In a message dated 7/7/01 8:53:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
derek.lola@home.com writes:
I have a few comments on the subject of tech and roll bars. I hear things
from time to time about what we accept, etc. Ten of so years ago I put
together a "roll bar specification" sheet that was based on the 1972 SCCA
GCR. It mainly deals with tube specifications and wall thickness required for
various car weights. There are some recommended practices and brace angles.
We still send this sheet to anyone who wants it. However, the stock car guys
who populate almost any community nowdays know all of this and much more. At
tech we look for a sound structure that is firmly attached to the car in
whatever way is appropriate for that kind of car. The correct system varies
vastly from model to model. I give free reign to our inspectors to use good
judgement in this area. If they find something that they don't like, we will
discuss it with the racer and recommend changes.
My point is this: whether a roll bar/cage system meets some printed
"guideline" is irrelevent. It must only meet the satisfaction of a particular
tech inspector on a given day. Sometimes when things are busy a roll bar may
be checked off without a second thought. We have found serious flaws in roll
bars that have "passed" many previous tech inspections at numerous good
organizations. Don't count of tech to uncover every unsafe situation in your
car.
Another misconception concerns the number of mounting "points". We have no
rule printed or implied that limits the number of points. I hear 4 points, 6
points or whatever. This is a bunch of BS. If it tkes 10 points to build a
safe bar system in to your car, then that is what I want to see, 10 points!
It is quite possible to have a very safe main hoop with good bracing, a seat
mounting structure and good side intrusion protection without changing the
outward appearance of the car. The intent is a key factor. We can usually
tell if a system is intended for driver protection or an attempt to enhance
performance through stiffining. Again this is quite subjective and older cars
may have different standards than the newer ones.
Jack Woehrle
SVRA Technical Director
<<Even your excellent rollbar, teched by SVRA etc or not, doesn't really
provide this
protection.>>
<<if you are so concerned about accident protection on the street - don't
drive any open car -
or even any "old" car.>>
<<This car, as many know, is my year-round daily driver and
> occasional vintage racer. The roll bar has passed tech for SVRA, HSR &
> VSCCA.
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