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Re: Racing harnesses

To: Craig Daugherty <cmdaugherty@tyler.net>
Subject: Re: Racing harnesses
From: Mark Sirota <msirota@isc.upenn.edu>
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 23:36:56 -0400
Craig Daugherty wrote:
> There is another solution to the "stay in the seat" problem besides
> abusing your existing seat belt or installing a full race harness--the
> Turner belt.  I don't know where the name came from, but it is a belt
> that wraps around the back of the seat and buckles on your chest.

The "Turner Belt" was invented by Dick Turner, of autocross book and
video fame.  It's also affectionately called the "Dick Strap".

It works reasonably well for autocrossing, and is easily made yourself
if you have access to a sewing machine, just some webbing and velcro.

> Of course, it does not prevent sliding up or down in the seat like a
> full harness would, but for autocross and track lapping events it is
> perfect for keeping me upright without bracing my knee on the door or
> on the transmission tunnel.

Ack, no!  Don't think of it as a safety device; it's a performance
enhancement device for autocrossing only.  Don't even think of using one
in any situation where you might hit something, even in conjunction with
a regular three-point belt.  It's not designed for that.  It would
probably do more harm than good.

Mark

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