Crotch strap difficulties
Discussion
apguy said:
Just to add some real-life experience as well:
I use 6 point harnesses in my saloon race car and yes they appear to be situated right on the crown jewels. However in my previous saloon (a BMW 3.8 M5 race car in the Kumho Challenge) I managed to to have a major off, at Snetterton, on the end of the start/finish straight in monsoon conditions I didn't even attempt the corner and went sailing on at 100mph+ expecting to end up in Norfolks finest crops.
Unfortunately an Escort Cosworth ex-WRC had done the same thing a lap earlier and was beached in the sand trap. I hit it at full whack, enough to remove the rear of the escort up to the rear suspension turrets. Its bag tank burst etc, my engine was hit so hard it kinked the gearbox tunnel. I went from motion to full stop in about 5 metres all whilst wearing my close fitting 6 point harness.
Genuinely I had no damage. No damage to the jewels, no whiplash, some slight redness on the shoulder where the straps held. But that was it, I attribute this to that fact that I have my belts damn tight, no slack and almost no body movement.
So don't worry about the crotch area, it seems vulnerable but it isn't an impact area in an accident.
Were you wearing an HANS? I use 6 point harnesses in my saloon race car and yes they appear to be situated right on the crown jewels. However in my previous saloon (a BMW 3.8 M5 race car in the Kumho Challenge) I managed to to have a major off, at Snetterton, on the end of the start/finish straight in monsoon conditions I didn't even attempt the corner and went sailing on at 100mph+ expecting to end up in Norfolks finest crops.
Unfortunately an Escort Cosworth ex-WRC had done the same thing a lap earlier and was beached in the sand trap. I hit it at full whack, enough to remove the rear of the escort up to the rear suspension turrets. Its bag tank burst etc, my engine was hit so hard it kinked the gearbox tunnel. I went from motion to full stop in about 5 metres all whilst wearing my close fitting 6 point harness.
Genuinely I had no damage. No damage to the jewels, no whiplash, some slight redness on the shoulder where the straps held. But that was it, I attribute this to that fact that I have my belts damn tight, no slack and almost no body movement.
So don't worry about the crotch area, it seems vulnerable but it isn't an impact area in an accident.
jellison said:
I have not seen anyone wear HANS in Club racing yet?
Most of the guys in the various BRSCC club championships wear them. For the circa £500 layout as a one off cost, versus the typical club racing budget which will be >£2k for the season, my personal opinion is that it's money well spent.Having been in a car which was on fire last year I now have an extra fire ext to hand in the car as well as ensuring the main plumbed system is well serviced. As with all safety items, they just seem like hassle/expense until you need them.
Whether you crash into the armco in a club race in a TR6 or an ex-touring car at 90mph, the impact is still a deceleration from 90mph. The HANS devices are highly likely to vastly (although perhaps not totally) reduce the chances of a serious (perhaps fatal) spinal injury.
They are wierd to wear for the first few times, but as long as you get a sliding tether (massively improves the potential for increasing your peripheral vision!) you'll soon forget you're wearing it, and not wearing it feels like going out w/o your belts done up.
Each to their own etc. I almost learnt the hard way with respect to the fire and luckily only have some scarring on my arm as a momento.....
Having the fastest car on the ciruit which has had £000's spent on development is stupid if you need to retrospectively look back on it from a wheelchair?
fergus said:
jellison said:
I have not seen anyone wear HANS in Club racing yet?
Most of the guys in the various BRSCC club championships wear them. For the circa £500 layout as a one off cost, versus the typical club racing budget which will be >£2k for the season, my personal opinion is that it's money well spent.Having been in a car which was on fire last year I now have an extra fire ext to hand in the car as well as ensuring the main plumbed system is well serviced. As with all safety items, they just seem like hassle/expense until you need them.
Whether you crash into the armco in a club race in a TR6 or an ex-touring car at 90mph, the impact is still a deceleration from 90mph. The HANS devices are highly likely to vastly (although perhaps not totally) reduce the chances of a serious (perhaps fatal) spinal injury.
They are wierd to wear for the first few times, but as long as you get a sliding tether (massively improves the potential for increasing your peripheral vision!) you'll soon forget you're wearing it, and not wearing it feels like going out w/o your belts done up.
Each to their own etc. I almost learnt the hard way with respect to the fire and luckily only have some scarring on my arm as a momento.....
Having the fastest car on the ciruit which has had £000's spent on development is stupid if you need to retrospectively look back on it from a wheelchair?
s.m.h. said:
What height is the buckle set at?
If its too low the stiff webbing is around the groin area.
My Schroth belts are the same, though I raised the buckle and it improved the comfort.
The main buckle has to sit low if the lap belts are tight over your hip bones though surely?If its too low the stiff webbing is around the groin area.
My Schroth belts are the same, though I raised the buckle and it improved the comfort.
Adjusting it up will mean the lap belts are over your 'tummy'.
I'll risk my nads rather than liver and kidneys I think.
I am a father, so
are surplus to requirements now 
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