You can start with the Autopower roll bar of appropriate thickness (in SCCA
GCR, by car weight) and add as required. However, the comment offer by
"Jack" is true - the roll bar must extend 2" above the driver's helmet.
This is an SCCA restriction but almost all other Vintage organizations go by
the same rule as they have to buy track insurance too. With this in mind,
you might want to find someone local to you that's reputable and willing to
spend some time measuring twice and cutting/welding once.
Good luck to you!
*8o)
John A. Rollins, Vintage Race Coordinator
Florida Region, SCCA
website: http://www.netcom.com./~nobozos/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul M." <rowman22001@yahoo.com>
To: "Jack Knopinski" <JKnopins@co.jefferson.co.us>;
<vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: Newbie
> Wow, that was really helpful, Jack. Thanks! Now I
> know EXACTLY where to find a roll bar!
>
> Look, I hate to burst YOUR bubble, but none of that
> really answers my question. Perhaps I should have
> been a bit more clear.
>
> In my late teens and early twenties, I spent four
> years racing Formula Fords. When the money started to
> dry up, I raced Formula Vee for one (and sorta another
> half) season before chucking open wheeled cars
> altogether. Then I built a track-only Porsche 944
> that I ran in a lot of Porsche club events (not PCA
> Club racing, just the driver's school and ime trials).
>
> So I called myself a "newbie" because I'm new to the
> LIST, not competitive driving or building and working
> on race cars, and I know all too well what things
> cost. I also know there are a handful of dual-purpose
> vintage racing MGBs running around, and they are doing
> it legally, so coming back at me with "it can't be
> done" doesn't hold a lot of water with me. The car
> will not have a soft top, only a hard top, and even if
> it's tight, there are ways to make it work. I can
> change the seat mounting and do all sorts of things to
> make some room if I have to. I have a copy of all the
> rules and regulations I need to follow.
>
> As for my thoughts on "spending a bloody fortune" on
> my car prep, well, you're right. I don't have $50k to
> throw at this car, and I sure don't want to spend $2k
> on a roll bar. But I do have plenty enough to invest
> in it to make it a legal, reliable and balanced race
> car. Please don't perpetuate the myth that all
> vintage racers are snobby, fat, old, rich &^%$holes by
> explaining finances to me and telling me why I
> shouldn't go racing.
>
> As for the philosophy behind the very idea of building
> a dual-purpose car vs. building a competitive car, I
> just have to disagree with you. First of all, it's
> not like I'm going to be commuting to work in the
> thing. It'll be street legal for spirited occasional
> blasts on the winding roads around where I live.
> Perhaps you have to win to enjoy driving on the race
> track, but I do not. My FF was dated and relatively
> slow and my FV was positively ANCIENT, so I am well
> accustomed to running around in the middle or the back
> of the pack and realizing that I'm never going to be
> competing for a win. I'm comfortable with that.
> Don't take this personally, but I'm not out there to
> beat YOU, Jack. I'm out there for different reasons,a
> and I watch my mirrors very carefully, so don't worry,
> I'll stay out of your way. Besides, if the car is
> balanced and reliable and I do my job right, I can
> almost guarantee you that there will be someone out
> there slower than me.
>
> Now that I've posted my risumi and opened my checkbook
> to show I can afford to join the club, can anyone help
> me find a roll bar for my vintage race MGB project?
>
> Thanks again in advance,
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
> Newbie: I sure hate to burst your bubble, but if you
> are worrying
> about
> spending a "bloody fortune" on a roll bar, you are in
> for some serious
> disappointments in the racing world. First of all,
> the roll bar where
> I
> race (RMVR) has to be at least 2" over the top of your
> helmet, not just
> your noggin. I doubt that you could fit one legally
> into a MGB unless
> you are about 5'-4" tall or less.
>
> It is very difficult to prepare a car for street and
> track; there are
> far too many compromises either way. This is the
> voice of experience
> talking. If you are the least bit competitive, you
> will be
> disappointed
> on the track and if you prepare for the track, the car
> will be
> miserable
> to drive on the street. Some have done this
> successfully, but they
> run
> at the back of the pack and you will not get a lot of
> street time
> because you are always fixing, adjusting or tweaking
> the "race" car.
> If
> you just want to try racing to see if you like it,
> that is OK, then you
> may want to decide later if you want a "race" car or a
> "street" car.
>
> Just my 2 cents worth. Jack
>
>
> =====
> Paul Misencik
> 1971 MGB Vintage Race Project
> www.sopwithracing.com
>
> Huntersville, NC USA
> www.paoloroman.com
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