alive!!
St. Louis Region PCA President |
|
|
Kmatheny
Newbie
Posts:9
|
| 10/23/2008 6:40 PM |
Alert
|
Hi Menelaos,
I haven't decided which direction I'm going with this --- i.e., change seats or change car(!) --- but your suggestion sounds like a good one. Thanks for the advice!
Ken |
|
Ken Matheny
Boxster, GR, '07 |
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.6
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|