Tuscan Challenge Roll Cage Hoop

[Gdguyswin]

A change of regs means I’m looking to make my hoop higher (by at least 75mm) - has anyone made a similar change to an original roll centre cage? Any idea what the highest hoops that have been signed off? Thx

[77racing]

Good Morning,
I have not heard of anyone doing that but I would think no problem , perhaps best to contact Roll Centre and ask them, It's there area of expertise

[Gdguyswin]

Thank you - I have made contact but rollcentre has recently changed hands and I was trying to help out the new owners by finding a set of drawings for them. I’ll post a few pics of cars that look like their hoops are higher than the original 85mm

[Gdguyswin]

[Gdguyswin]

[77racing]

All Tuscan Challenge cars have those extra hoops they were added before the first race back in 1989. Grantura Engineering hold the FIA certificate and roll centre have the drawings on there computer. I know this as I bought a couple of new roll cages from them as the originals are now very old and rot from the inside out.

here are a couple of pictures of the new cages in two of my cars .................. any excuse to post a picture eh LOL

untitled.png11 by flat chat, on Flickr

17030635586_d44b8c15f7_h by flat chat, on Flickr

[Gdguyswin]

Hi, great pictures.

You’re absolutely correct about the hoops and their installation history - what I’m saying is that picture on the green car shows a much higher hoop than the original (I have the engineering drawings) and was wondering if this had been a modification to the original or a new cage?

[77racing]

A Modification from the original I would say as mine are the original hoops. The hoop requirement for a rops is clearly set out in the "Blue Book" you can access that online or I can find the relevant page in my copy I have at home. The hoop height I think I am right in saying can be bigger and still conform than mine.

Thanks for your kind comments on my car pictures. I have about 3000 of them . Just say the word and I can post some more up

[77racing]

Ps.....I ment to say according to the MSA regulations the drivers in both of your picture did not need the extra hoop height. That will become clear after you have seen the Blue Book regs

[Gdguyswin]

I’ll look it up thanks. Re pictures - fill your boots. I keep an eye on most Tuscan Challenge websites - yours included and enjoy the pictures - and no I’m not a stalker lol

[Gdguyswin]

Different regs for me - the top of the hoop now has to be 50mm above the top of my helmet in my normal seated position - line drawn from top of hoop to the top of the cage in front of my head.

[77racing]

can you post a picture of the car we are talking about please. You can as many of us have, lower the seat height by dropping the seat 50mm into the chassis/ outrigger rails under the floor by cutting out the fibre glass floor and re matting in the lower position. welding in new seat bolt positions. I have a few holes drilled in that new fibreglass lower position ,to let water out of the tray when it is raining. Else your boots fill with water under braking as the water sloshes to the front, not a pleasant feeling having water slop up and cover the backs of your ankles lol

[Gdguyswin]

Actually that makes sense - I’m going to take a look at that tomorrow. I didn’t think there would be 50 mm in it but anything would help. You know the car Perry - I bought it off you lol

[Gdguyswin]

I know a little about getting wet as well

[77racing]

George of course as soon as I saw the car I triggered. I thought it always had sunshine in new Zealand LOL. Last I saw of the car you were putting a different engine in. Have you had any fun in it ?

[Gdguyswin]

Plenty of fun. Competing in the European Race Classics series. Back to running a Rover V8 hence the change to the bonnet. Just starting to get some grief from scrutineering on height so need a taller hoop or lower seat or both.

[Gdguyswin]

And yes, it rains here too!! Sometimes

[77racing]

much better than the Porsche you were going to get

[RetroWheels]

Just found this thread.. the car in the pics (the green and the blue) is the same car- currently for sale from - and campaigned with great success by Tim Davis.
This car has had an illustrious history in the factory backed Tuscan and Challenge as well as later on.
It sits a tad different from most Challenge Car's, but the taller hoop is probably a good template.. and useful as a photo source, if you need to show your NZ scrutineers.
Your car looks lovely in the photo, where do you race it in New Zealand , and is it competitive in its class over there?

[Gdguyswin]

Hi, it’s my first season and the car is definitely competitive, though I’m learning the ropes. Reverse grids take a bit of getting used to. The series is a North Island series and runs across three circuits, Taupo, Pukehohe (which hosts the V8 Supercars) and our newest circuit Hampton Downs.

Finished 9th last time (out of 27 starters) and in a wet race two had the fastest lap before retiring. There are several very fast fords (6.7L Penera Capri’s out of South Africa) and a scorching RS2000 that is the current series leader.

It’s a lot of fun and a good bunch of people.

Edited by Gdguyswin on Sunday 19th November 01:12