HANS query

Author
Discussion

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Sunday 10th April 2016
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Intend running my E30 BMW at Crystal Palace next month. It's caged etc but remains street legal. Am I right in thinking that HANS isn't mandatory till 2017, for road going classes?

I intend getting one but it's an expense too far right now.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Sunday 10th April 2016
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That's good news, thanks.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 11th April 2016
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I do intend getting one, I simply cannot afford one prior to Mays event and I am happy to take the risk of being on track, for what amounts to under 6 minutes, without one. I am well aware a neck can be broken in seconds though and this is why I will indeed buy the best I can. As I do speed events I don't have as much risk as I would, were I racing other cars and drivers, but accidents can happen all the same.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 23rd May 2016
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Well it seems that because my interior is not 100% OE I am now required to run a HANS. Can't quite get the reasoning behind it but looks like I won't be competing next weekend unless I can find £300 to buy one.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Tuesday 24th May 2016
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I'm going to try and borrow one today, although I'm a big chap so might be an issue? I also need to fit the posts to my crash helmet. They're not cheap either are they?

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Tuesday 24th May 2016
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Thanks. Appreciated.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Wednesday 25th May 2016
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Hi, all my interior remains except the inertia belts. However, the parcel shelf and door cards are aftermarket items.

Were this a championship round and I was actually competing, I could see the reasoning behind the class change. In truth, my car has way more interior fitted than the regs dictate, so there is certainly no weight advantage in my having aftermarket door cards. Given the spirit of the event and the lack of points being given, it seems a little churlish to make me change classes.

Whilst I am sure (well almost) HANS will prevent some injuries, I can see why some feel this is an expense too far. These added expenses, added to the weekends £350 entry fee, mean actual track time equates to about £160 a minute! (including practice!)

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 30th May 2016
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I know a couple of rallyists and they both said there are some situations where the HANS has seriously restricted their ability to check their side views.

I can't help but wonder just how many people doing sprints in the UK have suffered injuries that may have been avoided thanks to HANS? Especially when there are other classes where just the OE seatbelt will suffice? Obviously the HANS is here to stay though.

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 30th May 2016
quotequote all
Have to say, that's a concern regarding HANS specific seats and potential for injuries if you don't have one.